Greek Island Cruise Lines
Almost every mainstream cruise line, both U.S. and European, has Eastern Mediterranean itineraries that stop at the larger Greek islands of Mykonos, Santorini and Crete.
To really get an in-depth vacation on the Greek islands, you’ll want to book with a line that has smaller cruise ships that stop at some of the less-trafficked ports. Options include luxury lines Azamara, Windstar, SeaDream, Seabourn, Silversea and Star Clippers.
Two Greek cruise lines, Celestyal Cruises and Variety Cruises, offer itineraries that focus only on the islands. Celestyal, which has been seeing an influx of North American passengers, uses larger, more traditional cruise ships and normally spends more time than the mainstream lines at each island — with full days and overnights in some ports.
Greek Island Cruises That Make Dreams Come True
Cosmopolitan Greek Islands
The iconic islands of the Cyclades are undoubtedly one of the most magical experiences in the eastern Mediterranean. With cosmopolitan architecture and clusters of iconic white-painted houses perched atop reddish-black volcanic cliffs, the exquisite natural settings of the Greek islands beckon to take you on a journey that most will only dream of. And as you meander through the charming narrow lanes, there is a pleasant surprise around every corner.
Awe-Inspiring Attractions
From the elaborate monument of Athens to the clifftop village of Oia and the charming medieval city of Rhodes, Greece and the Greek Island cruise Vacations of any length leave you dreaming of your next visit.
Yacht And Sailboat Charters And Smaller Sail
For Yacht and Sailboat Charters see www.greecetravel.com/sailingwhere you will find information on chartering boats with or without a skipper as well as cruises on sailing ships with twenty or thirty cabins that go on weekly itineraries to the islands, . You don’t have to book the whole boat. You just book by the person.
Santorini Sailing: Several companies do charters around the island catamarans which includes gourmet meals, swimming in isolated coves, and a spectacular view of the island. You can take half-day, full day and overnight trips.
For those who are visiting Mykonos try the 1 Day Yachting Cruise from Mykonos to Rinia & Delos offered by Fantasy Travel. Rinia is a small island accessable only by sailboat or motoryacht.
Read Also: How To Find Cheap Cruise Deals
Traveling From The Us
There are few airlines that offer non-stop flights between the USA and Athens however, many offer one or two stop over flights. The following are the main airline companies that fly to Athens:
Delta Airlines offers direct flights from New York-JFK to Athens up to once or twice a day during peak season .
Since March 2017, Emirates has included non-stop flights between Newark and Athens and operate all year round.
During the summer months, American Airlines also offers daily flights from Philadelphia to Athens.
To Cruise Or Not To Cruise The Greek Islands
If you arecoming to Greece this year and you want to seeas much as you can, what better way to see theGreek Islands and the coast of Turkey then togo in style on a cruise ship? But there are some things you should think about. For example do you want to spend all your time on a ship and 5 or 6 hours on an island, or do you want to spend more time on the islands? If you are using a cruise ship as a sort of introduction to Greece for a future trip where you will spend more time on an island or two then I get it. Think of it as getting the appetiser sampler instead of a main meal, so next time you come you will know what you like. If there is a next time.Of course if this is your one and only trip to Greece it would be great if you could do both. Well, actually there is. Fantasy Travel’s Smart Seven allows you to spend three nights on Mykonos and three nights on Santorini and in between you are on a Four Day Cruise that includes Turkey, Patmos, Rhodes and Crete.
You May Like: What’s The Best Cruise Line For Families
Local Currency & Tipping Customs
The Euro is Greeces primary form of currency. While credit cards are widely accepted, its recommended to double check before using a credit card. Tipping taxi drivers isnt common, but its polite to do so when given great customer service, and a typical percentage would be 10% of your fare. Its also customary to leave some Euros behind at a restaurant if the service or meal was very satisfactory. If there is no service charge included in your bill, a 10% tip is customary. Finally, if youre taking a tour in Greece, leave an additional tip of 5-10 for your tour guide.
