1300-688-872

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Atlantis Events

Details

  • 7 nights
  • From $3599 USD
  • Departing 17 August 2012

Destination

  • Europe
  • Turkey, Greece

    Type

  • Gay men and Lesbians
  • Cruise #386

  • 1300-688-872

2012 Seabourn Istanbul to Athens Cruise

A very privileged group of 450 guests will experience the most luxurious, serene, and stunning Atlantis cruise ever designed. This intimate experience will be unlike anything we’ve ever created, with a greater focus on exploration, fine dining, enrichment, relaxation, and friendship. Consider the possibilities as we transform the gay cruise experience with a new level of luxury.

The Experience

We’ve had requests for smaller, more intimate cruises for years, but until now didn’t find a ship that could deliver the perfect level of service & sophistication without being stuffy or formal. This cruise brings us everything we could possibly ask for, with an itinerary we’ve always dreamed of.

Each day you’ll awaken in a new destination with ample time to explore the culture, scenery, cuisine, or simply bask in the Mediterranean sunshine. We’ve hand-picked the ports to showcase the fascinating beauty of the Turkish coast and some lesser-known Greek isles.

It’s a calmer, quieter cruise than anything we’ve ever designed, perfect for cultural exploration, personal enrichment, sharing moments with new found friends, and learning something wonderful about the world.

And perhaps the most distinctive element of Seabourn is that everything is included, from open bars throughout the ship to fine wines at lunch and dinner. All dining is, of course, complimentary, and tipping is neither required nor expected. Even your in-suite bar will be stocked with your preference, ready for your enjoyment or for entertaining.

The Ship

Seabourn is consistently rated the top small-ship luxury cruise line in the world by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler, designed to foster an intimate experience for a discerning group of guests. Seabourn Quest is their newest ship, with a bold modern design that we think is perfect for Atlantis.

With only 225 suites, you’ll find Quest to be intimate and satisfying in ways you never imagined. Her spacious suites are thoughtfully appointed and inviting, designed as homes away from home with room to unwind or entertain. Wide open teak decks and inviting sun loungers invite you to relax under the Mediterranean sunshine.

A unique marina on the aft of the ship folds down in port, inviting you to enjoy board sailing, water-skiing, kayaking, banana boat rides and pedal boating right from the ship. A steel-mesh enclosure allows safe swimming in the sea.

And when you’re ready to wind down after a day of exploring, The Spa at Seabourn offers the largest spa facility on any luxury cruise ship, including a thermal area featuring a large hydro-pool, dry float, sauna and steam rooms, a full-service salon, well-equipped gym and a motion studio featuring a Kinesis Wall and Thai massage area.

Throughout the Quest, you’ll find inviting lounges, a lively casino, an intimate show lounge, and Seabourn Square – the ships’ “living room” that functions as the social and information hub of our stunningly beautiful ship.

The Places

Our bold new itinerary begins in Istanbul, one of the world’s most fascinating cities, where domes and minarets dot a modern skyline. We’ll offer a comprehensive pre-cruise package along with some special events to make the best of this exciting city.

From Istanbul, we’ll sail to the volcanic island of Limnos, Greece followed by a day in Turkey’s magnificent port city of Izmir. The birthplace of Homer is a thriving metropolis of fine resorts, outstanding museums, and some archeological treasures of ancient Greece. Our final stop in Turkey is Cesme, a popular holiday and resort peninsula dominated by a medieval castle and surrounded by historical attractions, thermal baths, and abundant local flavour.

Greece’s lush island of Kos is a true gem with sparkling beaches and classically picturesque villages, perfect for sampling a side of Greek culture that few tourists will ever experience. A full day in glorious Santorini lets you explore this volcanic treasure to the fullest from black sand beaches to villages carved out of limestone cliffs, with plenty of time to enjoy one of the world’s most famous sunsets.

Finally, we’ll visit our most popular destination in Europe: Mykonos, with a full day to enjoy the island’s seductive beaches, inviting restaurants, and diverse shops. As many guests extend their holiday on this gay-friendly paradise, it’s easy to depart after dinner onboard Quest to local accommodations. Of course, most guests will join us for one final night onboard Quest before sailing into bustling Athens.

The Dining

Seabourn is world-renowned for gourmet dining experiences that rival the finest restaurants anywhere. From French fries to foie gras, every dish served on Seabourn receives the expert attention of highly skilled and imaginative chefs. The finest ingredients are selected with care, perfectly prepared to your order, and served with pride.

Options abound, from multi-course dinners in the main Restaurant to a unique tasting menu in Restaurant 2. The indoor/outdoor Colanade offers a more casual option by day and original themed dinners from their open kitchen. Poolside you’ll find an inviting grill, and of course there’s outstanding room service available 24 hours a day.

As with all Atlantis cruises, dining is a friendly and casual experience, allowing you to dine when you want with whomever you want. Seabourn truly provides the perfect setting to enjoy the company of our guests in a carefree atmosphere, where no one has to pick up the tab.

