Monthly Archives: June 2020

As hotels across the world begin to reopen from July, thoughts have inevitably turned to the next getaway destinations And what could be more indulgent than hiring a private island for the ultimate luxury escape?

The island is home to the outstanding JA Enchanted Island Resort 20,000 square metres of paradise sitting in the middle of one of the worlds most lush and beautiful tropical sites, the Saint Anne Marine Park.

See Also: The Getty familys historical Italian villa is now available for private rentals

Image credit: JA Enchanted Island Resort

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The island can be rented and can sleep up to 24 guests, making the perfect party pad in paradise . The announcement coincides with the re-opening of the Seychelles International Airport as the group of 115 islands is officially declared free of COVID-19.

And what a place to escape to post-lockdown; awarded Worlds Leading Private Island Resort 2019 at the World Travel Awards, JA Enchanted Island is an upscale hideaway with pearl-white sand and verdant tropical vegetation, surrounded by crystalline turquoise waters and colourful marine life in a designated National Marine Park.

Image credit: JA Enchanted Island Resort

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The luxury resort facilities have all taken shape around the islands natural landscape, where walkways weave through large rock formations and natural scenery provides an idyllic escape and secluded experience for a group of friends or family.

Image credit: JA Enchanted Island Resort

Image credit: JA Enchanted Island Resort

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On the island, there are 10 stunning villas available; eight of which are 130 square metres and have their own private pool.

Image credit: JA Enchanted Island Resort

Image credit: JA Enchanted Island Resort

See Also:Explore An Expansive Palma Holiday Home With Three Swimming Pools

Two of the expansive luxury villas named the Enchanted Signature Villa and the Flamboyant Villa are more than 240 square metres each and can accommodate four adults and two children in each, with a private pool and garden with dining gazebo for intimate in-villa dining.

Image credit: JA Enchanted Island Resort

Image credit: JA Enchanted Island Resort

Image credit: JA Enchanted Island Resort

See Also:Inside 9 of the worlds most stunning holiday homes

All 10 villas have direct access to the pristine beach for unparalleled scenic beauty.

And the blend of interiors and panoramic views makes for an unforgettable experience; think soaking up scenes of the sun dancing on glistening crystal-clear waters from your luxury bathroom.

Image credit: JA Enchanted Island Resort

You can enjoy private dining experiences including breakfast in bed, moonlight dinners and private barbecues with dedicated chefs. Some of the villas even boast outdoor baths so you can enjoy tub time while gazing at the starlit sky.

Image credit: JA Enchanted Island Resort

Image credit: JA Enchanted Island Resort

Image credit: JA Enchanted Island Resort

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Theres also the plenty of opportunities to up your holiday game, from yacht trips to island hopping excursions, paddle boarding, snorkelling, kayaking, and catamaran cruising.

Of course, theres also a resplendent spa located on the hilltop, featuring a private steam room, shower room, and the stunning views of the yoga pavilion. And when youre ready to soak up the sun, the main pool is the perfect feet-up-and-flop hotspot.

Image credit: JA Enchanted Island Resort

Image credit: JA Enchanted Island Resort

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The private island experience is available from 1 July 2020 with prices starting from a 9,950 a night. To book email reservations.eir@jaresorts.com.

Read the rest here:

Holiday goals: You can now hire this incredible private island in the Seychelles - Livingetc.com

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Another week is in the books for the Ascension and Orpheus tribes, as well as Quarantine! The week ended with a BANG though as for the first time in Whispers history, a weekend long SCAVENGER HUNT is underway for the tribal flags! Who will be the first tribe to find the opposing tribe's flag? Will those in Quarantine find it first and cement their names back into the game? Was Ascension able to build on their winning streak this week? Was Orpheus able to turn the tide back their way? Which shocking exit had left a tribe up against the wall? What else is coming next?! Find out this and more LATER TONIGHT as Jim Early and Missyae Productions present another edition of the Missyae Podcast: Survivor Whispers The Game 19: Seychelles Island: Ring of Power Recap Show!! Call in at (657) 383-1308 and recap this week chock full of action!