Best Time For Greek Island Cruises
The season in the Greek islands runs from May to late October. While July and August are the most popular for cruise ships, keep in mind that temperatures can top 100 degrees. June and September are probably the best months, as the tourist crush isn’t as thick and the climate is cooler. Another factor for wine-lovers: September is the grape harvest at Santorini’s vineyards.
Don’t Miss: How To Find Last Minute Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
14-night Afar Atlantic Isles Cruise, New York to Miami
The Seven Seas Navigator departs from New York for a day at sea before reaching Hamilton, Bermuda where guests can visit the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo. The next port is St. George in Bermuda for a walking tour, bike ride, or cave exploration. Two days at sea takes the ship to St. Lucia for duty-free shopping, rainforest tour, or hike to Fort Charlotte.
Grenada is the next port, and then on to Bonaire, Curacao, and Aruba for a day on each island before setting out for two days at sea cruising the Caribbean and the Florida Straits. Jamaica is the next destination where guests can choose a nature tour, rafting trip, or scenic drive. After a final day at sea, the ship reaches Miami for disembarkation. During days at sea, guests can enjoy the shipâs spa, fitness center, enrichment programs, casino, nightclubs, and boutiques.
Recommended Reading: How Long Is The Mississippi River Cruise
Who Goes On Windstar Cruise Ships
Windstar attracts adults all the way from 30 to 90 years, including honeymooners and people celebrating milestone birthdays or anniversaries. The core age, however, is 55 to 75, with most coming from North America others come from New Zealand and Australia, the U.K. and other European countries. You won’t find younger families onboard as Windstar draws the line at kids under 8.
Also Check: Holland America Transatlantic Repositioning Cruises 2021
Essential Greek Island Cruise Vacations
An essential stop is the glamorous island of Mykonos, with its gleaming white-washed houses and winding lanes of Chora. The islands main town and port, along with its famous array of beaches, combine to make it an unforgettable port of call. The Mykonian reputation for exuberance is truly second to none.Among the most popular Greek islands with Vacationmakers is Rhodes, a mesmerizing presence with its astonishingly well-preserved medieval old town and lush scenery beyond. While considerably smaller, Patmos occupies a vaunted place in Christendom on account of John the Evangelist who, having been expelled from Ephesus by the Roman Emperor Diocletian in 95 AD, received his Revelation in the Cave of the Apocalypse. And then there is Crete. With an array of historic cities and a vast and dazzling coastline, its no wonder the Greeks call Crete the megalonisos: the big island. In the Bronze Age, from about 3000 BC to 1200 BC, the Minoan culture flourished on the island and left behind the palace ruins of Knossos where the mythical lair of the Minotaur is among our complimentary excursions.
Read More
Take A Stroll On Hydra
To the south of the Peloponnese, the island of Hydra is best explored by boat, on foot or with a donkey.Cars are banned from the island, which was known for its powerful fleet until the 1820s. Today, pleasure boats have replaced the commercial vessels, letting passengers admire the island’s rocky, maquis-covered Mediterranean coastline. The charming town of Hydra is easy to visit on foot, from the white houses covered with bougainvillea and jasmine to the churches and historic mansions built by powerful shipowners. A 15-minute walk away, travellers can also drop into the authentic Greek fishing village of Kamini.
Don’t Miss: What’s The Biggest Disney Cruise Ship
Cruises From Various Parts Of Europe
In summer, one of the most popular ways to travel in Europe is to book a cruise around the Mediterranean. Some of the biggest cruise ships dock in Piraeus . To mention a few:
- Royal Caribbean International offers a 7-night cruise departing from Venice around some of the Greek Islands and includes a stop at Athens.
- Seabourn also departs from Venice during a seven-night tour of the Greek Islands and stops the last day in Athens.
- Celebrity Reflection departs from Rome and stops in Athens.
Appreciate A More Relaxed Way Of Life In Paros
The pearl of the Cyclades, Paros is a Greek postcard come to life. Its small fishing ports are filled with blue and white boats to match the whitewashed houses with navy shutters, while the beaches are hidden in coves or laid out along the coast in long stretches of golden sand. High in the hills, Lefkes is one of the island’s most charming villages. Its cobbled streets are lined with taverns, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding hills, the sea and the distant island of Naxos.
