Desire Greek Islands 2023 – Itinerary

Desire Greek Islands 2023 – Theme Parties

Use the nightly theme parties on this cruise to step into expressing your inner desires. Lose your inhibitions, and let the fantasy take hold.  When asked, our past guests who’ve dressed in the nightly theme have said they experienced more interaction and ice-breaking because of their outfits, and more fun.

You can choose to go all-out on a theme, or simply echo it with an accessory or two.  Don’t feel up to it? Not a problem! This cruise is about doing your own thing with your partner, having fun and making memories however YOU decide.

Desire Greek Islands 2023 – Theme Nights

Sensual Athens – Our sensual boutique ship is the place to be when it comes to sailing the Aegean Sea. Surrounded by couples from around the world, it’s time to mix, mingle, meet, and greet. Tonight is about seeing and being seen. The Desire Greek Islands Cruise welcomes you aboard.

Dress code: a casual, sensual version of yourself

Fantasty Land – Once upon a time, couples drifted off on a mystical journey to what can be described as a seductive fantasyland, or so lovers say. Imagination is a must when there’s magic all around. Ecstasy will be found, you just have to believe.

Dress code: fantasy creatures (fairies, unicorns, dragons, etc.)

Rockstars – We remember our favorite rockstars for their concerts, their undeniable on-stage chemistry, unforgettable encores, and their to-die-for duds. Tonight, you’re the stars; so, dress cool, get out there, and rock your partner’s world.

Dress code: your favorite rockstar

Candyland – A fun, colorful evening at sea, which offers everything your candy-licious mind craves. Just imagine the steady stream of human eye candy, so sweet, you’ll be excited to eat. No matter what your favorite treat may be, tonight you’re in for a deliciously erotic feast.

Dress code: colorful candy attire

Cabaret – An uninhibited opportunity to interact with other couples throughout an evening full of eroticism and sensuality, as we bring the bold world of burlesque back to life. The cabaret scene represents an era of freedom and desire that will set your souls afire.

Dress Code: corsets & lingerie (women) | gangsters (men)

Glare Party – There’s something seductive about hot and steamy nights at sea, convincing couples to glow with the flow during our UV Glare Party. Sensual neon is the base for creation as you and your lover submerge yourselves in our dream world of passion and pleasure.

Dress code: sensual neon

White Affair – Tonight it’s about being desired, emitting a sensual energy that can’t be seen but perceived. Dress to impress in pure white elegance; an outfit so seductive that, as you approach your partner, you can feel their heart race.

Dress code: all white sensual attire

Curious to learn more? Read our [Theme Night FAQs]

Desire Greek Islands 2023 – Accommodations, Ship Rules, & Dining Information

The ship is completing a complete renovation in April 2016.  We have included a few renderings for the new design.

Club World Owners Suite

Deluxe Verandah Stateroom

Ship and Stateroom Details
All staterooms come with:

• Complimentary stateroom attendants
• Daily fruit basket
• Fresh cut flowers
• 24-hour room service
• Sweet surprise on your pillow each evening
• Afternoon canapés
• Complimentary shoe-shine service
• 23″ plasma television
• Personal stationery
• Elemis bathroom products
• Two nights of complimentary specialty dining
• One complimentary large bottle of water
• New European bedding
• Complentary use of binoculars, umbrellas and plush robes
• Destination-influenced entertainment and enrichment programs
• Meals and room service
• Selected house pouring wine with lunch and dinner is now included
• Specialty Dinning in Prime C and Aqualina available (complimentary for suite guests), with a minimal upcharge for guests in Club Veranda, Club Oceanview and Club Interior staterooms

All suites come standard with all of the above, plus

• English butler service
• Priority check-in and departure
• Priority luggage delivery at boarding
• Three nights of complimentary specialty dining
• Complimentary garment pressing (limit of two items per person upon embarkation
• Opportunity to book in-suite spa services
• Priority tender service
• Welcome champagne

Desire Greek Islands 2023 – Rules of the Ship

Note: Desire dress is always much sexier than a regular voyage on this same ship.

