Classic International Cruises is the trading name used by World Cruises Agency and the ship-owners they represent.
In stark contrast to the rapid development in recent years of the global cruise conglomerates and the growing trend towards newer larger resort style vessels, World Cruises Agency, acting as Agents for the ship-owners and trading as Classic International Cruises, continue to operate smaller, more traditional tonnage, at the highest standards of customer satisfaction, whilst maintaining their much cherished independence and conservative approach to business and traditional maritime heritage.

While in today's marketplace many of the mainstream cruise line brands have lost their independence, the companies trading under the Classic International Cruises trademark are proud to have retained their autonomy and to have earned the right to be placed within a diminishing elite group of very well established, yet truly independent, shipping companies.

One of Classic International Cruises' unique key operational strengths has been the ability to deploy ships in different markets, providing products that are tailor-made for each specific market.

The first ship to sail under the Classic International Cruises brand name was the FUNCHAL, a 570-passenger, 9.563 GRT cruise vessel. This vessel has a beautiful profile, charming interiors and a yacht-like ambiance. Her onboard facilities are upgraded regularly and the last time she underwent refurbishments works was in 2004.

The 640-passenger, 16,500 GRT cruise vessel PRINCESS DANAE joined in 1996.
PRINCESS DANAE belongs to the grand family of classic liners and was completely reconstructed in 1974 as a luxury cruise vessel for the five-star market. In 1996, she underwent extensive USD 10M refurbishment works carried out in Piraeus, building up an enviable reputation in the international markets.

In 2000, after an extensive USD 15M refit done in Lisbon, the 340-passenger vessel ARION was deployed, further developing the Classic International Cruises brand in the niche market.
The vessel was named after a poet, musician and singer miraculously saved, according to Greek Mythology, by a dolphin, which is now the proud emblem of the ship.

The last vessel to sail under the Classic International Cruises brand name was the ATHENA, in 2005. Originally built as a transatlantic liner and after having been stripped to her hull, she was reconstructed in 1994 at an amazing cost of USD 150M. She became a beautiful premium-rated contemporary cruise ship carrying 580 passengers in 43 suites and 234 cabins. During the first quarter of 2005 she underwent a thorough and costly overhaul and refurbishment in Lisbon.
The vessel was renamed after the ancient Greek Goddess of Wisdom ATHENA, also protector of all seafarers, most especially of her favourite Odysseus (Ulysses in Latin), after whom the restaurant was named.

All four cruise vessels are registered in Madeira and fly the Portuguese flag. The officers and crew employed are predominantly Portuguese, whilst the nationalities of the cruise staff and entertainment teams largely depend upon the markets the vessels are serving.

The Classic International Cruises brand is associated with a relaxing, friendly and informal style of cruising and a memorable "value for money" cruising experience. With over 20 years experience in ship management and cruise operations, our Principals believe that the shipping companies they provide ship management services to, are well placed to capitalise on the challenges ahead whilst continuing to cherish their independence.

In 2005, the vessels ARION, FUNCHAL and PRINCESS DANAE provided memorable vacations to 45.960 passengers. In 2006, including the ATHENA, this figure surpassed the 60.000 mark. The satisfaction of passengers is the driving force behind World Cruise Agency's and their Principals' efforts.

We thank you for visiting our web site and hope to see you soon on board FUNCHAL, PRINCESS DANAE, ARION and ATHENA.