Athena Review

4.0 / 5.0
3 reviews
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Editor Rating
4.0
Very Good
Overall
Eleanor Berman
Contributor

Athena was the first of three identical vessels built in 2007 by Grand Circle for its Overseas Adventure Travel division. The 50-passenger ship was launched in 2007, followed by Arethusa and Artemis. With its siblings, Athena sails in the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Aegean regions and offers variety of itineraries combing a cruise with a land stay. The ship predominantly appeals to 50-plus North Americans.

Athena Deck Plans Have Traditional Nautical Decor

With warm wood paneling, wooden window shutters, brass fittings, and a beamed ceiling, the decor on Artemis is reminiscent of a vintage yacht. The lounge has comfortable leather sofas and easy chairs and up on the sun deck there are wooden deckchairs and loungers.

This decor extends into the 28 cabins, which range in size from the pair of 150-square-feet singles to double cabins measuring 170 square feet. The doubles have beds that can also be converted into twins. All cabins have a bathroom and shower, in-room safe, individual climate control, small fridge, flat-screen TV, radio and phone. The cabins on the uppermost deck have balconies accessed by floor-to-ceiling sliding doors and the rest have portholes.

In addition to the two single cabins, O.A.T. offers a roommate-matching service for solo travelers that want to share a cabin.

The lounge bar, restaurant and library are all located on the middle deck. Meals are served in a single open sitting. In addition to international dishes the menus showcase regional specialties and wines from the areas being visited. The sun deck also has a bar and grill.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship, including in cabins. The ship does not have an elevator. The onboard vibe is relaxed and friendly and there is no dress code.

Athena Sails in the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Aegean

Athena sails on six cruise tour itineraries, with journeys spanning 16- to 28-nights. Guests, who are accompanied by two O.A.T. trip experience leaders, are divided into smaller groups for insightful activities and tours that provide an authentic taste of the destinations visited. A popular favorite is home-hosted lunch to enjoy a meal with a local family in ports of call including the fishing port of Rovinj, Croatia.

The small size of the ship means it can navigate small coves, land in less-visited ports and usually dock right in the town rather than needing tenders to get passengers ashore. O.A.T. offers a range of pre- and post-cruise extensions with every itinerary.

Athena Stats

The ship measures 193 feet and carries 50 passengers at full occupancy with 21 crew members.

About

Passengers: 50
Crew: 21
Passenger to Crew: 2.38:1
Launched: 2007

Fellow Passengers

OAT serves an American market over age 50. Most of the passengers are in their 60's and early 70's, and are a well-traveled, active group attracted by interesting destinations and an adventurous itinerary. Every section of the U.S. was represented on our cruise.

Grand Circle Athena Dress Code

This is a totally informal cruise. Shorts were fine in the daytime. Men never wore ties; women seldom wore skirts. For the gala dinner nights, an outfit that would be suitable for a nice restaurant at home is more than sufficient. Don't forget to bring a bathing suit for swimming off the ship or at the many beaches along the way

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Grand Circle Athena Cruiser Reviews

amazing trip

They knew our names the first day since there were only 32 of us on the ship.The Captain kept us informed each day of weather and what to expect during our overnight movements to the next port.Read More
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Rustynet

couple2-5 Cruises

Age 70s

Based on previous reviews, greatly exceeded my expectations - a great experience

Before leaving I read the Cruise Critic review of the Athena, fairly positive, and the reviews of two who had sailed on the Athena, quite negative.Read More
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CER

many10+ Cruises

Age 80s

Overseas Adventure Travel Fleet
Athena
Corinthian

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