News

Last update 10 Sep 2020

Dear Fellow Seafarers

We are providing regular updates on this page for those of you concerned about the Coronavirus situation and the possible impact on your holiday.

In line with UK Government advice on travel to selected countries within the EU as well as that of the authorities in our host countries, Meditteranean Island hopping yacht holidays have been operating normally with weekly sailings since July. The specific foreign office advice against cruises does not apply to yachting holidays and it should be noted that these holidays are very different to cruise ship holidays, not only due to the small size of the vessel, the largely ‘al fresco’ onboard experience and very different facilities and service compared to cruise ships, but also because the island hopping trips we promote all stay within a single country (Currently Greece, Croatia and soon also the Seychelles) and do not cross any international borders.

With the exception of the Seychelles from January, all other long haul departures are currently suspended and it is now looking likely that this will be extended to the entire the winter season. We are contacting all those guests whos holiday has been affected individually to discuss the various alternatives on offer. In most cases, we are encouraging our guests to re-book at a later date usually in 2021, all with no cancellation penalties or change fees.

At present, the Mega Yacht island-hopping voyages in Greece of Variety Cruises are running weekly, as are island-hopping trips in Croatia (though these are now subject to quarantine requirements on return to the UK) , whilst Variety cruises will re-start their first departure in the Seychelles in January 2021. The Tall Ships of Star Clippers are still suspended in all destinations till the Autumn. For those affected in some way, who are unable to travel due to official restrictions, regardless of your 2020 departure date, we are allowing changes to travel dates at no cancellation penalty (subject to the airline policy where applicable) and this can include dates in 2021, or the date can be left open if required, to allow more time to decide. In such instances, we would provide you with an official credit note that will still have full ATOL/ABTA protection.

If you wish to discuss your arrangements, please contact us, and we will happy to advise on the current situation and what we can do to help.

The Seafarer office is open as usual, though with some of our staff working from home and still able to answer calls thanks to our IT and telephone system set up.

We will update this page as more information becomes available.

In the meantime, we wish all of you the best and look forward to better times soon.

The Seafarer Team

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Holidays Booked For Summer 2020

What If My Holiday Is Affected?

Our commitment to a personal service doesn’t end with your booking – we will do our best to offer you the maximum flexibility possible – this will vary from booking to booking, and our team will work to offer you the best option for your holiday and circumstances.

Deferring Booked Holidays

We work with many suppliers, hotels, airlines and agencies – talk to us about your booking and we will give you the latest information on what deferment is possible in your case.

Flight Cancellations

If your flight is booked through us and is cancelled or changed, we will contact you. If you have booked your own flight and this is cancelled or changed, please get in touch and we will do our utmost to assist and work out alternative arrangements for you.

You Are Ill Or Self Isolating And Can’t Travel

If you can’t travel due to illness or restrictions, please get in touch and we’ll look at possible amendments to your holiday. Alternatively, if the holiday is still scheduled to go ahead, you may be able to claim on your travel insurance if this is the case.

What Is The Situation With Refunds

Given the very large number of holidays that have already been curtailed up to July in this unprecedented crisis, we are encouraging guests to re-book for a later date or if this cannot be decided yet, to accept a credit note which can be applied to a later booking. The credit note will still benefit from financial protection under the ATOL and ABTA schemes and does not disqualify you from receiving a refund later if you change your mind. This is in line with ABTA guidelines recognising that payment of large numbers of refunds now would be unsustainable for any company.

How We Are Keeping Your Money Safe

We would like to remind you our flight inclusive package holidays are ATOL protected  . More information can be found on that ATOL website: https://www.caa.co.uk/ATOL-protection/Consumers/About-ATOL/

We are also proud to be members of ABTA which provides financial protection for holidays and charters without flights. We have been following ABTA guidelines in this uncertain time and you can see additional information and advice for travellers from  ABTA on this link: https://www.abta.com/news/coronavirus-outbreak

How Is Seafarer Coping In These Circumstances

This is our 25th year and whilst it will certainly be a year to remember, it is indicative of our long experience and our strength and resilience, given the many international crises we have had to deal with over the years.

We have a very experienced and dedicated team who have been working hard to keep our guests up to date and change holiday arrangements where required liaising with airlines and our various overseas suppliers and partners. This can be very difficult with long waits on the telephone often being required when calling suppliers as well as fast-changing official restrictions and advice. We have been coping with all of this well and our guests generally find it easy to contact us either by telephone or email.

How Soon Are Holidays Expected To Return To Normal

As small ship cruising operators we are in the fortunate position of being able to respond to the ‘new normal’ of cruising post Covid-19. As such, we have quickly been able to take the required measures that allow us to start cruising responsibly, whilst bigger operators still need to keep their vessels in harbour. To keep our passengers fully informed, and manage their on-board expectations, we have produced an e-booklet detailing the precautions and protocols we have put into place in order to resume cruising from July 24th 2020.