• Bare feet, tank tops, baseball caps, bathing suits, shorts, and jeans are not allowed in the main dining room or two specialty restaurants. (Khakis and other trousers are fine.)
• When dining at Windows Café, guests must wear footwear and a cover-up or shirt.
• In Prime C, Aqualina and Discoveries Restaurant, many guests enjoy dressing up. Formal evening wear (tuxedos and gowns) is not expected. We recommend that men bring a Sport coat or suit; this attire comes in handy for evenings onshore as well. For women, dining attire includes dresses, skirts, blouses with pants and capris, and other appropriate attire.

Desire Greek Islands 2023 – Dining

Fabulous Cuisine for every Taste
The cruise line offers a choice of six distinctive dining options, including room service. Whether you’re a fan of haute cuisine or down-home cooking, you’ll love the quality reflected in the fresh ingredients, careful preparation, and variety of menu choices. Let’s have a taste.

Specialty Dining & Fine Wines
The ship proudly features 2 amazing specialty restaurants, Prime C and Aqualina.

Specialty dining is complimentary for suite guests (Club World Owner’s Suites, Club Ocean Suites and Club Continent Suites). For others, there is an added per-person charge.

Reservations are highly recommended as the best spots will fill up early.  Make reservations when you complete online check-in or see the maitre’d when you board.

Aqualina
Boasting a contemporary, inventive Italian cuisine, Aqualina has two new rotating menus.  Enjoy fresh experiences of the most famous Italian dishes including plates of pasta, as well as prime cuts of veal, chicken, and fish. Starter entrees include savory beef tenderloin carpaccio with orange oil, delicious lobster ravioli, and seared tuna wrapped in veal. Second courses include delicious sweet pea and fennel soup or fresh salads of watermelon and tomato or arugula and radicchio with prosciutto chips. The delectible main courses include mushroom risotto, a tender, perfectly-grilled veal chop, Venetian seafood platter or delicate dover sole. Be sure to save room for the famous desserts like lemon souffle, tiramisu, chocolate torte and marsala custard.
Hours: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: Aft-Port – Deck 10
Sample: Menu 1 Menu 2

Prime C

The setting for this steakhouse promises a marvelous evening with stunning views and lush décor. Prime C’s menu will include juicy, tender steaks in a variety of cuts cooked to your perfection, along with fresh starters like crab cakes with remoulade, delicious lobster bisque, crisp wedge salad with bacon and blue cheese, and more. Other mouth-watering entrée choices may include pork, game hen, seafood, lamb or veal. Never miss a chance to indulge in the famous mini cinnamon-sugar donuts with a trio of dipping sauces for dessert.

The Wine Cellar
The Wine Cellar, a hot-spot for those interested in tastes from around the globe, will delight your palate with a wide selection of limited, small label, and vintage wines from California to France, and South Africa to Argentina. Knowledgeable sommeliers will assist you in picking the proper wines for your evening meal. Be sure to look at the onboard news for Wine Corner gatherings in the Mosaic Café, where you will be able to discover and sample wines with a sommelier’s help.
Something extra: Arrange a wine tasting here. Ask our sommelier or concierge for details.
Hours: Specialty restaurant dining hours and by appointment
Location: Prime C

Discoveries Restaurant
Having a wide selection of nightly options like filet mignon with black truffle sauce, the Discoveries Restaurant is hands-down one of our favorite spots for a sumptuous yet lively dining choice. Reservations are not need nor accepted, and you have the choice of being seated with your partner at a table for two, or apart of a larger group (Ask to be seated this way which is a great way to meet new people). Discoveries Bar is also a fantastic gathering spot for pre-dinner drinks before or after dinner.
Breakfast: 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM Lunch: 12 PM–1:30 PM Dinner: 6 PM–9:30 PM Location: Aft-Deck 5

Pool Grill
Dine poolside on made-to-order fish-kabobs, burgers, fries, and salads. There’s more: Don’t miss the famous pool deck parties, when servers may include a few friendly officers. These parties are legendary for great food, music, and conviviality.
Hours: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Midship-Deck 9

