mv Aegean Odyssey

The 1973-built MV Aegean Odyssey cruise ship was last operated/chartered by Voyages to Antiquity (2009-founded one-ship company). The liner was originally built as a ferry (Zim ro-ro ferry Narcis) and in 1988 converted to a cruise vessel. Its second major drydock refit/reconstruction was in 2010.

In late-August 2019 was announced that Aegean Odyssey will be 3-year chartered to Road Scholar (fka Elderhostel). The 1975-founded, Boston MA-headquartered nonprofit organization specializes in study tours (throughout Canada and USA) with 5500+ educational programs which are geared mainly to older travellers. The ship is currently under charter by Road Scholar for cruises (educational voyages) scheduled between March 2020 and March 2023.

The vessel  (IMO 7225910) is currently Panama-flagged (MMS 374757000) and registered in Colon.

History - construction and ownership

The 388-passenger liner Aegean Odyssey is a classically elegant vessel offering its passengers a relaxed travel atmosphere and high level of personalized service.

In early-August 2019, the ship charterer Voyages to Antiquity (one of the industry's small cruise lines) officially announced that the company ceases operations at the end of October (2019). Earlier in 2019, Voyages to Antiquity was forced to cancel ten Aegean Odyssey cruises due to engine problems. 2019's final 4 voyages remained on schedule. In a letter, Jos Dewing (company's Managing Director) said:

“Since the announcement [of chartering the ship] was made, the executive management at Voyages to Antiquity has been looking at various alternative options to continue the company and serve our loyal clients. However, this process was severely impacted by the unforeseeable engine failure that occurred in April this year, forcing the company to cancel most of our remaining 2019 summer cruises. While we are pleased to advise that the ship has now been fully repaired and that the final four cruises of the 2019 season will go ahead as scheduled, this serious issue has had an impact on the future plans for Voyages to Antiquity and repairing the ship has been the absolute priority for management and the focus of the company during this difficult period. It is therefore with regret that we have taken the difficult decision to close Voyages to Antiquity at the end of October 2019, at which point our office in Oxford will also close. It is very much business as normal until this point and we have staff answering calls and supporting those passengers still traveling with us in 2019."

Decks and Cabins

MV Aegean Odyssey staterooms (198 total) are in 14 grades, of which 6x are Suites, 42x Balconies, and 41x Inside cabins. During drydock 2013 were created 18 new outside cabins (on Lido Deck). Of the existing staterooms, 57 were rebuilt, and 80 more were reconfigured into 40 balcony cabins.

The boat has 9 decks, of which 7 are passenger-accessible and 4 with cabins.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

The open-seating Marco Polo Restaurant is the main dining room aboard Aegean Odyssey. The Terrace Café features a combination of outdoor and indoor seating, with Mediterranean sophisticated interior design, as well as cooking on the open grill. In the evenings, the Tapas recreates the informal atmosphere of a bistro with delicious seafood paella and a wide range of Italian pizzas.

The Observation Lounge and Piano Bar are situated on the Observation Deck and feature unforgettable views on all sides. In this area, wireless Internet connection is offered. During the 2013 refit, the Athena Health Spa was moved several levels lower. Other amenities include the Lido Bar (2-deck), Ambassador Lounge, Charleston Lounge, Fitness Studio & Gym (featuring free daily sunrise classes), Beauty Salon, library, boutique, pool and Internet Centre.

Itineraries

Aegean Odyssey itinerary program is based on the Canary Islands and Mediterranean cruises departing from Civitavecchia-Rome, Venice, Athens, Istanbul, as well as Asia cruises sailing out of Singapore. Aegean Odyssey is perfectly suited for cruising to the smallest Mediterranean inlets that larger cruise ships can’t reach. She also navigates the great Asian rivers, including Saigon and Yangon, as well as Guadalquivir River in Spain.