Greece is an epic destination for cruising. Jane Archer selects the pick of the crop
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It might be known as the Cradle of Civilisation, but there is a lot more to Greece than history, culture and the classics, including lovely beaches, picturesque villages, good food, friendly locals and a tot or two of ouzo.
The country has a large presence on mainland Europe, but much of its territory is made up of thousands of islands spread across the Mediterranean, more than 250 of which are inhabited.
That makes it prime cruising fodder, since clients can explore far and wide without constant packing and unpacking or taking multiple flights.
This summer more than a dozen cruise lines will be cruising the Greek isles, mostly visiting favourites such as Santorini, Mykonos, Katakolon, Corfu and Rhodes, as well as stopping at Piraeus, the port for Athens, for excursions to the city. A few lines also call at lesser-known islands where passengers can get closer to the history and culture.
Best for… first-timers
With its small ship – Seven Seas Mariner holds 700 passengers – and fares that include everything, even unlimited shore excursions, you can’t help but impress first-time cruisers by suggesting a voyage with Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
And when it comes to exploring the Greek islands, the company’s seven-night Istanbul to Piraeus cruise on August 20 hits all the right buttons.
It’s a classic voyage that visits the popular isles of Rhodes, Crete, Santorini and Mykonos, with free excursions at each, whether it be a trip to the Acropolis at Lindos, a walking tour of Santorini’s beautiful blue-and-white village of Oia followed by a cookery class, or a visit to Knossos, the ancient capital of king Minos in Crete.
The cruise also calls at Lesbos, where clients will find beautiful beaches, and Kusadasi, in Turkey, for excursions to the Roman city of Ephesus.
How much? From £2,999 per person for a seven night cruise from Istanbul to Piraeus on August 20, including flights, transfers, shore excursions, drinks, speciality dining and gratuities.
Best for… history
Voyages to Antiquity’s 17-day Light of Greece cruise from Istanbul to Piraeus in September is perfect for clients who want to learn about the ancient Hellenic world (and take in some Turkish history too, as there are two days in Kusadasi, with visits to Ephesus and Aphrodisias, and excursions to Troy or Gallipoli from Canakkale).
Aegean Odyssey will be visiting both mainland and island ports, where excursions – mostly included in the fare as the trips ashore are an important part of the cruise – include the Sanctuary of Apollo on Delos, the ancient cities of Mycenae or Corinth from Nauplia, and Philippi, founded in 356BC, from Kavala.
There’ll be tours around Byzantine Thessaloniki, a full day trip to the Monasteries of Meteora from Volos and two nights in Athens at the end of the cruise for excursions to the Acropolis, Acropolis Museum and more. Greek scholar Dr Michael Hoff and religious broadcaster Ernest Rea will be giving lectures throughout the trip.
How much? From £2,650 per person for a 17-day Light of Greece cruise-tour from Istanbul to Athens departing September 11, including flights and transfers, most shore excursions, drinks with dinner, gratuities and two hotel nights in Istanbul and Athens.
Best for… families
Royal Caribbean International’s Splendour of the Seas has it all when it comes to family cruising in the Greek islands. For the kids, there are swimming pools, a rock-climbing wall and Royal Caribbean’s highly regarded Adventure Ocean children’s programme, and a separate hangout for teens.
While the youngsters are being entertained, mum and dad can relax in the spa or solarium and treat themselves to dinner in one of the speciality restaurants – the Chops Grille steakhouse, Isuzu Asian restaurant or exclusive Chef’s Table private dining experience – while over the course of seven nights the whole family can enjoy fun beach days on Corfu and Mykonos, visit Drogarati Cave and Melissani lake from Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia, and have a day exploring Athens from Piraeus.
How much? From £1,359 per adult, £839 per child aged 11 and under sharing with two adults, for a seven-night cruise round-trip from Venice, departing July 26, including flights.
Best for… variety
There are Greek island cruises and then there is Voyages of Discovery’s Adriatic, Ionian and Aegean Odyssey, which visits a stonking 10 Hellenic ports over two weeks as well as ticking off Dubrovnik in Croatia, Kotor in Montenegro and Sarande in Albania.
There’s an overnight and full day in Corfu, so passengers can enjoy the island’s nightlife, and a day in Rhodes, where the old town and citadel at Lindos are major attractions. Voyager will also be visiting Crete, Santorini, Mykonos and spending a morning in Argostoli, Kefalonia, as well as visiting ports on the Greek mainland – Thessaloniki, Kavala and Volos, for excursions to the Meteora Monasteries.
The ship also spends a day and night in Piraeus at the end of the voyage so there is time to see Athens before heading home.
How much? From £2,249 per person for a 15 day Adriatic, Ionian and Aegean Odyssey cruise from Dubrovnik to Piraeus (Athens), departing September 24, including flights, transfers and gratuities.
Best for… luxury
With free champagne on tap and some of the most indulgent suites at sea – two Wintergarden Suites have mini conservatories with hot tubs and loungers so clients can laze in their own private space – Seabourn’s 450-passenger Seabourn Odyssey is ideal for clients who want to explore the Greek islands in luxury.
And what better itinerary than the upmarket line’s 14-night round trip voyage from Piraeus? It visits seven Greek islands, as well as giving passengers a day and late night in Venice.
Highlights include Monemvasia, a delightful town of narrow streets known as ‘the Gibraltar of the east’ because it too is overlooked by a huge rock, and Katakolon, for trips to Olympia, the birthplace of the original Games.
How much? From £2,999 per person cruise-only for a 14-night Grecian Glories and Adriatic cruise from Piraeus departing July 12, including drinks and gratuities.
