MS Galileo

The 1992-built MS Galileo cruise ship is a motor-sailing yacht owned by Variety Cruises (fleet). The boat underwent a major drydock refit in 2007. The project included also expanding the sails - from 2 to 3 masts. This luxury sail-yacht has max passenger capacity 50 (plus 18 staff-crew).

The vessel (IMO number 8986286) is currently Greece-flagged (MMSI 239299000) and registered in Piraeus/Athens.

The shipowner (Variety Cruises) is an Athens Greece-based company (2006-founded) by Diogenis Venetopoulos. Since 2020, the cruise line's CEO is Filippos Venetopoulos - grandson to the founder and son to the Chairman (Lakis).

Due to the COVID pandemic, in 2020 (March 21 to July 23) Variety Cruises suspended passenger shipping operations fleetwide (8 small ships plus 4 superyachts). The fleet's flagship is Variety Voyager. The other vessels are named Galileo, Panorama I, Panorama II, Harmony V, Harmony G, Pegasos, Callisto. The yachts (available only for chartering) and named Absolute King, Christiane, Monte Carlo, Obsession.

Variety Cruises prices start from ~USD 2600 per person (7-day itinerary, double-occupancy cabin rates).

Decks and Cabins

The 25 cabins onboard are spread out across 2 of the ship's 4 decks and are all outside. Lower-deck accommodations feature portholes, while upper cabins have windows. Staterooms range in size from 90 to 140 ft2 (8,5 to 13 m2) and are available in 3 categories. Categories B and C are located on ship's Lower Deck, while A-class cabins are on the Upper Deck. Cabins feature either queen or twin beds that are fixed so passengers should know what kind they want at the time of booking. All accommodations are air-conditioned and feature TVs, direct-dial internal-use telephones, mini-fridges, safe deposit boxes, bathrooms with showers and hair dryers.

Shipboard facilities

The warm-weather itineraries in Greece mean that an emphasis is placed on time spent outdoors. The ship offers a large sun area on its Top Deck, equipped with chairs and loungers. The Upper Deck of the mega yacht has an outdoor bar with space to sit. There is also a swimming platform for relaxing dips in the aquamarine waters (whenever anchorage and weather permit). Water sports equipment like snorkelling gear and kayaks is available upon request. Indoor spaces consist of a lounge with a library, comfy sofas and flat-screen TV. The restaurant and indoor bar are located on the Main Deck. In nice weather, meals are often served alfresco.

The passenger mix on most of the ships of Variety Cruises is roughly 40% American and 50% European, with 10% Australians. A cruise coordinator offers shore excursion information and destination briefings. Wi-Fi is available at extra cost.