The Greek Isles are a bucket list destination, and a cruise is one of the easiest ways to explore them. As a bonus, most Greek and Adriatic cruises include additional destinations in the Adriatic to make them even more attractive, but do you know how to maximize your experience?
Why you want to take a Greek and Adriatic cruise
Greek and Adriatic cruises offer the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. You unpack once, then enjoy onboard amenities like pools, shows and delicious meals. Each day, you wake up in a new location, ready to be swept away by history, culture and breathtaking beauty.
It’s the perfect way to get a taste of many different locations and cultures so you can better decide which to explore more in-depth another time. Cruises are also very cost-effective compared to many other options, allowing you to explore more places at a lower price tag.
Don’t fly in on the day of your cruise
Cruises are notorious for tight embarkation windows, and they do not wait on embarkation day or in ports for late passengers. If you are not aboard by the designated time, this can mean a major headache and a hefty rebooking fee.
Avoid the stress and potential disaster of a delayed flight by booking your arrival at least a day before your cruise departs. This gives you a buffer in case of travel disruptions or unexpected delays.
Better yet, plan extra days to explore your port city
Many Greek and Adriatic cruises depart from Athens or Ravenna, which is Venice’s port city. These iconic cities deserve more than just a rushed airport transfer.
Consider booking an extra day or two before or after your cruise to explore their rich history and vibrant culture. These cities are so different from each other, and there is so much to do and explore in each one, no matter how large or small the city is.
In Athens, wander the Acropolis, marvel at the Parthenon and get lost in the charming Plaka neighborhood. Venice offers the famous canals and so much more. If you have the opportunity, explore more of Europe, whether that be Spain or Paris or anywhere you’ve always wanted to see since you’re already so close.
When you cruise from Ravenna, Bologna’s airport is closer than Marco Polo in Venice, but all three cities are worth exploring. You can fly into either of the two major cities, then take a regional train or cruise line organized bus to Ravenna.
Be sure to allow time to explore Ravenna, the birthplace of Dante and deservedly famous for its mosaics. Hotels tend to be less expensive there, and it’s a quick 30-minute trip to the port rather than a three-and-a-half-hour trek from Venice.
Choose your cruise itinerary carefully
As cruising has become more popular and ships have gotten larger, there is not enough space in many popular ports to handle the tourists who wish to visit them. Secondary port destinations have cropped up to provide more options for cruise ships.
If you have your heart set on visiting Mykonos, be sure that your ship stops there. In Croatia, many ships will dock at Split rather than Dubrovnik due to overcrowding. Each port is well worth the visit, but many people have a strong preference and are disappointed after booking when they realize what they miss.
Get your tender tickets early
Many Greek and Adriatic ports are more shallow, so the larger cruise ships most lines use cannot make it to the dock. Instead, they have to anchor a distance from the port, and passengers take smaller boats known as tenders to get from the ship to the mainland.
Santorini, Mykonos, Kotor, Hydra, Dubrovnik, Corfu and Split are just a few popular ports requiring tenders. Some ports also have limited docking points available at the piers, so it is first come, first served. Be sure to always check your itinerary early to know which ports you visit are tender ports and prepare for them.
Popular ports can get crowded, and tender lines can be long, leaving you less time in the port city. Cruises provide priority to those who book shore excursions with them, and other cruises need tender tickets to disembark.
The tender tickets are generally handed out free of charge at a specified time, as noted in the daily cruise planner. If you show up at that time, however, you will be near the end of a very long line. Instead, plan to arrive at least an hour before the designated time to get an early tender ticket time.
This is a major reason that many people book excursions with the cruise lines for tender ports, as it significantly reduces stress, even for those who typically wander on their own or book outside excursions. The unknown that comes with the tender time can also make booking an outside excursion risky, as you don’t know when you’ll be off the ship and ready to go.
Be prepared with mobile payments
Europe has moved far ahead of the States in terms of electronic payments. Many stores simply do not accept cash and only take credit cards or mobile payments.
While you do want to carry euros with you, as this is the legal currency of all countries within the European Union, do not rely on being able to use them as your sole method of payment. Instead, have a credit card with waived international transaction fees ready to use.
Book your excursions early
While many Caribbean cruise excursions tend to have availability even aboard ship, Greek cruises tend to sell out their excursions much more quickly. This is often the first time cruisers have been to many of these destinations, and they are less likely to speak the language, so more people book excursions on these cruises than many other destinations.
Shore excursions can fill up six or more months prior to the sail date, and the cruise ships generally do not add additional spaces or options. You may find a few spots as people change their minds and cancel, but often popular excursions become unavailable and stay that way.
Even if you plan to visit some popular destinations on your own, you need to book popular attractions like the Acropolis well in advance, as they have timed entrance tickets that sell out quickly. Avoid disappointment by booking your desired excursions in all cities well beforehand, especially if you’re traveling during peak season.
Avoid the cable car in Santorini
Santorini’s dramatic cliffs and caldera views are legendary. However, the iconic cable car can be a major downer, and riding the donkeys or walking the path is generally not a better option. The cable car wait can be hours long, especially during peak season.
Many cruise excursions recognize this and avoid this by using a ferry to the old port, where buses and other transportation can easily take you to Fira and Santorini. Be sure to look for those excursions explicitly mentioning that they skip the cable car to avoid frustration and disappointment.
Pack for all weather conditions
The Mediterranean climate is generally warm and sunny, but it’s always wise to pack for all possibilities. A light jacket or sweater is a good idea for evenings or when exploring air-conditioned museums. Remember that churches and some other attractions require that your shoulders and knees be covered to enter.
Don’t forget comfortable walking shoes. Greek islands and Adriatic towns often have cobblestone streets and uneven terrain, and they are not as accessible for the mobility-impaired as destinations in the States.
Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses are non-negotiable for long days of exploring under the Mediterranean sun. You definitely want to ensure your cruise packing list includes your swimsuit for those refreshing dips in the Aegean or Adriatic.
Embrace the unexpected
Sometimes, the best travel experiences are the ones you don’t plan for. Stumble upon a charming hidden alleyway, strike up a conversation with a local or explore a port beyond the typical tourist path. Be open to the unexpected, and you might discover your favorite memory of the entire cruise.
With a little planning and these insider tips, your Greek and Adriatic cruise is guaranteed to be an unforgettable adventure. Get ready to set sail, soak up the sun and prepare to be swept away by the magic of the Mediterranean.
Michelle Price is a food and travel writer at Honest and Truly who almost has an empty nest. She loves to provide both the inspiration and the confidence you need to help get you into the kitchen and on the road to enjoy new flavors and experiences.