Q: How many passengers can the ship accommodate?
A: The ship can accommodate 350 passengers.
Q: How big is the ship?
A: The ship is 461 feet long.
Q: How many cabins does the ship have?
A: It has 216 cabins.
Q: How old is the ship?
A: It was originally built in 1973 and completely refurbished in 2010.
Q: How many crew are there?
A: There are 180 crew on board.
Q: Does it have stabilizers?
A: Yes, it has two stabilizers, the desired number for a ship its size.
Q: How many decks does it have?
A: The ship has eight total decks, with seven decks for passengers.
Q: Why did we choose this ship?
A: We love the ship’s size and level of comfort. It’s perfect for reaching those hard-to-reach ports. We chartered the Aegean Odyssey in the past, and our participants had rave reviews for the ship.
Q: How are these programs different from other Adventures Afloat programs?
A: Given the unique nature of these voyages, we are able to create an environment and an experience specifically suited to meet the needs and interests of our participants. For example, we have planned the schedule so participants can embark directly from the airport, instead of having to stay a night in a hotel in most places. We are also able to offer two different activity levels to accommodate people of different physical abilities.
Q: What size are the groups?
A: On land excursions, groups are no larger than 35 participants.
Q: Does the ship dock or tender?
A: Depending on the port of call, the ship may dock right in port or we will anchor outside the port and transport passengers ashore via tender.
Q: Is there an elevator between decks?
A: Yes, there is an elevator.
Q: How many decks are there?
A: The ship has eight decks, seven of which are accessible to passengers.
Q: What country is the ship registered in?
A: It flies the Panamanian flag.
About the Cabins
Q: What are the cabins like?
A: We offer 13 different levels of cabin comfort, ranging from a deluxe suite with a balcony to inside cabins.
Q: What size are the cabins?
A: Cabins range in size from 130 square feet to 550 square feet. You can find detailed cabin descriptions for each program on our website at www.roadscholar.org/odyssey.
Q: Will I need an electrical converter?
A: Yes, an adaptor/converter to European voltage and power sockets is necessary.
Q: Is there laundry available?
A: Laundry and pressing services are available on board. The price list and laundry bags are provided in each cabin or are available on request from the cabin steward. Dry cleaning is not available.
Q: What facilities are included in each cabin?
A: All cabins have a hair dryer, flat–screen television, telephone and personal safe for passengers’ convenience.
Life on Board
Q: What sort of onboard entertainment is offered?
A: There is a well-stocked library, a spa, salon, small pool, a full fitness studio and early morning yoga/stretch sessions. There are several comfortable lounges, and there is plenty of outdoor seating. We’ll also have regular Road Scholar lectures in the Ambassador Lounge.
Q: Is there a casino on board?
A: No, there is no casino.
Q: What is the currency on board the ship?
A: A cashless system is operated on board the ship, with all purchases charged to your cabin account for settlement at the end of the voyage. Passengers are required to register a credit card at reception shortly after embarkation. All charges are in U.S. dollars.
Q: Is there wireless Internet on board?
A: Yes, though it is a little spotty. The least expensive internet package costs $45. We recommend you use the wifi in cafes on land.
Q: What happens if a passenger gets sick while on the ship?
A: There is a medical center staffed by a doctor and licensed nurse and equipped with basic medications and equipment. Charges apply for consultations, prescriptions and cabin visits. In the event of serious illness or accident, passengers may have to be taken ashore for medical treatment.