With people around the world talking about the Covid-19 Pandemic putting countries on a war footing, it’s good to know the spirit of co-operation and resilience in the face of adversity still extends to the high seas. This was certainly the case when the 25 cabin Variety Cruises vessel Panorama ‘rescued’ 19 Cuban seamen and women from a large passenger liner in Barbados and made a special 14 day diversion to repatriate them.

Having finished a winter season cruising off the coast of Costa Rica and Panama, Panorama was empty other than crew, en route to a summer of cruising in the Mediterranean. Stopping to bunker in Barbados prior to crossing the Atlantic, she berthed near the MSC Prezioza, a vessel that carries up to 4,360 passengers and 1,300 crew. The photo above (taken in Kotor, Montenegro) shows the size of Panorama in comparison to one of Prezioza’s sister ships.

19 of the crew were Cuban and, given the constraints of Covid-19, keen to return home but with no realistic option for doing so. Following a request from Cuban Government officials, Panorama’s Captain, Vasilis Mazarakis, agreed to repatriate the Cuban crew members to Havana, a cruise taking 7 days. Health declarations were provided by the Captain of MSC Prezioza and the Barbadian medical authorities, and the new complement of passengers was thermo-scanned prior to boarding and on every subsequent day of the journey.

The Cuban Government covered the cost of the fuel, otherwise no charge was made. Upon disembarking his charges on April 4th in Havana, Captain Mazarakis said of his courteous act (which you might think is another reason to vote for us in the Silver Travel Awards – see below):

‘During these difficult times we are facing, it is important to help each other. Knowing that we were helping fellow seafarers by getting them back to their families makes us all happy. We wish and hope that all stranded crew and passengers alike manage to get home to their loved ones and that the world will return to normal soon.’

The world returning to normal is a sentiment we all share at Seafarer and Variety Cruises so, if you would like to do something normal now like booking for the coming winter season which starts in November, along with a full Summer 2021 season, we would love to hear from you.

Anchors aweigh,

SUZIE SEAWORTHY

It’s that time of year again – the month we wrap up all of our cruises for the forthcoming 15 months or so with departure right up until March 2021.
We are featuring our biggest ever range of destinations, from the Greek isles, Croatia & Montenegro, plus Spain & Portugal in the Med, to far away places like Costa Rica & Panama, The Seychelles, Thailand & Malaysia, The Cape Verde Isles, The Rivers of West Africa plus in the Far East, Bali & The Indonesian Islands, plus the islands of French Polynesia.

As ever, Variety Cruises award winning formula of destination focussed cruises on their unique mega yachts is winning new friends. Indeed with their informal friendly atmosphere, open seating dining and typically just 30-50 guests on board, you will be cruising amongst friends.

We look forward to welcoming you on board

If you would like a hard copy to grace your coffee table simply request one here and we’ll pop it in the post. You can even ask us to send one to a friend.

Please send me a hard copy of the brochure

Seeing the problems caused to oceans and beaches by plastic bottles and other flotsam and jetsam prompted Captain Antoniou Leontios, Master of the Variety Cruises vessel Panorama II, to take the issue of cleaning-up beaches into his own hands. Currently cruising the waters of the Flores and Bali Seas in Indonesia, he decided to dedicate a few hours every week to dropping anchor in a bay, venturing ashore with some crew members and filling as many bin bags as possible with rubbish which he then stowed on board and disposed of properly at his next port of call.

According to Variety Cruises UK’s MD, Chris Lorenzo, environmental responsibility is part of the cruise line’s ethos:

‘We have already started eliminating single-use plastic from our fleet,’ he explained. ‘As for the beach clean-up program, our vessels are uniquely placed to do something practical – we only have small ships of 50-70 passengers so we can get close up to beaches and moor anywhere. Overall our philosophy is ‘small is beautiful’ and that’s not just about the size of our ships but about doing the small things that can add up to a big difference.’

Open: Mon – Fri 9:00-19:00 & Sat 9:30 – 17:00 Bank Holidays 10:00 – 16:00

If you want to get closer to the sun for summer 2020 then a cruise on a vessel called Pegasos (the Greek spelling) must be a good starting point. The fact she cruises the Seychelles year-round is another hint that you’re in for the most clement of weather – the temperature in this island paradise, often known as The Garden of Eden, ranges between 24°c and 32°c. It’s altogether lovely.

Pegasos is typical of the Variety cruises fleet – only 21 cabins and a maximum guest complement of 44 passengers. She is specially designed to handle these shallow island waters in the Indian Ocean (hence her shape) and we have just finished extensive renovations.

The 21 Pegasos cabins, and guest hallways, have been completely transformed to feature new bedding, soft fabrics, wallpaper, wood floors and carpet design. Ensuite facilities have undergone complete modernisation featuring marble and stone flooring. Overall there is a brand-new look with turquoise, blue and soft grey tones reflecting the Indian Ocean.

When it comes to public areas the Indoor Bar & Lounge and Dining area on the Upper Deck were completely renovated with new furnishings, re-upholstered furniture, soft fabrics, a new carpet design, flooring, and wooden blinds. On the sundeck we have totally transformed the bar area with new lounge furniture and a wooden bar reading “Seychelles”.

