12 days departing 24th May 2012
Delight in the fascinating history and culture of sunny southern Europe without having to fly. Iconic Gibraltar, bustling Casablanca and Porto’s famous wines are just a few of the highlights you could enjoy.
Ports of call:
Portsmouth • La Coruña • Leixões (for Porto) • Gibraltar • Casablanca • Cadiz • Lisbon
Portsmouth
Your cruising highlights:
- Marvel at Galicia’s unique Crystal City
- Experience the World Heritage Site of Porto
- See the legendary Rock of Gibraltar
- Explore the historic city of Cadiz
- Enjoy the elegant capital city of Lisbon
- Discover romantic Casablanca
Where Will You Go?
Take a look at our fantastic optional excursion programme. There's something to suit everyone - from relaxing coach tours to guided walks. Choose from over 20 enticing trips to the best landmarks, scenery and cultural treasures. Simply, click the booklet to download.
What’s Included:
- FREE Cruise Connect to port by luxury coach
- FREE parking at a Shearings Interchange
- All on-board meals
- Captain’s cocktail party & gala dinners
- All on-board gratuities & service charges
- Shearings entertainment programme
- Porterage from cruise terminal to your cabin
So much to do on board:
- Olissipo restaurant and Lotus Grill
- Cinema, library and casino
- Beauty salon and gift shop
- Pool, sauna and fitness centre
- Wraparound wooden deck
- Full programme of daytime activities
- Lively evening entertainment
All cabins have:
- Satellite TV
- Telephone (with access to satellite communication service)
- Music
- Air conditioning
- Safe
- Fridge
- Hairdryer
- Bath tub
- En suite facilities
All suites also have:
Balcony suites also have:
- Separate lounge
- Private balcony
- Walk-in wardrobe
May 24 – Portsmouth, England
We set sail for Spain at 17.00
May 25 – At sea
Take your time getting to know the delightful Athena indulging in a beauty treatment, catching a film or just enjoying the sea views.
May 26 – La Coruña, Spain
Arrive 11.00, Depart 18.00
Visit Galicia’s Crystal City, appropriately nicknamed as the glass-paned balconies of the waterfront houses reflect the sunlight. Situated on a rocky peninsula, La Coruña is home to the Tower of Hercules, a 2000-year-old Roman lighthouse. Discover more of the Old Galician kingdom in Bezanos or experience medieval Santiago – a place of pilgrimage for centuries.
May 27 – Leixões for Porto, Portugal
Arrive 09.30, Depart 19.00
Porto, on the mouth of the River Duoro, is one of Portugal’s most endearing cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the city by foot or enjoy a cruise aboard a Rabelo river boat. Just across the Duoro is Vila Nova de Gaia, the port wine capital, where you can taste the city’s famous export. You may choose to venture further afield to the province of Minho or Guimarães, Portugal’s first capital.
May 28 – At sea
May 29 – Gibraltar, British Crown Colony
Arrive 08.00, Depart 15.00
The Rock of Gibraltar, and its counterpart on the African side, Mt Abyla, mark the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea. In ancient times these incredible natural landmarks were know as the Pillars of Hercules, and were thought to symbolise the limit of the known world.
May 30 – Casablanca, Morocco
Arrive 06.00, Depart 18.00
Casablanca – the name alone evokes romance. Explore the Central Market, the spectacular Hassan II Mosque, or the hill town of Anfa - site of Casablanca’s earliest beginnings. Why not venture beyond the city, for a tour of Marrakech with its 12th-century Medina?
May 31 – Cadiz, Spain
Arrive 10.00, Depart 18.00
Travel to Jerez de la Frontera to find out how sherry is made and perhaps try a sample or two. Or take in the beautiful 7th-century church and 18th-century palace of Arcos de la Frontera.
June 1 – Lisbon, Portugal
Arrive 12.30, Depart 18.00
A truly elegant capital city, Lisbon is famous for its medieval quarter, Gothic Jeronimos Monastery and the Palace of Queluz - modelled after Versailles. Enjoy the amazing Monument to the Discoveries or the lovely beach resort of Praia do Guincho.
