Mediterranean Classic Cruises Changes Names and Replaces Ships

“Mediterranean Classic Cruises”, previously known as Monarch Classic Cruises, will operate two relatively modern ships in 2009.

The seasonal Mediterranean operator, who specializes in premium, destination-rich itineraries in the Aegean and the Mediterranean, previously offered cruises on the classic Blue Monarch (ex Renaissance) and Ocean Monarch (ex Daphne).

On Monday February 2nd, 2009, at the port of Piraeus, a reception was held on board the "Vision Star”, the new addition to our fleet. The 800-guest “Vision Star” will operate the 3 day and 4 day cruises to the Greek Islands and Turkey for the 2009 cruise season.

The Vision Star was built in 1992 as the Crown Jewel for luxury operator, Crown Cruise Line. With a gross tonnage of 19,093 tons and a length of 537 ft, the ship is ideal for cruising the Mediterranean.

Mediterranean Classic Cruises will introduce a second new addition to the fleet - the 550-guest “Athena”. The Athena was built as Swedish America's Stockholm and underwent a major transformation in 1994 which totally reconstructed the ship. More recently she sailed as the Italia Prima. At 16,144 tons and a length of 497 feet, the ship's modest size makes her well suited for 7 day cruise to Egypt, the Holy Land, Cyprus, Turkey and the Greek Islands for the 2009 season.

With Piraeus, Greece as its home, Mediterranean Classic Cruises offers unrivaled expertise for travelers wishing to immerse themselves in the culture of this region while offering an authentic Mediterranean flavor.

The Mediterranean Classic Cruise brochure states, "The line is specifically dedicated to Aegean and Mediterranean cruises with a more personal and higher quality cruise experience featuring our elegant new vessels. The intimate size of the ships evoke a genuinely warm and personalized spirit of hospitality, while staterooms are notably spacious and mostly outside, ocean view. "