Greek Cruise: Ultimate Vacation Guide for Explorers [2023-4]

Relaxing, luxurious, carefree holidays, many different destinations, various entertainment options, all amenities included.

Many people and couples in love choose a Greek cruise. They do so as a way of rest from the intense pace of their daily life.

Together with their hinterland, ports-stations in Greece have to show beautiful landscapes. They boast historical and archeological treasures, great naval tradition, golden beaches, and picturesque neighborhoods.

There are Greek ports scattered across the Aegean and the Ionian seas. Those become worthy ambassadors of the unique Greek beauty. They are points of reference and approach for the cruise ships of some of the largest cruise companies in the world. If you want a Greek island-hopping experience with the added luxury of avoiding travel days, then a cruise in Greece is for you!

Read our ultimate guide to a Greek cruise below, and prepare for the journey of a lifetime.

How to organize your Greek cruise

1. Select a destination based on the season.

In Greece – and the Mediterranean in general – the months of March to October are ‘high-season’ months for cruises. For that reason, during that time, you will find countless options in hundreds of ports.

There is no fear of overcrowding because the number of passengers is set. As a result, the high-season months are, without a doubt, the best option for your Greek cruise.

2. Do not choose the Greek cruise based on price alone.

Indeed, most cruise ships seem to offer “about” the same services. As with other accommodations, such as hotels, or even all-inclusive resorts, it is essential to find out their profile and expertise. For example, whether they mainly target family or romantic vacations, etc.

Imagine dreaming of an atmospheric honeymoon and having your Greek cruise ruined by the screams of children. Of course, price is essential, but it is equally important to know if the onboard services align with your interests.

3. Choose where your cabin will be.

Theoretically, with so many options, you will find something to your liking. However, to avoid unpleasant surprises, study the ship’s layout carefully. Avoid cabins under swimming pools and high-mobility areas, especially if you want to rest at noon or go to bed early at night.

4. Practice self-control.

Two services will test the strength of your will. One concerns your consumer habits, like spas, beauty salons, shops, cinemas, and games are present in abundance. So do that, especially if you have not been informed precisely about their extra charges.

The second is food. With all the meals included in the price, from breakfast to dinner, almost everyone falls into the trap of wandering around the decks and tasting the lavish buffets.

5. Make reservations before boarding.

If your dream is to indulge in spa treatments or enjoy romantic dinners, you should make your reservations early. Preferably before departure.

Reservations are essential because some activities and services might be popular and therefore booked already. So plan and don’t wait for the appetite to come during your Greek cruise.

6. Think about your needs.

There is a doctor and nursing staff on all ships. However, if you are following a specific treatment, it is imperative to have your medication.

Not only because they may not be available at the ship’s pharmacy, but also because they can be much more expensive than on land. Also, note that medical services onboard are not free of charge.

7. Technology is improving, but is it enough for you?

If you need to have a fast and direct connection to a Wi-Fi network, make sure you know in advance what the ship has to offer and take action.

For example, many companies charge for Wi-Fi usage, or you may not be happy with the connection they provide.

8. Be on time.

Cruise ships in major ports leave on time because otherwise, they lose their turn to sail. So in case of delay, you will simply not board. The same applies to the ports-stations you will visit, as both arrivals and departures operate under a strict schedule.

So if you do not live in the city where the port of departure is located, make sure you get there early enough to board without any surprises.

Why should I embark on a Greek cruise?

It has high-level services and spectacles.

No matter how well organized a resort is, the onboard services are designed to satisfy even the most demanding travelers.

Many argue that, in addition to the variety of activities offered by the cruise, food choices, and wellness services, among others, in the field of entertainment are unsurpassed. Many have medical facilities onboard, perfect for a babymoon in Greece. They can also help you organize some top activities perfect for an adventure honeymoon in Greece.

It helps in socialization.

A Greek cruise is an ideal way to make new acquaintances, especially on a trip to Greece for young couples. That happens because, inside each ship, there is a large number of people with various interests. Through your cruise ship, you’ll be able to organize all kinds of activities from snorkeling in Greece to visits to top Greek vineyards.

While alone time with your better half is ideal, double dates are always pleasant. This is especially true if you want to take the pressure off your first vacation as a couple in Greece.

You will find time for yourself.

Whether you want to do sports, take care of yourself, or relax and spend quality time with your partners, a Greek cruise will give you what you want.

The calming sight of the endless Greek sea alone is beneficial for people with a lot of stress and anxiety. Since you won’t need to think about any travel logistics, it’s an easy option for packing in a few destinations on your minimoon in Greece.

You can take a combined vacation. 

Read the cruise schedule and find out which port you could and would like to disembark at. From there, you can continue your vacation in a region of your choice. It’s an easy way to incorporate lots of places into your Greece honeymoon itinerary.

That way, you can visit many more destinations than you would typically and gather experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.

The most popular port stops for your Greek cruise

Piraeus

The largest port in the country holds the top spot in cruise ship visits. Although it has a rich historical and archaeological interest, it is usually the starting point of visitors for an excursion to the center of Athens and a visit to the rock of the Acropolis.

However, Piraeus is the center of maritime culture in Greece. For that reason, a fair share of the tourists that disembark the cruise ships choose to explore the greater area of Piraeus and discover its highlight, beauties, and points of interest that it has in abundance.

