Royal Caribbean to invest $61M on Adventure of the Seas

Royal Caribbean International will debut a new array of amenities on the 3,114-passenger Adventure of the Seas, after a $61 million refurbishment this November.  

Originally introduced in 2001, the ship will be fitted with new dual racer waterslides, the Cyclone and Typhoon; a FlowRider surf simulator; and Splashaway Bay, a children’s aqua park.

The ship will debut a FlowRider surf simulator this fall.

New culinary and entertainment venues include an Izumi Japanese Cuisine; Royal's signature steakhouse, Chops Grille; and Boleros Latin Lounge. 

The ship will also receive an additional 100 cabins and a new Suites Lounge.

The Adventure is Royal Caribbean’s fifth ship to undergo revitalization, and will be the brand’s largest ship revitalization investment yet, Royal said. 

The Adventure offers southern Caribbean itineraries from San Juan.

Could LNG controls spell trouble ahead for Aida Cruises?

AidaPrima refueling in Hamburg

Aida Cruises faces LNG challenges due to local restrictions and regulations. Its LNG-fuelled AidaPrima cannot receive this fuel at Rotterdam port, while the LNG-power supply barge used by AidaSol for cold ironing is battling bureaucracy in Hamburg.

First LNG dual-fuel cruise ship AidaPrima can use LNG in all its ports of call except for Rotterdam, where it is still awaiting approval from regulatory authorities.

Carnival (Aida Cruises' parent company) senior vice president for maritime affairs Tom Strang, told PST at a small press gathering after a recent Cruise Lines International Association regulatory briefing: “That is a little bit more challenging, mainly because Rotterdam has a different set of regulatory requirements, as the port is right in the centre of the city.”

However, he seemed optimistic that this obstacle would soon be overcome, and pointed out that while there were a number of steps to go through to reach approval, Carnival has “a great relationship” with the Port of Rotterdam.

But challenges are also afoot in Hamburg. AidaSol is supplied with electricity when in port from an LNG power supply: Becker Marine Systems (BMS) offers electric power generated using LNG-fuelled diesel engines mounted on an unpowered barge at Hamburg’s HafenCity cruise terminal. AidaPrima is also equipped for this cold ironing.

BMS’ barge Hummel has been contributing to improved air quality in Hamburg for more than a year, BMS managing director Dirk Lehmann said in a statement.

But he said: “Due to some restrictions making the work more difficult, we are continuing to seek a mutual solution together with the relevant authorities.”

Mr Lehmann told PST’s sister publication LNG World Shipping that the most severe restrictions are due to the conditions set out in the barge’s operating permit, notably “the condition to have an expensive harbour tug with running engines on standby during energy supply for cruise ships, and the condition to move the barge back to a night-time berth outside the Hafencity area after every energy supply operation”. This last also requires tug operations.

BMS is negotiating with the authorities to try to improve this situation and Mr Lehmann’s statement showed a very clear warning and emphasised just how crucial these talks were: “This would then enable Hummel to supply environmentally friendly power to cruise ships during their layovers at port beyond the current year.”

These teething difficulties will no doubt get solved – but the cruise sector will be watching with interest as Carnival and its company Aida Cruises pioneer the use of LNG both as a fuel and for cold ironing.

PHOTOS: World’s Largest Lock Opens in Belgium

Photo credit: Jan De Nul

The new world’s largest lock was opened for business at the Port of Antwerp on Friday with the push of a button by King of Belgium.

The new Kieldrecht Lock, or Kieldrechtsluis, connects container terminals at the port’s Deurganck tidal dock with the Waastland Canal. It is the second lock in an area Antwerp known as Waasland Port, located on the left bank of the Scheldt. Until now the area was only accessible by the Kallo Lock, which has been in service since 1979, but has been outgrown in terms of capacity, size, and reliability. 

The new lock was symbolically inaugurated with the Grimaldi Lines vessel, Grande Lagos. 

