How about a relaxing holiday while sailing the Greek seas and other destinations in the Mediterranean?
Here below follows a selection of cruises in Greece & the East Mediterranean for the year 2024 operated by different cruise companies.
Enjoy the affordable luxury of a cruise onboard a comfortable “floating hotel” and visit the Greek islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, Patmos, Paros and more), Nafplio, Monemvasia, Kusadasi (Ephessos), Istanbul…
- - Small ship cruises -
(maximum about 50 passengers)
- - Large ship cruises -
(about 1000-1200 passengers)
- - Ports of call -
(select per destinations)
Small ship cruises:
Long before the pandemic made small cruise ships a major trend, there was a dedicated clientele for this type of cruise holidays.
Sailing on board mega yachts or motor-sailors that take maximum 60 people has its charm and appeal. The atmosphere is more casual, passengers socialize more with one another, the service is very personalized.
Small ships are ideal for exploring the Greek islands, most of which do not have large ports and therefore are prohibitive for large cruisers that need tenders (= waiting in line to disembark!).
Their greater mobility and flexibility has produced wonderful itineraries that mix the most famous Greek islands with some less known ones, as well as superb near-coastal voyages of the Greek mainland.
The lack of on board facilities such as casinos, shopping arcades, pools and theaters with live entertainment is offset by easy access to the shore, swimming off the ship into secluded beaches and secret coves, small group shore excursions that enhance the travel experience and fine dining.
7-day cruises on small ships (max. 25-26 cabins) to well known destinations as well as to unique and more off-the-beaten-path ports of call.
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7-day Saronic Gems cruise
2024: Apr., May, Jun., Jul., Aug., Sep., Oct.
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7-day Aegean Escape cruise
2024: May, Jun., Jul., Aug., Sep., Oct.
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7-day Sparkling Cyclades cruise
2024: May, Jun., Jul., Aug., Sep., Oct.
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7-day Divine Cyclades cruise
A boutique cruise that takes in 11 Cycladic islands! It is a balanced mix of the trendy with the quaint and unspoiled. A wide variety of cultural, nature-related, wellness and culinary activities are available, making this itinerary a fantastic and truly immersive experience.2024: Apr., May, Jun., Jul., Aug., Sep., Oct.
2025: May, Jun., Jul., Aug., Sep., Oct.
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7-day Unesco Heritage cruise
A journey around historic Peloponnese (Peloponnesos) to 5 out of the 19 UNESCO World Heritage sites found in Greece on board the 49-passenger cruise yacht “Elysium”.2024: Apr., Nov.
2025: Apr.
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7-day Ancient Paths cruise
A spectacular circumnavigation of the Peloponnese including also a visit to Zakynthos, Ithaca and Delphi on board the 49-passenger cruise yacht “Elysium”; a cultural journey enriched with wellness activities, exquisite healthy cuisine and the luxurious comfort of Elixir Cruises.2024: Oct.
2025: Oct.
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7-day Unexplored Greek Islands cruise
A cruise voyage on board the “Panorama” motor sailer unraveling the most authentic Cycladic and Dodecanese islands of Greece.2024: May, Jun., Jul., Aug.
2025: May, Jun., Jul., Aug.
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7-day Jewels of the Cyclades cruise
Some of the best Cycladic Greek islands in the Aegean on board the 49 passenger motor sailer “Galileo”.2024: Apr., May, Jun., Jul., Aug., Sep., Oct.
2025: Apr., May, Jun., Jul., Aug., Sep., Oct.
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7-day Classical Greece cruise
Enjoy the wonders of the Classical Greece on a cruise to Aegean Greek islands, Crete and Continental GreeceĀ (Eastern Peloponnese) on board the mega yachts “Harmony V” & “Harmony G“.2024: May, Jun., Jul., Aug., Sep.
2025: May, Jun., Jul., Aug., Sep., Oct.
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7-day Antiquity to Byzantium cruise
A spectacular circumnavigation of the historic Peloponnese (Peloponnesos) & continental Greece on board the 49 passenger motor sailer “Galileo”; the wonders of Antiquity and Byzantium around the coast of the Peloponnese.2024: Mar., Apr., Oct., Nov.
2025: Mar., Apr., Oct., Nov.
Large ship cruises:
By American standards, the cruise vessels featured in this section are quite small, as they accommodate up to about 1200 passengers.
