Greece by Cruise: Your Complete Guide to Exploring the Greek Islands

Santorini. Mykonos. Athens. Rhodes. Corfu. Crete.

Greece is one of those destinations that seems made for cruising. Instead of unpacking and repacking every few days, travelers can settle into their cabin and wake up somewhere new — from the ancient streets of Athens to the blue-domed villages of Santorini and the whitewashed lanes of Mykonos.

Whether you're planning your first Mediterranean cruise, a family holiday, a romantic getaway or a Greek island adventure with friends, this guide covers what you need to know before you go.

Restaurant Guide for all of Greece will be posted separately
Click here to view in detail ( link coming soon)

Why Cruise Greece?

A Greek Isles cruise makes it possible to experience several destinations in one vacation without arranging separate ferries, hotels and inter-island transfers.

Popular Greek cruise ports and destinations include:

• Athens / Piraeus

• Santorini

• Mykonos

• Rhodes

• Corfu

• Heraklion, Crete

• Katakolon, gateway to Olympia

• Patmos

• Chania/Souda, Crete

• Syros

MSC's current Greek Isles program includes destinations such as Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Corfu, Heraklion, Katakolon and Syros.

Norwegian Cruise Line also highlights Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes and Corfu among its Greek Isles destinations, with itineraries that can also combine Greece with Turkey, Croatia, Italy, Cyprus and Egypt.

When Can You Cruise to Greece?

The main Greek Isles cruise season generally runs from spring through autumn, with the widest selection from May through October. Some cruise lines extend Mediterranean sailings into November, while limited Greek itineraries can appear in March and April.

September

One of my favorite months for Greece.

The weather is still warm, the sea is generally inviting for beach days and the intense summer crowds begin to ease.

October

Another excellent shoulder-season option, particularly for travelers more interested in sightseeing, food, history and photography than guaranteed beach weather.

November–February

Cruise choices become much more limited. Greece is still a wonderful destination, but travelers should expect cooler weather and fewer Greek-island cruise options.

March–April

Spring brings more options back into the Mediterranean cruise calendar. April is particularly appealing for travelers who want sightseeing, history and milder temperatures without the peak summer crowds.

Tip: If your priority is swimming and beach time, choose September or early October. If your priority is archaeology, sightseeing and avoiding crowds, spring and fall can be excellent.

✈️ Getting to Greece from Trinidad & Tobago

For travelers flying from Port of Spain (POS) to Athens (ATH), there are currently no nonstop flights.

One-stop routing options include connections through:

• Amsterdam

• London

• Newark

• New York

• Toronto

Current schedules show airlines including KLM, United and Air Canada operating full POS–ATH itineraries with one stop, while other airlines can provide connecting segments. Flight schedules change frequently, so your exact routing should be checked for your travel dates.

My advice for cruise passengers

If your cruise departs from Athens, arrive at least one day before embarkation.

Even better, consider arriving two days early.

A missed connection or delayed international flight is very different from missing your cruise departure.

Use the extra time to:

• Recover from jet lag

• Explore Athens

• Visit the Acropolis

• Stay near central Athens or Piraeus

• Adjust to the time difference

• Make sure your luggage arrives before cruise day

🚢 Cruise Lines to Consider

1. Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean – Greece Cruises

Royal Caribbean offers Greek Isles and Eastern Mediterranean itineraries aboard ships such as Rhapsody of the Seas.

Current published itineraries include combinations of:

Athens → Mykonos → Turkey → Istanbul → Santorini → Athens

and itineraries combining Greece with Cyprus and Egypt.

Royal Caribbean is a strong choice for travelers who want:

• A large-ship experience

• Lots of onboard entertainment

• Families and multigenerational groups

• Pools and activities

• A wide range of shore excursions

Current offer example

Royal Caribbean is currently displaying Early Booking Bonus offers on selected Greece sailings. For example, a July 2027 Best of Greece & Turkey sailing is currently advertised from approximately €683 per person, including taxes and fees, based on two guests in the selected configuration. Prices and promotions are subject to change.

2. MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises – Greece & Greek Islands

MSC is another excellent option for travelers looking for a Mediterranean-focused cruise.

MSC currently offers Greece itineraries departing from ports including:

• Piraeus/Athens

• Bari

• Venice-Marghera

Its Greek itineraries can include Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Corfu, Heraklion and Katakolon.

Best for: travelers who want a strong European/Mediterranean atmosphere and itineraries that combine several Greek destinations with Italy, Turkey, Croatia or other Mediterranean ports.

3. Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line – Greek Isles Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line is particularly attractive for travelers who want more flexibility.

NCL offers Greek Isles itineraries from Athens and Rome, visiting destinations such as Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes and Corfu.

One of the advantages of selected NCL Mediterranean itineraries is that some ships have later/evening departures from Greek ports, giving passengers more time ashore.

Current NCL promotion

NCL is currently advertising a Free Airfare promotion on eligible 4+ day cruises to these destinations: buy airfare for one guest and the second guest's airfare is included, subject to the promotion's terms and conditions.

This can potentially be valuable for couples or families, but the promotion should always be priced against the regular cruise-and-air combination because airfare availability, eligible airports and terms can affect the final value.

🏝️ What to Expect at the Major Greek Cruise Ports

Athens / Piraeus

Best for: history, culture, shopping and food.

Don't miss:

• Acropolis

• Parthenon

• Plaka

• Monastiraki

• Acropolis Museum

• Greek food tour

If you're beginning or ending your cruise in Athens, consider staying an extra night or two.

Santorini

Best for: iconic views, photography, sunsets and villages.

Top experiences:

• Oia

• Fira

• Caldera viewpoints

• Volcano & hot springs

• Akrotiri

• Wine tasting

• Black-sand beaches

Cruise tip

Santorini is a tender port, meaning cruise passengers generally transfer from the ship to shore by smaller boats rather than walking directly off the ship.

Allow extra time when planning your return to the ship. Cruise-port logistics can become particularly busy on high-volume days.

Mykonos

Best for: shopping, beaches, nightlife and beautiful photographs.

Don't miss:

• Mykonos Town

• Matogianni Street

• Little Venice

• Windmills

• Paraportiani Church

• Beach clubs

• Delos

Mykonos is one of the easier Greek ports for exploring independently because the town is close to the port area, although transportation arrangements depend on the ship's exact docking/tendering arrangements.

Rhodes

Best for: history and architecture.

Visit:

• Medieval Old Town

• Palace of the Grand Master

• Lindos

• Acropolis of Lindos

• Mandraki Harbour

Rhodes works particularly well for travelers who enjoy history.

Corfu

Best for: scenery, beaches and European architecture.

Consider:

• Corfu Old Town

• Paleokastritsa

• Achilleion area

• Local food

• Beach excursions

Heraklion / Crete

Best for: ancient history and food.

The major attraction is the Palace of Knossos, associated with the famous Minotaur mythology.

Katakolon

Best for: Ancient Olympia.

If your cruise calls here, this is your opportunity to visit the birthplace of the Olympic Games and explore the archaeological site.

💳 Paying for Goods & Services in Greece

Greece uses the euro (€).

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and Greek authorities state that almost all hotels, restaurants, bars, cafés, car rentals and other businesses are required to accept debit, credit or prepaid cards, with some exceptions.

Best practice

I recommend travelers use:

1. Credit/debit card for larger purchases

Use your card for:

• Hotels

• Restaurants

• Tours

• Shopping

• Car rentals

• Larger purchases

2. Small amounts of cash

Keep some euros available for:

• Small purchases

• Tips

• Markets

• Small vendors

• Emergencies

• Places where card terminals aren't convenient

You don't need to carry hundreds of euros in your wallet.

Always ask for your receipt

Greek authorities specifically advise travelers to request a valid receipt — "Apódixi please" — when paying for goods and services.

🏧 Are ATMs Safe in Greece?

