Cruising the Greek Isles with Celestyal: Vicki & Ed’s Inside Look

If you’ve ever dreamed of island-hopping through Greece without the hassle of ferry schedules and hotel hopping, a short cruise might be the perfect solution. For Vicki and Ed —experienced cruisers with Disney and Princess—Celestyal’s 4-day Greek Isles cruise offered a purpose-driven, compact way to see the highlights of the Aegean.

They embarked on May 12 and from the moment they stepped onboard, the experience impressed. “The ship was immaculate—not as hectic as the larger lines—and people were embarking and disembarking at different ports, which made it feel more relaxed.” The smaller size of the ship contributed to the intimacy, with friendly fellow passengers from the U.S., Europe, and Asia creating a welcoming atmosphere. “The crew were incredibly friendly, and our room felt surprisingly roomy and comfortable.”

Of course, the real stars of the cruise were the destinations. “Santorini was exactly what I’d imagined—a beautiful day with picture-perfect views,” Vicki recalled. Mykonos also stood out as a favourite. While the port stop in Turkey was less eventful for them personally, they noted that it could be meaningful for travelers interested in religious history. “Even though each stop was short, we felt like we got to see enough. The key is to grab your tender number early and get off the ship quickly to avoid crowds.”

Rather than book excursions, they opted to explore independently—saving money and enjoying the flexibility. “Some of the tours were overpriced. We didn't do the Rhodes palace tour but didn’t feel like we missed out. Taxis on the islands were easy to use and cost-effective.” Their top tip: arrange a private transfer or taxi to Lavrio Port (just outside Athens), as it’s not centrally located. “Lots of taxis were available when you disembark—ours was 50 euros from the port.”

Back on board, dining exceeded expectations. “The food was excellent with lots of variety—pizza, burgers, beef tenderloin, and plenty of options for picky eaters. The buffet was fantastic, and the à la carte restaurant served the same menu if you preferred being waited on.” Authentic Greek flavours were available too, offering a nice balance for those wanting to sample the local cuisine.

There were a few minor drawbacks—one windy evening brought noticeable movement on the smaller vessel—but nothing that detracted from the experience. “If you’re prone to seasickness, you might feel it, but it didn’t bother us. Ed comes from a family of fishermen and has spent time on the water, so he didn’t even notice!”

In the end, they say the cruise was a fantastic way to get a taste of Greece. “It was easy, efficient, and we saw what we needed to see. If you’re just looking to explore the islands, it works great on its own. But for us, it made more sense as part of a longer itinerary.” They included a pre-cruise stay in Athens, including a two-day Historical Greece tour and a post-cruise 3 night stay on the island of Milos.

Their advice to anyone considering the cruise? “We loved it. It was just enough of everything—highly recommended, especially if you enjoy cruising and want a no-fuss way to experience the Greek Isles.”