Who doesn’t dream of visiting the Greek islands and of taking a cruise? I remember when I was in the States, almost all my American friends would either dream of visiting the Greek islands or of going on a cruise vacation. And most worked their butts off to save for that very special day! So what if I could tell you that you could do both? Yes, visit Greece, stay in Athens for at least two days, see the Acropolis, do a bit of the nightlife, see some of the mainland, and also go on cruise of the Greek islands.
Well, folks you can and I’m suggesting in this post three Greek island cruise itineraries that are affordable, offer fantastic food and depart right out of Athens. I’ve also added four more costlier cruises to lesser-known Greek islands on smaller cruise ships.
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I do have to say that there are dozens of cruises on offer in Greece for all wallets and all traveler styles. But today I suggest cruises that I personally have been on and which I believe will satisfy a foreign traveler’s desire to see the Greek islands, enjoy a cruise in the Aegean Sea, and eat amazingly well.
I know most of you usually come to Greece for about two weeks and you’re eager to fit it all in. That’s why I recommend three Greek island cruise itineraries: a 3-day, 4-day, and 7-day Greek island cruise and an four alternative 7-day cruises on smaller ships out of Athens and returning to Athens’ Piraeus port.
➢ 3-Day Greek Island Cruise
Itinerary: departs from the port of Lavrion (about an hour+ drive from Athens) and travels to Mykonos, Kusadasi (Turkey), Patmos, and Crete (Heraklion).
If you want comfort, I suggest you book a private transfer. This service picks you up from Athens Airport and takes you to Lavrion and this service also offers pickup from the port to Athens.
One thing I would definitely recommend is spending a night in Lavrion. This underrated port town is still very authentic and a great place to enjoy a traditional Greek seafood meze. For more about Lavrion check out my ‘things to see and do in Lavrion’ post.
Departs: every Friday (morning)
➢ 4-Day Greek Island Cruise
Itinerary: departs from Lavrion and travels to Mykonos, Kusadasi (Turkey, you can do a day trip to Ancient Ephesus or a market tour), Patmos, Rhodes, Crete (Heraklion), and Santorini, returns to Lavrion.
Departs: every Monday (morning)
➢ 7-Day Greek Island Cruise
Itinerary: departs from Piraeus (near Athens), or from Thessaloniki (in Northern Greece), and travels to Kusadasi (Turkey), Crete (Heraklion), Santorini, Mykonos, Milos, and back to Piraeus.
Piraeus port is about 25 minutes from the center of Athens. You can ask reception at your hotel to book you a cab to the cruise terminal which should cost about 25 to 30 euros. Or book via an app.
Departs: every Saturday (morning)
➢ Alternative 7-Day Greek Island Cruise
These cruises are on smaller ships, more expensive but more intimate and they visit lesser-known Greek islands.
Itinerary 1: departs from Piraeus and stops at Cape Sounio, Ikaria, Patmos, Lipsi, Kalymnos, Levitha, Amorgos, Koufonisia, Iraklia, Serifos, and returns to Piraeus.
Itinerary 2: departs from Piraeus and travels to Polyaigos (Kimolos), Folegandros, Santorini, Antiparos, Paros, Delos, Mykonos, Syros, Kythnos, and returns to Piraeus.
Itinerary 3: departs from Piraeus to Kea, Delos, Mykonos, Santorini, Rethymno (Crete), Kythira, Monemvasia, Nafplio, Hydra, and back to Piraeus.
Itinerary 4: departs from Piraeus to Kefalonia, Paxi, Corfu, Ithaca, Messolonghi, Agistri, Aegina, and back to Piraeus.
🚢 If you’ve traveled to Athens and want to book a cruise of the Greek islands or elsewhere in Europe, in the Mediterranean, or farther still, call friends and The Greek Vibe trusted partner, Athens-based cruise agency allcruises.gr Ask for Eleni or Michalis – these guys have been making cruise dreams come true for more than two decades. Plus they have a fresh outlook and a passion for cruise travel. Contact them and tell them Maria from The Greek Vibe sent you. Make sure to use your Promo Code GV23 for a discount.
Maria’s Quick Greek Island Cruise Advice
What You Need to Know About Greek Island Cruises Out of Athens
1. When is the best time to cruise the Greek islands?
For me mid-May onward to early October is ideal. For fewer crowds and better (not as hot) weather, early June and September.