They offer all the comforts and amenities of the larger ones: swimming pools, Jacuzzis, beauty salons, wellness facilities, spacious lounges, bars, discos, casino, shops and more. Their smaller size and capacity, however, makes them more flexible, even when tenders need to be used.
The islands included are the jewels of the Aegean sea crown: Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Rhodes. Who hasn't at least 1 of these on their travel bucket list! Alongside these stand some hidden gems: Milos, Syros, Patmos. And since you are in the "neighborhood" why not pay a visit to selectively chosen ports in nearby Turkey or venture even further to Israel, Cyprus and Egypt! A great way to make the most of your holidays, a familiarization trip that will open your appetite for more.
Departing on Fridays, 3-day cruises are a splendid idea for the weekend:
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3-day Iconic Discovery cruise
One more great idea for a long weekend in early spring or in late autumn on board the “Celestyal Discovery”! Explore Mykonos, Santorini, Patmos and Kusadasi (= Ancient Ephesus!), three primary destinations in the Aegean, when the larger crowds are well gone.2024: Mar., Nov.
2025: Mar.
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3-day Iconic Aegean cruise
A long weekend escape to four of the most famous Greek islands in the Aegean Sea combined with Kusadasi (ancient Ephesus) in Turkey. An ideal cruise for first time visitors who do not have many days at their disposal but do not want to miss out on a visit to internationally acclaimed island destinations.2024: Apr., May, Jun., Jul., Aug., Sep., Oct.
2025: May, Jun., Jul., Aug., Sep., Oct.
A 4-day cruise is the most effective and relaxed way of week-days long island-hopping in the Greek islands; it may also be well combined with a couple of overnights on the last port of call (e.g. Santorini) before returning to Athens:
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4-day Iconic Discovery cruise
Cruising in late autumn is one of the finest travel experiences, especially on board the “Celestyal Olympia”. Explore four top destinations in the Aegean of cultural and historical significance and of unparalleled beauty.2024: Mar., Oct., Nov.
2025: Mar.
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4-day Iconic Aegean cruise
Spend a week on-board the comfortable “Celestyal Discovery” cruise ship, visiting five of the most famous Greek islands, including a full day on the island of the Knights, Rhodes.2024: Apr., May, Jun., Jul., Aug., Sep., Oct.
2025: May, Jun., Jul., Aug., Sep., Oct.
7-day cruises are the most popular cruises to the Greek islands
combining history and civilization with the delights of the Aegean sea and sun.
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7-day Idyllic Aegean cruise
This week-long cruise will enable you to visit and enjoy some first class destinations in the Aegean Sea: Salonica, Santorini, cosmopolitan Mykonos, Crete, Milos and Kusadasi!2024: Mar., Apr., May, Jun., Jul., Aug., Sep., Oct.
2025: May, Jun., Jul., Aug., Sep., Oct.
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7-day Three Continents cruise
The cruise is rightfully called 3 Continents as it includes ports of call in Europe, Asia and Africa in just 7 days: archaeology, religion and culture, this cruise has it all!2025: Dec.
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7-day Steps of Paul cruise
A voyage of Christian discovery on board the ‘Celestyal Crystal’ from Athens to Thessaloniki, Kavala, Istanbul, Dikili, Ancient Ephesus and Patmos, prime destinations for those on a Christian pilgrimage or simply interested in the history of religion.2024: Oct.
Ports of call:
The here presented cruises visit many ports in Greece (mainland and islands) and several ports in other countries in Eastern Mediterranean.
Here bellow follows a list of all of them with links to the corresponding cruises.
