aegean sea cruises 2024

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Aegean Sea Cruises

Premium cruises to the aegean sea.

On an Aegean Sea cruise, you’ll discover intriguing islands rich in history that have enchanted travelers for centuries. This is where you can immerse yourself in ancient mythology, feast on fresh Mediterranean cuisine, and relax on powder-white beaches or, in some cases, sparkling black sand.

Explore Minoan antiquities with an archaeologist, learn to cook authentic Greek cuisine, or kayak across limpid lagoons. From the towering volcanic cliffs of Santorini to the mountains of Crete and the sandy beaches of Mykonos, a European cruise through the Aegean Sea is the best way to experience this captivating corner of the continent.

Aegean Sea Cruise Highlights

Gorgeous beaches.

The entire Aegean region is blessed with beautiful beaches, all of them different. Elafonisi on Crete is a perfect swathe of pink sand. On Santorini, you’ll see sparkling black beaches, as well as the startling Red Beach at the base of towering, russet-colored cliffs. Mykonos is famous for its lively beach scene, with DJs spinning tunes all day. Head for anything-goes Paradise Beach, or the more sedate, family-friendly Kalafatis, where there’s great windsurfing.

Ancient History

You’ll be immersed in history spanning thousands of years on a cruise in the Aegean Sea. Kusadasi in Turkey is the gateway to ancient Ephesus, which dates back to the 10th century BC. From Mykonos, take a day trip to dreamy Delos, a thriving port in the 7th century BC, where wildflowers bloom in between ancient columns and mosaics. Rhodes’ claim to fame, meanwhile, is the magnificent palaces of the medieval old town, built by the Knights of St. John.

Delicious Food

The Aegean is characterized by its fresh, healthy food. Stuffed vine leaves, hummus and tzatziki dips, juicy tomato salads topped with salty feta and extra virgin olive oil, and fish straight from the boat are typical lunches in the islands, best enjoyed in a waterfront taverna. You’ll also find tender, slow-cooked meat, rich with local herbs, and the freshest fruit, from plump peaches to sweet figs. Greece is known for its fine wines, too; Santorini is one of the best places to taste and buy.

Featured Aegean Sea Cruise Ports

Santorini’s whitewashed towns spill over the cliffs of an ancient caldera that plunges into the glittering sapphire Aegean. Visit the archaeological site of Akrotiri to learn about the sophisticated Minoans who thrived here and then fled before the volcano exploded 3,600 years ago. Dine in a clifftop restaurant in pretty Oia, famed for its blue-domed churches, and visit some of the island’s renowned wine cellars. Or savor the unusual experience of swimming off a sparkling, black sand beach.

Chania (Souda)

Chania’s Venetian Harbor, lined with old mansions in warm, glowing colors and inviting tavernas, fishing boats bobbing on the water, is a joy to explore. There’s beautiful countryside beyond this enchanting town, too. Join a tour through the rugged White Mountains to see how shepherds live and to taste authentic Cretan cuisine. Or lace up your hiking boots for a testing trek through the dramatic Samaria Gorge, one of the most spectacular walks in the whole Aegean region.

There’s more to pretty Mykonos than its famed beach clubs. Visit the neighboring island of Delos to admire mosaics, statues, and columns dating back 2,500 years. Head into the countryside for a cooking class, and feast on your creations of spinach pie, stuffed peppers, and garlicky tzatziki. Or while away an afternoon in Little Venice, where bars and restaurants in former fishermen’s houses sit right on the water, with views of the iconic windmills.

Aegean Sea Cruise Itineraries

There’s a wide choice of itineraries that explore the Aegean Sea, ranging from six to 12 nights and visiting ports on the Greek mainland as well as the islands. You can choose between many different routes that visit Greece, Turkey, Malta, Italy, and beyond. Longer voyages cross the whole region, sailing between Athens and Barcelona over 10 nights, visiting ports in Italy and Spain as well as the Greek Islands. There are also chances to sail from the Aegean to the Adriatic, combining Greek ports with medieval Dubrovnik in Croatia.

Itineraries

Why cruise to the aegean sea with celebrity cruises.

You’ll see the best of the Aegean on our sleek, contemporary ships, with a wide range of excursions on offer catering to every taste. Wander around ancient temples learning about mythology, hike mountain gorges, or bask on sunny beaches. 

After exciting days in port, you’ll return to a world of comfort, where exciting dining and contemporary entertainment await. Sip a cocktail at the Martini Bar, or watch daylight fade to dusk at the Sunset Bar. Treat yourself at the spa, and unwind by the pool. Elevate your experience with The Retreat® , which includes a stay in one of our  beautiful suites along with access to an exclusive restaurant, Luminae at The Retreat, a private lounge, and more. 

On Edge-series ships, enjoy specialties from the Aegean and Mediterranean in Cyprus, our Greek-inspired restaurant. Solstice-series ships feature the Lawn Club, where you can lie on the soft grass and gaze at the glittering blue Aegean. On Celebrity Infinity, meanwhile, enjoy made-to-order grill dishes and salads in the sunshine at the Mast Grill, and romantic cocktails at the al fresco Sunset Bar.

View All Cruises to the Aegean Sea

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ADVENTURE ON THE AEGEAN

Greece & greek isles cruises.

Discover idyllic beaches and ancient ruins in the birthplace of poetry and art with a cruise to Greece and the Greek Isles.

Cruise to Greece and Greek Isles where temples, amphitheaters and villages preserved in volcanic ash still reveal the mysteries of the past. Enjoy dramatic sunsets across translucent waters while exploring the white cliffs of Milos, or transport yourself to the ancient past at ruins found on nearly every Greek island. The Temple of Aphaia looms over Aegina, while Delos Island hosts the incredible Terrace of the Lions. You'll find the world-famous Acropolis on Rhodes Island and the Akrotiri on Santorini. But don't forget to watch the sun rise over the Aegean while visiting the renowned windmills of Mykonos. Discover the magic with a Greece and Greek Isles cruise.

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ISLAND EXPLORER

Get in touch with traditional customs and soak in the Mediterranean waves on the sun-soaked Greek Isles onboard the best Greece and Greek Isles cruises. 

VIVA LA VILLAGE LIFE

Santorini only has villages, not towns, and these diverse areas provide a firsthand glimpse into Greek life. Because the whole island is less than 28 square miles, it's not difficult to take in most of the sights from the looming cliffs and still have time for shopping, eating and some down time on the Aegean Sea.

DIVE TO THE DEPTHS

Greece's underwater worlds complete with seahorses, eels and plenty of fish are almost too perfect not to grab your scuba gear and take the plunge. Santorini has an excellent dive center that will get you into the water fast with instructors who will guide you through the warm Mediterranean waters.

THE THRILL OF THE CLIMB

Another great thing to do while in Greece are the daily tours of the volcano Nea Kameni, which is located on an uninhabited island close to Santorini, begin with a short boat ride, followed by a climb up to the volcanic craters that takes just over an hour. The tour then takes in hot springs and mud baths, where you can recharge your batteries.

UNEARTH THE PAST

Go on an archaeological exploration of the ancient world's most renowned sites, from Bronze Age excavations to temples dedicated to the Greek gods with your cruise to Greece and Greek Isles. 

ANCIENT ADVENTURES

The largest of the Greek islands, Crete is both a beach paradise and home to some of the country's premier archaeological finds and attractions. Visit Greece and tour the Palace at Knossos, built by the Minoans more than 4,000 years ago, before exploring the Archaeological Museum, where the treasures of Knossos — including sculptures, jewelry and mosaics — are exhibited.

Excavations of Akrotiri on Santorini Island date back to the Manoan Bronze Age, where the settlement was preserved in ash following a volcanic eruption in 1627 B.C. The site is still being excavated today, and you can witness history firsthand by exploring the vast settlement and the enormous ongoing archaeological dig.

GUIDED BY GODS

Delos is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, and it's also the mythological birthplace of the sun god, Apollo, and his twin, Artemis, goddess of the moon and the hunt. You can spend hours exploring the ruins and learning about Greek history on the most sacred place of worship in Ancient Greece. Even the nearby old port has its own charm, with an amphitheater, sanctuary and various dwellings waiting to be explored.

AN AEGEAN ADVENTURE

This is not your average summer vacation in Europe — it’s an all-out culture trip you’ll never forget. Offering longer stays in port, Odyssey of the Seas℠ takes you deeper into the culture, history and natural beauty of some of Europe’s most incredible destinations. Cruise to Greece and explore the most beautiful isles in the Aegean.

GO FOR GREEK

There’s nothing like spending a summer in Greece, and an adventure on Odyssey of the Seas℠ , is the perfect way to experience it. Scope picture-perfect sunsets in Santorini. Tour a local vineyard in Crete. And spend a day soaking up the sun on a golden-sand beach in Mykonos . You’re in for adventure no matter how you choose to isle away the time.

EXPLORE CRUISES TO SANTORINI

EXPERIENCE MORE OF EUROPE

Experience the journey of a lifetime on a 12-night cruise on Odyssey of the Seas℠. Explore the stunning landscapes and rich history of Greece, Turkey, and Italy. Indulge in exquisite cuisine, relax in luxury, and embark on unforgettable shore excursions, all while enjoying the world-class amenities of our cruise ship.

EXPLORE EUROPE CRUISES

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Greece and Greek Isles Cruises Insider

You'll find excellent weather on the Greek islands throughout the year, but the best time to visit is between April and October, when temperatures range from the low 70s to the mid 80s, and the sun is nearly guaranteed.

Countless ruins like the Acropolis and the Akrotiri overlook the world-class beaches that are around nearly every corner on the islands. Whether you're more interested in a private cove on Zakynthos or a central beach with a party scene on Mykonos, the options are limitless.

While you will have no difficulty finding a wealth of fish and seafood on the islands, the history of trade on the islands create amazing international cuisine.

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Ftelia Beach, on the northern side of Mykonos, is the place for watersports and windsurfing, as well as those sunsets everyone dreams about.

CUISINE EVERYTHING'S BETTA WITH A LITTLE FETA

The Greek islands are known for famous foods like feta cheese, but the location is also home to a slew of other delicacies. Olive oil plays a big part in the local cuisine, as does local produce such as tomatoes and other Mediterranean vegetables. Feast on feta me meli, baked feta wrapped in filo, or choriatiki, greek salad with tons of vegetables. While meat such as lamb, pork and veal are found everywhere, especially in gyros or keftethes (meatballs), fish and seafood are the undisputed stars, due to proximity to the sea.

