Last week I focused on the land options of Greece and highlighted just a few of many spectacular hotels on the islands and the mainland. But Greece also begs to be seen via a cruise. So many islands, so many options. As one of the first destinations to actually restart sailing, part 2 of our Greece features cruises that can be booked for later this summer and fall, or for the next Mediterranean season in 2022 and beyond.
And although I'm talking about the major cruise lines this week, don't forget private yacht experiences are also possible for your Greece dream and we can plan and arrange every aspect of such a trip.
Top 5 - Cruising the Greek Isles
On board all the ships below we are able to add exclusive Virtuoso amenities
1. Seabourn Ovation - 7-Day Heart of the Aegean (above)
Want to go next week? There's a July 17th departure with availability and amazing value.
Athens roundtrip with ports of call at Crete, Limassol on Cyprus, Rhodes, Mykonos and Nafplion (below). Seabourn have perfected the art of luxury small ship cruising and they are also extremely good at enriching the experience further with their carefully considered tours and activities.
2. Silversea - Silver Spirit 15-Day Mediterranean Cruise (above and below)
Need to wait until late next Spring? Silversea, with a similar luxury style to Seabourn and a maximum of 600 guests have a wonderful itinerary featuring admittedly more eastern European countries, but also a little piece of the best of the Greek Isles and through the Straits of Bosporus into the Black Sea. Ports of call are Istanbul, Trabzon, Batumi, Sochi (Russia), Odessa, Constanta, Bourgas, Kusadasi, and Santorini before returning to Athens.
Silver Spirit offers its guests one of the most complete cruise experiences available. Spacious decks leave plenty of room for relaxation, yet the cozy niches make sure that there is something for everyone.
3. Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection - 7-Day Athens roundtrip (above)
For the summer of 2022, visit the iconic temples of Athens’ Acropolis before embarking on an island-hopping adventure. Dance until dawn in the legendary nightclubs of Mykonos, and then relax on a secluded beach in chic Bodrum before continuing to three more sun-soaked Greek Isles. Ports of call are Mykonos, Bodrum, Rhodes, Amorgos (below), Spetses and back to Athens.
Your yacht experience offers a choice of impressive suites enhanced with a private oceanview terrace in every suite. Guests can enjoy in-suite dining or visit world-class onboard restaurants for culinarily curated menus incorporating local ingredients and Michelin star quality.
4. Oceania Riviera - 10-Day Aegean Wonders (above)
Oceania's itinerary in late July 2022 means the ancient world will be yours to discover for 10 days, including an overnight stay in Istanbul as well as Ephesus, plus a host of desirable Greek destinations. Explore awe-inspiring ruins, historic temples and iconic monuments.
Ports of call are Volos, Kavala, Istanbul, Ephesus (below), Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos and Athens.
Oceania's stunning Riviera was designed to be distinctive and special in so many ways. Featuring a magnificent Lalique Grand Staircase, stunning Owner's Suites furnished in Ralph Lauren Home, and designer touches throughout the entire ship, Riviera showcases rich residential design and furnishings with refined ambiance that truly embodies the unparalleled Oceania Cruises mid-size ship experience.
5. Celebrity Apex - 9-Days Greek Isles and Israel (above)
If a larger ship with the extra entertainment and restaurants is more your style, our top recommendation is Celebrity's newest ship the Apex. Having personally sailed on the sister ship, the Edge right at the end of 2018, I can vouch for an incredible luxury cruise experience with stunningly designed cabins and exceptional restaurant options.
For this September the Apex sails a great itinerary featuring the Greek Isles and Israel. Ports of call are Santorini (below), Chania (Crete), Haifa (for Jerusalem), and back to Athens.
Ready to book your Greek cruise or any vacation of a life time let us know by clicking the button below.
I love travel and I love travel planning just as much and I am proud to be building a team as passionate about exploring the world as myself. It took me a very long time to align my career with my undeniable passion for exploring, but now I and the team are here for you. Your personal travel tailors - award reservation and luxury custom itinerary experts. We provide a bespoke service, imagining and creating itineraries for independent minded families and groups.
Be social and follow us on our next travel adventure.
Want our blog posts delivered straight to your inbox? Enter your email below to subscribe to our newsletter.