A cargo ship crosses the world’s biggest lock “Kieldrechtsluis” during its inauguaration at Belgium’s port of Antwerp, June 10, 2016. Picture taken through a window. REUTERS/Francois Lenoir

The Kieldrecht lock measures 68m wide, 500m long and 17.8m deep, making it slightly larger than the nearby former world record holder, the Berendrecht Lock, also located at the port of Antwerp but in a different area. In fact the two locks, along with the new Neopanamax locks in the Panama Canal, are all the same type, using rolling gates to form watertight the lock chambers.

REUTERS/Francois Lenoir

Construction of the Kieldrecht Lock started in 2011 and was led by THV Waaslandsluis, a consortium between Jan De Nul NV, BAM Contractors, Herbosch-Kiere and Antwerpse Bouwwerken.

To build the lock, a total of 5,500,000 m3 of ground was excavated, 800,000m3 of concrete was poured and 55,000 tonnes of reinforced steel – three times the amount of steel than the Eiffel Tower – had to be installed. On top of that, another 12,000 tonnes of steel were processed in the lock’s 4 gates and 2 bascule bridges.

The Kieldrecht Lock is so big that it can even handle the world’s largest containerships, but preparing the port for future growth does not come cheap. The lock came with a price tag of €382 million (US$430 million).

REUTERS/Francois Lenoir

REUTERS/Francois Lenoir

Noah’s Ark Crashes Into Coast Guard Vessel… You Read That Right

A full-size replica of the Ark of Noah is seen after it crashed into a moored coast guard vessel in Oslo harbour, Norway June 10, 2016. NTB Scanpix/Gorm Kallestad

A 230-foot long replica of Noah’s Ark collided with a Norwegian Coast Guard vessel as it arrived in Oslo, Norway on Friday, causing damage to both ships. 

Media says the wooden replica, built by a Dutch carpenter Johan Huibers after he dreamed of a flood in his home town, was being towed into Oslo harbor when it somehow lost control and crashed into the moored patrol vessel Nornen.

Watching the video its hard to tell exactly what happened, but photos posted by Norwegian media show a big hole in the side of the Ark’s wooden hull. 

A crew member inspects damages on the hull of a full-size replica of the Ark of Noah after it crashed into a moored coast guard vessel in Oslo harbour, Norway June 10, 2016. NTB Scanpix/Hkon Mosvold Larsen

The Ark is now owned by the Ark of Noah Foundation, which was planning on bringing the educational vessel across the Atlantic to Rio de Janeiro for the Olympic Games this summer.

Media reports said there were no animals on board when the collision occurred.

Ark of Noah Foundation

International growth is offsetting US jitters over Europe, says NCL

International growth is offsetting US jitters over Europe, says NCL

by Lee Hayhurst

Aggressive growth in international markets over the last 12 months will help cruise operator Norwegian Cruise Line cope with a slowdown in the US market.

After recent government warnings over the safety of travelling to Europe cruise operators have reported a softening of the market, although Americans continue to sail closer to home.

NCL says the US slowdown will mean other markets, including the UK, will be expected to make up the shortfall, but international deployments in and Australasia has grown non-US markets.

Francis Riley, NCL executive vice president international business development, said: “We are de-risking ourselves from just being reliant on one major source market.

“Initial growth has been really accelerated by having a local presence in these markets. It’s not rocket science, we have just accelerated our international growth.

“We have changed the structure of our business so that we have a whole dedicated international area directly reporting into the CEO.

“In general the US business has slowed down a bit. It’s not that the business has fallen off completely, it’s just they are tending to sail closer to home. They are changing their choices.”

Riley said NCL was seeing a bigger drop off when balances are due among US guests who had put down a refundable deposit of a European cruise.

And the line is seeing an increase in bookings for Caribbean as US customers defer plans to visit Europe for a year.

NCL says it’s more established international footprint means it can react to specific issues in markets, like the slowdown in Brazil and Norway associated with economic problems due to the low oil price.