SAY CHEESE!

Kefalonia is home to the legendary tiropita cheese puff, which is basically cheese baked in cheese, although you'll also find puffs filled with vegetables, particularly spinach, and even sometimes meat. You can also find local cheeses like feta, manuri or kefalotiri everywhere.

EYES ON THE PIES

Meat pies filled with lamb, veal or sometimes pork are called kreatopita, and they are cooked with wine and tomatoes, garlic, cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a medley of flavors. There's also a variety called pastitsio that combines pasta and meat.

FLEX YOUR MUSSELS

Your choices are endless when it comes to fresh seafood prepared according to local tradition. Try a simple shrimp and pasta dish, or go wild with octapodi kokkinisto, octopus in tomato sauce during your Greece cruise.

RELATED PORTS

The beautiful Greece and Greek Isles cruise ports, from the in-progress archaeological digs at Delos to the Old Towns of Crete and Rhodes, the Greek Islands are brimming with history. And while it's wonderful to explore the past, the beaches of Mykonos and the architecture of Santorini and Athens are just a few of the many pleasures that await you.

Argostoli, Greece

Mykonos, Greece

Santorini, Greece

Chania (Souda), Crete

Olympia (Katakolon), Greece

Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Rhodes, Greece

Corfu, Greece

Zakynthos, Greece

Thessaloniki, Greece

Skiathos, Greece

Chios, Greece

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GREEK ISLES & AEGEAN SEA

Ancient wonders amid a yachting playground of sun-bleached islands, whitewashed villages and azure seas.

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• Greek Isles & Aegean Sea Experiences

Made For The Gods

Our Greek Isles cruises open the door to journeys that unfold in lands of epic history and play out on sultry islands lined with whitewashed villages. Climb to the Acropolis in Athens, visit a winery overlooking the caldera in Santorini and travel back in time to the ancient Greco-Roman world while in Ephesus. Meanwhile, famed Istanbul attractions such as the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace Museum are but the beginning of adventures in this legendary Silk Road city.

Greek Isles & Aegean Sea Cruises Special Offers

From guided tours of fascinating archaeological wonders to immersions into the local life and culinary traditions, our shore excursions bring you the best of the local cuisine, culture, history and wellness practices during your cruise to Greece. More extended evening stays across the region give you the chance to immerse yourself with in-depth explorations, adventures ashore and leisurely, meaningful touring.

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Wisdom begins in wonder.

Mediterranean Ports

Extend your stay before or after your Greek Isles cruise at one of these luxurious hotels, carefully selected for their superb location, ambiance, world-class standards of service, cuisine and amenities. Our hotel packages include free air date changes up to 3 days before or after your cruise; free transfers between the airport, hotel and ship; and porterage. You’ll also enjoy the services of our exclusive Oceania Cruises hospitality desk at each hotel.

Featured Greek Isles & Aegean Sea Hotels

Hotel Grande Bretagne

Athens, greece.

Greece Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is centrally located and within walking distance of Athens' emblematic Acropolis, trendy restaurants and exclusive shopping. The elegant 320 rooms and suites feature original art and antiques plus a full range of stylish bars and dining venues. All rooms and suites offer either enchanting views of the hotel's courtyard or a spellbinding panorama of the city's timeless landmarks. Escape to the GB Spa Athens for a massage, venture up to the GB Roof Garden Restaurant & Bar for a cocktail as the sun sets behind the Acropolis or head down to The Cellar for a tasting of its 3,000 bottles of wine from the exquisite collection of the Hotel Grande Bretagne in Athens.

AC Hotel Venezia

Venice, italy.

The new AC Hotel Venezia, strategically located at the entrance of Venice, is an ideal starting point for your explorations. Near Piazzale Roma, the final bus and car terminal, the hotel is also a two-minute walk from Santa Lucia Railway Station and the waterbus stop and only 20 minutes from the Venice Marco Polo Airport. After a short and pleasant walk in the labyrinth of Venetian calli, you can easily reach Rialto Bridge, St. Mark’s Square and the many other attractions of Venice. A modern design hotel combined with Venetian details, the 79 rooms – including 3 Junior Suites and 14 Superior Canal View rooms – are equipped with every comfort. A cozy AC Lounge offers the perfect spot to relax with a Spritz, the world-famous Venetian aperitif, after the day’s adventures.

Our Greek Isles Pre- and Post-Cruise Land Programs invite you to immerse yourself more deeply in the ancient wonders and natural beauty of this alluring region. These multi-day, in-depth Land Programs include exclusive tours, premium hotel stays, airport transfers when arriving and departing the day your program begins and ends, and oftentimes locally inspired meals and porterage too.

Featured Greek Isles & Aegean Sea Land Program

Ancient Greece & Wineries

Gain a remarkable understanding of the ancient world with this unique exploration of key archaeological ruins and historical sites that reveal the complexities of Greek civilization. In-depth tours of a section of ancient Corinth as well as Delphi highlight a fascinating range of ruins, from the remains of 6th-century BC Greek city and the starting lines of an ancient Greece racetrack to the Sacred Way leading to the famed Temple of Apollo on Mount Parnassus. Along the way, you’ll visit notable wineries to sample superb Greek wines, including a wine estate in the important red wine appellation of Nemea. This is a small group program, limited to only 14 participants.

• 2 nights in Arachova at Domotel Anemolia or similar hotel (executive double room)
• 1 night in Athens at St. George Lycabettus or similar hotel (standard double room with Acropolis view)
• Breakfast daily and all other meals per the program itinerary
• Entrance fees to all sites visited
• Winery visits per the program itinerary
• Corinth Canal transit
• All applicable taxes
• Professional English-speaking guide

Today’s Featured Greek Isles & Aegean Sea Cruises

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From the Oceania Cruises Blog

FOOD OF THE GODS: GREEK INGREDIENTS

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Greece & Aegean Islands Cruise 2024

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• Fully Guided
• Sightseeing

Traveled in June 2023

Places You’ll See

• Introduction
• Day 1 Arrive In Athens, Greece.
• Day 2 Athens.
• Day 3 Athens-corinth-nauplia.
• Day 4 Nauplia-epidaurus-mycenae-sparta.
• Day 5 Sparta-mystra-olympia .
• Day 6 Olympia-patras-delphi.
• Day 7 Delphi-kalambaka.
• Day 8 Kalambaka-meteora-athens.
• Day 9 Athens.
• Day 10 Athens-embarkation Port-mykonos .
• Day 11 Kusadasi, Turkey & Patmos, Greece.
• Day 12 Rhodes.
• Day 13 Crete & Santorini.
• Day 14 Disembarkation Port-athens.
• Day 15 Athens.

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What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Operated by Cosmos

The Cosmos Story. For nearly 60 years, Cosmos has done something remarkable: Bringing the world...

Sustainability Initiatives

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation policy.

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Excellent 5.0
• Tour Operator Cosmos 4.9
• Most Recent
• Most Popular
• Highest First
• Lowest First
• A Pamela · 11th July 2023 COSMOS delivered everything they promised and a bit more. The icing on the cake was delightful in the all our tour guides delivered exceptionally; Paul in particular was the best tour guide I have had in my many years of traveling the world… Kudis... Show more Trip date: June 2023 Review collected by Cosmos
• A Rosemary · 9th July 2023 Pavlos our tour guide was excellent and very informative. Tours were good. Trip date: June 2023 Review collected by Cosmos
• A Shelia · 7th July 2023 Paulos Milionias was the greatest. He was patient kind and very knowledgeable. He needs a bonus, promotion or another means of recognition. He is a great communicator and storyteller. Trip date: June 2023 Review collected by Cosmos
• A Isabella · 5th July 2023 I loved everything about the trip. Everything was well thought out and organised giving me plenty of time to do what I wanted as well as attended the included and optional activities Trip date: June 2023 Review collected by Cosmos
• A Ching-Chao · 29th June 2023 Well organized itinerary which covers the choicest spots in an ideal combination, both on land and at sea. Trip date: June 2023 Review collected by Cosmos
• A Yuan · 29th June 2023 Nicely proportioned land/sea tour package and very efficiently planned itinerary. Trip date: June 2023 Review collected by Cosmos
• A Anonymous · 29th June 2023 Nicely proportioned land/sea tour package, and very efficiently planned itinerary, with Korina our knowledgeable tour director ever diligently providing the proper framework and support. Trip date: June 2023 Review collected by Cosmos
• A Anonymous · 21st June 2023 Good service. Trip date: June 2022 Review collected by Cosmos
• A Debbie · 16th June 2023 My overall impression was very good. The tours started early before all the heat and crowds which I was very appreciative of. Trip date: June 2023 Review collected by Cosmos
• A Tara · 16th June 2023 Awesome spots and ruins, although I wish there were more stops in Sparta. Trip date: June 2023 Review collected by Cosmos

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

• Upcoming departures
• August 2025
• September 2025
• October 2025
• Saturday 12 Apr, 2025 Saturday 26 Apr, 2025 English Based on Double Room Not available in your region
• Saturday 19 Apr, 2025 Saturday 3 May, 2025 English Based on Double Room Not available in your region
• Saturday 26 Apr, 2025 Saturday 10 May, 2025 English Based on Double Room Not available in your region
• Saturday 3 May, 2025 Saturday 17 May, 2025 English Based on Double Room Not available in your region
• Saturday 10 May, 2025 Saturday 24 May, 2025 English Based on Double Room Not available in your region
• Saturday 17 May, 2025 Saturday 31 May, 2025 English Based on Double Room Not available in your region
• Saturday 24 May, 2025 Saturday 7 Jun, 2025 English Based on Double Room Not available in your region
• Saturday 31 May, 2025 Saturday 14 Jun, 2025 English Based on Double Room Not available in your region
• Saturday 7 Jun, 2025 Saturday 21 Jun, 2025 English Based on Double Room Not available in your region
• Saturday 14 Jun, 2025 Saturday 28 Jun, 2025 English Based on Double Room Not available in your region
• Saturday 21 Jun, 2025 Saturday 5 Jul, 2025 English Based on Double Room Not available in your region
• Saturday 28 Jun, 2025 Saturday 12 Jul, 2025 English Based on Double Room Not available in your region
• Saturday 5 Jul, 2025 Saturday 19 Jul, 2025 English Based on Double Room Not available in your region
• Saturday 19 Jul, 2025 Saturday 2 Aug, 2025 English Based on Double Room Not available in your region
• Saturday 2 Aug, 2025 Saturday 16 Aug, 2025 English Based on Double Room Not available in your region
• Saturday 16 Aug, 2025 Saturday 30 Aug, 2025 English Based on Double Room Not available in your region
• Saturday 23 Aug, 2025 Saturday 6 Sep, 2025 English Based on Double Room Not available in your region
• Saturday 30 Aug, 2025 Saturday 13 Sep, 2025 English Based on Double Room Not available in your region
• Saturday 6 Sep, 2025 Saturday 20 Sep, 2025 English Based on Double Room Not available in your region
• Saturday 13 Sep, 2025 Saturday 27 Sep, 2025 English Based on Double Room Not available in your region
• Saturday 20 Sep, 2025 Saturday 4 Oct, 2025 English Based on Double Room Not available in your region
• Saturday 27 Sep, 2025 Saturday 11 Oct, 2025 English Based on Double Room Not available in your region
• Saturday 4 Oct, 2025 Saturday 18 Oct, 2025 English Based on Double Room Not available in your region
• 22 Other Unavailable Departures

Frequently Asked Questions

We are there for you! If you have any questions about this tour, then please don't hesitate to contact us 24/7 and we will get back to you latest within 2 hours!