Cruises / Ports of call | Large Ships | Small Ships | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3-day cruises | 4-day cruises | 7-day cruises | 7-day cruises | ||||||||||||||
Iconic Discovery | Iconic Aegean | Iconic Discovery | Iconic Aegean | Idyllic Aegean | Three Continents | Steps of Paul | Saronic Gems | Aegean Escape | Sparkling Cyclades | Divine Cyclades | Unesco Heritage | Ancient Paths | Unexplored Greek Islands | Jewels of the Cyclades | Classical Greece | Antiquity to Byzantium | |
Aegina (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Amorgos (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Ancient Epidaurus (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Antiparos (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Athens/Lavrio (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Athens/Marina Zea (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Athens/Piraeus (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Corinth (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Crete/Heraklio (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Crete/Rethymno (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Delos (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Despotiko (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Cruises / Ports of call | Large Ships | Small Ships | |||||||||||||||
3-day cruises | 4-day cruises | 7-day cruises | 7-day cruises | ||||||||||||||
Iconic Discovery | Iconic Aegean | Iconic Discovery | Iconic Aegean | Idyllic Aegean | Three Continents | Steps of Paul | Saronic Gems | Aegean Escape | Sparkling Cyclades | Divine Cyclades | Unesco Heritage | Ancient Paths | Unexplored Greek Islands | Jewels of the Cyclades | Classical Greece | Antiquity to Byzantium | |
Elafonissos (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Epidavros (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Folegandros (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Gytheion (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Hydra (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Ikaria (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Ios (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Iraklia (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Itea/Delphi (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Ithaca (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Kalymnos (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Katakolo/Olympia (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Cruises / Ports of call | Large Ships | Small Ships | |||||||||||||||
3-day cruises | 4-day cruises | 7-day cruises | 7-day cruises | ||||||||||||||
Iconic Discovery | Iconic Aegean | Iconic Discovery | Iconic Aegean | Idyllic Aegean | Three Continents | Steps of Paul | Saronic Gems | Aegean Escape | Sparkling Cyclades | Divine Cyclades | Unesco Heritage | Ancient Paths | Unexplored Greek Islands | Jewels of the Cyclades | Classical Greece | Antiquity to Byzantium | |
Kavala (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Kea/Tzia (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Kimolos (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Koufonissia (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Kythira (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Kythnos (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Levitha (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Lipsi (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Milos (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Monemvasia (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Mykonos (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Nafplion (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Cruises / Ports of call | Large Ships | Small Ships | |||||||||||||||
3-day cruises | 4-day cruises | 7-day cruises | 7-day cruises | ||||||||||||||
Iconic Discovery | Iconic Aegean | Iconic Discovery | Iconic Aegean | Idyllic Aegean | Three Continents | Steps of Paul | Saronic Gems | Aegean Escape | Sparkling Cyclades | Divine Cyclades | Unesco Heritage | Ancient Paths | Unexplored Greek Islands | Jewels of the Cyclades | Classical Greece | Antiquity to Byzantium | |
Naxos (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Paros (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Patmos (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Pavlopetri (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Polyaigos (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Poros (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Porto Cheli (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Pylos (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Rhodes (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Santorini (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Schinoussa (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Serifos (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Cruises / Ports of call | Large Ships | Small Ships | |||||||||||||||
3-day cruises | 4-day cruises | 7-day cruises | 7-day cruises | ||||||||||||||
Iconic Discovery | Iconic Aegean | Iconic Discovery | Iconic Aegean | Idyllic Aegean | Three Continents | Steps of Paul | Saronic Gems | Aegean Escape | Sparkling Cyclades | Divine Cyclades | Unesco Heritage | Ancient Paths | Unexplored Greek Islands | Jewels of the Cyclades | Classical Greece | Antiquity to Byzantium | |
Sifnos (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Sikinos (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Sounio (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Spetses (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Syros (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Thessaloniki (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Yiaros (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Zakynthos (Greece) | |||||||||||||||||
Limassol (Cyprus) | |||||||||||||||||
Dikili (Turkey) | |||||||||||||||||
Istanbul (Turkey) | |||||||||||||||||
Kusadasi/Ephesus (Turkey) | |||||||||||||||||
Cruises / Ports of call | Large Ships | Small Ships | |||||||||||||||
3-day cruises | 4-day cruises | 7-day cruises | 7-day cruises | ||||||||||||||
Iconic Discovery | Iconic Aegean | Iconic Discovery | Iconic Aegean | Idyllic Aegean | Three Continents | Steps of Paul | Saronic Gems | Aegean Escape | Sparkling Cyclades | Divine Cyclades | Unesco Heritage | Ancient Paths | Unexplored Greek Islands | Jewels of the Cyclades | Classical Greece | Antiquity to Byzantium | |
Alexandria (Egypt) | |||||||||||||||||
Port Said (Egypt) | |||||||||||||||||
Ashdod (Israel) |
(maximum about 50 passengers)
- Small ships cruises -(about 1000-1200 passengers)
- Large ships cruises -(select re destinations)
- Ports of call -