Windows Cafe
Take in the fresh breeze at an outdoor table in Windows Café, our casual buffet offering made-to-order breakfasts and a large variety of lunch and dinner options. Choices change daily and include fresh sushi, stir-fry and pasta, salads, smoked lox and other cold fish, a carving station and sumptuous desserts. There’s more: Don’t miss the buffets! Indian, Mexican, Spanish, Italian, and other regional cuisines. Our international crew takes pride in their native cuisine and it shows. Hours: Early Riser: 6:30 AM–7 AM, Buffet Breakfast: 7 AM–10 AM, Late Risers’ Lite Breakfast: 10 AM–11 AM, Lunch Buffet: 12 PM–2:30 PM, Afternoon Tea: 3:30–4:30 PM, Casual Dinner: 6 PM–9:30 PM Location: Aft-Deck 9

Mosaic Cafe
Sink into a comfortable chair at the Mosaic Café and enjoy an espresso or hot tea with fresh biscotti, tea sandwiches or scones—on the house, of course. Centrally located on deck five, the Mosaic’s congenial service and atmosphere make it a favorite gathering spot for conversation, cards and trivia games. When: Most of the day, from early morning to late night Where: Amidship-Deck 5 Dining: What (and What Not) to Wear

In all of our dining rooms, we encourage guests to follow a “resort casual” dress code, following good taste and common sense. Because this is a Desire Cruise you can be sexy… very sexy. The bottom line rule is that all ‘naughty bits’ must be covered. Guests dress for dinner much the same way they do at the resort. Sexy and dress to impress.

Room Service
The best time for room service? Whenever you say it is, 24-hours a day. Order from the full breakfast menu between 6:30 AM and 10:00 AM, and they will deliver at your appointed time. Lunch and dinner room service features a menu of hearty soups, fresh salads, gourmet sandwiches, pizzas and desserts

Special Dietary Needs
With advance notice, the ship can accommodate most special dietary needs. (Vegetarian, gluten-sensitive, food allergies, etc) Please submit your request in writing to us no later than 80 days before sailing.

Desire Greek Islands 2023 – What’s Included

Desire’s European cruises are such a great value for our guests because so much will be included with their cost, including all meals at all restaurants and room service. (With the exception being the specialty restaurants, where there may be a slight per-person charge.)

Entertainment and theme nights are all included. Pool parties by day, theme parties and dancing every night as well as the sexy signature playrooms for exploring the more sensual parts of this trip.

Tours off the ship and Spa treatments are the other things guests will want to budget a bit of extra $ for.

** Special for the Desire Cruise Greek Islands **

Every booking will receive a Premium Beverage Package complimentary with your purchase! What an added value!

Desire Greek Islands 2023 – Premium Drink Package: 

Spirits: Absolut, Ketel One, Stolichnaya, Canadian Club, Crown Royal, Jameson, Johnnie Walker Red Label, Captain Morgan, Myers’s Original Dark, Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire, Disaronno Amaretto, Kahlúa, Southern Comfort, and more…

Desire Greek Islands 2023 – Ultimate Drink Package: 

Carry on Wine: As a possible consolation, Desire’s policy for carrying on wine is also not as strict as other cruises.  We’ve carried on wine in far excess of the usual 2 bottles per cabin rule.  On past cruises we have also restocked in port and carried on full bottles of liquor.

Amenities Included:

• Select house wine served during lunch or dinner only
• Unlimited Bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees and teas
• Concierge services for personal guidance and reservations

For Suite Guests:
All standard amenities plus:

• English butler service
• complimentary Internet minutes
• One free bag of laundry service per suite, all seven days
• Complimentary dining in the specialty restaurants
• Afternoon tea service in suite

Not available online thru online check-in: Lifestyle, clothing-optional shore excursions, specialty dining packages and bundles.   

We want to make sure You know that what is included in a full ship charter is different than a regular Azamara Cruise.  Just an FYI for you good research types, the details & prices listed on the cruise lines web site do not apply to this charter.