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Good to Know

• Currencies € Euro Greece $ US Dollar

As a traveller from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F, D, M. As a traveller from South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Hepatitis A - Recommended for Greece and Turkey. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis B - Recommended for Greece and Turkey. Ideally 2 months before travel.
• Typhoid - Recommended for Turkey. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 29th August 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 29th August 2024, a minimum payment of €250 is required to confirm your booking with Cosmos. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 65 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Cosmos will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Cosmos" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
• TourRadar is an authorised Agent of Cosmos. Please familiarise yourself with the Cosmos payment, cancellation and refund conditions .
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Aegean Escape 2024

The Aegean Sea is known for its unique, intoxicating blue colour. Myth has it that it took its name from Aegeus, king of Athens and father of Theseus, who threw himself in the sea and drowned thinking his son was dead.

Bathed in brilliant light, and home to thousands of stunning islands, it has been the source of inspiration for many poets, writers, painters and photographers alike.

Embark on a journey that takes you around the Cyclades, to the famous Santorini and Milos islands, but most importantly to lesser known islands, untouched, unspoiled and breathtakingly beautiful. White-washed architecture in a striking antithesis with the Aegean blue, dazzling beaches and hidden coves, sea caves, volcanoes, isolated chapels, ancient ruins and a rich tapestry of Greek traditions await. 

An indulgent journey of discovery that is filled with light, joy, myths, dreams and carefree moments.

Combine journeys for a fully immersive experience of Greece.

YOUR JOURNEY AT A GLANCE

Departure dates: First cruise May 4th– Last cruise October 12th 2024

Saturday – Saturday

PLEASE NOTE: Half board, open bar, port taxes and transfers from/to your hotel or the airport are inclusive of your cruise with M/Y Gemaya.

We will also be happy to assist with land/accommodation arrangements.

IMPORTANT: Please note itineraries are subject to change depending on weather conditions, difficulties at docking or unforeseen circumstances. This decision will be solely made by the captain based on the safety of the passengers, the crew and the vessel.

ACTIVITIES ON THIS CRUISE

Relaxing & Fun:   Swimming, snorkelling, jacuzzi, wakeboard, SuP, kayak, sea scooter, board games, gaming console, sleep under the stars

Wellness:   Massage therapies

Active:  Volcano trekking, hiking trails, scuba diving (third party providers), water ski, wakeboard, SuP, kayak, sea bob, sea scooter, tubes

Experiential:  Local farm visit, wine tasting tour, Greek dancing, fishing experience with our sailors

Cultural:  Ancient ruins, churches and monasteries, excavation site, museums

Educational:  Photography walk

Nature & Architecture:  Pristine beaches, world-famous Santorini sunset, volcanic islands, sea caves, Mediterranean seals, Cycladic architecture

*Scuba diving is offered by our trusted providers in Sifnos and Sikinos

*Please note activities may vary depending on itinerary changes due to weather conditions.

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

Embarkation at Lavrion port between 14:00-15:00. Enjoy a refreshing welcome drink during your smooth check-in. We set sail for the beautiful island of Kythnos, known also as Thermia, due to the famous thermal baths located in the area of ​​Loutra. Dinner onboard. Overnight at Kythnos. 

Enjoy a morning swim stop before arriving at  the dreamy island of Sifnos , with its traditional, white-washed architecture, its famous hiking trails and a sizzling food scene. Lunch onboard. Hike one of the many “Sifnos trails” or choose an optional excursion to the medieval ancient castle and the most photographed spot of Sifnos, the church of Seven Martyrs. Explore Apollonia, the picturesque capital, named after the God of light Apollo. Opt for a cooking experience with locals or enjoy lunch at one of the many tavernas. Overnight at port.

Wake up at a beautiful and uninhabited Aegean island, Polyaigos, an exotic paradise, home to a dwindling population of Mediterranean seals, often hunting for fish near the sea coves. Swim in the amazing green waters and walk the beautiful beaches, which make this island truly unique. Lunch on board. In the afternoon we set sail to Kimolos island, a true hidden gem. Evening at leisure to explore the fairy-tale like chora of Kimolos. Overnight at port. 

Morning arrival at the iconic Sarakiniko beach, its milky blue waters and spectacular white rock lunar landscape. Lunch on board. In the afternoon we set sail to Folegandros, a deeply authentic and romantic island in the Cyclades. Explore the charming Chora village with its whitewashed buildings and vibrant streets or visit the iconic Church of Panagia, perched high above the sea and Kastro, the most picturesque part of Chora. Overnight at port.

Sail to Sikinos in the morning, the hidden treasure of Cyclades. The main attraction, besides the serenity of Chora and the beautiful landscapes, is the Monastery of Chrysopigi, with a spectacular view. Moreover, it is worth visiting the Episkopi Monastery and the archaeological site of Agia Marina. The island has a handful of beaches with crystal clean waters and usually very few people.  Lunch onboard. Early afternoon arrival in Santorini for an excursion to Akrotiri pre-hestoric excavation site and mesmerizing Oia village. Find your perfect dinner spot and experience the world-famous Santorini sunset. Overnight at Santorini.

Set sail to Ios island early morning and enjoy a morning swim stop at Magganari Beach, one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Greece. Lunch onboard. Afternoon arrival at calm and romantic Antiparos, where Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson have their summer home. Visit the small-town local boutiques and the castle of Antiparos. Enjoy a dinner under the stars. Overnight at Antiparos.

Morning arrival in Serifos, a lesser-known island of distinct Cycladic flair, dotted with windmills, white-washed chapels, pristine beaches and many sites of cultural interest. Optional excursion to discover the island. Afternoon sailing to Sounion, with cocktails along the way. As the sun sets, enjoy your farewell dinner under the stars and the mesmerising view of the Temple of Poseidon. Late night we set sail for our return to Athens.

Disembarkation at Lavrion port after breakfast, before 10:00.

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Treasures of the Aegean

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Uniquely Tauck

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

Special Tauck Experience: a special dinner in Ancient Ephesus with musical entertainment

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

All gratuities to Tauck Director, ship staff, local guides and drivers

Traveling with Tauck's private group and the same Tauck Director on land and at sea aboard the ship

Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $3,970

2 nights at the Hotel Grande Bretagne in the heart of Athens

7-night cruise aboard the yacht Wind Star or Wind Spirit to Mykonos, Delos, Santorini, Patmos, Monemvasia & Ephesus

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Active components such as hiking, bicycling and walking longer distances may be included, and hills and/or uneven terrain may be encountered on several days. Guests should be able to walk two to three miles and stand for long periods of time with no difficulty.

Moderately paced, and may include some early morning hotel departures, one or two on-tour flights, and extended motor coach travel.

Cultural journeys and expeditions

Step back in time to ancient Greece and sail to fabulous destinations steeped in legend, lore and sunshine and enjoy lovely sunsets over the Aegean Sea as our cruise blends ancient with modern in a kaleidoscope of discoveries both mythic and epic...

See for yourself what small ship cruising is all about, tauck exclusive – library of celsus dinner, an exclusive special dinner with chamber music at ephesus' library of celsus.

Although the ancient city of Ephesus, in what is now Turkey, was originally built by the Greeks in the 10th century AD, much of the ruins you'll see at the site today date to the city's Roman period – like the famed Library of Celsus, constructed in the 2nd century AD to memorialize a Roman governor of Asia. Only the facade of this remarkable building has survived, but restored and re-erected, it is a stunning example of Roman urban architecture... and the amazing nighttime setting for a Tauck Exclusive, al fresco dinner featuring a chamber music orchestra performance.

Hotel Grande Bretagne

Eternal elegance in athens' ancient heart.

Situated right in the heart of Athens since 1874, the five-star, landmark Hotel Grande Bretagne offers an unrivalled perspective of the Greek capital's mythical history, with breathtaking views of the fabled Acropolis, regal Syntagma Square and the Parliament, lush Lycabettus Hill or the original Olympic Stadium. A favorite of celebrities and dignitaries for more than 140 years, this historic hotel is also within walking distance of exclusive shopping areas, museums and the business district.

From beginning to end, a fabulous vacation and a wonderful experience. The organization, itinerary and ship was superb.

Paul and Susan Spiess, NH

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Welcome Aboard

Ship Specifications

Flying Bridge

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Category AX Deluxe

Category BX Deluxe

Overnight Accommodations

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Arrive Early

Athens, Greece

Nights 3-9 On Board

Tauck Small Ship

Your journey

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About Booking This Tour

Travel Documents

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally , you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into Greece and Turkey. Although Turkey usually requires foreign visitors to obtain a visa in order to enter the country, Tauck guests traveling aboard a ship are part of a validated escorted shore excursion and are thus not required to obtain an individual Turkish visa (regardless of their citizenship). You do not need a visa for Greece.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally , you should contact a consulate or embassy of Greece to determine what travel documentation is required.