2. Which Greek islands are a must to visit?
The idea of taking a cruise is to see the islands most of you dream of while taking a cruise! So yes, your favorites Mykonos and Santorini, and of course, Rhodes and Crete, which however are larger islands that would be better seen on longer trip there.
Luckily, the smaller cruise ships do visit smaller not widely known but fantastic islands like Milos, Folegandros, and Ikaria.
3. Should I go on a larger cruise ship or a smaller ship?
There are many options but if you want an affordable cruise, larger ships like those of Celestyal are the best option. They’ve been doing this for years and offer competitive rates and extras.
For more intimate ships, Variety Cruises is a good choice to visit smaller off the radar Greek islands.
And then, of course, there are luxury options. Like I mentioned above, you can discuss endless possibilities with the people I trust, partners and cruise travel experts Eleni and Michalis at allcruises.gr who can answer all your questions and book your cruise from start to finish! They also book family trips, group cruises, honeymoons, special interest cruises (like dance or bridge cruises), and they know their stuff. And since you’re on this side of the Atlantic, many of may be dreaming of a river cruise on the Danube or visiting other European countries! Call them up and tell them Maria from The Greek Vibe sent you!
4. How long should my Greek island cruise be?
That really depends on how long you’ll be staying in Greece and how big (or small) your budget is. The 3- or 4-nighter is perfect and gives you time to stay in Athens and visit some mainland sites like Meteora and Delphi on a day trip.
The 7+ night cruises are better for those of you staying longer in Greece. They are less rushed, give you time to relax and enjoy life at sea!
5. Are there any special visa requirements?
You do not need a visa for these cruises as long as you’ve been in Greece less than 90 days. You won’t need a visa for the Turkey stop (Kusadasi) either.
6. Where do cruise ships depart from in Athens?
Like I said above, some cruises depart from Piraeus port – about 25 minutes from the center of Athens – or from Lavrion, which is an hour’s drive from the capital.
7. How much does a Greek island cruise cost?
It’s a tricky question. 3-day cruises start at around 380 euros ($445) and then depending on class, cabin and date the price changes.
Have in mind that most shore excursions cost around $50 to $150 each.
Massage treatments and other experiences are also extra.
Tips are included in the price. It’s is however customary (not obligatory) to also tip your cabin steward at the end of the trip if you’re happy with the service in your room.
Unless you’ve booked otherwise, drinks and Wi-Fi are not included.
A very rough estimate for a 3-night trip would come to about $1,000 including taxi to and from the port.
8. What shore excursions should I definitely go on?
Each company and cruise offers different shore trips but overall do not miss the sunset, volcano hike, or wine tour on Santorini / the Palace of Knossos on Crete or an olive oil farm visit / on Patmos, a visit to the Monastery of St John and the Cave of the Apocalypse, believed to be where St John the Theologian received his visions and wrote the Book of Revelation.
You won’t need to pay for shore trips on the 3- or 4-day cruises, you can explore on your own when it comes to smaller islands. Just enjoy an evening in Little Venice in Mykonos town and a stroll through Rhodes Old Town.
💡Tip! Make sure to book you shore excursion right when get on board! They sell fast. I have repeatedly made this mistake and missed out on visiting my favorite places.
9. How long do the cruise ships stay on each island?
Again this depends on the itinerary, cruise ship size and company. Generally, large cruises stay for about 6 to 10 hours, smaller ships often stay overnight.
Ask Eleni or Michalis about times and stays if exploring is your priority.
Generally, for Greek island hopping (and I’ve done this myself), 4-6 hour stays are just right. You’re back in time for dinner and drinks!
10. What should I expect on board?
On the bigger ships… pools, casinos, shows, buffet and specialty dining, dance and cooking lessons, game night, pampering!
On smaller ships, a more relaxed, yacht-style feel. Both are great for solo travelers! Also! Traveling solo and want to meet new people? I’ve got you covered. Read my personal tried and tested tips to make new friends and a few Greek words to break the ice! Have in mind that English is widely spoken in Greece and on all cruises.
11. What kind of food is served on board?
Celestyal Cruises offers the best of all cuisines but you will also find corners with Greek must-try foods such as all-time favorite moussaka, souvlaki, fresh grilled fish, baklava and loukoumades sweets, excellent Greek wines and local spirits ouzo, raki and Masticha liqueur (ask a barman to prepare a cocktail using these)!
