CIC Frequently Asked Questions

To assist our passengers we have a list of frequently asked questions. More information is available in our "Terms and Conditions". If you cannot find the information you are looking for here, please contact your travel agent.

WHAT DOES MY CRUISE FARE INCLUDE ?

Your cruise fare includes accommodation, meals and onboard entertainment.

DO I NEED A PASSPORT TO TAKE A CRUISE ?

Passports are required on all International Cruises and must have at least 6 months validity from the end of the cruise.

Guests not traveling on an Australian Passport must have a Re-Entry Visa for Australia. On a Domestic Cruise, Photo ID is required such as a Drivers License.

Otherwise, two forms of ID are required such as a Medicare Card, or Birth Certificate as you will be embarking the ship from a Customs controlled area.

HOW DO I PAY FOR ONBOARD EXPENSES ?

Classic International Cruises offers the convenience of being able to sign for all your expenses and have them charged to your cabin. An itemized statement will be delivered to your cabin number prior to disembarkation. By providing your credit card in advance, you are automatically registered for Express Check-Out. There is no need to visit the Purser's Desk to settle your account. We accept Cash, Travelers Cheques, MasterCard and Visa. Those paying by traveler's checks or cash will be required to leave a cash deposit with the Purser's staff at the beginning of the cruise. For cruises over 20 days, payments of account may be made twice, once in the middle of the cruise and at the end of the cruise.

WHAT CURRENCY IS USED ONBOARD ?

Australian Dollars is the currency onboard and applies to all cruises ex Australia plus both the southbound voyage from Europe to Australia and the northbound voyage from Australia to the United Kingdom. The Purser’s Office also operates a Bureau de Change facility to enable passengers to exchange and re-exchange foreign currency for use in many of the ports of call.

WILL I NEED AN ELECTRICAL ADAPTOR ?

The voltage on board is 220AC and each cabin is equipped with round two pin electrical sockets, suitable for small appliances only. A European adaptor will be necessary- they are not available for sale or hire onboard.
The Reception Desk located on Mediterranean Deck should be consulted if passengers intend utilizing electrical items other than razors and hairdryers. Should you be intending to utilize electrical items other than razors and hairdryers we ask that passengers contact the Reception Deck.

DOES THE SHIP HAVE DISABLED CABINS ?

Regrettably, ATHENA is not specifically equipped for guests with mobility difficulties or confined to a wheelchair.
The cabin specifications of cabins, bathrooms and lifts are listed below (Approximate)

ATHENA
Cabin Door Widths (approximate)	68 cm
Cabin bathroom Door Width	63 cm
Step Height (Corridor to Cabin)	01 cm
Step Height (Cabin to bathroom)	14 cm
Step Height around shower	49 cm
Height around Bath	49 cm
Distance from Floor to Bed	23 cm
Distance from Floor to Bed (including mattress)	53 cm
Handrails are located on shower wall and inside baths in Cabin Bathrooms.
Lift Door Depth / Width (fwd & mid ship)	2m x 90 cm
Lift Interior	1.47 m x 1.43 m
Lift Height	2.12 m

IS THERE A PORTABLE STEP FOR PASSENGERS TO GET IN AND OUT OF THE BATH?

No – A non-slip bath mat is in the bath /shower for safety.

IS THERE A STEP FROM EXTERIOR TO THE INTERIOR OF THE SHIP ?
ALSO, IS THERE A SECOND DOOR TO OPEN TO ENTER THE SHIP FROM THE DECK ?

No. There is no step or second door.

WHAT IS THE SIZE OF MY CABIN ?

All cabin sizes are different. Your travel agent will be able to advise this information at the time of booking.

HOW MANY SUITCASES CAN I BRING ?

All baggage must be stored in the guest’s cabin as there is no separate Baggage Room facility onboard. There is storage space under the bed, which can accommodate suitcases of approximately 23cm depth.

ARE THERE CABINS WITH INTERCONNECTING DOORS ?

No. Depending on your requirements we may be able to allocate traveling companions adjoining cabins.

IS THERE A TELEVISION IN MY CABIN ?

Yes, the TV features 16 channels. This includes 2 channels for announcements as well as Video and Television channels.