International maritime security guidelines require that your passport information be provided to us prior to your embarkation. You need to provide this information to us as soon as you book your cruise or boarding may be denied. Once you board the cruise ship, your passport will be held by the purser until you disembark.

You will be issued a boarding card, which you must present before embarking the ship in each port. This security measure also ensures that only Tauck guests are permitted onboard.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposits & Final Payment

The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $1,500 per person

Final Payment is due to Tauck  60  days before departure for lands trips, and  120  days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Cruise Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection

Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. It must be purchased within 10 days of your initial deposit. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON and Tauck will  reduce the regular cancellation fees outlined herein, provided we are notified of cancellation before your cruise departs. Certain terms and restrictions apply (see below*).

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.  Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  Should you cancel for covered reasons, the plan reimburses cancellation fees imposed, up to your total trip cost. 
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.

Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection is:   $799   per person

This plan provides cancellation coverage for your trip and other insurance coverages that apply only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Cruise and Event Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included in initial payment. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your reservation. Cruise and Event Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACCREINTL

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit

Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees.

If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit

Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply for this tour.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan:

120 days or more before departure: Loss of cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection fee per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 25% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person 59 – 1 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan: 120 days or more before departure: $1500 per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person 59 - 1 days before departure: Loss of 100% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

Tour Interruption Fees

If you have to interrupt your tour en route, you may be entitled to a refund for the unused land portion if it exceeds 24 hours; certain restrictions apply. Such refunds are based upon the number of overnights missed less a fee of $40 per person per day for unused transportation and other fixed expenses.

Partial Room Cancellation

A person who cancels or leaves a tour while a roommate remains constitutes a cancellation of one type of accommodation and rebooking of another type of accommodation. The price charged to the remaining person is the new, higher price for the new accommodation.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation and transfer terms outlined herein. Note: All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Special Luggage Restrictions for this Tour

Due to space constraints aboard the Windstar vessel and on motor coaches in Greece and Turkey, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to one small carry-on, no larger than an average size knapsack, which will easily fit under your seat, as overhead racks are not wide enough to accommodate large bags.

Checked Luggage – General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm). 

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies .

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

A doctor and limited medical facilities are available onboard. However, if you take special medications, please bring an adequate supply with you; they may not be available onboard. Medical services and all medicines (except acetaminophen, aspirin and anti-nausea pills) dispensed to you by the ship's doctor will be charged to your shipboard account. If you become ill during the voyage and the physician is unable to care for your needs onboard, you will be transferred to medical facilities onshore.

The Windstar cruise ships are registered in the Bahamas. Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Some of the countries visited on this itinerary may require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against certain diseases in order to enter the country.  These requirements are subject to frequent change as outbreaks occur and subside in different areas, and it is therefore crucial that you obtain the very latest information on entry requirements as you prepare for your journey.

For the most current information, please consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by clicking here  and the World Health Organization (WHO) by clicking here . You may also wish to visit the web sites for the embassies of the countries you will be visiting.  Besides providing details on vaccination requirements, these sites can also provide information on vaccinations that may be recommended (but aren't required) and other potential health issues for which no vaccines are available.

Any decisions relating to your health, of course, should not be based solely on information provided by a web site.  It is critically important that you consult with your personal physician prior to your journey to obtain any required vaccinations and to review any optional recommendations offered by the CDC or other sources.

Please be sure to discuss your journey with your physician at least four to six weeks in advance of your departure, as certain vaccinations take time to become fully effective.  Also, be certain to ask your physician for proof of any vaccinations you receive, and to pack this proof along with your other travel documents in your carry-on luggage (not in your checked luggage).

Researching and complying with vaccination entry requirements for the countries visited on this itinerary is the responsibility of the traveler and not Tauck. Tauck is therefore not responsible for any expenses incurred or disruptions to travel caused by improper or incomplete vaccinations, or by the failure to provide proof of required vaccinations.

If you do not obtain the necessary vaccinations and proper documentation, you may be denied entry into one or more countries, or temporarily quarantined until the necessary vaccinations are administered, or until proper documentation is provided.

To enjoy this cruise, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot.  Many of the sites visited were built in antiquity and have many steps and uneven surfaces. It is important that you wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes that have already been broken-in. The amount of walking that you choose to do, however, is at your discretion. Additionally, you should be steady on your feet to circumnavigate the decks of the ship while cruising on the Aegean Sea. Some ship-to-shore transportation is by local tender.  Occasionally you may get wet with spray.

PLEASE NOTE:  We regret that this Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters.  Likewise, we regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs.  The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest.  Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it. 

Your Windstar vessel does not have elevators. 

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

Smoking is not permitted on the motor coaches or inside the ship, including inside staterooms. Smoking is only permitted on the outer decks in the designated smoking areas. These regulations pertain to e-cigarettes as well.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey! You can view the reading list  here .

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with Necessary Gear who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site .

Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering.  Most days are spent outside or in transit. Therefore, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Breezy days at sea and cool evenings will require warmer, layered clothing. A jacket and tie are not required for gentlemen aboard ship, but may be preferred or required at some local restaurants.

The "casual elegance" of a small cruise ship is also reflected in the way their guests' dress. We recommend that you wear relaxed and comfortable clothing, as you would at an elegant land resort. For women's daytime wear, we suggest walking shorts, skirts, sarongs, lightweight tops and cover-ups; for evening wear - sun dresses, pants, or informal cocktail attire. For men's daytime wear, we suggest Bermuda shorts, polo shirts, and khaki pants; in the evening - lightweight trousers and short-sleeved dress or polo shirts. No suits or ties are required. Shorts, jeans, and t-shirts are not permitted in the restaurant during the evening.

Valet laundry service is available at the hotel listed on this itinerary. On board the ship, next-day laundry and pressing service is available; dry cleaning services, irons and ironing boards are not available.

Following is a list of recommended items to pack for cruising on the Aegean Sea:

Rainwear, such as a raincoat and rain hat, plus a collapsible umbrella

Short and long-sleeved shirts/tee shirts (for the warmer, summer months extra tee shirts are always a good idea)

Shorts (for summer) and pants for casual daytime wear

Sport coat for men (suggested but not required) and slacks/dress for women for evening wear

Sweater; lightweight for summer, and medium weight for spring/fall

Camera, lenses, chargers, batteries and extra memory cards

Sunscreen and hat

Small flashlight

Insect repellent

Washcloth - not all European hotels provide washcloths, so you may want to bring one along.   A package of pre-moistened towlettes is an excellent alternative.

Travel alarm clock (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)

Reusable zipper lock bags or other waterproof bags

Prescription medicines (an adequate supply to last your entire journey), and written copies of your prescriptions from your doctor.  While it may be possible to refill prescriptions during your journey, the availability of refills cannot be guaranteed.  What's more, refilling prescriptions in foreign countries can be difficult and time-consuming.    

The Mediterranean and Aegean coasts of Greece and Turkey enjoy long hot dry summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures in Greece and Turkey are tempered by the Etesian northerly wind which blows across the Aegean Sea, and breezes called "meltemia", however, mainland temperatures are often very high. Winters are mild and wet, although rainfall is generally low in most areas.

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov , by clicking here.

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Ship Details

Athens, the Greek Isles & Turkey 2024 (7 Night Cruise)

Ncl getaway all-inclusive 7 night med cruises from athens to the greek isles and turkey in 2024.

Includes Two-nights' Five-Star B&B Hotel Stay In Athens

• Departure Date: 12th July 2024
• Total Nights: 9 Nights
• Cruise: Norwegian Getaway
• Package Type: Cruise and Stay

Founded in 1966, Miami-based Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), part of global cruise company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (which also owns Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises), is the third-largest cruise line in the world in terms of cruise passengers. NCL has become well-known for its colourful ships featuring a pop-icon style painted hull.

• done Return flights from the UK with luggage allowance
• done All transfers
• done Two-nights' five-star bed-and-breakfast accommodation in Athens
• done Seven-nights' full-board cruise accommodation on Norwegian Getaway
• done Premium all-inclusive drinks package
• done Specialty dining package
• done 150 min' pp wi-fi package
• done $50 per stateroom per port shore excursion credit

Norwegian Getaway combines the most magnificent amenities Norwegian has to offer with unforgettable destinations. Stroll The Waterfront, an innovative, industry-first open-air promenade designed to connect guests with the ocean like no other cruise line.

Wyndham Grand Athens

Similar package deals.

Epic Mediterranean 10 Night Cruise From Rome

• Includes hotel stay
• 12 nights, departs on the 16th Jul 2024
• Return flights from UK with baggage allowance
• Two nights' four-star bed-and-breakfast accommodation in Rome
• 10 nights' full-board cruise accommodation on board Norwegian Epic with a premium all-inclusive drinks package and a bonus speciality dining package
• 150-minute wi-fi package per person
• $50 per stateroom per port shore excursion credit
• Cruise info: Norwegian Cruise Line, Norwegian Epic
• Itinerary: Fly from UK to Rome, Italy, Rome, Italy, Civitavecchia Port, Italy +10 more

Lake Garda, Venice, Croatia and Greek island Hopping Cruise

• Includes train travel
• 14 nights, departs on the 7th Aug 2024
• Return flights from the UK with baggage allowance
• All transfers (except short hop between Trieste train station and port)
• Two nights' four-star bed-and-breakfast accommodation in Lake Garda
• Business-class train ticket to Trieste
• 10 nights' full-board cruise accommodation on board Norwegian Pearl
• Premium all-inclusive drinks package onboard
• Specialty dining package on board
• 150 minute per person wi-fi package onboard
• Water taxi transfers in Venice
• Two nights' four-star bed-and-breakfast accommodation in central Venice
• Cruise info: Norwegian Cruise Line, Norwegian Pearl
• Itinerary: Fly from the UK to Verona, Italy, Lake Garda, Italy, Train journey from Verona to Trieste, Italy +12 more

Salou Beach Stay and 10 Night Med Cruise Escape

• 13 nights, departs on the 20th Jul 2024
• Return flights form the UK with baggage allowance
• All transfers
• Three nights' four-star half-board hotel accommodation in Salou
• Ten nights' full-board cruise accommodation on Norwegian Escape
• All-inclusive drinks package
• Specialty dining package
• 150 minute pp wi-fi package on board
• Cruise info: Norwegian Cruise Line, Norwegian Escape
• Itinerary: Fly to Barcelona, Spain, Salou, Spain, Salou, Spain +11 more