Recommended Reading: Where Does The Disney Cruise Go
What Are Windstars Most Popular Activities
There are few organized activities onboard a Windstar cruise, with most cruisers spending their time onshore exploring the ports being visited. The unregimented, relaxed life with outstanding food and service fits the passengers, and friendships spring up quickly. Many passengers take advantage of the water sports platform that’s on most ships and all the toys that go with it. In the evening, passengers will chat in the main lounge, and while a house band might play for a little while, most cruisers get to bed early to take advantage of a full day in port the next day.
The line does have a robust partnership with the James Beard Foundation, with culinary demonstrations on every sailing that give passengers access to chef secrets.
On the sailing ships, the top deck will always be packed if the sails are scheduled to be unfurled.
What About The Smaller Boats That Do Greek Island Cruises
In my opinion this is a great way to go. Yes it is a cruise except there are only from 5 to 25 cabins meaning there are only 10 to 40 people on your boat instead of hundreds or thousands. They are mostly old style wooden sailboats though they mostly travel using the engines. And unlike a cruise where you wait in lineto get on and off the ships and sometimes have to use smaller boats to get to shore because they are too big for the harbor, these boats pull up to the dock and you get on and off as you like. They also stop in quiet coves and beaches for swimming, fishing and lunch. The famous Captain Alexander Matsakis does cruises of the Cyclades, Sporades and the Ionian Islands and is something of a legend. Besides his weekly scheduled cruises his boats can be chartered as well. See Greece Sail Cruises and Charters.
Another option is the Jewels of the Cyclades Cruise on the motor-yacht Gallileo which has 25 cabins or the Classical Greece Cruise on the 21 cabin mega-yacht Harmony.
Greek Island Cruise Video
This video was made by filmaker Andy Emery during his honeymoon. It gives you a pretty good idea of what a cruise of the Greek Islands and Turkey is like even though Easy Cruise no longer exists.
You can get discounted rates for cruises by going to Fantasy Travel’s Cruise for inexpensive packages that includes a 4 day cruise, 3 nights in Athens and Delphi.
You May Like: Cruise To Tahiti And Bora Bora
Ports Of Call & Excursions
9 October 2022 –Lavrio
Arrival 9/10/2022 early morning Disembarkation 9/10/2022 at 7:00 am
Near Athens, Lavrion is a peaceful port welcoming boats from around the world. The town has been known since ancient times for the silver-producing mines of Lavrion, which were major contributors to the wealth of Athens and to the Greek economy in the 20th century. Weather permitting, take a stroll through the town and discover the many vestiges of this industry that flourished until the 1980s: old Neoclassical-style constructions, industrial buildings, and worker houses. Not far from there, the ancient site of Thorikos reveals a Greek theatre and a marble temple dedicated to Demeter, both well preserved. The elegant silhouette of Le Ponant will be awaiting you at quay, to take you on an incredible journey to the heart of the Greek islands.
Le Ponant
Unique of its kind, Le Ponant is one of the most majestic sailing vessels in the world. With 16 spacious cabins and suites, one crew member per passenger, a dedicated chef, and authentic and exclusive experiences to be enjoyed at every stop, designed for and with you, the ship redefines the concept of luxury yachting and promises you an extraordinary experience.
In addition to its tasteful and refined design by Jean-Philippe Nuel, it has many innovative and environmentally friendly amenities.
Star Clippers Star Flyer Dress Code
The atmosphere on a Star Clipper’s ship is relaxed and easygoing. Daywear is quite casual — shorts and T-shirts for land tours, swimsuits and cover-ups for beach days or lying on deck. Swim apparel is not permitted in the dining room. Women tend to wear nice slacks or skirts and tops or sundresses, while men stick to slacks and shirts with collar and sleeves. Jackets and ties are definitely not required. Shorts and T-shirts are not allowed in the dining room at night the European contingent is, in any case, quite glamorous. Star Clippers’ passengers sport a lot of logowear, too, wearing their past passenger status with pride, and first-time travelers stock up after a visit to the onboard shop — particularly if the crew put on a “fashion show” in the tropical bar.
