Cruises from Athens 2026, 2027, 2028 - Greek Island Cruises from Athens

Athens before you sail

Arrive a little early and enjoy time in the city. Explore the Acropolis and Parthenon, visit the National Archaeological Museum for a deeper sense of Greece’s past, and take an evening trip to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion. Wander The Plaka and Psiri for tavernas and cafés, or find rooftop views with the Aegean on the horizon. When you are ready, return to this page to compare cabins and secure your departure, then save a day for a relaxed farewell lunch before you sail. If island time is your priority, choose an itinerary that starts late in the day so you can enjoy a final morning exploring neighbourhood markets and bakeries close to your hotel.

Where ships depart in Athens

Cruises usually embark at two ports. Piraeus is the primary gateway for most lines, with frequent departures across Greek Island cruises and broader Mediterranean itineraries. Lavrion is a smaller alternative with a growing set of routes. Travel times are approximate only, since traffic changes daily, but many travellers reach Piraeus from central Athens in around fifteen to thirty minutes by car or taxi, while Lavrion can take close to an hour. If you need transfers, your cruise line or hotel can often arrange them, and private services are easy to pre-book. Leave extra time during peak hours or on weekends when multiple ships are in port, then head straight to your assigned terminal for check-in.

Destinations and styles of voyage

Greek Island cruises from Athens often weave through Mykonos, Rhodes and Santorini, pairing beach time with archaeological sites and waterfront evenings. Some itineraries add Crete, Patmos or lesser known gems in the Cyclades or Dodecanese. If you want more variety, consider loops that include Italy or the Adriatic, with calls in Rome, Bari or Naples. Longer sailings may blend island time with the Turkish coast, or join segments that eventually become World Cruises. If your focus is beaches and blue-and-white villages, browse our broader guide to Mediterranean cruises for seasonal ideas, then return to this Athens page to book the exact departure that suits you. For a pure island lens, start with our overview of Greece cruises and look for Athens embarkations.

How to compare and book Cruises from Athens

You do not need to go anywhere else to research or reserve your cruise. Start by choosing a departure month to see live results, then narrow by line, ship, price, inclusions or cabin. Tap any itinerary to view maps, day by day ports, stateroom images and current offers, then continue through secure checkout when you are ready. If you are deciding between two Greek Island cruises, sort by price per night or by date to compare like for like. Cruising with family or friends? Check cabin capacity and look for connecting or adjoining options early, especially during school holidays. If you want a specific dining style, entertainment theme or spa facility, open the ship page from your shortlist and confirm the features match your preferences before you lock things in.

Cruise lines you will see here

Athens welcomes a wide mix of lines and ship sizes. Celestyal Cruises focuses on destination-rich programs that maximise time ashore. MSC Cruises offers large-ship choice with family-friendly features and varied dining. Royal Caribbean delivers big-ship thrills with innovative entertainment and plenty for families. Norwegian Cruise Line leans into flexible dining and vibrant entertainment. You will also find premium and luxury choices across Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises. Each itinerary on this page highlights key inclusions so you can compare value quickly, then choose the sailing that best fits your style and budget.

Practical tips

Keep baggage light and bring good walking shoes for sites with steps and cobbles. In peak months, book popular shore experiences early or enjoy independent wandering in smaller ports. Many islands use tender boats, so allow extra time to return to the ship. If flexibility helps your budget, look at shoulder-season dates when weather is pleasant and crowds ease. Double check passport validity and any visa notes on your chosen itinerary page before you confirm. For extra reassurance around medical cover and trip interruptions, consider comprehensive Cruise Insurance.

Broader ideas if your dates are flexible

Athens suits island hopping perfectly, yet some travellers like to compare routes from nearby gateways to see what suits the calendar. If your plans are open, browse departures that start with Greece cruises then branch into Italy, Spain or the Adriatic. A Rome departure puts you close to headline Italian ports, Bari brings easy access to the Adriatic and Greek coast, and Naples adds southern Italian flavour with convenient access to Pompeii and the Amalfi coast. All three options appear throughout the season, which means you can match your travel window and still keep the islands on your itinerary.

Stay connected with Cruise Guru

For questions at any point, our Australian based specialists can help you narrow options, check cabin availability and finalise a booking when you are ready. If a specific inclusion, cabin grade or sailing date is essential, ask us to confirm it for your reservation so you can plan with confidence. We aim to present transparent fares, clear notes and a smooth checkout, which means less time searching and more time looking forward to your holiday. Start confidently.

Ready to plan your Greek Island cruise?

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X for the latest cruise deals. When you are ready, start your search on this page and our team will help you set sail with everything organised. If you prefer to talk, call us on 13 13 03, or reach out via our Contact Us page or request a call on the Call Back form.