Best Greek Islands Cruise Guide: Lines, Itineraries & Honest Advice
By Greek Trip Planner
Greece has over 200 inhabited islands scattered across the Aegean and Ionian Seas. And if you're sitting there thinking "how on earth do I see more than two or three of them in a single trip?"—well, a cruise might be the answer you're looking for.
But here's the thing: cruising the Greek islands is genuinely different from cruising most other destinations. The distances between islands are short, the ports are often tiny, and the magic of Greece is really in the wandering—something that doesn't always gel with a ship's rigid schedule.
I've spent years exploring these islands independently, by ferry, by sailing boat, and yes, by cruise ship. So I'm going to give you an honest breakdown of the best cruise lines for the Greek islands, the itineraries worth booking, and—crucially—whether cruising is even the right move for you.
Which Greek Islands Cruise to Choose – A Quick Answer
The best cruise for the Greek islands depends entirely on what kind of traveler you are.
If you want a classic big-ship experience with polished itineraries and well-known ports, Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean are your best bets. If you're after something more intimate that actually feels like island hopping, look at Celestyal Cruises (the only Greek-owned cruise line) or a small-ship operator like Variety Cruises. And if you want total freedom with a sailing-yacht vibe, a sailing trip around the Cyclades is honestly the most magical way to do it.
Here's the best part though: many Greek island cruises are only 3–7 days, meaning you can easily combine a cruise with independent time in Athens or a few extra days on an island. That combo approach? That's the sweet spot.
Not sure where to start? Take our quiz and we'll help you figure out which Greek islands are right for you.
What is a Greek Islands Cruise Actually Like?
Before I get into specific lines and itineraries, let me set some expectations—because cruising the Greek islands isn't quite like a Caribbean cruise.
The ports are small. Most Greek island harbors weren't built for 3,000-passenger ships. On big-ship cruises, you'll often be tendered ashore in smaller boats, which eats into your time on the island. On smaller ships, you can dock right in the harbor, sometimes steps from the village center.
The distances are short. Unlike ocean crossings where you spend full days at sea, Greek island cruises often move overnight or in just a couple of hours. That means more port time and less "sea day" lounging—which is great if you're here for the islands, not the ship.
The islands themselves are the attraction. A Greek islands cruise isn't really about the onboard entertainment or the buffet. It's about stepping off the ship and wandering through a whitewashed village, swimming in a hidden cove, or eating grilled octopus at a taverna overlooking the caldera. If that sounds like your kind of holiday, keep reading.
Here's what to expect from a Greek Islands cruise:
- Santorini from the water is unforgettable. Sailing into the caldera and seeing Santorini's clifftop villages from below is one of those moments that genuinely takes your breath away
- Mykonos is the party stop. Most cruises include Mykonos, and the energy here is completely different from the quieter islands—think beach clubs, designer shops, and Little Venice
- The hidden gems require smaller ships. Islands like Hydra, Patmos, and Symi are where the real magic happens, but only small-to-mid-sized cruise ships can access them
- You can combine Greece with Turkey. Many Eastern Mediterranean itineraries include stops in Kusadasi (for Ephesus) or Istanbul, giving you a multi-country experience
- Shoulder season cruises are significantly better. April–May and September–October mean fewer crowds at port, better prices, and honestly more pleasant weather for walking around ancient ruins
Related Post
Best Cruise Lines for the Greek Islands
I've broken this down by cruise type, because the "best" cruise line really depends on what you're after. A honeymooning couple and a family of five are going to have very different ideal ships.
1. Celestyal Cruises
The Greek-owned line that actually knows Greece
Celestyal is the only major cruise line headquartered in Greece, and honestly, it shows. Their ships are mid-sized (around 1,200–1,600 passengers), which means they can dock in smaller ports that the mega-ships can't reach.
What makes Celestyal different is the focus on the destination rather than the ship. The itineraries are designed by people who genuinely know the Greek islands, and the onboard experience has an unmistakably Greek flavor—Greek cuisine, Greek entertainment, and crew members who can actually tell you where to find the best souvlaki in Mykonos.
