Cruises to Santorini

See Also

Website: https://tapiocwraps.com/

• Where to Remain in Mykonos
• Recommended Locations to Stay on Crete Island
• Accommodation Options in Rhodes
• Places to Stay in Athens

Cruises to Greece in 2024 & 2025

• Recommended Greek Travel Representatives

Wall Street Journal Articles

• Greek island cruises may offer financial benefits and ease of travel between multiple destinations, however they may not allow sufficient time to genuinely experience the innate beauty, history, culture, and charm of individual islands in depth.
• Greek Cruise Report: Cruises to Santorini,Mykonos,Crete,Athens, and the incredible Greek islands are gradually resuming a typical timetable after the pandemic interruption, though there remains much local opposition to the cruise sector. Most cruises for 2024 will run in May, June, July, August, September, and October when weather conditions are ideal. Santorini restaurants,museums,wineries and ferries from Athens to Santorini are functioning routinely and visitors should face no trouble island hopping in Greece around the most popular destinations.
• Schedule for 2024 of Cruise Ships Stopping at Santorini: Ships with passengers taking cruises do not dock at the ferry port of Santorini. Rather, they halt within the caldera and the travelers aboard are slowly and systematically transported to the Old Port of Santorini by tender boats. From there, it’s a walk or ride on a cable car up to Fira. I post the schedule for when the cruise ships arrive here so potential visitors can coordinate their itinerary to avoid the crowds brought by the cruise ships.

• Excursions to Santorini and Mykonos: While trips to Santorini and Mykonos on large cruise ships can be convenient, they come with some drawbacks. The massive cruise liners contribute to overcrowding issues on these popular islands, which detracts from their picturesque charm and impacts the local environment. Cruises constrain your time in each place, with tight itineraries that limit chances to fully immerse yourself in each island`s history, cuisine scene, and culture of the residents. Passengers will find the all-inclusive nature of cruises to provide an impersonal experience, lacking the freedom and flexibility that comes with independent travel.

NY Times Article

• Santorini Cruises Previous Year: 686 cruise ships arrived in Santorini last year and the number of passenger arrivals was 826,602. For Mykonos 608 cruise ships arrived and the number of passengers was 685,918. The most popular ports for Greece cruises are (in order of ship arrivals): Santorini, Mykonos, Piraeus, Corfu, Rhodes, Heraklio, Patmos, and Katakolo.
• Sign our online petition requesting a ban on cruise ships in Santorini.
• A Washington Post article discusses why falling overboard from a cruise ship is so hazardous.
• .

” A discussion of major port cities restricting certain marine vessels with a link to more details

• Mega Ships Not Welcome in Some European Port Cities Due to Environmental Issues

Santorini Cruises

Please, do not take a cruise to Santorini. Cruises are bad for citizens, the environment, and the local economy, and they provide a poor way to see the magnificent Greek islands. On a cruise, you only receive a few hours to see Santorini – and it`s crowded, hurried, and full of tourists whenever a cruise ship docks. All of the best activities in Santorini are difficult to enjoy with the limited time provided on the island if you visit on a cruise. The best Santorini boat excursions are day trips taken while staying on the island – but you won`t have time to go on a volcano boat tour if visiting from a cruise ship.

If you truly want to experience what makes Santorini the most magical Greek island, you’ll need to stay overnight. The top Santorini hotels are some of the most remarkable and incredible places to stay anywhere. Sleeping in a cave and waking with views of the caldera from your window is a very unique experience. Five to seven days is generally recommended for most visitors to Santorini, but even a one-night stay is preferable to visiting on a cruise ship.

Santorini is a great year-round destination. For those into wine, exquisite cuisine, and sightseeing, the best time to visit Santorini is from April to early June and late September to early November. In recent years Santorini has been limiting cruise ship access to the island. The restrictions should increase in 2024 and 2025.

Are Greek island cruises worth the cost?