Desire Greek Islands 2023 – Pricing, Policies and Insurance

Pricing

The best pricing strategy is to book early. Prices are always released at the lowest rate and get higher closer to departure.

• Suites sell out almost immediately.  Book Early
• For up-to-date pricing please click the “Book Now”

Desire Greek Islands 2023 – Cancellation Policy & Payment Calendar

*Reservation Policy* Please read this document carefully, and follow the instructions found in the confirmation e-mail. In case you need to change, cancel or do not show-up, this reservation policy will apply.

– Initial deposit for a guaranteed reservation will be required
– Credit Cards Accepted: Visa, MC & American Express
– Visa & Mastercard charges will appear on your statement as: “OPERADORA DE YATES DE CANCUN SA DE CV or HOTEL OP DE YATES BENITO JUA MX”
– American Express charges will appear on your statement as: “ORIGINAL CRUISES”

*Balance Payment Calendar*:

Check your Reservation Invoice you received when your booking is made for your exact payment schedule.

Desire Cruise Cancellation Policy

Your Cancellation Policy schedule will be included on your confirmation email. Check your Reservation Invoice you received when your booking is made for your exact schedule.

Important Notes: 
a) American Express: All American Express charges are reflected in Mexican pesos, based on the daily exchange rate. Be aware that if you pay with American Express, your card will be subject to a surcharge in Mexican pesos, according to the hotels current exchange rate, which is variable.
b) Please be advised that your bank might charge you a fee when using your credit cards (Master Card, Visa OR American Express) for international transactions.
c) On your bank statement the charges will appear as: “OPERADORA DE YATES DE CANCUN SA DE CV”, or “ORIGINAL CRUISES”.

*Requirements* Due to new Government Regulations requiring cruise liners to submit final department manifests at least 60-minutes prior to sailing, guests are requested to complete their Online Check-in no later than 5-days prior to the cruise. Guests that have not completed their Online Check-in, will be required to complete this process at the pier, 2-hours prior to the published sailing time.

Please note: All guests must be checked-in and onboard the ship no later than 60-minutes prior to the published sailing time or they will not be permitted to sail.

*Credit Cards Safety* At www.originalcruises.com we want you to feel safe and secure booking your trip with us online. For this very reason, we use Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology to encrypt your credit card and other important information while making your reservation. The process of encryption prevents unauthorized viewing of your information, as it is securely transmitted over the Internet. Once received, your credit card information will not be transmitted over the Internet again.

*Travel Documents* Your final travel documents will be e-mailed to you as soon as we receive FINAL payment. Please check your documents for accuracy immediately upon receipt. Call Original Cruises immediately if you have any questions. Original Cruises reserves the right to charge processing fees in the event of refunds, cancellations or additional services. Should a dispute occur, charge-backs will be reviewed on an individual basis. You will be charged/billed for all accumulated costs involved, taking into consideration our liabilities, policies & responsibilities.

*Disclaimer of Liability* Original Cruises is acting only as an agent for suppliers in selling travel related services, or in accepting reservations for services that are not directly supplied by Original Cruises (such as air & ground transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, tours, cruises, etc.).

Original Cruises, therefore, shall not be responsible for breach of contract or any intentional or careless actions or omissions on part of such suppliers, which result in any loss, damage, delay, injury or death to you or your travel companions or group members. Unless the term “guaranteed” is specifically stated in writing on your ticket, invoice or reservation itinerary, we do not guarantee any of such suppliers’ rates, bookings, reservations, connections, scheduling or handling of personal effects.

Original Cruises shall not be responsible for any injuries, damages or losses suffered by any traveler in connection with terrorist activities, social or labor unrest, mechanical or construction failures or difficulties, diseases, local laws, climatic conditions, criminal acts or abnormal conditions or developments or any other actions, omissions or conditions outside the control of Original Cruises.

Travelers assume complete and full responsibility for, and hereby release Original Cruises, from any responsibility in: checking and verifying any and all Passports, Visas, vaccinations, or other entry requirements of each destination, and all safety or security conditions at such destinations, throughout the length of proposed travel.

