Arethusa Review

The 50-passenger Arethusa is in the fleet of small ships operated by Overseas Adventure Travel, which is part of the well-known Grand Circle family of travel companies. The 50-passenger Arethusa is one of three identical vessels -- with Artemis and Athena -- in the five-strong O.A.T. fleet. Constructed in 2007, the ship offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere for travel with like-minded folks from North America.

Arethusa Deck Plans Include Balcony Cabins

Owned, operated, and staffed by O.A.T., Arethusa has 24 doubles and two single cabins, which range in size from 150 to 170 square feet, across three decks. All accommodations have ocean views and the 18 cabins on the upper deck have balconies accessed by floor-to-ceiling sliding doors. The cabins on the decks below have portholes.

Cabins for twin occupancy have moveable twin beds that can be converted to a double, and all cabins have a bathroom and shower, in-room safe, individual climate control, small fridge, flat-screen TV, radio and phone. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship, including in cabins.

All the public areas -- reception, lounge, restaurant, bar and library -- are situated on the middle passenger deck. Meals are served in a single open seating and the ship is comfortably furnished with leather couches and soft chairs, and warm wood panelling and brass fittings provide a classic nautical atmosphere. The sun deck has classic wooden deck chairs and loungers and there is also a bar and grill for al fresco dining. The ship does not have an elevator or fitness room.

Passengers on Arethusa tend to be Americans over 50. There is a roommate-matching service is available for solo travelers happy to share a cabin.

Arethusa Sails in the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Aegean

Arethusa sails on variety of 16- to 28-night itineraries visiting countries including Italy, Croatia and Greece. Combining cruises with a land stay, the culture-rich sailings are designed to immerse curious travelers into the destinations being visited, with excursions such as a home hosted lunch with a family in Sorrento.

O.A.T. specializes in small group travel and each cruise is accompanied by two trip experience leaders and passengers are divided into smaller groups when they go ashore. To maximize time in Europe, O.A.T. also offers pre- and post-cruise extensions.

Arethusa Stats

The ship measures 193 feet and carries 50 passengers at full occupancy with 21 crew members.