Regions where it has significantly upped its presence are Australia, where it has gone from having no one based to 40 today, China for which it has built a ship, the Norwegian Joy, Israel and Scandinavia.

But the UK remains a key source market and next year NCL will reflect this by deploying Norwegian Jade, a ship which was previously based in the UK, to Southampton and Hamburg.

“There is significant increase in capacity for the European market and a big chunk of that will be for the UK to grow,” said Riley.

Recent promotions for this summer have gone down well in the UK, said NCL, which is poised to kick off a campaign linked to the Euro 2016 football tournament that kicks off tomorrow.

The operator will screen matches live on board its ships for those who are interested but will also promote its ships as places to get away from the football if customers choose to.

“Reaction among the trade has been phenomenal which means the UK has seen a record breaking year in terms of passenger numbers and revenues,” said Riley.

“This summer there is a lot of capacity in Europe which has had an impact to a degree on pricing but that comes back to us not being reliant on one particular market.”

NCL says it is working hard to ensure the message gets out that customers who book early do get added value compared to a late bookers taking advantage of a discounted price.

Valuable additional benefits like free Wi-Fi, a drinks package that is worth up to $600 per week or dining options are only available to early bookers.

“Also early bookers are getting the first choice of cabins and the best availability. Typically when you come in with price reductions it’s about topping off the ship rather than filling it.”

PHOTOS: First Ship Passes Through Panama Canal’s New Locks

The first trial run with a Post-Panamax cargo ship in the new sets of locks on the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal, in Panama City, Panama June 9, 2016. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso

Thanks to https://gcaptain.com/ for the story.

A post-panamax bulk carrier became the first ship to pass through the Panama Canal’s new locks on Thursday, kicking off a series of trial runs ahead of the expanded canal’s grand opening later this month. 

The $5.3 billion expansion project involves the construction of a new set of locks on both the Atlantic and Pacific sides and multiple dredging projects to create a second lane of traffic along the canal. The new locks are much wider and deeper than the current locks.

The first run was meant to simulate a southbound transit through the new Agua Clara locks on Atlantic side of the 255-meter-long, 43m wide MV Boroque, which was chartered by the Panama Canal Authority specifically for this purpose. 

The trial runs will help Panama Canal workers prepare for the start of commercial operations on June 27 when the first vessels will begin using the new “neopanamax” locks on either ends of the canal. Unlike the existing locks, which use locomotives, the new locks require the use of two tugs positioned forward and aft to guide the ships through.

For that reason, Panama Canal pilots and tugboat captains have been required to go through extensive training at the canal’s own simulator training center and a nearby scale model facility, but there’s nothing like the real. 

Panama Canal Authority

Before heading through the new locks, the MV Boroque was boarded by Panama Canal pilots before entering designated canal waters.

Panama Canal Authority

Headed for the new locks. Panama Canal Authority

Like you will see in this video explaining the operation of the new locks, the MV Boroque was met by two tugs, one forward and one after, before entering the locks. 

Panama Canal Authority

REUTERS/Carlos Jasso

The lead tug here was the Cerro Santiago, one of many built by the Panama Canal Authority in anticipation of the new locks. 

REUTERS/Carlos Jasso

REUTERS/Carlos Jasso

Workers pull the rope during the first trial run of a Post-Panamax cargo ship in the new sets of locks on the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal, in Panama City, Panama June 9, 2016. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso

Panama Canal Authority

REUTERS/Carlos Jasso

REUTERS/Carlos Jasso

The first trial run with a Post-Panamax cargo ship in the new sets of locks on the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal, in Panama City, Panama June 9, 2016. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso

Panama Canal Authority

Inauguration of the Third Set of Locks project is scheduled for June 26 with commercial operations scheduled to begin the next day. During the initial stage of operation, only four vessels per day will be allowed to use the new locks to allow workers the chance to get used to the new operation. 

