There are hundreds of Greek islands to choose from and a cruise can make it easier to tick as many as possible off your bucket list.
With so many options, even the most experienced travellers can feel overwhelmed. Luckily, travelling around the region on a cruise ship makes it easy to island hop, meaning you don’t have to settle for just one.
You could explore the Acropolis in Athens one day, before relaxing in scenic Santorini, or exploring the nightlife of Mykonos, the next.
Smaller ships can take passengers to remote islands that larger vessels can’t reach such as Amorgos and Delos, letting you access more historical sites and unique landscapes.
Many vessels depart from Piraeus, just 30 minutes from the capital, offering round trips. You could even include the islands as part of a longer Mediterranean cruise.
Santorini, in particular, is keen to welcome cruise passengers back after a string of devastating earthquakes rattled the island last year.
Something to be aware of, however: the more popular islands have introduced tourist taxes that apply between June and September in an effort to curb overtourism.
The tax is €20 (£17.18) per passenger and will automatically be added to fares.
Phil Evans, founder of travel agent Cruise Nation, told The Independent: “Booking a holiday to Greece is a classic choice for Brits heading on holiday during the summer period, and a personal favourite of mine.
“Many of our customers opt to start their holiday with a pre-cruise stay in Athens, and it’s easy to see why, with its rich heritage and gourmet food scene. Plus, it’s easily accessible from the UK with direct flights daily, making it one of my preferred choices for starting a cruise holiday.”
Here are some of the best itineraries coming up to help you go Greek.
Read more: Best Greek island hotels for sea views and romantic retreats in Crete, Corfu, Mykonos and more
Star Clippers offers a small-ship experience aboard the 166-passenger capacity Star Flyer. It uses its size to reach smaller and more intimate destinations in the Northern Cyclades region.
Departing from Athens, port stops include Amorgos, with its rock-hewn monastery, and the clearwater beaches of Sifnos.
Onboard activities during this seven-night cruise include yoga as well as kayaking and swimming off the ship’s stern.
Departs 12 September 2026. From £2,080pp
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Gaze on the blue domes of Santorini during this seven-night cruise aboard Celebrity Xcel, the newest ship in the Celebrity Cruises’ fleet.
Departing from Barcelona, the itinerary includes long port calls: staying in Santorini until 10pm and in Mykonos and Rhodes until 10pm.
On board, guests can enjoy high-end bars, food inspired by the region and pool parties on the expansive outer decks. You can even raise a glass to the views in the Magic Carpet bar that hangs over the side of the ship.
Departs 2 August 2026. From £539pp
Book now
Read more: The best Med cruise holidays to book now
Celestyal Cruises has its headquarters in Athens and focuses on sailings around the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean.
Its seven-night Idyllic Aegean sailing departs from the capital and takes in the popular islands with overnight stops in Santorini and Mykonos. You can visit the volcanic landscape of Milos as well as the Palace of Knossos on Crete.
