When small is best - Small ship cruise on the Adonia

Adonia is small if compared to the vessels of most cruise fleets. Its grown-up appeal resides in a sweeping staircase that opens grandly into the lobby, lashings of wood panelling, an elegant library with a faux fireplace and trompe d’oeil ceiling and the space aft of the sun deck where two dining venues command sweeping views over the ship’s wake. This ship is all 21st century technology wrapped in beautifully crafted detailing.

Unlike its sisters, Adonia is a ship of intimate charm where smart casual is the order of the day, and night dictates a little more formality. There is ballroom dancing in a grand lounge on an inlaid wooden dance floor, afternoon teas and mature entertainment that includes live shows and classical recitals – and no kids! Just about everything including the card room has panoramic ocean views including the two main restaurants and the swish Pacific Ocean Dining Room that is the heart of six-course silver-service. Sorrento is an Italian specialty restaurant, a pleasing slow food pace away from the main dining room. The al fresco Ocean Grill, is popular for not just its cuisine but for excellent and unusual wines by the glass.

Eight bars dot the ship but the Crows Nest is the pinnacle for the best panoramic views by day. At night the ambience is perfectly suited for pre or post dinner drinks. Also by day the modern gym is a busy hub and thought-provoking lectures generally draw a packed audience. There’s a pool, ample space for sunbathing and a pretty spa. And being smaller, everything on this ship is just a short walk away.

Adonia seems almost perfect: big enough to have plenty of facilities, but small enough to feel like home. Passengers are those who prefer the camaraderie of like-minded travellers, the attentive service of a small ship and the absence of all things brash. It might sport a trademark yellow funnel but where her sisters might boast of a casino, Adonia is quietly proud of its clubby Anderson’s lounge with its deep leather chairs.

Built to carry just 710 passengers, 75% of Adonia’s cabins have a balcony. The importance of this high percentage is anchored in the fact that the Adonia can explore the world’s most interesting sea lanes, docking at ports that larger ships are unable to visit.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE PACKAGE INCLUDES: 16 OR 21 NIGHTS INSIDE CABIN ACCOMMODATION • ALL MEALS • ENTERTAINMENT • PORT CHARGES • CONCIERGE BONUS PRIVILEGE: 5% SAVING • FROM AUD3,333.00 PER PERSON, TWIN SHARE • VALID FOR 21 AUGUST & 16 SEPTEMBER CRUISES 2012 (UNTIL SOLD OUT)

Contact Jan Stanton for more information on 1800 047 047 or email her at: jstanton@conciergetraveller.com