Their most popular route is the "Iconic Aegean" cruise: a 3–4 night loop from Athens (Piraeus) hitting Mykonos, Santorini, Crete (Heraklion), and sometimes Kusadasi in Turkey. It's a solid introduction if you're short on time.
Best for: First-time visitors, couples, anyone who wants a Greek-focused experience rather than a generic Mediterranean cruise
The catch: The ships aren't as luxurious as Celebrity or Royal Caribbean. If you're expecting a floating resort with a dozen restaurants and a surf simulator, this isn't it. But if you care more about the islands than the ship, Celestyal delivers.
Price range: €€ — significantly cheaper than the big international lines
2. Celebrity Cruises
Premium experience with polished Greek itineraries
Celebrity runs some of the best-reviewed Eastern Mediterranean itineraries, and their ships are genuinely beautiful. The Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Beyond are floating design hotels—think rooftop gardens, craft cocktail bars, and restaurants by Michelin-starred chefs.
Their Greek islands routes typically run 7–10 nights from Athens, Rome, or Barcelona, hitting Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, and sometimes Corfu or Crete. The ship itself is a destination, which is a plus on sea days but arguably a distraction when you're in port.
Best for: Couples and honeymooners, foodies, anyone who wants a premium onboard experience alongside the Greek islands
The catch: The ships carry 2,500–3,000+ passengers. When you arrive in Santorini alongside two other mega-ships, the island's tiny port town of Fira becomes an absolute zoo. You'll be tendered ashore (no direct docking), and your time on the island can feel rushed.
Price range: €€€ — premium pricing, but frequent deals on shoulder-season sailings
Related Post
Best Greek Islands for Couples & Honeymoons
3. Royal Caribbean
The family-friendly option with serious onboard entertainment
If you're traveling with kids—or if you just love waterslides and rock-climbing walls on a boat—Royal Caribbean is hard to beat. Their Odyssey of the Seas and other Quantum-class ships sail Greek itineraries, and the family programming is genuinely excellent.
The Greek itineraries are similar to Celebrity's: 7-night loops from Athens or Rome, usually hitting Santorini, Mykonos, and one or two additional ports like Kos, Rhodes, or a Turkish stop.
Best for: Families with kids, group trips, anyone who wants as much fun on the ship as off it
The catch: Same mega-ship limitations—you won't be docking in quaint little harbors. And the onboard vibe is definitely more "resort" than "authentic Greek experience." But if the kids are happy, everyone's happy.
Price range: €€–€€€ — competitive pricing especially for families
Related Post
Best Greek Islands for Families
4. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
Flexible "Freestyle" cruising with solid Greek routes
NCL's "Freestyle" concept means no fixed dining times, no dress codes, and a more relaxed atmosphere. Their Greek itineraries run on mid-to-large ships and typically include a mix of Greek islands and mainland stops.
The Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Getaway have both sailed Greek routes, and the itineraries often include less-visited ports like Nafplio or Argostoli (Kefalonia), which is a nice touch.
Best for: Casual travelers, young couples, people who hate strict cruise schedules
The catch: NCL has been criticized for aggressive upselling onboard. The base price looks great, then the specialty dining, drinks packages, and excursion fees start adding up.
Price range: €€ — lower base price but can get expensive with add-ons
5. Variety Cruises
Small-ship, yacht-style Greek island hopping
Now we're talking about a completely different experience. Variety Cruises operates small motor yachts and sailing ships carrying just 34–72 passengers. These vessels can slip into tiny harbors that big ships can't even dream about—places like Hydra, Folegandros, Sifnos, and the Small Cyclades.
The atmosphere is intimate and social—you'll know everyone on board by the second day. The itineraries focus on lesser-known islands, swimming stops in hidden bays, and genuinely getting under the skin of Greece.
Best for: Experienced travelers, couples seeking something unique, anyone who's already done the big islands and wants to go deeper
The catch: It's expensive. Small ships mean higher per-passenger costs. And the cabins are compact—this isn't a floating palace. You're paying for the experience, not the luxury.