Athens and Greek Island Hopping Cruise to Venice

• 11 nights, departs on the 29th Jul 2024
• Two night' five-star bed-and-breakfast accommodation in Athens
• Nine nights' full-board cruise accommodation on board Norwegian Pearl
• Premium all-inclusive drinks package
• Itinerary: Fly from the UK to Athens, Greece, Athens, Greece, Athens, Greece +9 more

Panama Canal Joy Collection 15nts from Miami

• 17 nights, departs on the 29th Nov 2024
• Return flights from the UK
• One night's four-star room-only accommodation in Miami South Beach area
• 15 nights' full-board cruise accommodation on Norwegian Joy
• Cruise info: Norwegian Cruise Line, Norwegian Joy
• Itinerary: Fly to Miami, USA, Miami, USA, At Sea +13 more

Barcelona and All-Inclusive 10 Night Med Cruise Escape

• 12 nights, departs on the 21st Jul 2024
• Two nights' four-star bed-and-breakfast hotel accommodation in Barcelona
• Itinerary: Fly to Barcelona, Spain, Barcelona, Spain, Barcelona, Spain +10 more

South American Star and Antarctica

• 17 nights, departs on the 20th Dec 2024
• One-night's four-star bed-and-breakfast accommodation in Buenos Aires
• 14-nights' full-board cruise accommodation on board Norwegian Star
• 150-minute per person wi-fi package
• Cruise info: Norwegian Cruise Line, Norwegian Star
• Itinerary: Fly from the UK to Buenos Aires, Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina +12 more

Pearl of the Caribbean Panama Canal Taster Cruises

• 14 nights, departs on the 18th Jan 2025
• Return flights from the UK with luggage allowance
• Two nights' four-star room-only hotel accommodation in the heart of Miami South Beach
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• 150 minute per person wi-fi package
• Itinerary: Fly from the UK to Miami, USA, Miami Beach, USA, Miami, USA +11 more

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A Look at the Inaugural Season of the Silver Ray

• June 22, 2024

After being delivered by Meyer Werft in May, the Silver Ray recently entered service for Silversea Cruises in Europe .

Set to spend its maiden season in the Mediterranean, the LNG-powered ship is now in the middle of her inaugural summer season in the Mediterranean.

Cruise Industry News takes a closer look at some of the highlights of the inaugural deployment of the Silver Ray.

Inaugural Cruise Date: June 15, 2024 Length: 12 nights Homeports: Lisbon (Portugal) to Civitavecchia (Italy) Itinerary: Cádiz, Málaga, Valencia, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona and Palamos (Spain); Saint Tropez (France); Monte Carlo (Monaco); and Livorno (Italy)

The Silver Ray embarked on its maiden voyage earlier this month. After a christening ceremony in Portugal , the vessel departed from Lisbon for a 12-night cruise to ports in Spain, France, Monaco and Italy.

Sailing to Civitavecchia, , the open-jaw cruise features visits to less-visited destinations in the Western Mediterranean, such as Saint Tropez, Palamos and Monaco.

Tyrrhenian and Adriatic Date: June 27, 2025 Length: 11 nights Homeports: Civitavecchia to Fusina/Venice (Italy) Itinerary: Naples, Sorrento, Palermo, Palermo, Syracuse and Trieste (Italy); Valletta (Malta); Kotor (Montenegro); Split and Zadar (Croatia)

The Silver Ray’s maiden season also features cruises to the Eastern Mediterranean, including this 11-night itinerary to the Tyrrhenian and the Adratic Seas.

According to Silversea, the cruise allows guests to explore Italy and Croatia with visits to 11 ports of call, including Naples, Sorrento and Split. Before ending in Venice, the one-way voyage also features visits to Kotor, Montenegro, and Valletta, Malta.

Greek Isles and Turkey Date: August 17, 2024 Length: 8 nights Homeport: Piraeus (Greece) Itinerary: Nafplion, Mykonos, Rhodes, Santorini and Chania (Greece); Kusadasi and Bodrum (Turkey)

Starting in August, the Silver Ray explores the Greek Islands and Turkey with itineraries that focus on the Aegean Sea.

As part of this eight-night itinerary, the 728-guest vessel is set to visit Nafplion, Mykonos, Crete, Santorini and Chania. Sailing roundtrip from Piraeus (Athens), the cruise also features visits to Turkey’s Bodrum and Kusadasi.

Sicily, Corsica, Tunisia and More Date: November 12, 2024 Length: 11 nights Homeports: Civitavecchia (Italy) to Barcelona (Spain) Itinerary: Naples, Syracuse, Palermo and Cagliari (Italy); Valletta (Malta); Tunis (Tunisia); and Palma de Mallorca (Spain)

Before wrapping up its maiden season in Europe, the Silver Ray also offers a unique itinerary sailing from Italy to Spain.

With ports of call in Sicily, Corsica, Malta and the Balearics, the 11-night cruise sails from Civitavecchia to Barcelona and features a total of nine destinations in four countries: Spain, Italy, Malta and Tunisia.

Iberia and Morocco Date: November 23, 2024 Length: 11 nights Homeports: Barcelona (Spain) to Lisbon (Portugal) Itinerary: Valencia, Cartagena, Málaga and Cádiz (Spain); Gibraltar (United Kingdom); Casablanca and Tangier (Morocco)

The Silver Ray offers an 11-night itinerary to Iberia and Morocco in late November. Sailing just before the ship’s first transatlantic crossing to North America, the itinerary features visits to destinations in Spain, the UK, Morocco and Portugal.

Among the ports of call are Gibraltar, Casablanca and Tangier, as well as Valencia, Cartagena and Málaga.

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7 of the best Mediterranean cruise holidays to book for 2024

Relax, sightsee and feast on floats of the med around italy, france and greece, article bookmarked.

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The Mediterranean is without doubt a top choice for holidays for British tourists seeking the sun – and its waters are world-class for cruising .

Here, holidaymakers will find a tangle of rich cultures, irresistible romance and classic cuisines, and a slice of the 28,600 miles of colourful coastline in southern Europe is often best discovered by boat.

With on-shore excursions exploring everything from the Greek gods to platters of authentic tapas, it’s possible to liaise with locals over flamenco in Barcelona , cleanse your palette with gelato in Sicily and bask on the beaches of Mykonos all on one trip.

Better still, docking at ancient harbours on multi-storey vessels promises seafaring travellers a balmy greeting in the summer season from June to September.

Here’s our guide to the best multi-country cruises with all the amenities and aperitifs to book a last-minute float in 2024 on the magical Med.

Read more on cruises :

• Experience Africa’s wildest coastline from the comfort of your balcony
• The best river cruises around the world
• Will Queen Anne usher in a new golden age of cruising?

Best for: City stops

14-day mediterranean with greece, france & italy, princess cruises.

Departs: Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Arrives: Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

To tick the likes of Athens, Barcelona, Marseille and Genoa off of your bucket list in just 14 days, Princess Cruise’s Mediterranean itinerary offers a nine-port adventure on Sun Princess. The all-inclusive voyage through Greece, Montenegro, Italy, Spain and France has an extensive choice of classic on-shore excursions, with interior rooms starting from £2,099pp.

Departing 17 August 2024.

Best for: Luxury sailing

7-night corsica & french riviera, star clippers.

Departs: Cannes, France

Arrives: Cannes, France

One of the world’s most glamorous ports, a departure from Cannes sets the tone for this seven-night sail of Corsica and the French Riviera with Star Clippers . Peruse the boutiques of Portofino, swim in the sparkling shallows off Plage Saint Antoine in Corscica and top up your tan in St Tropez from £1,665pp under the white sails of the intimate Star Flyer clipper ship.

Departing 20 July 2024.

Best for: Couples

7-night mediterranean cruise, msc cruises.

Departs: Piraeus (Athens), Greece

Arrives: Piraeus (Athens), Greece

Love is in the sea breeze on MSC Cruises’ week-long cruise in the Mediterranean. Picture a romantic island hop with your partner to the blues of Corfu, Cefalonia, Bari and the whitewashed churches of Santorini (primed for a proposal so we hear). Better still, the full board voyage on MSC Opera comes complete with a piano bar, sea view restaurants and steamy spa facilities, with interior cabins from just £659pp.

Departing 23 July 2024.

Best for: Families

7-night mediterranean cruise from barcelona, disney cruise line.

Departs: Barcelona, Spain

Arrives: Barcelona, Spain

Undeniably, Disney does magic best – and what better way to travel the Mediterranean with kids than a week with Mickey and his friends on the Disney Dream from Barcelona? There are shows, slides and snacks to enjoy on deck between docks in Palermo, Naples, Civitavecchia and Livorno. An inside stateroom for two adults and two children starts from £8,173.

Departing 5 July 2024.

Best for: Foodies

Best of italy & croatia, celebrity cruises.

Departs: Rome, Italy

Arrives: Ravenna, Italy

With a host of culinary cruises in their fleet, the onboard dining experience of a Celebrity Cruise ship leaves little to desire – and on the 10-day ‘Best of Italy & Croatia’ cruise, foodies will also have a chance to taste classic dishes in their birthplaces. There are citrus fruits in Portofino, pizza in Naples, arancini in Sicily, and Dalmatian stew in Split to savour during the $1,902pp (£1,505) voyage.

Departing 17 September 2024.

Best for: All-inclusive

Mediterranean medley, marella cruises.

Departs: Palma, Mallorca

Arrives: Palma, Mallorca

Kick your feet up with Marella Cruises for an all-inclusive float to French favourites Livorno, Villefranche, Toulon and star Spanish cities including Barcelona, Valencia and Palma. On the brand new Marella Voyager, 27 restaurants and bars, an indoor cinema, a pool deck and a mini golf course mean your hardest decision while on the Med will be how to spend your morning and fit in six meals. The week’s journey starts from £1,118pp, including flights and transfers.

Departing 24 August 2024.

Best for: History buffs

Istanbul icons & aegean artifacts, windstar cruises.

Departs: Athens, Greece

Arrives: Istanbul, Turkey

With Windstar Cruises’ ‘Istanbul Icons & Aegean Artifacts’ voyage, the cultural wonders of Athens, Delphi, Bodrum and Istanbul are waiting just outside your cabin. On the eight-day trip – four of which are spent discovering Istanbul – you’ll see Unesco-listed legends from the Acropolis to Akrotiri and the Blue Mosque for all-inclusive prices from $5,899pp (£4,671).

