European Cruises

If you are planning to book a Greek Island cruise vacation then prepare yourself for a lot of research. There are approximately 6000 Greek Islands (though only about 200 or so are inhabited). Yet even that number means that the possible combinations are virtually infinite. The Greek Islands are grouped together and include the Northern and Eastern Aegean, the Ionian Islands, the Sporades, Cyclades, Dodecanese, Saronic, Crete, and Evia Island. Crete is the largest and the most famous of the Greek Islands, but spots like Santorini, Mykonos and Rhodes are also very popular Greek Island cruise destinations.

One area where Greek Island cruises differ from other European cruises is the size of the boats. So many of the islands are so tiny that their ports are not equipped to handle the huge luxury ocean liners that travel other parts of the Mediterranean. That means that if you want to visit these smaller destinations you will be traveling on a smaller vessel, more like a massive yacht than a ship, and your experience will be much more personal and intimate as you may share your boat with as few as 40 other passengers. Even smaller boats are available and you can hire a private charter boat to take you and a small group to your choice of Greek Isles. Though the cost may be high, the flexibility to design your exact itinerary may be worth it depending on what you are willing to spend.

Many Greek Island tours will start or finish with a mainland tour out of Athens, so if you want to visit historical sites like the Acropolis, the Temple of Poseidon, Mount Lycabettus, the Oracle of Delphi, experience wonderful shopping in the Plaka and the Monastiraki Flea Market, and see ancient art and statues at Greece’s National Archaeological Museum then choosing an option with a mainland tour would be a wise option.

This information is but a sample of what you can expect on a Greek Island cruise vacation. Whatever option you choose expect to enjoy the vacation of a lifetime. Every one of the Greek Isles offers enchantment and adventure, and even the most jaded traveler would have to work hard not to love every minute of it.

Related posts:

1. Eastern Mediterranean Cruises - The Highlights
2. Canary Island Cruises
3. European Cruise Destinations - Santorini
4. The Rhine River Cruise - One of the Best Vacation Options Around
5. Which Are The Best European Cruises?

Filed under: European Cruises, Mediterranean Cruises, Planning a Cruise