Price range: €€€€ — premium pricing for an intimate experience
6. Windstar Cruises
Sailing ship elegance meets Greek ports
Windstar operates actual sailing ships (plus some small motor yachts), and their Greek itineraries are among the most elegant ways to see the islands. Think billowing white sails, 150–300 passengers, and ports like Monemvasia, Patmos, and Spetses that you won't find on big-ship routes.
Best for: Luxury travelers, couples, anyone who wants the romance of sailing without actually doing any sailing
The catch: Very limited departure dates compared to the big lines. Book well in advance.
Price range: €€€€ — luxury segment
Best Greek Islands Cruise Itineraries
Not all itineraries are created equal. Here are the routes worth considering:
The Classic Aegean Loop (3–4 Nights)
Ports: Athens → Mykonos → Santorini → Crete → Athens
This is the most popular short cruise and the best option if you're adding a cruise to a longer Greece itinerary. You hit the three most famous islands in one quick loop. Celestyal runs this route regularly and it's genuinely excellent value.
Who it's for: First-timers, time-limited travelers, anyone combining a cruise with independent exploration
Eastern Mediterranean Explorer (7–10 Nights)
Ports: Athens → Mykonos → Rhodes → Crete → Santorini → (Turkey/Cyprus) → Athens
The longer itinerary adds Rhodes and sometimes a Turkish or Cypriot stop. This gives you a better sense of how diverse the Greek islands actually are—the Cycladic whitewash of Santorini is a world away from the medieval old town of Rhodes.
Who it's for: Anyone with more time who wants variety
Small Cyclades & Hidden Gems (7 Nights)
Ports: Athens → Kea → Kythnos → Serifos → Sifnos → Milos → Kimolos → Athens
This is the route you can only do on a small ship (Variety Cruises, Windstar, or private charter). These islands are where the best beaches in Greece hide, the villages are unspoiled, and you won't see another cruise ship.
Who it's for: Repeat visitors, couples, anyone wanting the "real" Greece
Find island-hopping boat tours
Italy & Greece Combo (10–14 Nights)
Ports: Rome → Naples → (at sea) → Corfu → Santorini → Mykonos → Athens
If you're planning an Italy and Greece trip, a cruise that connects both countries eliminates the logistical headache of booking flights or ferries between them. Celebrity and Royal Caribbean both run this route.
Who it's for: Multi-country travelers, first-timers to Europe
Cruising vs. Independent Island Hopping: The Honest Comparison
This is the question I get asked more than almost anything. And my answer might surprise you.
Factor
Cruising
Independent Island Hopping
Convenience
✅ Everything organized
❌ You plan ferries, hotels, transfers
Cost
€€€ (appears expensive but all-inclusive)
€–€€€ (cheaper if budget, similar if mid-range)
Time on Islands
❌ 4–8 hours per port
✅ As long as you want
Depth of Experience
❌ Surface-level exploration
✅ You actually live the island
Number of Islands
✅ 4–6 in one trip
⚠️ Realistically 2–4 in a week
Hidden Gems
❌ Big ships hit the same ports
✅ Ferries go everywhere
Flexibility
❌ Ship's schedule is fixed
✅ Change plans on a whim
Best Beaches
❌ Can't reach most by cruise
✅ Rent a car, find your own cove
Food Experience
⚠️ Onboard food is decent but generic
✅ Taverna-hopping is pure joy
Nightlife
⚠️ Back on ship by departure
✅ Stay out as late as you want
My honest take: If you have 7+ days specifically for the islands, independent hopping is the better experience. You'll go deeper, eat better, and have that spontaneous magic that makes Greek island travel so special. You can use FerryHopper to plan your routes—it's genuinely easy once you get the hang of it.
But if you have limited time, you're combining Greece with other countries, or you simply don't want the hassle of planning logistics, a cruise is a perfectly valid choice. Just go in with eyes open about the trade-offs.