Departing 9 October 2024.

Read more: How to have a floating holiday under the technicolour waltz of the aurora borealis

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More From Forbes

How to visit santorini—without the crowds.

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Scenic view of traditional cycladic houses with flowers in foreground, Oia village, Santorini, ... [+] Greece

It’s golden hour in Oia and dozens of boats are parked and bobbing in the Aegean Sea, pointing their bows towards the sun, a glowing orange globe that looks as though it’s gently dipping into the sapphire water for the nightly summer spectacle: A Santorini sunset. Above, amid the blue domes crowning whitewashed buildings, tourists are lined up to catch the sunset, too—with tour guides arriving hours earlier, leading the masses to lookout points and filling up lots that advertise parking for sunset views.

Landscape view of Oia at sunset in Santorini, Greece.

Like a secret stratosphere in between the sea and the famed cliffside village is the Santo Collection Resort and Villa’s quiet sunset outpost with primo views of the Aperol-hued sunset and plenty of rocky ledges to perch yourself onto for unobstructed photos. Competing with views of the sunset is the sunlit volcanic cliff face that’s glowing an earthy shade of red. Just down the path is another option for view seekers: An open-air gym for fitness enthusiasts who want to take in the sunset while working up a sweat on the sea-facing treadmill.

Santorini, particularly Oia, is wildly popular in the summer, with as many as four cruise ships docking in a single day at the volcanic island. (Pro tip: You can check the cruise schedule to see how many passengers will descend on the caldera each day and plan your outings accordingly).

But serenity in Santorini is certainly achievable. Here’s how to build out an Oia, Santorini trip without the crowds this summer.

When is the Best Time to Visit Santorini?

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Amoudi bay, port of Oia, Santorini Greece at sunny summer, toned

Book a trip later in the season, with cooler temps and fewer crowds in late-September through October. Most of the island’s shops, restaurants, and hotels are still open, and you’ve got a better shot at getting a portrait in front of the blue domes or Ammoudi Bay.

Greece, by the way, was just named one of the friendliest countries in the world .

Where to Stay in Oia, Santorini?

Ahead of the summer season, 37 Santo Mine suites opened with pools and jacuzzis facing the Aegean ... [+] Sea.

The Santo Collection opened two new properties for the 2024 travel season and, even when all of the rooms are booked out, the property grounds, pools, and restaurants are spacious enough that they never feel too crowded. Guests will get a calisthenics workout in at this cliffside hotel while making their way to breakfast, where they’ll find decadent spreads of Greek delicacies each morning, like sesame-covered Koulouri (think: thin, chewy bagels), creamy hummus, hunks of feta, Greek yogurt with honey, and more.

The property also has a sleek Wine Cellar where oenophiles can get a taste of Santorini wines that are made all the more interesting by the island’s volcanic soil, like Kavalieros, a dry white with notes of lemon and some interesting minerality. At Ālme Restaurant, dinner guests can sample menu items from the dry-aged fish menu, with ingredients sourced from around Greece. A cove in the resort is set aside for silent movie nights.

Wine Cellar

Blending minimalism and brutalist design concepts, each of the 37 luxury Santo Mine Oia Suites come with either a private jacuzzis or a pool. The suites, which opened this spring, face the Aegean Sea and are topped with “green roofs” growing herbs and sprouting flowers so suite vacationers feel like they have the place to themselves. Interiors are filled with cream tones and accented with woods, stone, and marble.

Also new for summer 2024 are The Villas by Santo Collection . The four-bedroom luxury villas feature private pools and guests can arrange to have local produce stocked in their kitchens, enjoy a private sommelier-led wine tasting, book aqua yoga sessions, or arrange for a private yacht excursion.

The Villas by Santo Collection

The property is a 15-minute walk from Oia’s popular shops and restaurants, and the Ammoudi Bay is an easy descent (but a much harder ascent).

What to Do in Santorini?

Some must-do’s while on Oia include wandering around the winding, cobblestone streets and popping into the art galleries in caves or the ceramic shops filled with hues of blue. Snag a sunset reservation at Ammoudi’s Fish Tavern , a tiered restaurant nesting in the cliffside and overlooking the Ammoudi Bay —a fishing port that’s 300 steps below the town of Oia and is a popular postcard vignette for Santorini.

Want to swim in the Aegean Sea? Santorini is short on beaches, so your best bet is to book a catamaran tour to take you around to the scenic swimming holes and scenic spots, like Nea Kameni, a petite volcanic island where you can swim in the hot springs, which, truthfully, are just a few degrees warmer than other spots.

Another way to see Santorini without the crowds? Book a private car that can take you to some of the scenic spots before cruise ship travelers arrive, spots like Imerovigli, a picturesque clifftop village where you won’t have to jockey for a position to snap photographs.

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Scandinavia & Baltic Cruises

Unpack once and visit seven different scandinavian countries.

Best Cruise Line Itineraries

Recommend Magazine 12-time winner

On a Baltic cruise with Princess®, unpack once and visit seven different countries within Scandinavia and the Baltic region. Let the gold-lined palaces and monuments recount stories from these revolutionary regions. Along the way, meet the many famous figures that call these lands home. From Vikings to castles and cathedrals, relive history as you come face-to-face with these significant sites.

Scandinavia & Baltic cruises

On a Scandinavia and Baltic cruise, discover a whole new way of life. Feel the spirit of Stockholm’s Gamla Stan, hear from craftsmen in Tallinn and explore Helsinki’s Senate Square, where art, culture, religion, politics and education converge. Trek throughout these cities alongside expert guides who hold secrets of seasons past. Or step into the homes of locals to uncover long-standing traditions.

Featured Scandinavia & Baltic Cruise Ports

Discover some of the world-renowned destinations that await you on an Scandinavia & Baltic cruise with Princess.

With a history as long as its city wall, Berlin is a staggering destination for any traveler. On a Baltic cruise, honor those who lost their lives at the Holocaust Memorial. Watch history unfold as you visit the 20th-century remnants of the Berlin Wall. Or enjoy a change of pace touring the rooms and gardens of German dukes before you at Schwerin Castle.

Copenhagen boasts equal parts charm and culture. Before you set sail on your European cruise, indulge in thrills at Tivoli Gardens, and ride a bike along Nyhavn’s waterways, passing multi-colored homes on the way. Tour ancient fortresses, like Kronborg Castle, which inspired Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” Or make a stop to see Copenhagen’s most famous symbol, The Little Mermaid.

With a deep-rooted respect for design, Helsinki is cloaked in elaborate styles from the present and past. On a Baltic cruise, admire the creative architecture of Suomenlinna Fortress, and learn about the city’s naval past. At Market Square, shop hand-crafted goods, or see a collection of artifacts at the Kiasma Modern Art Museum.

As a major trading port, it should come as no surprise that Oslo is home to many valuables. On a Baltic cruise, visit Vigeland Sculpture Park, and view over 200 colossal figures created by a famous Norweigan sculptor. Watch experts blow glass at the Hadeland Glassworks gallery. Or snap a photo at the Holmenkollen Ski Jump, featured during the 1952 Olympic ski-jumping competition.

Covering 14 separate islands, Stockholm is a cultural playground waiting to be explored. On a Scandinavia cruise, waltz through the Royal Palace, and explore 600 royal rooms. Capture postcard-worthy shots of Stockholm City Hall, one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. Or transport to the 10th century when you arrive in Sigtuna — Sweden’s original capital — and discover where it all began.

Travel back in time as you walk through the medieval streets of Tallinn, admiring the city’s preserved history and architecture. On a Russia cruise, journey through the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and learn about tsar regime. View tombs and coats of arms that live in St. Mary’s Cathedral. Or get a rare taste of local tradition at the Museum of Estonian Drinking Culture.

Why Cruise Scandinavia & Baltic Cruises

From astounding fjords to astonishing palaces, the treasures of Scandinavia and Baltic region welcome you to explore.

Step back in time

Get up close to historical gems on a Baltic cruise with Princess. View ships and treasures found in royal burial mounds of the Oslo fjord at the Viking Ship Museum. Or learn what it’s like to be a prize winner at Stockholm's Nobel Peace Museum, and get up close to the world’s oldest preserved warship at the Vasa Museum

Fjords & Viking Legends

Formed by the hands of the glaciers

A Baltic cruise is your key to the Norwegian Fjords — Mother Nature’s crown jewel. Upon arriving in Stockholm, ride along the brinks of Tyrifjord, a 52-mile inlet that boasts greenery and deep blue waters. Relax amidst the serenity of Oslo Fjord, and discover treasures from beneath its seas at the Viking Ship Museum. With Princess, sail to Scandinavia’s oldest capital and revel in the natural wonders before you.

Unique Architecture

Magnificent and monumental

Travel to lands where ancient architecture abounds. Wander the cobbled streets of Stockholm’s old town, Gamla Stan, one of the largest and best-preserved medieval city centers in Europe. Explore a treasure trove of late Renaissance and Rococo architecture in Copenhagen, like Rosenborg Castle, Kronborg Castle or Frederiksborg Castle. Or walk through 'Upper Old Town,' home to some of Tallin's oldest and most notable structures. Experience it all on a Baltic cruise.

Shore excursions

Our award-winning Scandinavia and Baltic cruise shore excursions bring you to palaces, Viking heritage and hidden gems. In partnership with Discovery™, tour three royal residences in Copenhagen — including Fredensborg and Frederiksborg Castle. You’ll also enjoy a Hamlet-themed journey through Kronberg Castle, which inspired the famous play. Or travel through a traditional Danish village, and discover hundreds of years of history along the way.

Local connections

On a Baltic cruise, learn the secrets to crafting an Estonian beer from a master brewer, and pair your sips with snacks. Journey through Tallinn’s most notable sites — including Palace Square and the Great Guild Hall. Or stroll through Stockholm’s ‘Haymarket,’ and sample regional delicacies while hearing from chefs and vendors.

Enjoy even more history and culture with More Ashore late-night departures and overnight stays. On a Baltic cruise, see Berlin’s most iconic sites — like Checkpoint Charlie and the Brandenburg Gate. Or stroll under the Nordic twilight, and end the night at Oslo’s Ice Bar.

Baltic & Scandinavia Cruise Onboard Experience

Curated comfort, world-class entertainment and international flavors await you.