Read this article:

Survivor Whispers The Game 19: Seychelles Island: Ring of Power Recap Podcast #3 - BlogTalkRadio

18 June 2020 | State House

We, the People of Seychelles,

GRATEFUL to Almighty God that we inhabit one of the most beautiful countries in the world;

EVER MINDFUL of the uniqueness and fragility of Seychelles;

CONSCIOUS of our colonial history before becoming an Independent Republic;

AWARE and PROUD that as descendants of different races we have learnt to live together as one Nation under God and can serve as an example for a harmonious multi-racial society;

Yes Seychellois brothers and sisters,

These words are the start of the Preamble of our Constitution.

Today, 18 June, we celebrate the adoption of the supreme Law of the Land. A great majority of Seychellois voted to adopt this Constitution through a referendum. This was a big step in the future of Seychelles.

1993 marked 223 years after the first settlers arrived on our islands. Many things marking the history of our country happened in that period. People from Africa, Europe and Asia came to this land to create the Seychellois people. Slavery which caused a lot of suffering and injustice was abolished in 1835 but its consequences would continue to affect our society for generations. Seychelles was a French colony, a British colony, and then became an independent state.

Soon after, Seychelles had a one party state. In those 15 years, a lot was done to try and erase the injustices that marked our society. A lot of good things were accomplished. Certain mistakes, certain injustices unfortunately also happened during this time.

When Seychellois adopted the Constitution of the Third Republic in 1993, we decided to turn the page of history, to come together as one nation, one people with a shared destiny. We were taking a big step toward reconciliation. We were looking at the future.

Today, 27 years later, where are we?

When I took on the mantle of leadership 3 years ago, I committed myself to putting Seychelles above everything else. I have always believed that Seychelles is bigger than me, bigger than us all. I took the decision to remove partisan considerations in the governance of our country. I reinforced unity, stability and inclusivity to take Seychelles even further. I established and also reinforced the independence of national institutions to ensure that they work without political interference.

Our country is currently engaged in work to establish the truth about a period of our past. And I hope that this work is done well in the real spirit of truth, reconciliation and national unity.

During this time that I have been President, there have been moments where I was expecting cooperation but instead I received resistance and obstruction. I stayed calm, I kept my cool, I never walked away I chose to reach out. I persevered because I am convinced that the spirit of working together, the path of peace and reconciliation, is the only path for Seychelles today.

Seychellois brothers and sisters, this constitution that we are celebrating today has guided us well and allowed our young democracy to flourish. It has also served us well on a socioeconomic front.

At the start of this year, our country was looking ahead with a lot of confidence. In 2019 we saw a foreign exchange surplus of 45 million Dollars, the highest ever.

In 2020 we were set to get an even higher surplus with the number of visitors set to rise and the economy in general set to do even better.

From January to March, every day, 3 million Dollars on average was entering our country, and from this amount, 2.5 million Dollars was spent in a dynamic economy. This means that we had a surplus of 500, 000 Dollars every day. Just think if our economy continued on this path, how much this surplus would have been at the end of this year.

The Central Bank reserves had reached 580 million Dollars. The private sector and individuals had accumulated 565 million Dollars in their bank accounts in Seychelles. This shows that the economy was working well, very well. It also shows the confidence that the private sector and individuals had in our economy and our financial system, for them to keep their money in Seychelles.

The economy of Seychelles was set to grow by 3.9% this year compared to 2019. We would have had more resources to run our country and continue to improve the wellbeing of our nation. We would have been able to have a salary increase, especially in sectors that were performing well. We would have had enough money to repay our national debt and meet the targets set by our economic reform in 2008.

The inflation rate, a measure of the general price level, fell to the lowest level to reach 1.7% at the end of 2019 and was set to continue decreasing in January and February 2020.

The number of jobs in the formal economy increased to reach 55, 805, including 20, 000 foreign workers because there were not enough local workers to respond to the needs of our economy.

All indicators were showing Seychelles to be on the road toward greater economic success in a year that was going to be exceptional.

But today on 18 June we see that yes, this moment we are in is exceptional. But not for the reasons we expected or hoped.

Yes Seychellois brothers and sisters, misfortune hit us. It hit us silently and without any warning. Who would have thought in January that just 2 or 3 months later our country and the world would turn upside down?

When COVID-19 hit us, my focus was to save lives and safeguard our economy. I am relieved that with the great work of our health professionals, supported by other agencies and volunteers, Seychelles has until now succeeded in controlling this disease. We succeeded in avoiding any deaths caused by this virus.

Today, once again, I would like to sincerely thank all those on the frontlines of this battle and also the people of Seychelles that showed solidarity and understood the gravity of the situation.

