In a bold return to its roots and a future-facing commitment to exploration and philanthropy, Variety Cruises has announced the revival of its acclaimed Mystery Voyage for 2025. The once-in-a-lifetime cruise experience, personally hosted by CEO Filippos Venetopoulos, will chart an undisclosed course through the hidden wonders of Europe—setting sail from Valletta, Malta, and concluding in Naples, Italy.
Departing June 21, 2025, this ultra-exclusive, purpose-driven sailing is limited to just 50 guests and will unfold aboard the luxurious M/Y Variety Voyager. Far more than a traditional cruise, this captivating journey will reveal each day’s destination only hours before arrival. It’s a thrilling invitation to embrace the unexpected and experience Europe like never before.
“Every journey should be transformative,” said Filippos Venetopoulos, the third-generation CEO guiding the family-run cruise line into a new era. “This voyage is designed not only to unveil hidden harbors and forgotten towns, but also to forge genuine connections—with communities, cultures, and causes that matter.”
All profits from the 2025 Mystery Voyage will benefit Variety Cares, the company’s non-profit foundation supporting clean oceans, gender equality, and education in under-resourced communities worldwide. This follows the resounding success of the company’s 75th-anniversary edition of the Mystery Cruise in 2023, which left an indelible mark on participants and local communities.
A Journey of Soulful Discovery
The upcoming voyage will offer an unparalleled glimpse into the unseen corners of Italy and Malta. Guests will visit an island forgotten by time, uncover a fishing village barely noted on modern maps, and explore secluded coves only accessible by sea. Every moment is curated to delight, inspire, and surprise—without the crutch of guidebooks or over-touristed stops.
This immersive, slow-travel ethos is what has long set Variety Cruises apart. With a fleet of boutique ships and a crew-to-guest ratio that guarantees personalized service, the company prides itself on its ability to navigate the narrowest inlets and access destinations far beyond the reach of mega-cruise lines.
The Variety Voyager, the host vessel for this voyage, boasts 36 spacious cabins, a sweeping 360° Sun Deck, an elegant lounge and premium bar, plus a full-service spa and fitness center. It’s the perfect floating sanctuary for travelers eager to experience Europe’s forgotten coastlines in relaxed luxury.
Experience with Purpose
Guests aboard the 2025 Mystery Cruise can expect a well-rounded itinerary, rich in cultural texture and rooted in sustainability. The sailing includes:
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Accommodation in stylish double or twin cabins with en-suite bathrooms
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Half-board dining focused on local cuisine, complemented by festive BBQs and themed nights
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Welcome and farewell cocktails
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Four immersive shore excursions guided by expert locals
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Two traditional meals enjoyed ashore
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A selection of surprise onboard activities and tastings
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Complimentary coffee, tea, water, and Wi-Fi
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An English-speaking cruise escort throughout
Fares begin at €4,490 per person, but early reservations made by March 31, 2025, qualify for a 20% discount—a rare opportunity for seekers of extraordinary travel with impact.
Philanthropy in Motion
Beyond luxury and adventure, Variety Cruises’ mission runs deeper. Through Variety Cares, the company transforms profits into decisive progress. A shining example is the Lamin Koto School in Kuntaur village, The Gambia—a project fully funded by guest donations and company contributions. Today, it provides clean water and quality education to over 100 students and stands as a beacon of hope in one of West Africa’s most remote regions.
This model of giving back—where travel becomes a catalyst for empowerment—underscores Variety’s broader philosophy: to create a better world at sea™.
As travel trends shift toward authenticity, sustainability, and purpose, Variety Cruises again proves that the journey matters just as much as the destination—and that small ships can significantly impact.
For reservations and details, visit the official website:
👉 https://www.varietycruises.com/cruises/mystery-cruise-from-valletta-to-naples-20-off-limited-variety-cruises-voyager/.
Written by Christine Nguyen