I'm a seasoned cruiser who enjoys cruising more for the ports and sights than for relaxation or entertainment onboard. I've cruised with several lines, but also enjoy land vacations. I'm very interested in ancient history; also I often travel solo and have no problem doing things on my own in port. For me, Voyages to Antiquity sounded like a great idea. They offer some very interesting itineraries on a small ship that holds about 350 at maximum capacity. The itineraries are usually built around a theme, and guest lecturers provide additional history and enrichment onboard to complement the shore tours (which are mostly included in the fare).
The line debuted in 2010 and I first sailed with them last year in November (to Syria and Lebanon as well as Egypt!). You can read my earlier review of that voyage here as well. It was a very good experience, more than good enough to prompt me to book another trip in 2011. (As a side note, the itinerary I originally booked for 2011 was to have been to Libya to see Leptis Magna!) This time around, the 2011 early reviews were uniformly more positive, so I looked forward to another great experience.
The ship, Aegean Odyssey, was completely refurbished prior to starting her new career as the only ship in the Voyages to Antiquity line. She is nicely decorated but certainly not glitzy. I won't rehash the details of the ship's public rooms as they have been well described by others. My favorite place to sit and relax indoors remains the Charleston Lounge. However, the best place of all on board is either sitting in one of the very comfortable loungers or at an outside table on the Terrace (Promenade deck aft), of which I'll say more later. The only mild complaint is that with a full group in the main lounge (Ambassador Lounge), which is used for briefings and lectures, there are a lot of seats where the sight lines to the presenter and screen are not great.
Cabin 810 -- spacious solo cabin; great location; plenty of storage; narrow balcony.