Panama Canal Authority

Panama Canal Authority

Panama Canal Authority

MMGY: 2016 shaping up to be 'remarkably positive' year for travel

NEW YORK -- MMGY Global's Portrait of American Travelers, unveiled Wednesday evening, suggests 2016 will be a record year for travel, barring any unpredictable disruptors.

MMGY executives presented some key data findings during an event at the New York Times building here.

Two-thirds of U.S. travelers are planning at least one leisure trip this year that requires overnight lodging, said Peter Yesawich, MMGY's partner, industry insights; on average, they are planning four trips. 

While that number remains the same from last year, the number of people traveling for business has increased by 12%.

"The outlook is incredibly positive, because you've got very robust demand from leisure travelers; you've got remarkable growth in demand from business travelers," Yesawich said.

The data was from MMGY's quarterly "travelhorizons" survey, which studies travelers' intentions, using a sample of 2,300 households of active travelers that are 18 years old and older. 

Steve Cohen, vice president of research and insights, said that a separate, annual study, which surveys travelers with household income level over $50,000, showed that the amount travelers are spending is also up. 

The average amount travelers plan to spend on vacations this year was $5,048, compared with $4,526 spent in 2015 and $3,874 in 2010.
 
Additionally, Cohen said, the annual data shows the number of travelers who intend to travel more is on the rise. According to the study's summary, 28% of travelers said they intend to take more vacations, and 14% said they plan to take fewer vacations.

"This means there is a 14-point positive variance in the market's intention to vacation during the next 12 months, representing a 10-year high that surpasses the previous record, a pre-recession 11-point increase in travel intentions reported in 2007 and 2008," the summary states.

The data, Cohen said, suggests a "record year" for travel.

Yesawich said that only a major, unpredictable disruptor, like an act of domestic terrorism, could shift the tide; barring that, he said 2016 was shaping up to be a "remarkably positive" year for travel.

Focus on Social Media:

Focus on Social Media:Missing the big picture

By Jamie Biesiada

Although travel is among the most visual of products, a surprisingly small number of agents are engaging with social media platforms built for photos and videos.

Facebook has become a place where many travel agents have successfully built a personal brand through posting photos of their travels and in many cases themselves. It has turned into a lead generator, often creating business or sparking a desire to travel in a past client, thanks to a well-placed destination photo or video.

But while their Facebook presence has grown, agents have largely been underutilizing other social media platforms, such as Instagram and YouTube, which because of their inherently visual nature lend themselves to travel products and could be powerful lead-generation tools.

Earlier this year, the travel search website Hipmunk released a study touching upon where millennials get their travel ideas. The data shows the potential of social media platforms other than Facebook: The study found that 44% of millennials get their travel inspiration from YouTube videos, 28% from Instagram.

"Overall, social media within the marketing media landscaping has officially arrived as a major opportunity for our industry for a few reasons," said Sam McCully, vice president of marketing at Avoya Travel.

Moreover, McCully said that potential opportunities are not limited to millennials, as more and more travelers in a wide range of ages are taking to social media throughout their entire vacation process, from the planning stage right through their return home.

"Is there an untapped opportunity?" McCully said. "I would say absolutely."

River cruise lines report few disruptions due to Seine flooding

River Seine flooded.

River cruise lines said that only a small number of their departures have been impacted by the severe flooding of France's Seine River. 

Due to heavier than usual rainfall, the Seine overflowed last week, forcing the Louvre in Paris to close for several days -- the iconic art museum reopened on Wednesday.

The high waters have impacted at least three Viking river cruises: the June 8 Paris & the Heart of Normandy sailing aboard the Viking Rinda; the June 10 Paris & the Heart of Normandy sailing aboard the Viking Kadlin; and the June 12 Paris & the Heart of Normandy sailing aboard the Viking Rolf.

Viking said in a statement on its website that the potential effects on these cruises could entail changes in embarkation and/or disembarkation ports, abbreviated sailing portions and certain destinations being visited by motorcoach.