Unfortunately, the story is different in many other countries where we see thousands of people continuing to lose their lives as a result of the virus. In the United States alone, the number of people who have died from the coronavirus has surpassed our population here in Seychelles.

Until now we have succeeded on the public health front. But it is important that we do not put our guard down. Let us continue to practise good hygiene and get used to physical distancing in public, and follow the advice given by our health professionals.

Seychellois brothers and sisters, as we are starting to see, the consequences of this COVID-19 pandemic on our economy is extremely grave.

And this is not the case just for Seychelles for all countries, this is a very difficult situation.

It is impossible to make any predictions, either on the health front or economic front, with any certainty.

In March, many health experts and economists thought that COVID-19 would subside or even disappear within a few months.

As you know, at the time, I announced certain measures to protect the private sector and ensure that for at least 3 months, none of our brothers and sisters would lose their jobs. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 situation is dynamic and changes rapidly, and we need to readjust accordingly. For example, we saw a need to assure the salaries of Seychellois in the private sector until December.

I know that there has been a great deal of confusion and frustration with the delay of processing applications for financial assistance.

Believe me, I would have liked nothing more than for the processing to be quick and wait time for businesses and workers to be minimal.

But we need to appreciate that this task is not one that our system is used to doing. It is a task without precedence. And when I put pressure on those doing this work, and they explain to me why there are delays, I understand their difficulties.

They need correct information from people making applications. They need to verify this information. They cannot just give out public funds. This assistance is not personal money.

Who will be accountable to the Auditor General on how this public money has been spent?

Who will respond questions from the FPAC at the National Assembly?

It will be the officials doing this work together with the Minister of Finance. And they need to do this work with the responsibility and transparency it merits. The money being distributed today is money that we will all repay tomorrow through taxes. The country is taking on debt to be able to pay this assistance and ensure that workers have a salary and can keep the economy afloat.

Despite the challenges, until now, 85% of the approximately 5000 businesses that made an application for April and May have received assistance. More than 314 million Rupees has been disbursed. This 314 million Rupees has helped more than 14, 000 workers in the private sector.

For the 15% of businesses that did not receive assistance for one reason or another, I have decided that from 1 July, we will review the criteria to qualify for financial assistance. I have taken this decision following a series of consultations with the private sector.

Seychellois brothers and sisters,

Our situation is not easy. Even if we see our lives regaining a sense of normality, our situation remains extremely difficult.

There are no tourists like before. Our country is not getting revenue at the level we are used to. Our country relies a lot on tourism. If there is no tourism, we need to expect that there will be great economic repercussions on our quality of life.

All around the world, countries are affected despite their size and economic power. How many people have lost their jobs? How many businesses have closed? How many people have no food? And this is even before we consider the tragic loss of lives caused by COVID-19. We all see the news.

These months and years ahead of us will be very difficult. Instead of a 3.9% growth of our economy compared to 2019, forecasts suggest that we will finish 2020 with negative 10.8%. This means that our economy is set to shrink by 10.8% and each of us will be severely hit.

Already the value of our salaries has decreased by 28% as a result of the currency exchange rates, caused by the lack of foreign exchange brought in by the tourism industry.

This year, we were expecting to get more than the 380, 000 visitors we received last year. Since the end of March we have had zero visitors and received zero dollars of foreign exchange from visitors.

This serious situation will not end anytime soon. Our tourism industry has been severely affected. The small Seychellois-owned establishments that were doing very well and contributing greatly to our economy, are suffering.

In 2008 our international debt was equivalent to 150% of our GDP. We have worked very hard over the last 11 years to reduce it to 57% in 2019. We were on target to reach 50% Debt-to-GDP next year.

With the current situation, we expect that we will reach this target only in 2025, assuming that the economy will start recovering soon.

Seychellois brothers and sisters,

Our economy is facing a serious crisis.

Over the next few months and years, our lives will be extremely difficult. As long as there is no vaccine against COVID-19 and the global economy does not recover, our economy will struggle to recoup, and both of these factors remain extremely uncertain.

Seychellois brothers and sisters, there is one thing that is very clear.

Today more than ever, Seychellois need to come together to navigate the great storm ahead of us. We need to navigate it together.

Over the months and years to come, we will face difficulties that we have never known as a country.

What we went through in 2008 is incomparable with the storm ahead of us today. Today, the global economy is on its knees, and our economy is no different.

When I meet economists and members of the private sector, I can see the worry on their faces.