Experience Scandinavia without ever stepping off the ship. Our onboard activities bring the diverse cultures of the region directly to you. Sing, dance, feast and celebrate in a way that only the Baltic and Princess know how.

Accommodations

Your home away from home

Your stateroom is where you rest and recharge between adventures. That’s why every room is equipped with the expertly designed Princess Luxury Bed, 100% Jacquard-woven cotton linens and our SLEEP program created by a board-certified sleep expert. From interior cabins to full suites, unwind in any of our staterooms, and enjoy peace of mind with the option of connected rooms for families of four or more traveling together.

Flavors that inspire

Take a week-long vacation on a Bahamas cruise with more to love, calling on additional Caribbean ports. Visit Princess Cays for a day in the sun, sand and surf. Then have more time to explore Trunk Bay – one of the “Cruise Wonders of the World” – during a late-night stay in St. Thomas on Eastern Caribbean itineraries. From relaxation to adventure, experience cruises to the Bahamas that have more range with Princess.

Entertainment

Find your joy

Embark on adventures by day, and indulge in entertainment by night. Watch Movies Under the Stars® at our 300-square-foot outdoor theater. Attend original productions from Broadway legend Stephen Schwartz, composer of  Wicked . Or learn traditional moves, like Flamenco or Irish stepdance, and listen to popular music from the destinations on your itinerary. On a European cruise with Princess, the choice is yours.

Youth & Teen Center

Step outside the classroom

Our European cruises were crafted with every guest in mind — even the younger ones. From 6-month old babies to 17-year old teens, kids can unwind and relax or play and explore. In partnership with Discovery™, kids can learn even more with special insights about Italy, Greece and everywhere in between. With engaging activities on board and ashore, kids can see history books come to life before their eyes.

Reset, recharge, relax

Your European cruise should be every bit as refreshing as it is inspiring. Unwind in the Sanctuary, a retreat just for adults, and relish in tranquility. Or book an appointment at the Lotus Spa®, named "Best Spa on a Cruise Ship" by Spafinder Wellness 365™. Enjoy relaxing treatments — like facials, hot stone massages and detoxifying wraps — that will leave you recharged for upcoming adventures.

Vegas hits the seas

Experience the thrill of cards, dice, roulette and blackjack at the casino onboard our European cruises. Learn from experts — like our staff or perhaps other guests nearby — and put your skills to the test. More casual players can pull up a seat at the slot machines for the same adrenaline at their own speed. For an afternoon full of games, join fellow travelers for Bingo, or compete in scheduled group tournaments.

Sailing Scandinavia & Baltic cruises

Our Princess fleet includes ships that range from small to large vessels. While aboard, marvel at Europe’s breathtaking scenery and enjoy regionally inspired cuisine. Those sailing on Scandinavia and Baltic cruises even have the chance to experience Sky Princess®.

European Cruise Articles

Read about storied attractions, charming history, diverse cultures and preparation advice for cruising Europe.

Explore Europe

Learn all about our exciting options to visit Europe from cruises to in-depth cruisetour vacations. 

The top ten things to do in Norway

Planning a holiday to Norway? Discover the best museums, restaurants, cafés, attractions and experiences in the Scandinavian country.

Must-do summertime activities in Scandinavia

Discover the best summer holiday activities in Scandinavia, including wild swimming in Stockholm and rooftop drinking in Oslo.

Five reasons to cruise from Southampton

Looking for a cruise vacation from Southampton? Set sail to Canada, the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, Florida and around the British Isles with Princess Cruises.

How to see Stockholm from a unique perspective

Ice bars, rooftop tours, meatballs and more – use our handy city guide to get a fresh view of Sweden’s brilliant capital.

Six places to see the Northern Lights in Norway

Hoping to see the Northern Lights in Norway? Discover the best places to try to catch a glimpse of Mother Nature's exceptional light show

Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There

Princess EZair® Flights

Stress-free airfare

Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time, and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty, and protect you if your flight is late or canceled.

EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages.

Airplane to Ship Transfer

We get you where you need to go

Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax

Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling, and the representative’s services.

Need help planning?

Princess Cruise Vacation Planners are a dedicated resource to help you every step of the way through the planning process of your cruise vacation. The best part is, their services are completely FREE!

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British Isles Cruises

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Mediterranean Cruises

Rich flavors, thriving culture & long history fill this region.

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Greek Island Hopping Cruise

3 night cruises, 4 night cruises, 7 night cruises, 14 night cruises, cruises from, theme cruises, adriatic cruises, mediterranean, inclusive cruising, food and drink, know before you go – brochure.

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Idyllic Aegean (2026) - 7 Nights

Discover the rich history, fascinating culture and sumptuous cuisine of the unforgettable Greek islands. With rugged landscapes to explore, our 7-night experience invites you to indulge in traditional flavors, admire stunning landscapes and delve deeper into charming villages . We even give you a unique chance to take guided visits to the grand Palace of Knossos and the intriguing city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. Our extra special tour takes you on a romantic and effortless odyssey to sun-soaked shores, quaint fishing villages, and iconic historical sites. With overnight stops in the stunningly beautiful and buzzing islands of Santorini and Mykonos, you will have the opportunity to discover hidden secrets and indulge in an authentic experience of Mediterranean cuisine and the classic Greek lifestyle.

Cruise itinerary

Your idyllic Aegean escape begins in the majestic city of Athens. As one of the oldest cities in the world, the vibrant modern metropolis boasts an intriguing and contrasting mix of old and modern architecture in perfect harmony and balance. Explore the city and soak up the atmosphere by the harbour’s edge as you wait to embark for your exciting adventure.

The dynamic beach resort of Kusadasi welcomes you with its warm and friendly ambience. From here you will be whisked away for a guided tour round ancient Ephesus, one of the highlights of this iconic Aegean cruise. Before rebounding the ship, take time to enjoy the scenic seafront promenade and the town’s impressive Grand Bazaar.

The stunning landscape of Greece’s largest Dodecanese island, Rhodes, seamlessly incorporates dramatic ancient and historic sites with charming modern hillside villages. Here you will visit the majestic medieval fortification of the Acropolis at Lindos perched on the clifftop above the crystalline Aegean and explore the cobbled alleyways and narrow arteries in the Old Town where you will discover opulent architecture with Ottoman and Italian influence.

Agios Nikolaos (Greece)

Along the spectacular Cretan coast east of Heraklion lie the energetic resort towns of Hersonissos and Malia and also the capital of the Lassithi region, Agios Nikolaos. The charming resort town, whose name (Saint Nicholas, in English) refers to Greece’s patron saint of sailors, fronts the wide blue Bay of Mirabello. The town’s landmark round Lake Voulismeni – where the goddess Athena herself is said to have bathed – connects to the sea.

The romantic island of Santorini is the remnants of a devastating volcanic eruption in the 16th-Century BC. The picture-perfect scenery features clustered traditional whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches set against a beguiling brilliant blue backdrop. Here you will have the chance to experience the Mediterranean lifestyle of the idyllic oasis and relax in the island’s calm and tranquillity.

*Tendering weather permitting.

The sun-drenched island of Mykonos is affectionately known as the ‘Island of the Winds’. Easily recognised by its iconic 16th-Century windmills perched high on the hill, the vibrant Mykonos Town is an alluring landscape of smooth sandy beaches dotted along a dramatic coastline. Indulge in the islands culinary delights or take a short boat trip to explore the sacred island of Delos.

The volcanic origins of the beautiful Greek island of Milos are clearly evident in its complex and bewitching landscape. Here you have the opportunity to explore the dramatically surreal and sculptured looming rock formations that rise out of the crystalline waters and create the stunning coastline. Why not join a local expert to explore the many beauty spots and charming fishing villages.

While your cruise may be drawing to an end, the tantalising city of Athens still lies ahead. Delve deep into the city’s sidestreets, bursting with life and culture. Or, clamber up high to the Acropolis for a stunning view of this thriving, cosmopolitan city. As the sun sets, take in the Athens skyline by night and wonder at the dancing Aegean. There’s no better place to end your cruise than here.

At a Glance

Amazing excursions carefully curated, ancient ephesus and the terrace houses, house of virgin mary & ancient ephesus, classical athens and its monuments, the acropolis & the new acropolis museum, athens monuments and the acropolis, off the beaten track – 4×4 adventure, the essence of santorini, transfer to sahara beach, transfer to perissa beach, transfer to ammoudara beach, transfer to paradise beach, transfer to kalafatis beach, sacred delos & rhenia island, adventure, spills and thrills at adaland water park, knossos palace & cretan landscapes.

Thessaloniki Food on foot

Rich history of a famous greek winery, a taste of wine and tradition, music, myths and history, home cooking and hospitality in mykonos, hiking to the ultimate beauty of oia, the beautiful art of mosaic making, trek to the heart and soul of milos, milos food on foot, sea kayaking and the mesmerising milos coastline, a geological wonder 4×4 adventure, ancient civilisations with an expert archaeologist, thrill of the ride buggy safari, heraklion food on foot, athens food on foot, house of virgin mary & ancient ephesus, ancient ephesus through the ages hellenistic and roman, ancient ephesus & miletus, land of alexander the great, the royal tombs of vergina, panoramic thessaloníki, spectacular oia village perched on the caldera rim, cruise to santorini’s islands & volcanoes, akrotiri village excavations, walking tour in the medieval city of rhodes, philerimos church and the palace of the knights, athens tour and the new acropolis museum, panoramic athens and corinth canal crossing, experience the cretan countryside and lifestyle, venetian heraklion and the unique archaeological museum, knossos palace and the archaeological museum, minoan palace of knossos – 1st european civilisation, nostalgic milos cruise – land & sea, step back in time, step back in time – (religious), the amazing beaches tour, cycladic tastes (food on foot), delos – sacred island & apollo sanctuary, mykonian countryside tour with chora and little venice, mykonian dinner, an inclusive experience.

COMPLIMENTARY DINING

We know the best recipes are the ones passed down between generations. And we love to share that with our guests. So onboard a Celestyal cruise, you can expect freshly prepared by our local chefs – morning, noon and night!

SELECT DRINKS WITH MEALS

Sit down to an authentic evening meal and enjoy specially selected drinks to go with it. Our dedicated hospitality team know how to make every meal a delicious experience so let them take your taste buds away.

