Boutique cruise line Variety Cruises announced the addition of Iceland, Spain and Portugal to its 2017 small-yacht itineraries. The company’s current programs already include the Greek Islands, the Adriatic Sea, Costa Rica, Panama, Cuba, the Seychelles, the Canary Islands, the Cape Verde archipelago and West Africa.
Variety Cruises operates a fleet of 11 small vessels carrying up to 72 passengers, and is recognized for offering intimate, destination-focused voyages. With the new Iceland and Spain & Portugal sailings, the line now presents ten distinct regions where travelers can reach secluded coves, notable ports and iconic sights not accessible to larger ships.
“Iceland has become increasingly popular with North American travelers, and our small ships provide a fresh and personal way to experience it,” said Yiannis Vontas, senior partner and vice president of development and marketing. “Spain and Portugal are staples of European travel, but our itineraries allow guests to explore these remarkable places without the frequent packing and unpacking of land tours. We’ve also added lesser-known Portuguese calls to deliver a high-value program from the comfort of a small ship.”
The Iceland itinerary, The Journeys in the Land of Ice & Fire, is an eight-day voyage aboard the elegant 34-passenger Callisto, the newest vessel in the Variety Cruises fleet. The itinerary follows Iceland’s west coast between Reykjavík and Akureyri and showcases glaciers, lava fields, and opportunities to spot humpback whales and other wildlife.
The eight-day Glories of Spain & Portugal cruise sails along the Portuguese coast down to southern Spain aboard the Panorama II, a 25-cabin yacht designed for small-ship exploration. Highlights include visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites, Moorish castles, Granada and cultural treasures in Estoril and Andalusia.
For full details and the complete 2017–2018 schedule, visit the Variety Cruises website.