For information concerning the possible dangers in international destinations, contact the Travel Advisory Section of the U.S. State Department.

For medical information, call the Public Health Service. By embarking upon his/her travel, the travelers voluntarily assume all risks involved in such travel, whether expected or unexpected.

Travelers are warned of such risks and are advised to obtain appropriate insurance coverage against them. Traveler`s retention of tickets, reservations or bookings after issuance shall constitute consent to the above, and an agreement on his/her part to convey the contents hereto to his/her travel companions or group members.

We recommend travel insurance.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

The cruise line and the world health organizations will determine health protocols for cruise sailings.

The current ongoing global health and safety surrounding the impact of epidemics, pandemics and viral outbreaks and specifically, the COVID-19 outbreak, including its effect on the ability to operate a 100% full ship sailing may affect specific cabin categories on this charter. In the event the cabin category booked is affected and cannot be occupied the following options will be made available, A) Upgrade to an available cabin category paying the corresponding amount for such upgrade. B) Receive a Future Cruise Credit for a future Original Group Charter or C) Full refund of the monies paid for the cabin affected.

Due to evolving health protocols, imagery and messaging may not accurately reflect onboard and destination experiences, offerings, features, or itineraries. These may not be available during your voyage, may vary by ship and destination, and may be subject to change without notice.

Compliance with Government Orders and CDC Health Protocols:

Original Group/Desire Cruises and all Cruise Carriers shall have the absolute right and obligation, without any liability for compensation to the Guest of any kind, to comply with governmental orders, recommendations, or directions, including but not limited to those pertaining to health, security, immigration, customs and/or safety.

Guest hereby agrees to comply with any and all health, security, immigration, customs and/or safety requirement imposed, and hereby waives, releases and discharges Original Group/Desire Cruises and all Cruise Carriers from any legal action, claim, complaint and/or damage, present or future, that may arise from not complying with such requirements.

In the case of quarantine, the Guest agrees to bear all risks, losses and expenses caused thereby and will be charged for maintenance, payable day-by-day, if maintained on board the vessel for such period of quarantine. The Guest acknowledges and assumes all risks and losses occasioned by delay or detention howsoever arising.

Costs connected with embarkation or debarkation of Guests and/or baggage and costs of transfer between vessel and shore as a result of the circumstances enumerated but not limited in this paragraph must be borne by the Guest.

Desire Greek Island 2023 – Travel Insurance

Yikes, travel insurance is not a fun topic but a lot of you have asked…
This is about what happens if you are paid, packed and ready to go… and there is a problem.

The biggest 2 reasons people take insurance are:

• Trip Cancellation
• Medical Expenses or Medical Evacuation

Full Ship charters are better than regular cruises in many ways, however the penalties and potential for a loss if you have to cancel is higher. Shortly after final payment most full ship charter cruises become non-refundable. That means if you have to cancel your trip not only do you have that disappointment of a cancelled vacation, but I have to tell you you don’t get your money back.

Our most popular insurance is ‘World Wide Trip Protector’ and provides full coverage when purchased up to 21 days after your vacation purchase.

The best value just to make sure you have coverage is ‘Trip Protector Lite Expanded.’

We recommend Travel Insured – Get a quote and buy insurance  
Note: this link opens a window for Travel Insured – if you have questions pleases phone our office for assistance.

Please consider purchasing Travel Insurance

Since everyone pretty much likes me right now and I’d like it to stay that way, please consider purchasing travel insurance. Or at least don’t say I didn’t warn you if there is a problem.

Other coverages that take the worry out of travel:

• Trip Interruption – Return air only
• Trip Delay & Missed Connection coverage
• Baggage Loss or Delay
• Cancel for Work Reasons Options available on select policies

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your upcoming cruise. There are hundreds of circumstances that could cause you to cancel your trip, return home early or force you to seek emergency medical treatment while traveling. Travel insurance offers coverage for unforeseen problems such as, an unexpected financial change or scheduling conflict, a cancelled flight or a serious illness. You even have the option where you can cancel for any reason. We recommend Travel Insured – Get a quote and buy insurance