Athena was originally built as a trans-atlantic ocean liner and in 1994 the vessel changed ownership and was virtually stripped to her hull and re-constructed and restored as a beautiful new premium rated contemporary cruise ship. With a handsome profile and a traditional walk around promenade deck, Athena is a medium to small sized cruise ship by today’s standards carrying about 550 passengers and offering a wide selection of well appointed public lounges and comfortable cabin accommodation spanning eight passenger decks serviced by two lifts. Her enhanced facilities include the impressive Olissipo Restaurant with an alternative buffet dining facility in the Lotus Lounge, a choice of five comfortable lounges and bars including the impressive Calypso Show Lounge, plus a nightclub, cinema, casino, shopping boutique and photo shop, library, card room, fitness and health centre with a sauna and massage, an outdoor swimming pool and a beautiful marbled reception area. A majority of cabins have a sea view and all 276 passenger cabins have private en-suite facilities with a bath tub and shower, a television for satellite programmes and in house movies, a fridge and mini bar facility, hairdryer and personal safe. There is a selection of twin-bedded and double-bedded cabins, and also more luxurious mini suites and spacious balcony suites with the added benefit of Jacuzzis. A limited number of cabins also have extra upper foldaway pullman berths or sofa bed. The Classic International Cruises brand has always been associated with great value. Athena will be no exception, offering interesting cruise itineraries throughout the seas of the world.