VARIETY CRUISES CELEBRATES 75TH DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY

Variety Cruises, the world’s leading small ship cruise company, marked its 75th Diamond Anniversary in spectacular fashion with an unforgettable unchartered mystery cruise. Led by CEO Filippos Venetopoulos, the cruise hosted some of the company’s most loyal repeat customers, preferred partners, and adventure-seeking guests, many of whom experienced their first-ever mystery cruise. This voyage explored the uncharted paths of Greece, steering clear of the popular, often overcrowded destinations, and instead, ventured into lesser-known gems that few have ever visited.

To create a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the product development team, spearheaded by Venetopoulos himself, intentionally bypassed major tourist stops such as Santorini and Mykonos. Variety Cruises went a step further by excluding all the destinations featured on any of its prior itineraries, including those of their popular “Unexplored Greece” series. This approach ensured that guests were introduced to hidden treasures—untouched swim stops and off-the-beaten-track destinations that even locals rarely visit.

One standout destination on the itinerary was Psara Island, rich in Greek history and rarely frequented by tourists. The presence of the Variety Cruises vessel on Psara was a notable event for the local community, even covered by regional media. Guests were able to immerse themselves in the island’s heritage and culture during this special stop.

Click here for our visit to Psara.

Throughout the journey, wellness was a key focus. Guests were treated to daily sunrise and sunset yoga sessions on deck, led by an onboard yoga specialist. A unique meditation session was even conducted by CEO Filippos Venetopoulos himself, allowing guests to connect with the tranquil beauty of the Aegean Sea on a deeper level.

The cruise was filled with memorable events and surprises, including:

• A 24-Hour Experience on Thimena Island: Guests enjoyed an authentic Greek night, complete with live music, traditional plate breaking, and dancing, reminiscent of old Greek traditions. This celebration brought to life the cultural heritage of Variety Cruises’ family roots.
• The Grand Reunion of Five Variety Cruises Ships at Cape Sounion: Under the majestic Temple of Poseidon, a site sacred in nautical history and Greek mythology, five Variety Cruises vessels gathered for a farewell celebration. Guests were treated to a party under the stars, accompanied by an onboard DJ, creating an unforgettable final night.
• Daily Wellness Sessions: Guests could start their day with yoga sessions led by our onboard wellness instructor, offering peaceful sunrise stretches on deck.
• Exclusive Swim Stops: Unique destinations such as Antipsara and the hidden coves of Tinos provided our guests with secluded, pristine beaches away from the crowds.
  

“The idea behind this anniversary cruise was to push the boundaries of exploration, creating a unique, off-the-beaten-path experience for our guests”, said CEO Filippos Venetopoulos.

“We’ve stayed true to the ethos of Variety Cruises, which is to take people deeper into the heart of a destination and create a meaningful connection with the local culture and environment.”

Daily affirmations and thoughtful gifts awaited guests as they embarked on each new adventure, while the crew also joined in the fun during the onboard Greek Night, adding to the warm and festive atmosphere.

We extend our heartfelt thanks for your support over the years and we look forward to discovering new destinations together and showcasing the world through our unique small ship journeys!

Stay tuned as we prepare to unveil our next Uncharted Cruise!