The Shore Experience: Voyages to Antiquity (Part 1)

August 26, 2010 By: Susan Young Travel Agent

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I have a favorite saying: “I never met a ruin I didn’t like.” So, I was naturally curious about Voyages to Antiquity, the new premium cruise line founded by Gerry Herrod of Orient Lines fame.

Cruisers are most intrigued by the line’s itineraries, which take guests to multiple ancient sites, some accessed via off-the-beaten path ports. Voyages to Antiquity’s enrichment-intensive experience focuses on the history and culture of the Mediterranean – from the Romans to the Phoenicians, from the Greeks to the Carthaginians and other civilizations.

In other words, the ancient world, not the line’s refurbished ship, is the top draw.

I sailed on Aegean Odyssey from Rome on August 10, spending five nights of a regular revenue cruise onboard. I ventured ashore on three line-operated shore excursions. While I’ll offer gleanings about my specific shore trip experiences (to be published here in a few days in Part 2 of this report), here’s Part 1, my personal “take” on the structure and components of the shoreside experience.

Photos by Susan J. Young

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