To find out more about cruising the Seychelles on our flying horse of a vessel click the button.

Seychelles Cruise

Open: Mon – Fri 9:00-19:00 & Sat 9:30 – 17:00 Bank Holidays 10:00 – 16:00

If you would like to reserve a place online, fill in your details and we will contact you as soon as possible

13 Nights from £2995 departing July 27 & August 12

It’s all in the name with this trip which will certainly live up to your expectations. Our 13 night package starts with a 5 night stay at the stunningly located Hilton Bali. On the Saturday, we transfer you to our sleek and comfortable 25 cabin sail cruiser Panorama II for an unforgettable 7 night island hopping cruise exploring a selection of the Indonesian islands. Our great value package includes flights from London and all transfers.

• Category C: £2995pp
• Category B: £3195pp
• Category A: £3375pp
• Category P: £3495pp
  —
  Single Supplement (any category cabin): £100Departs 27th July | 12th August

What is included:

Flight | Five-night Hotel Stay @ Hilton Bali | Transfers | Cruise

Open: Mon – Fri 9:00-19:00 & Sat 9:30 – 17:00 Bank Holidays 10:00 – 16:00

If you would like to reserve a place online, fill in your details and we will contact you as soon as possible

As a tour operator of long-standing Seafarer has always held an ATOL licence. However, we are delighted to inform you that Seafarer has also recently become a member of ABTA and that henceforth all Seafarer holidays will be ABTA bonded.

Announcing the arrangement today Seafarer Managing Director Chris Lorenzo commented:‘In these slightly uncertain and unusual times, and in light of recent airline news, we want our customers to be able to book their holidays in complete confidence that they are totally protected and that, in the unlikely event something untoward happens, they will be safe, secure and looked after.’Financial protection under the ABTA scheme covers all holidays booked with Seafarer offered on www.seafarercruises.com and www.seafarersailing.co.uk

We’ve just made a cruise in the Seychelles a whole lot easier to afford. Basically we’ve taken our seven night Seychelles cruises, added a two night land stay, and included the flights, transfers, port taxes, all meals and three excursions in one single deeply discounted price for two people. We’ve also got a great deal if you’re travelling alone – see below

The good ship M/V Pegasus is one of those slightly quirky vessels. We admit that she doesn’t exactly look like the mythical winged horse, but that’s because she has been designed with two hulls to draw less water and be able to cruise through these shallow island seas. We do however promise you that she won’t take you too close to the sun! In fact, the weather in the islands is pretty stable with temperatures that hover between 28°C and 32°C year-round.

For those who don’t like it too hot June is the ideal month to visit. It’s also the best month for prices based on a 40% cruise discount for two sharing a cabin. Hotel-wise we offer a range of properties at varying prices. Our all-inclusive price is based on a two-night stay pre or post cruise, but we can organise longer if you like.

Our best prices for two travelling and sharing a cabin and hotel room on this all-inclusive* basis are:

• MAY from £5,199
• JUNE from £4,994

If you’re travelling alone the deals are:

• MAY from £3,099
• JUNE from £2,978

Anchors aweigh,
Suzie Seaworthy

The world’s oceans may be our playground but, as seafaring folk, we always treat them with respect. There has been much in the news over the last 12 months about the dangers of plastics finding their way into the seas and Sir David Attenborough has made enormous impact in getting people to reduce single-use plastic from the environment. We not only welcome this, we have been looking at our own use of plastics to investigate ways we can respond and help ameliorate the problem.

As such we are extremely proud to announce that we have been recognised as the best cruise line for Responsible & Sustainable Tourism at the Tourism Awards 2019 ceremony, held in Athens. The awards are held under the auspices of the Ministry of Finance, Infrastructure, Shipping and Tourism and the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO), aiming to promote excellence and innovation in the Travel, Hospitality and Leisure industries.

As such we are extremely proud to announce that we have been recognised as the best cruise line for Responsible & Sustainable Tourism at the Tourism Awards 2019 ceremony, held in Athens. The awards are held under the auspices of the Ministry of Finance, Infrastructure, Shipping and Tourism and the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO), aiming to promote excellence and innovation in the Travel, Hospitality and Leisure industries.

In general Variety Cruises put great effort into enhancing our environmental initiatives and running a responsible and sustainable cruising fleet by adhering as much as possible to environmentally-friendly business practices. We are currently focused on eliminating single-use plastic – with items including straws, stirrers, cups, lids, bottled water and items wrapped in plastic – across the fleet. Variety’s first ship to have become completely single-use plastic was the M/S Panorama II since it began operating in Indonesia early this year.

The goal is to completely eliminate single-use plastics on board all vessels in phases within 2019. For more information on Variety Cruises’ Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives,

If sustainability matters to you why not choose to cruise with a small-ship specialist that puts the environment at the heart of its culture, call  or e-mail  to book or for more information.

Anchors aweigh,

Suzie Seaworthy

*Seafarer Cruising & Sailing Holidays is the UK General Sales Agent for Variety Cruises.