Cruises may initially seem like an all-inclusive choice, but their limited time spent on each island, crowds during peak tourist periods, resentment from locals, environmental impact, and lack of flexibility render them a less than ideal selection for exploring the breathtaking Greek islands.

Which cruise lines have scheduled stopovers at Santorini in the coming years? Several ships from various cruise companies are expected to visit Santorini in 2024 and 2025, including Celestyal Olimpia, Viking Sky, MSC Sinfonia, Silver Moon, Mein Schiff 5, Norwegian Jade, Crystal Serenity, Regal Princess, Artania, Seven Seas Explorer, Seabourn Encore, MSC Lirica, Azura, Oceania Insignia, Mein Schiff Herz, Silver Spirit, Star Clipper, Oceania Sirena, Star Pride, AIDAblu, MSC Musica, Celebrity Reflection, Celebrity Edge, Odyssey Of The Sea, Star Flyer, Wind Star, Oceania Riviera, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Gem, ms Nieuw Statendam, Azura, Brilliance Of The Seas, Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Constellation, Oceania Nautica, Celebrity Reflection, Rhapsody Of The Seas, Azamara Onward, Vision Of The Seas, Marella Explorer, SeaDream II, Coast Deliziosa, Seabourn Sojourn, Costa Deliziosa, Disney Magic, ms Oosterdam, Azamara Journey, Resilient Lady, SeaDream Innovation, ms Europa 2, Wind Surf, Star Legend, Jewel Of The Seas, Mein Schiff 6, Norwegian Epic, Azamara Pursuit, ms Volendam, Seven Seas Voyager, Norwegian Star, Viking Venus, Crystal Symphony, Enchanted Princess, Oceania Marina, and Norwegian Breakaway.

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Among the finest cruise ship experiences to Santorini are those onboard the intimate SeaDream II (carrying 112 guests), Star Flyer (170 passengers), sailing vessel Star Clipper (170 passengers), and the boutique Wind Star (178 passengers).

What time periods do cruises commonly visit Santorini and the Greek islands? Santorini now welcomes visitors throughout the year and cruises typically dock at the island from February to December. The sole month without cruises to Santorini is January.

Recommended travel agencies for Greece: Fantasy Travel is suitable for planning excursions to Greece and the Greek islands. You can find more on travel services for Santorini vacations here.

Another possibility is Airalo, which could work well depending on your destination and anticipated data needs.

Cruises to Santorini and the Greek Islands

Ten rationales against embarking on a Santorini cruise:

1. Restricted time ashore: Cruise schedules normally permit just a few hours to explore Santorini, which would not provide enough time to fully experience the island’s natural beauty, culture, and attractions. (Taking a tender to shore and back up and down the caldera takes at least an hour each way.)

2. Crowds and congestion: Cruise ships bring a large influx of tourists to Santorini, particularly during peak season. This leads to crowded streets, long lines at popular attractions, and difficulty finding tranquil spots to appreciate the island’s charm. You only see the island when it’s densely crowded with other cruise ship passengers (your shipmates).

3. Missing out on local lodging and dining options: Staying onboard a cruise ship means missing the varied accommodations and dining choices available on Santorini. The island boasts stunning cave hotels, traditional guesthouses, and local tavernas that offer a more immersive experience than cruise ship facilities.

4. You will miss witnessing the scenic sunset, when Santorini is at its most stunning. Dawn – and the tranquil morning hours – also provide a lovely time to visit (prior to the arrival of cruise ship passengers).

5. Lack of adaptability: Cruise schedules are usually fixed, with little opportunity for customization or spontaneity. Travelers who prefer having more control over their plan and exploring destinations at their own rhythm may find the construction of a cruise limiting.

6. You won’t have time to do any of the best Santorini tours: a catamaran tour of the caldera, a boat tour to the volcano, a winery tour, a photography tour, a fishing tour.

7. You’ll only visit the most crowded and tourist-centric areas on the island and fail to discover Santorini’s charming traditional villages like Pyrgos, Emporio, and Megalochori.