Read also: Athens Honeymoon: The Ultimate Guide to the Greek Capital

Santorini

The world-famous Cycladic island, with its unique view of the Caldera, is one of the most famous destinations in the world. It is also one of the most popular port stops during Greek cruises.

This magical landscape has a stunning sunset and a breathtaking volcano making it one of the most popular islands for wedding proposals in Greece. Offering good food and Santorini wine from the best Greek vineyards, romantic Santorini beaches, and an excellent archeological site, Santorini seems to hold the reins of Greek tourism. It has maintained its high value in the Mediterranean and continued to do so year after year.

Mykonos

With its beautiful country and cosmopolitan beaches, the island of winds wins the visitor at first sight. Consequently, it is no surprise that the port of Mykonos is a trendy destination for a Greek cruise.

With the fun lasting until the early morning hours, the high-standard amenities, and the famous Little Venice, Mykonos is favored every year by many tourists and Greece bachelorette parties, who want to experience the extravagant lifestyle of the island and the romantic Mykonos beaches.

Corfu

With the Venetian facades of the houses and the two Venetian castles dominating the edges of this monument of world cultural heritage, the visitor approaching the port of Corfu will immediately feel transported to another, more romantic era.

A walk in the cobbled Liston, the largest square in the Balkans, in the narrow cantonments with shops, in Achillion – the palace of Princess Sissy, but also a visit to the turquoise waters of Paleokastritsa are enough to make your Greek cruise worth it.

Rhodes

In the port where the Colossus once dominated, the city of Rhodes predisposes you for a trip to its medieval past. It invites you in for an exploration of the history of the knights!

Apart from the walk in the old town and the castle, visiting the forest with the butterflies is worth visiting. You should also see the settlement of Lindos with the ancient Greek, Roman, and Christian findings.

The list of Greek ports that are the most famous Greek cruise stops ends with Katakolo, from where one can make an excursion to ancient Olympia, and Heraklion, Crete, from where one cannot skip a visit to the archeological site of Knossos.

Things you should consider before your Greek cruise

What categories of cabins will you find on a Greek cruise?

Each ship offers you a wide variety of cabins, from comfortable basic indoor cabins to luxurious suites and villas with balconies. Cruise consultants are the most specialized to suggest the accommodation that suits you perfectly.

Of course, you should also be aware that there are differences between cruise ships. They concern the age, the size of the vessel, the interior layout and decoration of the common areas, the cabins, and their facilities.

There are also differences in life on board, activities, and entertainment, which is a function of each company’s philosophy.

The more modern the ship, the more comfortable facilities it offers. You should know all this before choosing the company and the cruise ship so that you can make the best choice always according to your personal needs and desires.

What is included in the price of a Greek cruise and what extra money you will spend?

Depending on what you choose to do and the programs offered, how much you will spend is a purely personal matter.
The cruise price always includes your stay on the cruise ship in the cabin category you choose, the entire board daily on board and the program of entertainment and activities offered by each company.

At the same time, the package offers daily service from the ship’s staff, assistance with baggage while boarding/disembarking the cruise ship, accommodation/cabin cleaning, full breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board.

Additionally, the price of the cruise includes free use of the swimming pools, jacuzzis, and the use of the cruise ship’s gym. It also includes onboard entertainment with special evenings with music and dance performances and educational activities, such as seminars and formal evenings.

As for what is not included in the extra charges, you should mainly calculate the cost of gratuities, ground trips to each port, and drinks.

It is customary on cruises to have a mandatory amount as a tip for the ship’s crew. According to international practice, the corresponding amount is automatically debited to the accounts of the passengers on board.

However, the issue of tips also depends on the company. Some companies will have the tip as part of the ticket price. There are others where customers can adjust the number of tips -if they wish- following the procedure indicated by the staff at the ship’s reception.

Of course, the cruise package does not include special services such as laundry/ironing service, room service, photography and DVD souvenir acquisition, casino participation, medical expenses, Internet and safe deposit boxes, beauty and spa services.

For all these, there are special charges that differ per company. If you choose the above services/packages/products, you will be charged to your personal account, which will connect to your cabin.

Read on: How Much Does a Greece Honeymoon Cost? |  Budget Guide

How much time is given to the ports, which are included in the excursion, for touring?

You can follow organized excursions with guided tours to the essential attractions in all the ports you will visit with the cruise ship. Your participation is optional.

Depending on the length of stay at each port, we recommend half-day or full-day excursions. There are also special “excursion packages” to save money. You can buy them before your trip, have a complete package, and control your expenses during the trip.

Information on ground tours is provided at the cruise ship’s tour desk, where you can register at a reasonable cost. If you do not want to follow the organized excursions, in the time you have at your disposal, you can explore the destination, the sights, the local markets on your own or follow the mood of the moment by relaxing in a local cafe or Greek island beach.

Final thoughts about cruises in Greece

One of the most popular escape options, especially for romantic vacations, cruises in Greece offer the traveler a different experience worth knowing. So make your island-hopping honeymoon in Greece a carefree and luxurious experience!

If you’re looking for a more off-the-beaten-path experience, consider exploring mainland Greece regions like Mani, the Peloponnese, and romantic Northern Greece. You could also venture across the Mediterranean sea and try out a honeymoon in Venice or a honeymoon in Cinque Terre.

Our luxury travel agency will help you pick the cruise of your dreams!