But I never lose hope. I always keep hope alive. I am convinced that if each one of us workers, professionals, business owners, politicians, civil society if we put our differences aside and work in one direction, we will be able to save our country.

Seychellois brothers and sisters,

Faced with this national emergency, as President of Seychelles, I see only one opportunity to save Seychelles.

The election coming this year will take place in unprecedented circumstances, unlike anything we have known before. It will take place in the midst of a great storm.

In this context, I do not see this as an election that one that ends with a winner and a loser. I do not see it as a competition between political rivals, where each one pretends that their party has better solutions for Seychelles. This moment that Seychelles is in, it is not a time for any party to create political divisions and confrontation.

In this election, it is Seychelles that is important it is our economic survival in question.

I firmly believe that faced with this national emergency, we need to come together. It is for this reason that as a presidential candidate in the upcoming election, I will put in front of the Seychellois people the urgency of the next government being a government of national unity.

This means an inclusive government that will better reflect our political, economic, professional and civic strengths and voices, so that we can successfully navigate this storm together as a nation. A government that puts partisan politics aside, where the only priority is to save Seychelles.

Seychellois brothers and sisters,

When we are in the middle of a storm, we need to put our differences aside and we need to rally together.

Today Seychelles is asking us to unite. The same Seychelles that has nurtured us and sustained us for the last 250 years.

This Seychelles with its Constitution that we are celebrating today that has allowed us to make exponential progress over the last 27 years.

Seychelles is calling us. Just as the Preamble of our Constitution that I cited earlier reminds us, we must be ever mindful of the uniqueness and fragility of our Seychelles.

And this is clear in our situation today. Yes Seychellois brothers and sisters, our Seychelles is too small, too beautiful, too precious, for us to turn our backs on her. Let us save her, together. This is my profound desire that I share with the people of Seychelles today.

Today, all of us, regardless of our political colours, we are in the same boat navigating this great storm that is going to get worse.

After we get through these bad times, let us give Seychelles her best chance to recover.

Seychellois brothers and sisters, 27 years ago the generation of 1993 started a new chapter of our history. Today, faced with a great challenge of our time, I invite the generation of 2020 to once again, start a new chapter.

Tonight, I invite you to join me and come together to save Seychelles.

May God continue to bless our Seychelles and protect our people.

Thank you and good evening.

Go here to see the original:

Address by President Danny Faure on the occasion of Constitution Day 2020 18 June 2020 - Office of the President of the Republic of Seychelles

Many of the world's greatest travel destinations are reopening to international travelers this summer.

But not all openings are created equal. A handful of countries are letting in everyone, while others are inviting only a select few.

Here is a definitive guide to the countries that are now welcoming travelers or have indicated they will before August.

Do consider:

Some of the Caribbean's most famous islands are already open, including Antigua,Jamaica,the U.S. Virgin Islands and St. Lucia.

The Bahamas officially reopens its borders on July 1.

Per Breiehagen

On June 15, theBahamaswelcomed yachts and private flights; everyone else can join from July 1. Bermuda is opening its borders to travelers who comply with these measureson July 1. Also on the first day of July, Aruba welcomes residents of Canada, Europe and other Caribbean islands (excluding the Dominican Republic and Haiti); Americans can join on July 10.

Puerto Rico's borders open on July 15.Travelers to Turks and Caicos will need to wait a little longer; it opens July 22.

Other islands are more commitment-phobic.Keith Mitchell, the prime minister of Grenada,posted on Facebook that the country is considering June 30 as a "possible date for reopening." The French isle of Saint Martin indicated visitors could come as early as July 1, but nothing official has been announced.

Note: Some islands, including St. Lucia and Bermuda, are requiring negative Covid-19 tests within 48 to 72 hours before departure.

After a patchwork of internal border announcements in May, the EU announced Wednesday that non-Europeans would be allowed to enter from July 1.

The travel ban will be lifted "gradually and partially," said European Commission Vice President Josep Borrell. Americans are not expected to make the first cut, instead the Commission recommended lifting travel restrictions for Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia first.

Regarding internal borders, Italy and Bulgaria have alreadyreopened their borders to residents of most European countries.Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Hungary, Montenegro, Portugal, Slovenia and Slovakia have also loosened regulations, albeit to a more restricted list of countries.

Italy has reopened its borders to most European countries but not everyone has returned the gesture.