According to AmaWaterways co-founder and president Rudi Schreiner, the biggest issue for river cruise vessels has been the inability to get into and out of Paris to dock. Many Seine river itineraries have instead been docking in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, a little more than 20 miles upriver from Paris and river cruise lines were then bussing passengers into the French capital for sightseeing.  

AmaWaterways has had two cruises impacted by the high waters and has given those passengers a future cruise credit to compensate for the inconvenience.

Patrick Clark, managing director of Avalon Waterways said that while the rains in France have created higher-than-normal waters on its rivers, the company has not had any cancellations due to the rain. "All cruises have operated but we have had to make some alternate disembarkation and embarkation arrangements where conditions necessitate for a handful of cruises."

Added Clark, "Water levels are receding and expected to continue to improve and normalize this week. The Louvre is open, as is Giverny [the location of French artist Claude Monet's famous gardens]."

Booming Cruise Industry Reports Better-Than-Expected Passenger Numbers in 2015

Independence of the Seas in Southampton, photo by Dave Jones

The Cruise Lines International Association has bumped up its passenger predictions for 2016 after numbers showed that the industry surpassed its 2015 passenger projections.

According to CLIA, the industry reported a total of 23.2 million passengers on ocean cruises globally in 2015, up from a projection of 23 million, and a 4-percent increase over 2014. As a result of steady year-over-year increases, CLIA has modified 2016 expectations and is now predicting 24.2 million travelers will set sail on ocean cruises around the world.

A statement from CLIA says the numbers show that the industry is stronger than ever, coming during a period where pretty much every other maritime sector is struggling.

“The success in 2015 demonstrates the cruise industry’s continued strength in the overall travel sector,” said Cindy D’Aoust, president and CEO, CLIA. “This is a direct result of the amazing work and commitment of our community of Cruise Lines, Executive Partners and Travel Agencies and Agents. Plus, with the highest satisfaction rates among all leisure travel segments, it reflects that a cruise vacation is the vacation of choice for travelers around the world.”

CLIA says that Much of the industry’s growth can be attributed to emerging regions of the world, particularly in Asia and Australia.

In 2015, Asia experienced the most growth year over year in ocean cruise passengers with another impressive 24% increase from 2014 to 2015, with a total of more than 2 million ocean cruise passengers in 2015. While Asia continues to see record growth in the cruise industry, Australia is not far behind. The region, which includes Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, experienced an incredible 14% increase in ocean cruise passengers from 2014 to 2015. Last year, a total of more than 1.1 million ocean cruise travelers originated in Australia.

“When looking at the travel industry, cruise travel has astonishing long-term growth potential since it represents only two percent of the total leisure travel market, has the highest satisfaction rates among global travelers and is growing in popularity,” CLIA said in a statement. “In fact, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, in the decade between 2004 and 2014, global cruise vacations have grown faster in popularity than land-based vacations by a 20-percent margin.”

Of course this growth has not gone unnoticed by cruise lines, with new ship orders from just about every major cruise company such as Carnival and Royal Caribbean. In 2016, a total of 27 new ocean, river, and specialty cruise ships are scheduled for delivery, according to CLIA figures.

World’s Top Three Shipyards Submit Plans to Raise $7.3 Billion in Revamp

Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyard in Ulsan, about 410 km (255 miles) southeast of Seoul. REUTERS/Lee Jae-Won

(Bloomberg) — The world’s three biggest shipyards plan to raise a combined 8.41 trillion won ($7.3 billion) selling assets as part of a restructuring following losses last year.

Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. and Samsung Heavy Industries Co. have submitted their fund-raising plans to their creditors, including state-run Korea Development Bank and KEB Hana Bank, South Korea’s government said in a statement Wednesday. The banks and regulators will meet twice a month to review the progress of the plans, according to the statement.

