At a glance
- This corner of the Mediterranean offers varied experiences, and you can find cruises that zero in on certain highlights, be it cuisine or remnants of Ancient Greek civilisation
- You'll find Greek Islands throughout the Aegean and Ionian
- Size matters when it comes to ships sailing the Greek Islands; larger ships can offer a family-friendly resort-like vibe, while smaller ones have the advantage of sailing to smaller ports
- Fares for Greek Islands cruises can vary significantly, from wallet-friendly short sailings to ultra-luxury experiences with prices to match
What makes a cruise ‘the best’?
The honest answer is it depends – more specifically, it depends on you. At World of Cruising, we recognise that one person’s dream cruise wouldn’t suit another cruiser at all. With that in mind, we bypass a one-size-fits-all approach in favour of specially tailored recommendations to match different travellers to a T.
Best for luxury: Seabourn
If your idea of island hopping includes caviar on demand, a private marina for water sports and the tinkle of champagne glasses, Seabourn is well and truly on board. Their voyages showcase the Greek Isles in refined, all-inclusive comfort. It’s world-class service, with a charming Aegean accent.
Itineraries: Seabourn offers lavish cruises calling at all the most glamorous stops, like Mykonos, Kavala, Skiathos and Istanbul. The ships often linger late into the evening so guests can experience the islands when they come alive after dark.
Who’s this cruise for? Luxury lovers who desire a little small-ship intimacy – there’s never more than 600 passengers. That’s combined with exceptional dining and all the personalised attention you'd expect from such a high-end cruise line.
What can I expect to pay? Expect prices to start from around £3,500 per person, depending on your cabin type and itinerary length. For that, you get the works, including fine dining, top-shelf premium spirits, gratuities and brilliantly equipped water sports from the onboard marina.
Browse offers: Seabourn
Best for affordability: Celestyal Cruises
Looking to get stuck into Greek waters, without being too splashy while you’re at it? Celestyal Cruises has made a name for itself offering excellent value itineraries that reveal the real highlights of the Aegean Sea without guests needing to remortgage their houses. With a strong Greek identity and relaxed atmosphere, its cruises are a savvy way to set sail.
Itineraries: Its idyllic Greece cruises cover all the best bits – Mykonos, Milos, Santorini, Rhodes, Crete and more, with plenty of time ashore for wandering and grabbing beautiful blue-sky snapshots at each stop.
Who’s this cruise for? Budget-conscious travellers who want an authentic Greek experience, with excursions and a satisfying level of cultural immersion.
What can I expect to pay? Prices typically start from a very reasonable and competitive £500 per person for a four-night cruise, often including some excursions and gratuities.
Browse offers: Celestyal Cruises
Best for families: Royal Caribbean International
Family holidays and the Greek Islands go together like olives and feta cheese. It’s a time-honoured tradition – and nowhere is it easier and more fun than aboard a Royal Caribbean ship, where little ones and teenagers alike are kept occupied with non-stop entertainment. It’s the fun of the fair, at sea, punctuated by unforgettable excursions to lovely, whitewashed villages on shore.
Itineraries: It has various seven-night Greek Isles cruises, many sailing from Rome (Civitavecchia) or Ravenna. These head to ports like Santorini, Mykonos and Argostoli on ships such as Odyssey of the Seas or Explorer of the Seas. Aboard, you’ll make memories that the whole family will cherish for a lifetime.
Who’s this cruise for? Families who need a balance of action-packed days at sea – think surf simulators, kids’ clubs and mini-golf – and laid-back sightseeing in port.
What can I expect to pay? Prices start at around £900 at the time of writing, including kids’ programming and shows. Deals for family suites are sometimes available.
Browse offers: Royal Caribbean International
Best for foodies: Windstar Cruises
If, when dreaming of a Greek getaway, you’re far more concerned with what’s on the plate than what’s written on your postcards home, Windstar offers food-focused cruises that are truly a feast for all the senses. Think aromatic market tours, informative cooking demos and local wine tastings – then it’s straight back on board for yet another unforgettable meal at sea.
Itineraries: Various itineraries will call at culinary hotspots like Mykonos, Santorini, Patmos and Kuşadasi (for ancient Ephesus – and some outrageously good Turkish street food).
Who’s this cruise for? Food fanatics who want to taste their way through Greece, both at sea and ashore, without once hearing the phrase continental buffet.
What can I expect to pay? Prices start at around £2,600 per person, including all meals – with thoughtful regional dishes on every menu – water sports equipment and onboard activities.
Browse offers: Windstar Cruises
Best for history lovers: Azamara Cruises
Statue fanciers and pillar-huggers rejoice. Azamara’s intensive Greek Island voyages are jam-packed with eye-popping ancient wonders. The line’s smaller ships and longer port stays mean you can actually get away from the crowds for a change – not to mention those ever-present gift shops – and get up close and personal with the real magic of the historic Aegean Sea.
Itineraries: Typically, seven to 10 nights, sailing from Athens and calling at locations like Santorini, Crete, Rhodes and often Ephesus in Turkey, with late-night or overnight stays at key ports.
Who’s this cruise for? Curious, usually bookish souls who like their holidays with a heady mix of archaeology, mythology and juicy ancient ruins.
What can I expect to pay? Prices usually start from around £2,800 per person, covering gratuities, some drinks and ‘AzAmazing Evenings’ of cultural events, which are always eye-opening and full of factoids.
Browse offers:Azamara Cruises
Best for sustainability: Variety Cruises
Small ships, hidden islands and a real commitment to sustainability – Variety Cruises is the wholesome way to explore this end of the Med. Their voyages tend to skip the big-name destinations in favour of sleepier, oft-overlooked fishing villages that you can expect to have (almost) to yourself.
Itineraries: The Unexplored Greece route, beginning in Athens, is really quite special. It visits some of the lesser-known but nonetheless stunning islands like Ikaria, Patmos, Lipsi and Kalymnos over seven nights.
Who’s this cruise for? Eco-conscious travellers keen to support small communities, avoid over-tourism and explore the real, underexplored nooks and crannies of Greece aboard an elegant yacht-like vessel.
What can I expect to pay? Prices start at around £2,300 per person at the time of writing, including select shore excursions.
Browse offers:Variety Cruises
Best for small ships: SeaDream Yacht Club
If the idea of dressing up for formal nights makes you itchy, SeaDream Yacht Club might just be your cruising soulmate. Their Greek Island sailings offer barefoot elegance at its finest – think champagne under the stars and gourmet dinners in tiny harbours, surrounded by elegant and sparkling company.
Itineraries: Seven-day itineraries typically cover Athens, Hydra, Patmos, Mykonos and Santorini, with plenty of off-the-beaten-track stops along the way.
Who’s this cruise for? Luxury travellers who crave a bit more intimacy and informal style without compromising on top-notch service – and most importantly, without having to dress up like it’s your wedding day.
What can I expect to pay? Prices start from around £5,500 per person, but in fairness do include open-bar drinks, high-spec gourmet dining, lively water sports and, naturally, those all-important gratuities.
Browse offers: SeaDream Yacht Club
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