Suttipong Sutiratanachai

In mid-June, the continent took a giant leap forward to reopen internally for summer travel. On June 13, Poland reopened its borders to EU nations. On June 15, Germany lifted a travel ban to 31 European countries, Greece to 29 countries (including Australia) and the Netherlands to 12 EU countries. Iceland, Belgium, Franceand Switzerlandopened their borders to all EU and Schengen Area travelers, though travelers from U.K. are subject to a 14-day quarantine in France as are air passengers from Spain (the latter ending on June 21).

June 15 also marks easing of restrictions among the Nordic countries ofNorway, Denmark and Finland.The countries are excluding Sweden, which has taken a more lax approach to contain coronavirus infections.

Spain moved plans to open its borders forward; residents of Schengen Area nations (except for Portugal) can enter starting June 21. Spain's announcement likely applies to residents of the EU too.The Schengen Area is a group of 26 European countries that includes non-EU countries like Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland.

A few considerations:

Asia is largely closed to foreign holidaymakers for the time being. Japan, Vietnam and Singapore have not announced dates when they will open, though the Indonesian island of Bali is said to be reopening in October.

Rumors that Thailand was opening to international travelers on July 1 were squashed last month when Yuthasak Supasorn, the governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said tourists may return in the fourth quarter of the year "at the earliest."

Opening July 1, the Maldives is allowing travelers in without new visa requirements and fees.

amriphoto

So where can you explore in Asia? Private jets and yachts are already welcome in the Maldives, and commercial airlines are scheduled to resume from July 1. After announcing testing and visa protocols, the country appears to be backing off those requirements for now.

On June 17, Taiwan opened its borders, albeit ever so slightly. Short-term business travelers from select Asia Pacific countries can enter (though shortenedquarantine requirements still apply).

Turkey has indicated it will be welcoming tourists in July, as has the Caucasus nation of Georgia (though who exactly can enter Georgia is unclear).

Sri Lanka is preparing to reopen its borders to all nationalities on Aug. 1, if individuals can produce proof of medical insurance, plan to stay at least five nights, and can show a negative Covid-19 test taken less than 72 hours before departure. Travelers to the "teardrop island" will also undergo a second test upon arrival.

French Polynesia announced tourists from all countries can arrive from July 15.

The country, which includes Tahiti, Mo'orea and Bora Bora, is requiring travelers to have either a negative Covid-19 test (administered 72 hours before departure) or an "immunity certificate" that proves you've recovered from a previous infection. Travelers may be retested during their stay.

Travel to the U.S. is prohibited for some nationalities; all others may be subject to state-mandated quarantines, such as Hawaii's 14-day quarantine requirement that was extended this week to July 31.

Canada has two-week quarantine requirements too. The border closure for nonessential travel between the U.S. and Canada has been extended through July 21, though it's reported some Americans are entering via a "loophole" that allows travelers to transit through Canada in order to drive to Alaska.

The Riviera Maya in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo is open to international travelers.

Marianna Massey

Mexico is opening state by state, and Quintana Roo home to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel and Tulum opened this week. Los Cabos officially reopened on June 15, and flights from major U.S. cities, such as Los Angeles, Dallas and Chicago, are scheduled to resume in late June to July.

Mexico's travel industry has been hindered by a joint agreement between Mexico and the U.S. that restricts nonessential travel until July 21. Mexico has also been named one of seven coronavirus "international hot spots" a list that also includes the United States.

From Israel to Qatar, much of the Middle East is not open for travel yet.

A trip to Dubai may be possible in the latter half of the summer. It's reported to be opening sometime between July to September.

Popular African tourist destinations, such as Morocco and South Africa, have not announced plans to loosen border restrictions yet.

After widespread reports that South Africa wouldn't open until 2021, the country's tourism officials clarified this week that this was a "worst-case scenario" and that it hopes to welcome travelers by September.

Last week, the Seychelles opened to tourists arriving on a private jet, chartered flight or yacht.Plans to resume commercial flights are set for July.

Commerical flights are expected to resume to the Seychelles in July.

amriphoto

Tunisia is opening land, air and sea borders to residents from Algeria and select European nations, including Germany and the U.K., from June 27.

Tanzania unconditionally welcomed tourists from all nations in May, one of the earliest countries to do so. The country has been criticized for a lack of transparency regarding infection rates, as well as statements by President John Magufuli that the coronavirus could be cured by drinking ginger and lemonade. He also said the virus had been removed from Tanzania "by the powers of God" despite evidence to the contrary.