IS PAY ON DEMAND VIDEOS AVAILABLE FROM THE TELEVISION IN MY CABIN ?

IS THERE ROOM SERVICE AVAILABLE TO MY CABIN ?

Limited room service is available in the cabins and may be arranged by contacting the Reception desk. A small range of complimentary sandwiches may be ordered throughout the day. Drinks from the bar are available during bar opening hours, and are charged to your shipboard account. Service fee cost is AUD $5.00 approx.

CAN I FIT A BABY COT IN MY CABIN ?

Certain cabins will take a cot. The ship will supply the cot.
Your travel agent will enquire to the availability of these cabins when making your booking. Infants must be 6 months or older to travel on Athena.

ARE THERE CABINS WHICH WILL ACCOMMODATE A FAMILY OF 5 ?

ATHENA does have 4 berth cabins which can accommodate a 5th person in a rollaway bed. Your travel agent will enquire to the availability of these cabins when making your booking.

IS THERE A CHILDREN’S PROGRAMME ONBOARD ?

There are no custom-built children’s facilities onboard such as rock climbing. When numbers dictate the cruise staff may arrange activities for children 5 – 12 years. Children over 5, teenagers and parents will be invited to join in special activities during cruises over school holiday periods. Any passenger under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult 21 years or over. Guests under 18 not traveling with their parents must bring a signed written letter of consent with them.

IS THERE A BABY SITTING SERVICE ONBOARD ?

We regret that baby-sitting facilities are not available.

IS THERE A DOCTOR ONBOARD ?

The ship’s Doctor onboard is an International Doctor. Services provided are not claimable on Medicare and therefore Travel Insurance is highly recommended.
Approximate charges for a General Consultation:
      Medical Centre Visit - A$60.00
      Cabin Visit                - A$70.00

CAN I TAKE MY SLEEP APNOEA MACHINE ONBOARD WITH ME ?

Yes, a Medical Declaration Form accompanied by a Doctors Certificate must be completed, signed and returned to your travel agent for passengers traveling onboard with particular Medical Equipment e.g.: Sleep Apnoea Machines.

WHEN CAN I BOOK SHORE EXCURSIONS ?

Shore Tour Information and Prices will be included in your Cruise Ticket Wallet. Shore excursions are to be booked at the Shore Excursion deck in Reception. Our Shore Excursion officer will give information talks on each tour once the cruise commences.

ARE VISITORS ALLOWED ONBOARD ?

Due to security reasons, visitors are not permitted to board ship.

ARE THERE DISCOUNTS FOR PAST PASSENGERS ?

Classic international Cruises value their Past Passengers. Passengers who have traveled with Classic International Cruises will receive special offers on selected sailings throughout the year.

WE ARE CELEBRATING A SPECIAL OCCASION ONBOARD !

Classic International Cruises makes your birthday, wedding, honeymoon or anniversary even more memorable. Please ask your travel agent to advise us of any occasions of particular importance when making your booking.

I HAVE CERTAIN DIETARY REQUIREMENTS ?

Classic International Cruises is happy to meet your request for low-sodium, low-fat, low-sugar, and vegetarian diets. Please advise any special requirements in writing on your Booking.

HOW CAN I BE CONTACTED AT SEA ?

For incoming calls to the ship, the satellite telephone number is +870 (or 871) (or 872) (or 873) 764 893 475 or 764893 476 and the fax is +870 (or 871) (or 872) (or 873) 764 893 478.

Out going telephone calls can be arranged through the Radio Room at international satellite communication rates. Details are available via the Radio Room.

Please remember that satellite telephone charges can be very expensive.

CAN I BRING MY OWN ALCOHOL ONBOARD ?

Domestic cruises.
Under the conditions of the liquor license passengers are NOT allowed to bring onboard liquor for consumption during domestic cruises.

International Cruises.
Passengers 18 years or older are allowed one litre of liquor, duty free or otherwise per cabin onboard ATHENA for consumption within their cabin. Passengers exceeding this allowance will have the liquor stowed and returned upon disembarkation.

WHAT IS THE SMOKING POLICY ONBOARD ?