8. There is only one access point from the cruise ships to the island – the old port of Santorini. This tiny port gets absolutely overwhelmed with cruise ship passengers and makes for a terrible introduction to the island.

9. Ocean liners operating as floating hotels and restaurants have often been breeding grounds for viruses and sickness. (From the Wall Street Journal: “Earlier in March, the world’s cruise ship operators had ample evidence to conclude that their fleet of luxury vessels facilitated the spread and transmission of the new coronavirus among passengers and crew members aboard ships. Yet they continued welcoming passengers onto cruise ships, imperiling those on board and aiding the dissemination of Covid-19 throughout the U.S. and globally.”)

10. Environmental impact: Cruise ships have a significant effect on the environment, contributing to water pollution, air emissions, and waste creation.

Summary: After the individuals returning from tours leaving the port and the cruises departing, Santorini returns to a more relaxed and tranquil pace. Spending a few nights in Santorini allows you to see a completely different aspect of the towns, restaurants, and attractions. Staying on the island after the cruise ships have sailed provides a more pleasurable, relaxing, and beautiful experience. Moreover, if you came across this page after viewing the truly disappointing Santorini presentation by Rick Steves – just disregard everything that fellow recommends about exploring the Greek islands. I suspect any local resident would tell you the same.>.

Top Cruise Lines for Santorini:

1. Royal Caribbean:
Royal Caribbean’s itineraries in the Mediterranean regularly include Santorini, and the line is distinguished for its sizable selection of onboard activities, dining possibilities, and entertainment. A downside is that its more extensive vessels can exacerbate the currently crowded ports and popular destinations, making it more difficult to appreciate Santorini’s attractions during the brief time on the island.

2. Celebrity Cruises:
Celebrity Cruises, a luxury cruise line known for its stylish vessels and exceptional cuisine, also docks in Santorini as part of its Mediterranean itineraries. While it delivers a lavish experience, it may not suit budget-minded vacationers as the fares and extra costs can be higher than other cruise companies.

3. Norwegian Cruise Line:
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) incorporates Santorini on some of its Mediterranean cruises. NCL is known for its relaxed environment and “freestyle” approach, which provides flexible dining and lack of dress codes. However, some travelers may find this laid-back style less appealing if they prefer a more structured cruise experience with formal nights and traditional dining.

4. Carnival Cruises:
Carnival Cruises, popular for its fun and lively ambiance, sometimes includes Santorini on its Mediterranean routes. While the line caters to families and younger travelers, the busy onboard atmosphere may not suit those seeking a more tranquil or sophisticated experience.

5. Holland America Line:
Holland America offers an assortment of Mediterranean cruises that make stops in Santorini. Renowned for its premium amenities and refined atmosphere, the line caters to mature travelers. However, this may not be the best choice for younger passengers seeking a more vibrant onboard experience or families with young children, as Holland America’s entertainment options could potentially not be as extensive as other lines.

6. Princess Cruises:
Princess Cruises, known for its elegant vessels and diverse itineraries, also incorporates Santorini on some of its Mediterranean cruises. The line`s focus on enriching experiences and immersion in destinations could appeal to many travelers. However, Princess Cruises may not offer as many activities or entertainment options aimed specifically at children or younger passengers compared to other cruise companies.

Greek Cruise vs Greek Ferries

When travelling between the Greek islands, individuals have two primary options: taking a cruise or using the ferry network. Both approaches have their benefits and downsides, relying on the travel desires and interests of people. I distinctly prefer journeying by Greek ferry.

