This 12-day cruise aboard the Pacific Princess includes the Greek ports of Santorini and Patmos, as well as major ports in Turkey, Israel and Egypt. Ship amenities include balcony cabins and a wide choice of restaurants, including the main dining room, the Panorama Cafe/Buffet, the Club Restaurant, a contemporary Italian Restaurant and The Grill for casual sandwiches and salads. The cruise company also offers seven-night and 29-night voyages that depart from Athens.
Princess Cruises
24844 Avenue Rockefeller
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
(800) 774-6237
princess.com
Windstar Cruises offers an unusual cruising experience aboard their hybrid sail cruise ships. The seven-day Greek Island cruise includes stops in the ports of Rhodes, Santorina, Istanbul and Mykonos aboard one of their smaller cruise ships. Both the Wind Spirit and the Wind Star offer intimate accommodations featuring just 73 ocean-view staterooms and one deluxe owner's suite with queen beds and a dining room.
Windstar Cruises
2101 4th Avenue Suite 210
Seattle, WA 98121
206-292-9606
windstarcruises.com
If you seek a longer cruise that visits not only the Greek Islands but also other ports, consider Holland America's 24-Day Black Sea and Holy Lands Collector's Voyage. Ports include Volos and Thessaloniki in Greece as well as stops in Turkey, Israel, Russia and the Ukraine. This cruise is on the MS Westerdam, which has amenities that include an atrium casino, an extensive library, a state-of-the-art fitness center, numerous pools, a nightclub, various bars, a selection of restaurants, a spa and salon and a Broadway-style lounge.
Holland America Line
300 Elliott Ave. West
Seattle, WA 98119
206-281-3535
hollandamerica.com
Voyages to Antiquity is a company that offers a different type of cruise vacation aboard its Aegean Odyssey cruise ship, which is a mid-sized vessel accommodating 380 passengers in suites, junior suites and regular staterooms. Unlike typical cruise ships with casinos and nightclubs, the Aegean Odyssey is focused on providing gourmet cuisine, comfortable cabins and in-depth exploration of the country of Greece. The 16-day trip departs from Athens and makes stops in Nauplia, Crete, Santorini, Rhodes and Mount Athos, as well as numerous Turkish ports.
Voyages to Antiquity
8 South Parade
Summerwon
Oxford, OX2 7JL
0845 437 9737
voyagestoantiquity.com
This seven-night cruise aboard the ship Splendour of the Seas includes the Greek islands of Santorini and Corfu. Sailing dates run from April to November. Ship amenities include a rock-climbing wall, glass-walled dining rooms, a casino, a shopping atrium, an 18-hole miniature golf course, an indoor/outdoor pool, four whirlpools and a day spa and fitness center.
Royal Caribbean
1050 Caribbean Way
Miami, FL 33132
(866) 562-7625
royalcaribbean.com
