Over 160 travel agents were welcomed aboard Classic International Cruise’s MV Athena during her rare visit to Sydney yesterday. Classic International Cruises’ Managing Director Grant Hunter said this is our longest and most successful season Downunder ever.

On her fifth successive season Athena homeports each November to April out of Fremantle and Adelaide and is the only ship to exclusively service the Western states of Australia.

Athena’s intimate size, 16000 ton, allows here to visit smaller ports that larger vessels cannot reach and her unique itineraries include ports such as Broome, Exmouth, Kangaroo Island, Port Lincoln, Robe and Portland.

Built in 1948 as a trans Atlantic liner, and completely rebuilt in 1995, Athena is one of the oldest traditional ships still operating. Today she carries 550 passengers and is popular with families and couples. The average daily rate is A$185 inclusive of accommodation, meals, activities, tips and port charges. Bookings are only accepted through travel agents and the line says fly-cruise and especially rail-cruise packages on the famous Indian Pacific railway create a memorable Australian experience.

Classic International Cruises’ says business is up seven percent year-on-year and we carry an average of 50 percent repeat passengers. The two-three night cruises attract a younger party crowd, the seven day plus cruises suit families and the 40 night voyages attract over 50’s that have the time said Mr Hunter.

Children up eighteen cruise free, paying only taxes, when travelling with two full paying passengers. Singles can share with a stranger or pay 25 percent single supplement depending on cruise duration. The vessel has a wrap-around promenade deck, complimentary sauna and steam in the fitness centre and each of the 276 cabins offer a full sized bath.

Classic International Cruises have released Athena’s 2012/13 brochure which is being distributed to travel agents nationally. For more information visit www.classicintcruises.com