A few nights are themed — pirate night, for example, although most people didn’t bother to dress up on our cruise. Others borrowed scarves and other swashbuckling accessories provided in a “dressing up” box. Passengers can opt for slightly dressier apparel for the Captain’s Dinner , but it’s definitely optional, and no one goes really formal.
Don’t forget to bring hard-soled water shoes — some of the beaches are “wet landings,” where you might get your feet wet. A sweater or sweatshirt is useful for more blustery sea days, as well as a hat that won’t blow off in the wind, and non-slip shoes suitable for walking around teak decks.
Don’t Miss: What Is The Best Norwegian Cruise Ship
Contact Cruise Guru For More Information About Athens Cruises
If you happen to run into any problems booking your cruise from Athens, contact us immediately and our team of travel specialists will be able to help you with any question or query you have. You can contact Cruise Guru directly by dialling up or by filling out a . Our experienced travel specialists will ensure that your problem will be taken care of promptly and with ease.
Be sure to additionally follow or like our , , or pages to receive the latest information on exclusive cruise deals, astounding promotions, and must-see cruise-related news. For the best itineraries at an affordable price, look no further than Cruise Guru for all your holiday-planning needs!
Best Cruises For Greek Island Hopping
World-famous sights such as the Parthenon in Athens, charming seaside tavernas and crystal-clear waters are all part of a Greek island-hopping cruise. Only 227 of the 6,000 islands and islets scattered in the Aegean and Ionian Seas of Greece are inhabited and some are only accessible by boat, making a small ship cruise the best way discover these idyllic destinations.
Take a look at our list of the 10 best cruise lines for a Greek island-hopping odyssey.
You May Like: Does Norwegian Cruise Line Offer Military Discount
Greek Odyssey Holland America Line
From Rome to Venice with six stops at ports in Greece, this 12-day cruise also takes its passengers to Naples, Turkey and Montenegro, showcasing some of the worlds most influential Western cultures.
Travel aboard the Zuiderdam with 1,900 other passengers on this 936-foot-long ship and on one of the best cruises in Greece. Wander through its corridors, and admire its wondrous art and antique collection. Find ultimate relaxation in the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, test your culinary skills in a hands-on workshop from Americas Test Kitchen, and learn about the world with BBC Earth Experiences presentations and activities.
Try to earn some of your money back by visiting the casino and playing blackjack, poker, or have a go at slot machines on this Holland America Line cruise. Live music is also an entertainment option, as Lincoln Center Stage performs orchestral numbers most evenings and afternoon recitals at sea. Memorialize your trip by developing a travel journal and by producing photo albums and videos at the Microsoft Studio, too.
Limited To 148 Guests
or speak to your travel professional
Included With This Luxury Expedition Cruise
- An Exclusively Chartered, All-Inclusive Voyage Led by A& Ks Expedition Team and Local Guides
- Pre- and/or Post-Cruise Stays at Stylish, Ideally Located Hotels and A& K-Led Excursions
- Airport Meet and Greet and Transfers
- Private Balcony with Every Onboard Accommodation and Butler Service with Every Suite
- Maximum Personnel-to-Guest Ratio of 1 to 1.3
- Culinary Program Featuring French-Inspired Cuisine, Including House Drinks, Afternoon Tea and Pastries
- 24-Hour Room Service and Breakfast in Bed
- Choice of Curated, All-Inclusive Shore Excursions
- Enrichment programming, lectures and presentations
- Travellers Valet® Laundry Service
- All Gratuities, Port Charges and Taxes
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on Board and in Hotels
- Onboard Service from an English-Speaking Staff, Including an Accredited Physician
- 24/7 A& K On-Call Support
Don’t Miss: What Are The Top 5 Luxury Cruise Lines