Generally, yes — but where you withdraw your money matters.

My preference is to use an ATM operated by a recognized Greek bank, particularly when one is conveniently located.

Avoid withdrawing large amounts from random machines in busy tourist areas unless necessary.

The important ATM rule

If an ATM asks whether you want the transaction processed in:

EUR or your home currency

choose EUR.

This generally allows your card issuer/network to handle the currency conversion rather than accepting the ATM operator's dynamic currency conversion.

Third-party ATMs may also charge their own fees. Euronet, for example, states that fees may apply and that its machines display applicable fees before completion.

Where should tourists get euros?

My preference:

Best:
🏦 Bank ATM in Greece

Also useful:
🏦 ATM at a major airport or cruise port operated by a bank

Currency exchange:
Use established exchange offices or banks rather than informal money changers.

The official Greek tourism information confirms that euros can be obtained from banks, exchange offices at airports/ports and bank ATMs.

⚡ Electricity in Greece: 110V or 220V?

This is an important one for Caribbean travelers.

Greece uses:

230V / 50Hz

with Type F plugs.

That means Greece is not the same electrical standard as Trinidad & Tobago or North America.

What should you bring?

Bring a:

European Type F travel adapter

For dual-voltage electronics — such as many modern phone, tablet and camera chargers — you generally only need the appropriate plug adapter.

Check your charger's label.

If it says something similar to:

Input: 100–240V, 50/60Hz

it is designed for international voltage.

For single-voltage 110V appliances, a proper voltage converter/transformer may be required.

🧳 What to Pack for a Greek Cruise

The secret to cruise packing is versatility.

You don't need a different outfit for every day.

👩 What Women Should Pack

Clothing

• 5–7 lightweight tops

• 2–3 shorts/skirts

• 2–3 lightweight trousers

• 1–2 casual dresses

• 1 nicer dinner outfit

• 1 formal/elegant outfit if desired

• Lightweight cardigan/jacket

• Pajamas

• Underwear

• Swimsuits

• Cover-up

• Comfortable walking clothes

Shoes

Don't underestimate Greece's cobblestones!

Pack:

• Comfortable walking sneakers

• Flat sandals

• Dressier sandals/shoes

• Water shoes if visiting beaches

• Optional lightweight walking/hiking shoes

Accessories

• Sun hat

• Sunglasses

• Crossbody anti-theft bag

• Small backpack/day bag

• Scarf/shawl

• Reusable water bottle

• Phone waterproof pouch

• Sunscreen

👨 What Men Should Pack

• 5–7 shirts

• Polo shirts

• T-shirts

• Shorts

• Lightweight trousers

• Casual dinner outfit

• Dress shirt

• Lightweight jacket

• Swim shorts

• Underwear

• Sleepwear

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Sandals

• Sunglasses

• Sun hat

• Small day backpack

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 What Families Should Pack

In addition to the basics:

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Swimwear

• Sun protection

• Reusable water bottles

• Small day backpacks

• Portable entertainment for children

• Snacks where permitted

• Necessary medications

• Copies of important documents

• Chargers

• European adapters

• Waterproof phone cases

• Small first-aid kit

For younger children, remember that cruise-line rules on food, drinks, flotation devices and other items vary, so check your specific cruise line before packing.

🚢 Royal Caribbean Packing Warning

If you're sailing Royal Caribbean, don't automatically pack a power strip or extension cord.

Royal Caribbean's current prohibited-items policy specifically prohibits electrical extension cords, power strips and multi-plug outlets.

Other prohibited items include:

• Firearms and weapons

• Explosives

• Fireworks

• Flammable items

• Illegal drugs

• Pepper spray/mace

• Clothing irons

• Garment steamers

• Certain sharp objects

• Certain electrical appliances

Royal Caribbean does allow some personal grooming electronics such as hair dryers, curling irons and straighteners, subject to its policy.

Official Royal Caribbean prohibited-items list

Royal Caribbean – Prohibited Items Onboard

Always check the cruise line's current policy immediately before departure, because prohibited-item rules can change.