And an Amazing Time with Freinds

Will there be entertainment? Of course – after all this is an Atlantis cruise, just at a smaller and more distinctive scale. We’ll feature some of our favourite cabaret entertainers, singers, and comics in the main show room. Gather with some friends around our intimate piano bar for an after-dinner drink.

The Club on deck 5 will feature live music and an Atlantis DJ for dancing into the evening. Due to the intimate nature of our ports and extended stays for exploration, this cruise will not feature outdoor deck parties or afternoon t-dances. But rest assured, we’ll keep you entertained in original ways that suit the spirit of exploration and camaraderie that make our first luxury cruise unique.

Itinerary
Day 17 Aug Istanbul  Spanning Europe and Asia, exotic Istanbul is one of the world's most fascinating cities. Domes and minarets enhance the skyline. In the old Stamboul area, traces remain of every city built since the community was established over 600 years before Christ. Once Rome's eastern capital, Istanbul was also the centre of the huge Ottoman Empire. Landmarks include Hagia Sophia, once Christendom's greatest church; the Blue Mosque with its striking Iznik tiles; Topkapi Palace, containing a sultan's ransom of treasures; Chora Church with its Byzantine mosaics; and the Grand Bazaar, the ultimate shopping experience. 
Day 18 Aug Myrina, Nisos Limnos, Greece  Limnos is an arid, volcanic island located near the mouth of the Dardenelles. The volcano and sulphurous springs on the island inspired many legends in ancient times. Limnos was the mythological home of Hephaistos (Vulcan), who was cast off Mount Olympus by his father Zeus and landed on Limnos, breaking his leg in the process. Lame ever since, the God of Fire lived on the island and toiled at his forges, the volcanoes of the island, teaching the people of the island the art of metalworking. Jason and the Argonauts stopped here during their quest for the Golden Fleece and during the Trojan War, Hercules' companion, Philoctetes was cured of a gangrenous wound by the magical earth of the island. 
Day 19 Aug Izmir, Turkey  The magnificent Aegean coast features no shortage of appealing ports of call, and Izmir is a fine example thereof. The birthplace of Homer has grown into a thriving metropolis, filled with fine hotels along its sweeping bay. A fine Archaeology Museum and Ethnography Museum house a multitude of treasures and exhibits, while nearby resorts provide distractions of another sort. Earthquakes and fires over the centuries have obliterated most of ancient Smyrna, as it was once known, but remnants of the 4th-century fort atop Mt. Pagos still provide excellent views of the city and Gulf of Izmir. 
Day 20 Aug Cesme, Turkey  A popular holiday and resort destination, Cesme is located on a promontory on the tip of a peninsula that carries the same name. The town itself is dominated by the medieval Cesme Castle, while the back streets invite a casual stroll with their old Ottoman and Greek houses that charm passers-by. South of the castle there is an Ottoman caravanserai built in 1528 that has since been transformed into a lovely boutique hotel, and check the Greek Orthodox church of Ayios Haralambos to see the current art exhibition. Along with the historical attractions, visitors will enjoy local pleasures, such as a dip in the thermal baths followed by the culinary delights of native fruits, artisan cheeses and local wines. 
Day 21 Aug Kos, Greece  Just 3 nautical miles from the coast of Asia Minor, Kos is an under appreciated gem of an island bedecked with sparkling beaches and picturesque villages. Known for its rich vegetation and temperate climate, Kos is also rich in history, featuring numerous sites of archaeological significance, and is known for being the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of medicine. Enjoy the beautiful weather, stunning views, and delicious local cuisine. 
Day 22 Aug Santorini, Greece  "Thira, the Wild Island" and "Kalliste, the Fairest One" - all terms of endearment for this seductive, volcanic Greek island in the Sea of Crete. Extraordinary for its black sand beaches and sheer limestone cliffs, Santorini also showcases remnants of the Phoenician, Spartan and Minoan cultures, which fell under the island's spell - an unvarying, irresistible lure that continues to this day. Fira, the picturesque, pedestrian-only capital, is reached from the seaport via a short cable car ride that offers thrilling views as you ascend. 
Day 23 Aug Mykonos, Greece  Quaint, whitewashed villages contrast with sexy, international beach crowds and a pulsing nightlife in Mykonos, one of the world's hottest gay destinations. Chora, the island's main town, is a tangle of twisted, cobblestone alleys that reveal a surprising range of interesting boutiques, galleries and restaurants. Work on your tan and enjoy the scene at the super gay Super Paradise Beach before heading back into town for a sunset dinner then enjoying the vibrant nightlife that has made Mykonos a true international hotspot. 
Day 24 Aug Piraeus (Athens), Greece  Piraeus has been the port for Athens since 482 BC. The busy harbour is filled with ferries and cruise ships making their way to the Greek Islands and other Mediterranean cities. The busy metropolis of Athens and its treasure trove of antiquities lie just a few miles from the port. Even as the reality of the modern city took hold, with its high-rise apartments, crowded sidewalks and bustling traffic, the beauty of the Acropolis, the outstanding museums, charming cafés, sidewalk markets and startling views come together in a cultural mosaic for all to enjoy. 
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