A slump in crude oil prices, which halved in the past two years, has roiled the nation’s shipbuilding industry as delivery delays and cancellations of projects translated into losses, while shrinking orders for new vessels have heightened concerns their cash may dwindle further. The South Korean government told the shipyards to submit their plans to help them better manage their financials and minimize the impact on the economy.

Turning Around

The government, on its part, said it will bolster capital of state lenders by creating a 11 trillion won fund to help cushion losses as banks aid the restructuring, it said in a statement separately. The steps may be coming amid nascent signs of a recovery. Vessel deliveries in terms of deadweight tons increased 39 percent in May from a year earlier, said Park Moo Hyun, a Seoul-based analyst at Hana Daetoo Securities Co.

“Things are starting to turn around for the shipyards as more vessels and offshore projects are delivered to clients,” Park said. “The focus now should be on providing funds to help them win new orders.”

Hyundai Heavy, whose first-quarter net income beat estimates, plans to raise 3.5 trillion won selling shares in other companies such as KCC Corp. and Hyundai Motor Co., as well as its three financial units, the Ulsan-based company said in a separate statement. It will also seek to save 900 billion won from job and pay cuts. The shipyard plans to cut its debt-to-equity ratio to 80 percent from the current 134 percent.

Jobs, Wages

Daewoo Shipbuilding, which counts Korea Development Bank as its biggest shareholder, will seek to raise 3.45 trillion won from sale of its 14 subsidiaries, two floating docks and the spin-off its specialty shipbuilding business, the company said in a separate statement. It will also reduce jobs and salaries to save money, it said.

The latest plan is in addition to the 1.85 trillion won the shipyard said it will seek to raise in October last year. Daewoo Shipbuilding reported a net income in the first quarter versus a loss a year earlier.

Samsung Heavy plans to sell assets through bond sales and reduce jobs to raise 1.46 trillion won, the company said separately. It also plans to sell new shares if more cash is needed, it said. Brent crude traded at $51.51 a barrel on Wednesday, compared with about $115 two years ago, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

South Korea has urged the companies to restructure and improve efficiency, while pledging more steps to help them reduce debt and weather the global slump.

Coast Guard investigating Celebrity Infinity dock collision in Ketchikan

Click above to watch the collision 

The U.S. Coast Guard said it will investigate after the Celebrity Cruises ship Infinity accidentally struck a dock in Ketchikan, Alaska, on June 3. 

There were no injuries and no pollution from the accident, a Coast Guard statement said.

Photos show a 10- to 15-foot scrape along the bow above the waterline.

The Infinity was attempting to dock at the #3 berth at the Ketchikan cruise ship dock. Winds were gusting to 45 miles an hour, the Coast Guard said.

Afternoon shore excursions were canceled and passengers were kept on board for several hours during the investigation, one passenger said.

“Our personnel are working to determine the cause of this accident and will work with local partners to ensure the continued safety of those using the cruise ship docks,”  said Lt. Dianna Robinson, command duty officer at Sector Juneau.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. said the Infinity has been repaired and sailed for Vancouver to begin its June 5 cruise.

Cruises' grown-up bliss

The author’s daughter, Chloe, enjoying her first view of Kusadasi, Turkey, from the deck of the Celestyal Odyssey. Photo Credit: Felicity Long

By Felicity Long

Can a young adult who cut her teeth on shipboard children's programs aboard mainstream cruise lines find happiness on a small-ship voyage through Greece and Turkey?

This was my mission when I set out on back-to-back Celestyal cruises aboard the 836-passenger Celestyal Odyssey and the 1,200-passenger Celestyal Crystal with my daughter, Chloe, a veteran of more family cruises than I can count.

I needn't have worried. Both of the ships (the Odyssey has been replaced by the Celestyal Nefeli since our trip) were appealing, comfortable and family-friendly, but the real draw was the powerhouse combination of two can't-miss destinations, experienced via ships small enough to explore them in ways their bigger rivals can't.

