The Callisto is a tiny chartered 165-ft vessel of just 499 tons. She takes 39 passengers on destination-oriented cruises to Mediterranean ports and along the West African coast.
The owner, Travel Dynamics International, is a New York-based company started by two Greek brothers in 1969, and they are still in charge. Over the years, numerous vessels have been chartered for high-end small ship cruising for North American individuals and affinity groups. Tipping depends on the charter arrangements.
Cruises focus on themes and regions of the Mediterranean and Black seas in the spring, summer and fall. An enrichment program is an important ingredient.
The principal public room deck has a forward dining room with one (open) sitting. A port-side gallery runs aft to a bar and lounge, used for lectures, briefings and socializing. Live music accompanies cocktails. The attractive library with arcing windows is located on the highest deck and looks out to sea as well as aft over the sun deck and whirlpool. The food is good and the wine is complimentary.
The Callisto's cabins are all outside with twin, double or queen beds and showers. Amenities are TV with VCR, radio, phone and refrigerator.
Travel Dynamics has a very good reputation, and the Callisto, albeit expensive, is one of the most intimate ships available to explore the smallest ports in the Mediterranean and Black seas and the West Coast of Africa.