Much of South America including Bolivia, Brazil, Chile and Peru remains off-limits to international travelers for the time being.

Colombia banned all passenger flights until at least Aug. 31. Argentina has a similar flight ban through Sept.1, though there is talk of bringing this date forward to July.

Read more from the original source:

Which countries are open for summer travel? Here's the list - CNBC

The COMESA regional economy is projected to grow at a paltry 0.6% this year down from 5.2% recorded in 2019 and 6.0% in 2018.

The slight dip in 2019 was attributed to lower commodity prices while the expected slump in 2020 will result from the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic suggesting a deeper economic contraction for the region.

According to a report on macroeconomic developments in COMESA region in 2019, the slowdown in growth was experienced in most COMESA member countries except Egypt, Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda and Seychelles which registered improved economic growth compared to 2018.

The impressive growth of above 5% in both years reflected among others, improving growth fundamentals, with a gradual shift from private consumption toward investment and exports, says the report prepared by the COMESA Monetary Institute.

The projected contraction of the regional economy will be driven by the impact of containment measures, the decline in global demand and regional spillovers, the external financial constraint and the impact of multiple shocks.

According to the CMI report, COVID -19 mitigation measures including travel restrictions, quarantines, lockdowns, border closures among other measures have not only disrupted economic activities but also led to mass unemployment and loss of livelihoods, especially in the informal sector.

Decline in global demand and travel has resulted in rapid fall in trade and tourism while disruption of regional trade due to border closures has severely affected cross-border trade in the region, the report states. Severe contraction is also expected in countries where tourism significantly contributes to economic growth such as Mauritius, Seychelles, Egypt and Kenya, among others.

The report noted that capital outflows have been significant in a number of countries and as a result, most of the currencies in the region are under pressure to depreciate. Together with the sharp decline in capital inflows and remittance, and postponement planned bond issuance means that most countries in the region are facing serious external financing constraints.

The impact of multiple shocks particularly the effects of floods, locust invasion and the collapse of commodity prices will significantly contribute to the economic contraction in the region, according to the CMI report.

Accordingly, the immediate concern for the region now is to contain the spread of Coronavirus as well as opening the economies.

How to strike a balance between the two almost conflicting objectives will determine the speed and extent of economic recovery and return to normalcy, the report adds. Key towards getting the balance right will depend on how effective and efficient governments in the region will be as they continue to carry out public health measures and the extent to which the public will adapt the same.

Going forward, the report recommends that strengthening of continental value chains should be a priority given the uncertain global business environment.

In the medium-long term, the effective implementation of regional integration agenda of the Regional Economic Communities and the continental free trade area will be key to strengthening regional production networks and trade, reducing the continents vulnerability to external shocks, and consequently leading to improvements in external current account balances.

Related

Continue reading here:

COMESA region expected to grow at 0.6% in 2020 - Uganda

Variety Cruises said it will resume operations on July 24, 2020, with the 49-guest Galileo on an eight-day itinerary.

Newly appointed CEO Filippos Venetopoulos - grandson to the founder Diogenis Venetopoulos and son to the companys Chairman Lakis Venetopoulos - is now at the helm for the company's resumption of service.

He takes the reins with the promise that the guests safety and an even more sustainability-driven small ship cruise product remains paramount, according to the company.

This is not the time to strive to reinvent what we had or who we were. It is a time to look forward and build a better world by learning from our history and providing strong travel experiences that enrich the soul," said Venetopoulos

"Sustainability, diversity, safety, and fun are the common threads that drive us in terms of both our guests and the communities we visit. I would like to personally invite you to join us on our maiden voyage of July 24, or on any of our upcoming cruises in Greece or in the Seychelles, as we continue to announce our old and new destinations. We believe that travel is more than just a luxury, but a way of life; a public function necessary for our growth and evolution, and at times like these for inner healing.

"Now is not the time to focus on bookings and numbers by placing our sustainability goals aside, but in fact the time to make those our number one priority. Diversity, sustainability, equality, and above all connecting with one another."

The company's July itinerary will be the "Greece the Jewels of the Cyclades" sailings, featuring smaller Greek ports. Jewels of the Cyclades departures start from $2,590 per person, sailing from the yacht cruise marina in Athens on Fridays.

Excerpt from:

Variety Cruises Will Start Cruising in July - Cruise Industry News