Best Greece cruises: Top 5 ships sailing the Greek isles
Editor's Note
From ancient mythology to wine and olives, there’s a lot to love about Greece. There’s something magical about the contrast between the deep-blue waters of the Aegean Sea and the ancient ruins and white buildings found on the Greek islands.
The best Greece cruises offer a well-rounded mix of islands and key Greece destinations: Athens for its ruins, Santorini for its blue-roofed churches, Mykonos for its shopping and nightlife, and Rhodes for its palace and charming cobblestone streets. You might even luck out and snag a visit to places like Turkey or Montenegro, too.
If you’re not sure which ships to consider, here’s a list of the best cruises to Greece for different kinds of travelers.
Note: Prices were accurate at the time of publication; they’re subject to change without notice.
Best Greek isles cruises for families: Disney Dream
Disney Cruise Line is ideal for families. If a Disney cruise to Greece with kids sounds appealing, Disney Dream is the ship that will take you there.
The vessel isn’t the line’s newest, but it’s also not the oldest, and you’ll still find plenty to do on board. The 2,500-passenger ship’s small size means it’s easy to learn your way around.
Disney Dream offers jaw-dropping entertainment and daily character appearances, which means your children likely won’t be bored on the ship. Its magical kids clubs feature a replica of Andy’s room from “Toy Story” and the Millennium Falcon’s cockpit from “Star Wars.” A 2024 refurbishment also enhanced the ship’s suites and spa and welcomed a new eatery called Ramone's Cantina.
Off the ship, Greece is wrapped in tons of ancient history to spark your family’s imagination. For example, in Athens, you might choose to take a guided tour of the Acropolis, followed by a “day in the life of an archaeologist” experience, where you’ll search for treasures in a faux archaeological dig.
If the kids prefer something sportier, they might enjoy an excursion that takes visitors to the Panathenaic Stadium for a tour and a talk about the first Olympic Games of the modern era.
Disney Dream sails seven-, nine- and 12-night voyages. Prices for a weeklong sailing begin at $2,417 per person ($345 per night) for a windowless inside cabin based on double occupancy. Some itineraries sail round-trip from Rome, while others cruise one-way between Rome and Barcelona with calls on Athens, Mykonos and other ports in Greece.
Related: The best cruise lines for families
Best adults-only Greece cruises for party animals: Resilient Lady
If you enjoy a lively megaship party atmosphere but don’t want an environment that’s overrun with kids, Virgin Voyages' Resilient Lady will likely be the best Greece cruise option for you.
Although Virgin’s Greece itineraries are pretty standard, its onboard experience is what sets it apart in the region.
The adults-only ship combines a casual vibe with a ramped-up nightlife. You’ll find passengers dressed like mermaids, crew dressed like drag queens and performers that more accurately represent a cross-section of real life than those whom you’ll find on most other lines’ vessels.
As part of what just might be the best entertainment at sea, nighttime shows run the gamut from lounge singers and seemingly impromptu atrium dance parties to secret below-deck visits to the “crew bar” for a drink. There’s also Scarlet Night — a ravelike pool deck dance party where everyone wears red.
If that’s not wild enough for you, there’s also an app that lets you order Champagne to wherever you are on board, free fitness classes that encourage you to dress up in your ’80s best and even a tattoo parlor so you can make some bad decisions.
Resilient Lady sails seven-, 10- and 11-night cruises from Athens. The starting price of a seven-night itinerary is $1,681 per person ($240 per night) for an inside cabin based on double occupancy. The voyages feature a mix of stops in Greece (including Santorini, Corfu or Rhodes and Mykonos), as well as Croatia, Turkey and Montenegro, depending on the specific itinerary you choose.
Related: The best adults-only cruises to try if you can’t stand being around kids on vacation
Best budget-friendly Greece cruises: Explorer of the Seas
Want to check out Greece but have limited funds? Although you’ll have to factor in potentially expensive flights to Europe to board, a voyage on Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas could be right up your alley.
The vessel is one of Royal Caribbean’s older ships, but routine maintenance has kept it fresh — most recently with the introduction of The Perfect Storm slides that pair perfectly with staples like the FlowRider surf simulator and a rock climbing wall.
The best part if you’re on a budget is the price. You can snag a weeklong sailing for only $811 per person ($116 per night) for an inside cabin based on double occupancy. These cruises sail round-trip from Ravenna (the port for Bologna, Italy) and include calls on Athens, Santorini and Mykonos, as well as ports in Croatia and Montenegro.
Related: Ways to get a deal on a cruise
Best small-ship luxury Greece cruises: Windstar's Wind Star
Windstar Cruises' namesake, Wind Star, is a 148-passenger masted sailing yacht that offers a special Greek islands experience, calling on some of the region’s smaller off-the-beaten-path ports.
The ship evokes the feel of tall ships from the past (yet not at the expense of modern conveniences). Because of its size, Wind Star can visit smaller ports that larger vessels can’t access (think: Monemvasia, a town carved into rock, and Gythion, where you’ll find caves and lovely beaches).
Also, Wind Star is an upscale ship, which means you’ll find elevated dining and service on board. All cabins offer at least one window. When you purchase an all-inclusive fare, Wi-Fi, gratuities and alcohol are rolled into the price.
Among other itineraries, the vessel sails weeklong cruises between Athens and Rome that call on Monemvasia and Gythion in Greece, as well as several ports in Italy and Turkey. Rates for a seven-night cruise start from $2,238 per person ($320 per night) for an ocean-view cabin based on double occupancy.
Related: The best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity
Best locally based Greek isles cruises: Celestyal Journey
Celestyal Cruises is a line you don’t hear about too often, but it’s based in Greece, which means it has a unique perspective on sailings to the Greek islands.
If you’re looking for a cruise vacation that’s full of local Greek flair, check out the brand’s Celestyal Journey. Holding about 1,200 passengers, the ship is small enough that you’ll receive a personalized experience but large enough to offer a multitude of onboard amenities. Enjoy yourself at the spa and fitness center, eight bars, seven restaurants, a chef’s table experience and two pools.
Celestyal Journey's itineraries range from three to 14 nights, all departing round-trip from Athens. Most voyages include calls on well-known Greek ports like Santorini, Rhodes and Mykonos, while longer sailings also venture to Turkey, Montenegro, Croatia and Italy. Prices for a seven-night cruise start from $769 per person ($110 per night) for an inside cabin based on double occupancy.
Bottom line
The best cruises to Greece combine a mix of fascinating destinations with a ship that fits your budget and travel style. If you’re still unsure which cruise to choose, check with a knowledgeable cruise travel agent who can help you sort through the options.
Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:
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- The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
- A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
- 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
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- The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
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- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
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- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.