Greek Cruises:
• Cruises provide an all-inclusive holiday, with lodging, meals, and entertainment generally covered in the price.
• ・ Cruise ships offer a comfortable mode of travel, with amenities like swimming pools, gyms, restaurants, and bars available onboard.
• Guided Excursions and Tours: Numerous cruises incorporate escorted sightseeing at each port of call, enabling exploration of the highlights of the islands without planning difficulties.
• A limited schedule: Cruise itineraries are predetermined, which means you’ll have restricted time on each island and may not have the opportunity to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Greek Ferries:
• Flexibility and independence are qualities of ferries, allowing travelers to choose which islands they desire to visit and how long they prefer staying in each location.
• Another advantage: Traveling by ferry is often more affordable than taking a cruise, chiefly if you’re content staying in low-cost lodgings on the islands.
• Authentic Island Experience: Ferries offer a more genuine Greek island hopping experience, as you’ll be utilizing the same mode of transit as locals and have more chances to explore lesser known places.
• Ferries provide less comfort and amenities than cruise ships, with limited facilities onboard and sometimes crowded conditions during peak periods.

What are the best sailing tours in the Greek islands and Santorini?

As mentioned earlier, visiting Santorini on a cruise is less than ideal. You only get to spend a few hours on Santorini when your entire ship is also touring the island – you don’t get to experience what truly makes Santorini so unique. And you don’t have the opportunity to stay overnight and see the island in the morning when it can feel almost deserted – even during high season.

However, sailing trips (small vessel tours, yacht tours, or private sailing excursions) differ. On the cruises I list below, you meander amidst the Greek islands and make stops in numerous places that are wonderfully removed from the mainstream. You begin or finish your journey in Santorini so you spend 1 or more nights on the island to experience how it truly is.

The Best Yacht Cruises for Santorini & the Greek Islands

All of these sailing trips are with G Adventures – an excellent company that provides distinctive boat tours of the Greek islands on 15-meter charter yachts. A skipper is onboard for the entire voyage. There is a kitchen and 3 bathrooms, safety vests, and snorkeling gear available. Some meals are served onboard, some on land. These tours fill up quickly so booking early is recommended. Dates vary by tour but most depart in late April or early May and run until mid or late October.

(If you want a private yacht tour of the Greek islands, simply reserve all 8 spots on the vessel.)

• A trip traversing the Cycladic Islands of Greece beginning in Santorini and continuing through Folegandros, Sifnos, Ios, Antiparos, Paros, and Naxos via sailing boat is described here. Over the course of 8 days for $1499 from Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday, guests explore the history, culture, beaches and varied landscapes of this island chain aboard a small vessel that sleeps around 8 people, allowing for flexible daily itineraries tailored to each group`s interests.
• Traveling between Mykonos and Santorini – This 8-day tour begins on the island of Mykonos and then sails through other Greek islands to Santorini. Essentially identical to the tour mentioned above but in the opposite direction. Some may prefer starting in Mykonos to end the journey sailing into Santorini`s stunning caldera. Flights go to both islands so travel coordination should not be problematic.
• Athens to Santorini – 15 Days, $2749, Starts Sun, Tue, Wed, or Sat. This starts in Athens (which merits a day or two to examine) and finishes in Santorini 14 nights later. Along the way you’ll stop in Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Antiparos, Ios, Sifnos, and Folegandros – similar to the above trips only you have more time to wander and discover. There are also Santorini to Athens sailing tours.
• From Mykonos to Athens – 8 Days, $1429, Starts Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, or Saturday. On the surface, this doesn’t sound as engaging (what? no Santorini?). But recall, you can visit any islands you want before the tour starts. Fly directly to Santorini, spend a few days there, then take the direct ferry from Santorini to Mykonos and begin your sailing tour. Finish in Athens and fly home from there. Perfect! The islands you visit on this tour are less crowded (and have fewer idyllic beaches): Kythnos, Kea, Aegina, Hydra, and Syros. There are also From Athens to Mykonos yacht sails.
• Santorini to Santorini – 10 days, $1849, Starts all 7 days. This particular trip begins and concludes in Santorini which makes planning logistics less complex and provides one additional chance to experience this magical island locale. On the downside, you do retrace your footsteps, so for most people, I would recommend an excursion that starts and finishes at diverse destinations – but it remains a worthwhile trip.

Santorini Cruises – What to Know

Map of Santorini

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