12. Why do I need the cabin card?
Always carry with you your cabin card – this is your key to board, disembark and enter your cabin. It should also include an emergency number in case something goes wrong. Don’t leave your cabin without it!
13. Should I bring cash with me?
It’s good to have some cash with you if you want to tip or buy a souvenir especially on smaller islands like Folegandros or Ikaria. Establishments on larger islands accept credit cards – just make sure to ask your issuing bank what the charges for international purchases may be.
Things to Pack for Your Greek Island Cruise
So you’ve just booked your dream Greek island cruise and I’m sure you’re excited. I love going on cruises. I just came back just last week from one. A really fun part for me – I know for some this may be a bit stressful – is the packing. So let’s do it! This is what you need to pack for a Greek island cruise by someone who does it at least twice a year!
Let’s start with the essentials, shall we?
- Your passport (should be valid for at least 6 months after travel)
- Cruise boarding documents / tickets
- Credit or debit cards and some euros in cash
- Copies of ID/passport just in case
- A travel adapter (Greece uses Type C and F plugs – 230V). I always carry this one with me. It’s thankfully very reliable.
- Your phone and charger
- A power bank or portable charger. I use this one on my trips. A bit pricey but worth it. It covers my needs as a journalist always taking photos, videos, interviews, posting on TikTok etc.
- And make sure to get a local eSIM card so you don’t end up with a huge bill.
- Beware!!! Switch your phone to flight mode when the ship is sailing and use ship wi-fi for communication. Celestyal Cruises now offers basic wi-fi on board.
Depending on your style and type of cruise, you’ll be needing clothes for the day, the islands, evening and dinner, and of course, for the shore trips. So I would pack:
- Light, breathable clothing preferably linen or cotton to keep you cool
- Two swimsuits (men’s and women’s) for the pool or the beach
- Cover-up or sarong for the pool and beach
- Shorts, skirts, tank tops, T-shirts
- And absolutely, a light windbreaker. This is my personal favorite. Ultra-light and water proof and takes no space at all.
For the Evening and Dinner
- Smart-casual outfits for dinners (some cruise ships have a dress code)
Footwear
- Absolutely flip flops – these are my new all-time faves – or slides for the pool, massage or cabin
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals (see below)
- One pair of dressier shoes for the evening
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…and for the shore excursions (which start early in the morning)
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals. These are my favorite walking sandals (perfect for comfortable walking in the summer) and this classic sport shoe.
- Hats and sunglasses. I always travel with this hat – durable and covers my neck and is perfect for the Greek island wind. Do not get it in a dark color. Dark colors attract the sun more.
- A reusable water bottle will definitely come in handy. I can’t say this more: always carry a water bottle with you when visiting Greece, especially in the summer. This BPA-free insulated bottle is a good size and easy to carry.
- Clothes that cover shoulders and knees for churches or monasteries. I would suggest zip off pants (two-in-one shorts and trouser) or for women just bring a nice pareo.
- Sunscreen – this is the brand I trust and I use all year round.
- Lip balm with SPF
- After Covid-19, I always bring along sanitizer wipes. These are great for travel.
- And last but not least: insect repellent for mosquitoes! This natural DEET-free brand does the trick.
- Make sure to bring a day bag for shore trips. For me a back pack is ideal. I prefer to travel with this one because it’s light weight and durable.
- It would be a good idea to bring along a small first aid kit. All ships have medical centers and doctors on board but each traveler has their own needs (or anxieties). Make sure it includes band-aids, pain relievers, allergy meds. This one has the basics, is light and water resistant. Warning: I would definitely also add this item to your kit for jellyfish or bee stings and insect bites.
✓ Last note: try packing in layers. The Greek islands and Turkey get very hot in the day time and windy and cool at night. So you need to have all-weather stuff in your suitcase.
Also, make sure to leave some space in your luggage for souvenirs and gifts from Greece for family and friends back home. I don’t know why I never manage to do this and end up paying extra on my return! (augh)
Kali Krouaziera! (Happy cruising!)
♫ I end today’s post with a song about cruising the Greek islands first out in 1982 and written by Vangelis Germanos, who performs it here with songwriter Nikos Portokalglou and singer Rena Morfi. “Krouaziera tha se pao”… “I’ll take you on a cruise of the Greek islands, Mykonos and Santorini … because I love you!”
Be well. Travel!
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