Best of all, the shore excursions offer a mix of kid-friendly beach days and intriguing journeys into ancient history.

The Celestyal Crystal during its docking in Ermoupolis, Greece.
 Photo Credit: Felicity Long

The cruises out of Athens use both the Port of Piraeus and the smaller Port of Lavrion, and the boarding process was so easy that by late afternoon on embarkation day we were already in Mykonos. There was plenty of time for a tour and dinner at Kuzina, a picturesque beachside restaurant with a menu diverse enough to appeal to even picky kids. 

Because the Odyssey portion of the trip focused on iconic destinations, some of the ports of call were already known to us, but I looked forward to introducing a few favorites to Chloe. 

They included Kusadasi, Turkey, where she was stunned by her first look at the imposing ruins at Ephesus, followed by some serious shopping near the port.

Parents with very young children might find this excursion challenging, but most kids middle school age and above would likely be drawn in, thanks to the astonishingly well-preserved ruins and frescoes, brought to life by the lively narration of professional guides. 

In stark contrast to the mega-popularity of Ephesus was Patmos, a quiet, lesser- known island where St. John is said to have written the Book of Revelation. 

The grotto and monastery were intimate and charming, but we also loved just wandering around the island, shopping for souvenirs and snapping pictures — and, OK, a few selfies — of the dramatic views.

Other highlights included Heraklion on Crete, where we explored ancient Knossos; Oia on Santorini, where we were able to explore the picture-postcard town on our own, followed by free time in Fira to shop and take the cable car back to the ship. 

The next day we disembarked in Lavrion and transferred to the Crystal for a four-day Idyllic Aegean itinerary, which focuses on lesser-known destinations.

The Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion looks like the but is much less crowded.Photo Credit: Felicity Long

The first of those turned out to be the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, a Parthenon look-alike with virtually no other visitors; Ermoupoli, the capital of the Cyclades islands, a Unesco world heritage site; and Cesme, Turkey, where we spent an entire day at the Sole & Mare beach club swimming and lounging in a setting reminiscent of the French Riviera.

The adults among us enjoyed the wine tasting on Kos at a family-run winery at the foot of Mount Dikeos, while Chloe ate her first honey direct from a honeycomb at an apiary in Kefalos. We drank fresh lemonade and contemplated getting pedicures at the fish spa in Zia. 

In Ios, we again mixed sightseeing with fun as we traveled back in time to a prehistoric settlement, Skarkos, then swam at Manganari Beach, an outing suitable for kids of any age. 

Back on Santorini, we visited the ancient village of Akrotiri, a settlement abandoned by its inhabitants before a volcanic eruption in the 17th century B.C.

Onboard

Of course, much of the success of our cruise experience was due to the appeal of the two ships. 

Parents who are used to mainstream cruise lines and their blockbuster children's clubs with supervised activities won't find that here, but there is a modest children's play area on the Crystal, as well as a swimming pool on both ships.

Unlike larger cruise ships, passengers aren't plied with food 24/7, which Chloe and I didn't mind at all. 

Instead, dining took place at meal times at the Aqua Marine restaurant on the Odyssey and the Amalthia restaurant on the Crystal, although snacks were available at the pool.

Despite our busy schedules, we took advantage of the spas on both ships for first-rate massages, and we also hit the respective gyms when time allowed.

The shipboard entertainment was more destination-specific than on a mainstream cruise, and one of our favorite evenings was a re-enactment of traditional wedding ceremonies, complete with lively Greek dancing.

Both the Iconic and Idyllic cruises are available in three-, four- and seven-night versions and can be combined in a number of ways. By prearrangement, passengers can stay ashore after the ship sails, for example, stay in a Louis Group or other hotel for several nights, then re-embark the ship on its return. 

Children of all ages are welcome to sail, including babies 3 months and older and toddlers, but school age and up makes the most sense for most families. Kids of ages 16 and younger pay only port taxes when staying in a cabin with two paying adults.