Things to Know Before You Go

Travel Documents

All passengers must have a valid passport prior to embarkation, expiring at least one month after the 1st day of the cruise. It is the passenger’s responsibility to be in possession of all necessary documentation prior to boarding the vessel.

Embarkation Procedures

Embarkation takes place from 9am until 1030am at the Passenger Terminal situated in Akti Xaveriou in the Port of Piraeus. Passengers arriving independently should allow one hour from downtown Athens and two hours from Athens Airport. Upon arrival at the Passenger Terminal, all luggage including hand/carry-on luggage will pass through a security check. Your luggage will then be transferred by porters to the ship where it will be placed in your cabin. All luggage should be labelled with GSC luggage tags indicating name and cabin number. If you do not know your cabin number, your luggage will remain in the ship’s reception area until a cabin has been assigned or after it has been identified by yourself. Upon entering the vessel, you will be requited to present your cruise ticket and passport. Do not pack these items in your luggage. Guests are nor allowed onboard.

Shipboard Dining and Special Dietary Requirements

On each of our 3 & 4 Day Cruises, we offer two dinner seatings. Please contact the Maitre d’Hotel after embarkation to make your table reservation or to confirm reservations made at time of booking. For Special Dietary Requirements, please contact GSC Passenger Services Department or the Maitre d’Horel onboard.

Smoking Onboard

The Restaurant and Cinema are nonsmoking. Other public rooms are divided into smoking and nonsmoking sections. Please refrain from smoking pipes and cigars except outside the ship.

Personal Funds and Expenses

All onboard purchases, with the exception of the Casino are by means of the “Smart Card”, a cashless system. Most major currencies are accepted/exchanged onboard at the official exchange rate as well as major Credit Cards, Traveller’s Checks and Eurocheques. Unfortunately, personal cheques are nor accepted.

Gratuities

Passengers wishing to express their appreciation by tipping the stewards at the end of the cruise will find an envelope in their cabin for that purpose. The suggested amount is Euro 8-10 per person per day. In accordance with the Greek Seamen’s Union, gratuities are distributed among all stewards, nor just those in direct contact with passengers but also those “behind the scenes”.

Honeymooners/Bon Voyage Gifts

Honeymooners are welcomed onboard with a bottle of sparkling wine and celebratory cake. Bon Voyage Gifts may be arranged through our Passenger Services Department or through your Travel Agent.

Laundry, Beauty Salon, Boutique, Passenger Gifts

All of these services are available onboard for a moderate charge.

Gymnasium and Sauna

Available onboard free of charge. Use is at passenger’s own risk.

Photography

The ship’s photographers will be present at social events and shore excursions during your cruise. Photographs may be viewed without obligation. Purchasing of photographs are by way of the Smart Card.

Air-Conditioning

Vessel is fully air-conditioned and all cabins have individual air-conditioning controls.

Electric Current

The electric current onboard is 220v AC and is for the use of low voltage appliances like electric shavers. Devices for larger power demands (hairdryers, irons etc.) should not be used without first consulting the Pursers’ Office.

Pets Onboard

We regret that pets are not allowed onboard.

Communicating Ship/Shore

Passengers may call ashore using the Satellite telephones located onboard the vessel.

Valuables

Complimentary Safety Deposit Boxes are available for jewelry, money, documents etc. The Company and their personnel are nor liable for any valuables kept by passengers.

Shore Excursions

Shore Excursions are available in all ports of call, with the exception of Mykonos. Shore Excursion Bookings can be booked in advance or onboard the vessel at the Pursers’ Office. Onboard Shore Excursion purchases are by way of the Smart Card.

What to Pack

You should most probably expect warm to hot weather during the day with it slightly cooler in the evening. For onshore, comfortable walking shoes are suggested as well as loose fitted clothing. In some religious sites, shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. Our Daily Program delivered to your cabin each evening will inform you of the dress attire for each night as follows:
Formal: Dark suits for gendemen. Cocktail dresses or pant suits for ladies.
Informal: Suit or jacket and tie for gentlemen. Dress, skirt or pant suits for ladies.
Greek Night: Blue & White (National colours of Greece)
Casual: Slacks and sport shirts for gentlemen, similar attire for ladies.

Do not forget to pack sunhat, sunglasses, bathing suit, suntan lotion, your camera and sundry items. If you are bringing your video camera, please be advised that at certaln archaeological sites, a fee will be incurred for usage. If you wear prescription glasses, an extra pair should be packed, just in ease.