Athena says G’day to Adelaide
ADELAIDE -The first cruise liner to be based in Adelaide – Classic International Cruises’ flagship, Athena – has arrived in the South Australian capital to launch a maiden season.
Named after the Greek Goddess for wisdom, the 600-passenger liner berthed at Adelaide’s Outer Harbour cruise terminal and sailed again on a four night return cruise to Kangaroo Island and Port Lincoln.
Athena is the first cruise ship to offer return voyages from Adelaide, with two round cruises offered during February plus two one-way cruises between Adelaide and Perth, Athena’s main summer base.
Classic International Cruises’ managing director in Australia, Grant Hunter, said the seven visits to South Australia ports during Athena’s maiden season in the State would deliver more than A$1.3 million in economic benefits to the state through passenger and crew spending, hotels, flights, port fees, security, fuel, food and beverage supplies and other provedoring services.
“Very strong support for Athena’s inaugural sailings from Adelaide this summer will also see Athena return here again next summer, with the 2009/10 Adelaide season to grow from four cruises this year to six cruises next year, including the first-ever return cruise from Adelaide to Tasmania.â€
Originally a transatlantic liner and often described as a large, elegant yacht, the medium-sized ship delivers a 3½-star cruise experience, with traditional wooden deck chairs, a pool, fitness centre and sauna, five bars and lounges, nightclub, show lounge, casino, library, boutiques, cinema and two restaurants.
Ian Jarrett
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