A comfortable, spacious ship for mature-age cruisers
Overview. Artania should provide a fine experience in spacious, reserved contemporary surroundings, at a decent price. It is best suited to couples and singles seeking to cruise in a modern mid-size ship.
The Ship. There’s a traditional walk-around teak deck, and the ship has extensive outdoor deck and sunbathing space, plus a wave-action swimming pool.
The interior decor reflects the feeling of space, openness, and light; the passenger flow is good. There are several nicely appointed public rooms, bars, and lounges, plus wide passageways and three spacious stairways (with slightly different carpet colors).
A Pacific Lounge, set around the funnel base, has fine views and a peaceful environment during the day; each evening it becomes a lively nightclub. Around the central stairway foyer, is the popular Harry’s Bar; there’s also a Bodega (tavern) for food and drinks. A 7 percent gratuity is added to bar accounts.
Accommodation. The all-outside view cabins (270 with private balcony) represent just four accommodation types (including suites), although there are 21 price categories. All of the cabins (most of which have twin beds convertible into a queen-size bed) are comfortable and well appointed.
All have a large shower enclosure, color TV set, hairdryer, personal safe, and European two-pin sockets. Also standard are stylish bed runners, high-quality sprung mattresses, European duvets, and cotton towels. L’Occitane personal toiletries are provided, as are chocolates on your pillow each night. Prompt, attentive room service is provided 24 hours a day.
Some cabins on both Apollo Deck and Orion Deck have full or partial lifeboat- and safety equipment-obstructed views, and some cabins have extra sofa beds fitted (good for families during the busy summer and school-holiday months).
The 12 largest suites are attractive, but, with the exception of the Royal Suite, are not large, and the balconies are small, although all have teak decking. Suite occupants get an expanded range of toiletries and complimentary mineral water.
Dining. The Vier Jahreszeiten (Four Seasons) restaurant is set low down in the ship, conveniently adjacent to the lobby. One deck above is the Artania Restaurant, with adjacent bar. Casual meals can be taken in the indoor-outdoor Lido Restaurant.
Entertainment. The Atlantik Showlounge hosts shows, drama, and cabaret acts. Volume is normally kept to an acceptable level.
Spa/Fitness. The Artania Spa contains a gym with muscle-toning equipment, saunas and changing rooms. There’s also a steam bath, ice-fountain, and salon. For the sports-minded, there’s table tennis, tables-soccer, shuffleboard, and darts.