With its blue water, whitewashed houses perched on hillsides, and extensive history, the islands of Greece are an excellent vacation destination for those interested in architecture, mythology, culture, and food. Since the most popular locations, Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes, can only be reached by boat, the best way to experience Greece is via a cruise. Here are the top cruise companies that travel among the Greek isles and what makes them so popular.
- The Sea Cloud
The smallest, and one of the most unique, of the Greek cruising experiences, the Sea Cloud is a 1931 Windjammer. Built for General Foods heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post, the ship has been refurbished and outfitted for 64 passengers. Enjoy Post's luxurious touches including fireplaces, antiques, wood paneling, and marble accessories.
- Windstar Cruises
If you book with Windstar Cruises, you'll be one of only 144 passengers. The smaller size of the ship means that it can be outfitted with sails and engines: you'll feel as if you're sailing the high seas while the modern technology ensures your trip is smooth and quick.
- The Sea Dream
Another excellent choice if you'd like a more intimate Greek cruising experience, the Sea Dream I and II hold 116 passengers for each sailing outing. Relax on one of the roomy loungers on deck before hopping on the Jet Skis for a spin when you're docked. The Sea Dream experience includes a complimentary open bar.
- Azamara Club
With only 700 passengers, Azamara Club Cruises are able to provide unique touches for their guests including complimentary wine at lunch and dinner and fresh towels upon embarking after a day in port.
- The Crystal Serenity
The Crystal Serenity ship is perfect for the traveler who always wants to know more. With lectures on ports of call, art, and culture, Crystal Cruises combines the best of travel, leisure, and education into one experience. The 1,000-passenger ship also offer s complimentary unlimited soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
- Marina by Ocean
The Marina by Oceania Cruises includes private balconies in nearly all of its staterooms so that its passengers won't miss a single spectacular view. The cruise also offers a choice of five restaurants; all are casual, so you can leave your formal wear at home.
- Costa Cruises
Travel as Europeans do aboard Costa Cruises, a line that gains much of its customer base from Italy, Spain, and France. Holding over 2,100 passengers, the ship is decorated in a style reminiscent of Italy's medieval castles.
- Silhouette
The 2,800-passenger Silhouette from Celebrity Cruises might make you want to stay on the ship for your entire cruise. The Lawn Club has cozy nooks for relaxing and al fresco dining at the Lawn Club Grill. Dine at Qsine where the menus are iPads, or explore a sophisticated take on world cuisine at Murano. Take a jewelry making class at the art studio, or shop at the new Michael Kors and Bulgari boutiques.