VIBRANT ENTERTAINMENT

Immersing our guests in the local way of life is at the heart of the Celestyal experience. Take Greek dancing lessons from a pro and take the Mediterranean culture home with you. Enjoy a drink with your group as you watch the stars glitter off the Aegean with our front-seat, panoramic horizon bar views. And don’t miss the colour and magic of Cirque Fantastic!

$80 SHOREX EXCURSION DISCOUNT

We can’t wait to welcome you to our beautiful blue world, so when you step foot on the sands of Greece and the Eastern Med, our endless excursion options are designed to take you to the heart of our homeland. As standard, all of our guests enjoy a $80 excursion discount to put towards any of our immersive experiences.

PORT CHARGES AND GRATUITIES

With all charges, port expenses and gratuities included in our fares, you can relax knowing we’ve got you covered. We’ll bring your next adventure to you, with no additional fees.

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The Alternative to Huge Cruises? 3 Masts, 28 Sails and Wind Power.

We checked out the 136-passenger Sea Cloud Spirit on a Mediterranean cruise. In this era of gargantuan ships, its elegant clipper design, wooden decks and relatively small size stands out.

By Ceylan Yeğinsu

From the bridge of the three-masted windjammer, the Sea Cloud Spirit , the captain called out the words we’d all been waiting for.

“Let’s set the sails!” he cried, after turning off the engines, while maneuvering to maintain an optimum angle for his 18 deckhands to climb into the shrouds and unfurl the ship’s 44,132 square feet of sails by hand.

Like acrobats, the crew scurried up the masts to the upper topgallant sails that rose nearly 200 feet above us. The ship’s captain, Vukota Stojanovic, later insisted that none of it was for show. “Whenever there is an opportunity to sail, we sail,” he said.

For the next hour, the crew hauled the ropes until the 28 sails were billowing in the wind, propelling the 452-foot-long ship — the world’s largest passenger sailing vessel on which the sails are raised by hand — toward its first port of call, Portofino, Italy.

At a time when cruise lines are packing their ever-more-gargantuan ships with water parks and basketball courts, the 136-passenger Sea Cloud Spirit, with its old-fashioned clipper design and wooden decks, stands out. It is the newest ship from the Hamburg-based Sea Cloud Cruises , and while it is the company’s biggest, Sea Cloud said it wanted to leave space for passengers to connect to the surrounding elements.

“Wherever you are on the ship, it feels like you are sitting on the water,” said Amelia Dominick, 71, a retired real estate agent from Cologne, Germany, who was on her third cruise onboard the Sea Cloud Spirit.

I had arrived for a four-night “taster sailing” from Nice, France, to the Ligurian region of Italy, designed to entice passengers to sign up for a longer cruise. Here’s what I found.

The ship and cabins

The Spirit has many comforts and luxuries, including a fitness center, library, hair salon and a spa with a Finnish sauna that overlooks the sea. The deck layouts are spacious, with nooks carved out for privacy and relaxation.

Sixty-nine spacious cabins have windows that open onto the sea. My room, a junior suite on the third deck, had two large arched windows, mahogany tables, a balcony and a comfortable couch and armchair. The marble bathroom was lavish, with a gold-plated sink and large jetted bathtub.

The elegant interior design is inspired by the original Sea Cloud, built in 1931 for Marjorie Merriweather Post, the American heiress of the General Foods Corporation, with glossy wooden panels and gold trimmings. The Sea Cloud was the largest private sailing yacht in the world before Post handed it over to the U.S. Navy for use as a weather-reporting vessel during World War II. The four-mast, 64-passenger ship has since been restored to its former glory and will sail across the Aegean and Adriatic this summer.

The experience felt authentic — even before the sails were set — with a detailed safety drill. On most cruises, the drill entails a safety video and signing in at an assembly point. But here, passengers put on their life jackets and walked through emergency scenarios that included rationing food supplies and fishing from the lifeboat.

Each day, the sails were set, even during heavy rain and wind speeds over 30 knots. Guests wanting to participate in the rigging are usually invited to do so, but the weather conditions made it too risky for this sailing.

“It was amazing to watch the work go into putting the sails up and down and to experience the wind power pulling the ship so fast without the engines,” said Malte Rahnenfuehrer, a 50-year-old psychologist from Zurich, who was traveling with his partner and two children.

The captain

It is rare for cruise passengers to see the ship’s captain after the initial welcome drinks or gala dinner. But Capt. Vukota Stojanovic was omnipresent throughout the cruise, from setting sails to lifeguarding to mingling with guests.

Originally from Montenegro, Captain Stojanovic piloted container ships for years. When he was asked to consider helming the original Sea Cloud nearly 10 years ago, he hesitated because he had no experience sailing. Even after he learned the ropes — and there are 340 ropes (known as running rigging) on the vessel — he was unsure. “I grew to love the sailings, the boats, the crew the lifestyle, but I still felt I belonged on container ships,” he said. “It would be a big adjustment, especially because I would have to shave every day,” he joked.

Eventually, he accepted the opportunity and worked tirelessly to learn how to sail and operate the ship. Today, he keeps an “open bridge” policy, allowing passengers to visit the control room, even when he is wrestling with the wind.

“The crew and the passengers are all part of the experience, and I like to meet people and receive their feedback,” Captain Stojanovic said.

Environment

Sea Cloud Cruises aspires to take a “gentle” approach, using wind power to drive its ships wherever possible, even if that means changing course for optimal weather conditions. When sailing is not possible, the Spirit has two diesel-electric engines that run on low-sulfur marine diesel fuel. The company is also working with ports that have shore power capabilities to plug into the local electric power.

Onboard, there is an emphasis on reusable bottles and paper straws, and crew members separate solid waste to be compacted and removed when in port.

Excursions and Activities

We made stops in Portofino, San Remo, Italy, and St.-Tropez, France, anchoring offshore and getting to land by tender — a contrast to the big cruise ships with their loud horns and thick plumes of exhaust spewing from their funnels.

For passengers wanting to take a dip (there is no pool), the crew marked an area in the water with floats and an inflatable slide. The water was frigid, but many passengers took the plunge from the swimming deck. Guests could also take “Zodiac Safaris” around the ship to get views of the vessel from the water.

Excursions ranged from food and wine tours to e-biking and beach trips. In Portofino, passengers were free to explore the sights independently, including the Castello Brown Fortress and the lighthouse on Punta del Capo rock. There was ample time to eat meals on shore as the ship did not depart until 11 p.m. Over the summer, the Sea Cloud Spirit will sail to Spain, Portugal, France and the Azores, among other destinations. On Nov. 11, she will depart for St. Maarten in the Caribbean for the winter.

Wherever the vessel goes, said Mirell Reyes, president of Sea Cloud Cruise for North America, the company tries to “stay away from the crowds and ports where big cruise ships spit out 6,000 passengers.”

Summer prices, which include food and beverages, range from $3,995 for a four-night sailing in a superior cabin to $9,420 for a veranda suite. Seven-night sailings cost between $6,995 and $16,495.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Ceylan Yeginsu is a travel reporter for The Times who frequently writes about the cruise industry and Europe, where she is based. More about Ceylan Yeğinsu

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3 Cruise Stocks to Buy on the Dip: June 2024

W hether you love it or hate it, setting sail on a cruise is undeniably a favorite vacation option for many travelers. Cruise stocks are equally polarizing and, like many travel stocks , tend to be better trades than long-term investments. However, as data points show that consumer spending is slowing down, is this a time to look for cruise stocks to buy on the dip? 

Something for you to keep in mind as you make that decision is that cruises are often booked several months in advance. That means the vacation pictures you may see on social media in the months to represent sunken costs that may bear little reality to the current economic news. And the cruise lines cite solid booking levels well into 2025.  

With that in mind, many cruise lines will likely post strong numbers independent of what happens in the broader economy. Here are three cruise stocks to buy on the dip.  

Carnival (CCL) 

Carnival (NYSE: CCL ) is getting a lot of attention as one of the cruise stocks to buy on the dip. High expectations are being placed on its June 25, 2024 earnings report. Investors will be looking to see if the company can keep reporting revenue that is not only higher year over year but also higher than 2019 levels.  

Investors need to see that because Carnival took on perhaps the highest debt burdens of the cruise lines. Companies do not like to be leading in that category, particularly in the travel industry. 

That debt is still likely to weigh on earnings for some time. However, the company reported a record level of bookings at considerably higher prices, which is one reason the company was able to pay down approximately $8 billion of debt during the quarter.  

That’s the kind of progress that has analysts bullish on CCL stock . The consensus price target of $20.99 is 30% higher than the June 21, 2024 closing price.  

Viking Holdings (VIK) 

One investment strategy is not to fight what the market clearly gives you. To amplify this, I present Viking Holdings (NYSE: VIK ). This is a newcomer to the market; it’s only been publicly trading since May 1, 2024, and is already up about 20%. However, the stock has dropped about 10% in the five days of trading ending June 21, 2024. 

Viking’s business model caters to the affluent and childless travelers who want to make the destination and not the ship the primary reason for traveling. Cruise ships don’t permit passengers under 18 and don’t have onboard casinos. The company’s target audience is over 55 years of age.  

It’s not for everyone. And if you call this a cynical play on a bifurcated economy, I won’t debate it much. However, this demographic is least impacted by inflation today and will likely have disposable income to partake of the “modern luxury” Viking offers.  

The current valuation is high . But with only one earnings report, it’s too early to make any long-term judgments on VIK stock.  

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) 

Demographics are also a reason to look at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NYSE: NLCH ) as one of the cruise stocks to buy on the dip. NLCH stock is down about 13% in 2024, but analysts have a consensus Buy rating on the stock with an upside of about 20%.  

Like Viking, Norwegian has its share of high-net-worth cruisers. However, the company is also capturing another coveted demographic. According to Norwegian Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Harry Sommer, millennial and Gen-Z consumers are the fastest-growing segment of the company’s business. That’s particularly important because, unlike Carnival, Norwegian is not a budget-friendly option.  

That does raise questions about how much a weaker consumer will impact the company. In its most recent earnings report, the company had a slight revenue miss but still came in much higher on a year-over-year basis. As the company adds capacity to its new fleet, it expects to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 6% through 2028.  

On the date of publication, Chris Markoch did not have (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com Publishing Guidelines . 

Chris Markoch is a freelance financial copywriter who has been covering the market for over five years. He has been writing for InvestorPlace since 2019.

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