📱 Don't Forget Your Carry-On Bag

When boarding the ship, your checked luggage may arrive at your cabin later.

Keep the following in your carry-on:

• Passport

• Cruise documents

• Wallet

• Phone

• Chargers

• Medication

• Important travel documents

• Change of clothes

• Swimsuit

• Sunscreen

• Essential toiletries

• Prescription medication

• Valuables

Royal Caribbean also recommends keeping essential items in your carry-on because checked luggage may be delivered later.

🌊 Cruise Excursion Tip: Don't Cut It Too Close

One of my biggest recommendations for first-time cruise passengers:

Never plan your independent sightseeing around the ship's final all-aboard time.

If your ship leaves at 6:00 PM, don't book a private tour that returns at 5:45 PM.

Allow a generous buffer for:

• Traffic

• Ferry delays

• Tender boats

• Long taxi queues

• Crowds

• Unexpected weather

• Getting lost

If you book an independent excursion, you are responsible for getting back to the ship on time.

Ship-sponsored excursions generally provide additional protection if an excursion runs late, but policies vary by cruise line.

👟 The Golden Rule for Greece

Comfortable shoes are more important than fashionable shoes.

Greece is beautiful, but many historic areas involve:

• Cobblestones

• Uneven sidewalks

• Stairs

• Hills

• Slippery stone

• Archaeological sites

• Narrow streets

You can absolutely look stylish — just make sure you can actually walk in what you're wearing.

📸 My Perfect Greek Cruise Combination

If you are visiting Greece for the first time, I would look for an itinerary that combines:

🇬🇷 Athens

Ancient history + Greek food

💙 Santorini

Oia + caldera views + sunset

🤍 Mykonos

Mykonos Town + shopping + beaches

🏛️ Rhodes

Medieval history + Lindos

🌿 Corfu

Old Town + scenery + beaches

🏺 Crete

Knossos + local food

🏛️ Katakolon

Olympia

That gives you a fantastic mix of history, beaches, food, shopping, culture and scenery.

✈️ Cruise + Land Vacation: Don't Just Fly In and Sail Out

For travelers coming all the way from Trinidad & Tobago, I strongly recommend considering a cruise + land combination.

For example:

2–3 nights Athens
↓
7-night Greek Isles cruise
↓
2–3 nights in another European city

This turns your cruise into a much more complete European vacation.

You could even spend several nights in Athens before sailing and then cruise to Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes and Turkey.

🌊 Ready to Cruise Greece?

Whether you're dreaming of watching the sunset over Santorini, shopping in Mykonos, walking through ancient Athens or exploring the medieval streets of Rhodes, Greece is an incredible destination to experience by sea.

And the best cruise isn't necessarily the cheapest cruise.

It's the one that matches your budget, travel style, preferred ship, cabin category, itinerary, port times and vacation priorities.

✈️ Want Help Planning Your Greece Trip?

If you'd like help finding:

✈️ Flights to Greece
🚢 Greek Isles cruises
🏨 Pre- or post-cruise hotels
🛳️ Royal Caribbean, MSC or Norwegian cruises
🏝️ Santorini & Mykonos stays
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family cruise vacations
👫 Couples' getaways
👥 Group cruises
🌍 Cruise + land packages

I can help you compare the options and find an itinerary that works for your budget.

Ready to start planning?

BOOK YOUR GREECE TRIP WITH SHARMILA

Submit your travel request and let's start planning your Greek adventure.

A Note from Travel Taste Journal

Cruise fares, airfare, schedules, port calls, promotions, onboard policies and exchange rates can change at any time. Prices and offers mentioned in this guide are examples based on information available when published and should be verified before booking.

Travelers should also check their specific cruise line's current travel-document, visa, health, baggage and prohibited-item requirements before departure.

Travel Taste Journal provides travel inspiration and planning information. Cruise and travel bookings are arranged through Sharmila Narwani, Travel Advisor | Fora Travel.