As a consideration to all passengers, smoking is not permitted in any indoor areas onboard ATHENA. Smoking is not permitted in cabins, suites, private balconies, the dining rooms, any food service area, the casino or in the show lounges and theatres. Outdoor smoking venues will be published in the ships daily newsletter onboard your cruise.

IS THERE A CINEMA ONBOARD ?

Video films are shown on a large screen in the Auditorium (ATHENA) and through the ship’s TV system

IS BUFFET BEAKFAST AND LUNCH AVAILABLE ON DECK ?

Yes, Buffet Breakfast and Lunch is served Daily in the Lotus Grill on Calypso deck (ATHENA). Guests have the choice of dining in the Restaurant or in the Lotus Grill for Breakfast and Lunch.

Dinner is served in the two sitting Olissipo restaurant situated on Atlantic Deck. Seating allocation for either early or late dinner is arranged with the Maitre de on embarkation.

WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE ONBOARD ?

Casual clothing is perfectly acceptable for daytime wear onboard. Evenings is Smart Casual.

During your cruise there will be 2 formal nights onboard the 12 & 13 night Cruises (4 on the 36+ night voyage)

On the formal evenings, jacket and tie or dinner jackets are more suitable for men, whilst the ladies opt for evening or cocktail
dresses.

WHAT TYPES OF ENTERTAINMENT WILL BE ONBOARD ?

A variety of daytime and evening entertainment is arranged onboard. During the day, activities such as arts, and crafts, exercise classes, table tennis, deck quoits, shuffleboard, movies, games and quizzes are arranged for those who wish to participate. A range of International floorshows and/or other events are offered on a nightly basis, as well as music for dancing. An evening disco with international music is available.

WHAT OTHER SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE ?

- The Beauty Salon, which can cater for both ladies and gents, is located on Observation Deck (ATHENA).
The Hair Salon can offer a limited beauty treatment service .An additional charge applies for all Health & Beauty treatments.

- A laundry service is available by contacting your cabin steward and the price list of the services can be found in your cabin information pack. Laundry services are charged to your onboard account. We regret no dry cleaning
services are available onboard.

- The Duty Free Shop and Boutique are available for your purchases during International Cruises.The Emporium Boutique is located on Calypso Deck (ATHENA). Gifts, souvenirs as well as cosmetics and toiletries are stocked. The shop is not open during Australian coastal cruises of weekend 2 or 3 night cruises.

- The Photo Shop is located on Calypso deck (ATHENA), where photographic souvenirs of the cruise may be purchased.

WHAT SPORTS CAN I PLAY ONBOARD ?

Sports facilities, consisting of table tennis, darts, deck quoits and shuffleboard are located under a covered deck area aft on the Navigators Deck.

WHAT FITNESS EQUIPMENT IS IN THE FITNESS CENTRE ?

The equipment includes Bikes, an Air Machine, Jogging Machine, wooden workout ladder and step.

WHERE CAN I KEEP MY VALUABLES ?

Items of value may be stored in the safety deposit boxes in your cabin.

WILL THE CASINO AND DUTY FREE STORE BE OPEN ON A DOMESTIC CRUISE ?

Due to Australian Government Regulations the Casino and Gift Shop are not permitted to operate on these cruises. Duty Free purchases are not permitted on Domestic Cruises.

WHAT ARE THE OPENING HOURS OF THE CASINO AND WHAT GAMES ARE AVAILABLE ?

The operating hours of the casino will be available daily in the ships newspaper. The Casino features Roulette, Black Jack and Poker machines.

WHAT INTERNET ACCESS IS AVAILABLE ONBOARD ATHENA ?

Passengers can use their own laptops near the library. No Hardware/Software or accessories needed except for European prong plugs.

What are the internet access charges?
Prices charged according to the plan purchased on the login process as follows:

Pack of 100 minutes AUD34.00 approx (0.21 cents per min.)
Pack of 50 Minutes AUD$26 approx (0.32 cents per min.)
or pay as you go (0.40 cents per min)

- this is valid for User owned laptops or computers on the Internet café (4 computers available), the plan purchase is valid until disembarkation with no refund for time not used.
Prices will be converted to Australian dollars on the system.