June 2 – At sea
June 3 – At sea
June 4 – Portsmouth, England
Arrive 10.00
Arrive in Portsmouth with lifelong memories of a truly wonderful cruise holiday.
The Athena features a wide range of cabins offering different levels of comfort to suit all tastes, from standard inside two-bedded cabins to the spacious balcony suites.
Whichever you choose, you’ll receive excellent service from your friendly cabin steward.
Cabin layouts may vary from those shown. Some cabins also have one or two upper berths or a sofa-bed allowing for third or fourth person sharing. Standard Outside Cabins and Junior Suites have portholes; Superior Outside and Superior Junior Suites have picture windows.
Gallery
Take a look at Athena's deck plan and find out more about your ship here
SELLING FAST! Superior Outside Cabins from only £799pp
Save up to 60%
| 12 DAYS / DEPARTING 24 MAY 2012 |
| CABIN |
DECK
|
SALE PRICE |
| M |
2 Bed Standard Inside |
Aegean / Promenade |
SOLD OUT |
| L |
2 Bed Superior Inside |
Pacific / Atlantic / Mediterranean |
SOLD OUT |
| K |
2 Bed Deluxe Inside |
Navigators |
SOLD OUT |
| J |
2 Bed Standard Outside |
Pacific / Atlantic |
SOLD OUT |
| I |
2 Bed Standard Outside |
Navigators |
SOLD OUT |
| H |
2 Bed Standard Outside |
Promenade |
SOLD OUT |
| G |
2 Bed Superior Plus Outside |
Mediterranean |
£799 |
| D |
2 Bed Deluxe Outside |
Promenade |
£879 |
| C |
Junior Suite |
Pacific |
£999 |
| B |
Superior Junior Suite |
Mediterranean |
£1149 |
| A |
Balcony Suite |
Navigators |
SOLD OUT |
| F |
Single Inside |
Promenade |
SOLD OUT |
| E |
Single Outside |
Mediterranean |
SOLD OUT |
|
From price is per person based on 2 sharing a Grade G Cabin.
All cabins have:
- Satellite TV
- Telephone (with access to satellite communication service)
- Music
- Air conditioning
- Safe
- Fridge
- Hairdryer
- Bath tub
- En suite facilities
All suites also have:
Balcony suites also have:
- Separate lounge
- Private balcony
- Walk-in wardrobe
"We had such a fantastic time on our very first cruise. It was everything we’d hoped for and more. But the holiday was really made by the Shearings staff and the friendly crew on the ship."
"One of the friendliest cruises I’ve ever been on."
"Overall, an excellent holiday - superb in every way. Many thanks to the staff at Shearings. 10/10!
"Superb holiday – the staff couldn’t do enough to help, particularly with my wheelchair. Food was out of this world and the choice for vegetarians was very good. Absolutely perfect!"
"We thoroughly enjoyed our cruise – it was excellent. More please!"
"We have been on two other cruises with [competitors], but this one was by far the best."
"Very good and great value for money."
"It was my first cruise – but definitely not the last. High marks all round."
"A very well organised cruise. Everyone was so friendly and very helpful."
"It was our first cruise and was over and above our expectations. We could find no fault."
"Our first experience of cruising was very good. Super cabin, food and staff. There were lots of activities to choose from and the staff were super."
"Thoroughly enjoyed our first cruise. Everything was superb. The staff were excellent and so was the food. The size of the ship meant it wasn’t too impersonal either."
"We consider Shearings to be a very reliable company, always concerned with customer care and satisfaction. We wish you every success, especially with cruise holidays."
"We’ve been on lots of Shearings holidays and look forward to many more. The cruise was great and we’ll be taking more cruises in the future."
Map
Athena Deck Plan - Click here to view cabins
Joining is so easy - View joining points here
Why Choose Shearings?
Gardens of Cornwall & Normandy
Jewels of the British Isles
Norway & Land of the Midnight Sun
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