Related Post
At-a-Glance: Best Cruise Line for the Greek Islands
Your Priority
Best Cruise Line
Why
Best overall Greek experience
Celestyal Cruises
Greek-owned, mid-sized ships, fair prices
Best luxury experience
Celebrity Cruises
Beautiful ships, premium dining
Best for families
Royal Caribbean
Kids' programs, waterslides, activities
Best for hidden gem islands
Variety Cruises
Small ships reach tiny ports
Best for sailing romance
Windstar Cruises
Actual sailing ships, intimate
Best budget option
Celestyal Cruises
3-night cruises from ~€400pp
Best for flexibility
NCL (Norwegian)
Freestyle dining, casual vibe
Best combo with Italy
Celebrity or Royal Caribbean
10-14 night Italy+Greece routes
Practical Tips for a Greek Islands Cruise
Book excursions independently. Cruise ship excursions are typically overpriced and crowded. In most Greek ports, you can walk off the ship and explore on your own—the towns are compact and safe. Grab a local taxi or book a smaller tour through GetYourGuide for a better experience at half the price.
Shoulder season is dramatically better. July and August mean scorching heat, packed ports, and inflated prices. A cruise in May, early June, September, or early October is a completely different (and much better) experience. Read more about when to visit Greece in my planning guide.
Arrive in Athens a day early. Most Greek cruises depart from Piraeus (Athens' port). Don't risk a flight delay ruining your cruise—fly in the day before, spend a night exploring the Acropolis and Athens' neighborhoods, and head to the port relaxed.
Bring comfortable walking shoes. Greek port towns are built on hills with cobblestone streets. Flip-flops won't cut it for exploring Santorini's caldera path or Rhodes' medieval old town.
Consider a cruise + stay combo. The smartest approach I've seen is doing a 3–4 night cruise to hit the major highlights, then spending 4–5 days independently on one or two islands that caught your eye. Best of both worlds. Check out our 7-day and 10-day Greece itineraries for ideas on how to structure this.
Don't skip the smaller ports. If your itinerary includes a stop in Patmos, Symi, or a Cretan port like Chania—these are often the highlights of the entire cruise. While everyone else rushes to Santorini, the smaller ports deliver the most authentic experience.
How Much Does a Greek Islands Cruise Cost?
Cruise pricing varies wildly, but here's a realistic breakdown:
Cruise Type
Duration
Price Per Person
What's Included
Celestyal (mid-size)
3–4 nights
€400–€800
Cabin, meals, basic drinks, port fees
Celebrity (premium)
7 nights
€1,200–€2,500
Cabin, meals, some drinks, entertainment
Royal Caribbean (family)
7 nights
€900–€2,000
Cabin, meals, kids' programs, entertainment
NCL (casual)
7 nights
€800–€1,800
Cabin, meals (specialty dining extra)
Variety (small ship)
7 nights
€2,000–€4,500
Cabin, all meals, excursions, intimate experience
Windstar (luxury)
7 nights
€2,500–€5,000
Cabin, meals, water sports, select drinks
Important: These are per-person prices for a standard cabin in shoulder season. Peak summer (July–August) can be 30–50% more. Also factor in excursion costs (€30–€100 per port if you book your own), drinks packages on lines where they're not included, and gratuities.
For a full breakdown of Greece trip costs, check out How Much Does a Trip to Greece Cost.
So, Should You Cruise the Greek Islands?
Here's my final, honest take.
A Greek islands cruise is worth it if:
- You have limited time and want to see multiple islands efficiently
- You're combining Greece with Italy or Turkey and want a seamless connection
- You prefer having logistics handled rather than planning ferries and hotels yourself
- You're traveling with family and want the convenience of a floating hotel
- You've never been to Greece and want a broad overview before returning independently
Skip the cruise and island-hop independently if:
- You want to truly experience Greek island life (slow mornings, taverna lunches, sunset swims)
- You're on a budget—ferries + guesthouses can be significantly cheaper
- You want to visit hidden gem islands that big ships don't reach
- You care deeply about finding the best beaches—most are only accessible by car or boat, not from a cruise port
- You want flexibility to extend your stay when you fall in love with a place (and you will)
The truth is, there's no wrong answer. Greece is spectacular whether you see it from the deck of a ship or from a plastic chair outside a fisherman's taverna. It just depends on which version of spectacular you're after.
Ready to start planning your Greece trip? Take our free quiz and get a personalized island recommendation in under 2 minutes.