Viking Ocean Cruises
Adults-only ocean cruising with destination focus, included excursions and Wi-Fi.
Departure ports
Cruises from Athens (Piraeus)
See the Acropolis, then sail from Athens' port at Piraeus to the Greek Islands and the eastern Mediterranean.
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Cruises from Athens (Piraeus) with Travelisto
Piraeus, the port of Athens, is the gateway to the Greek Islands and one of the most popular places to start an eastern Mediterranean cruise. It is a short drive from the centre of Athens, so you can see the Acropolis, the Parthenon and the Plaka before you sail, and the islands begin almost as soon as you leave the harbour.
Many lines use the port. MSC Cruises and Celebrity Cruises offer big-ship holidays, while Viking Ocean Cruises, Windstar and Holland America Line suit travellers who prefer smaller or calmer ships. Luxury lines including Silversea, Seabourn, Explora Journeys and the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection also sail from here, often to smaller islands the big ships cannot reach.
Seven-night island cruises are the classic, typically calling at Mykonos, Santorini, Crete and Rhodes, often with a day in Turkey at Kusadasi for Ephesus. Longer sailings head up the Adriatic to Croatia and Venice, west to Italy, or east towards Istanbul, and some of the smaller ships focus on quieter islands in the Cyclades and the Dodecanese.
The main season runs from spring to autumn. May, June, September and October are the sweet spot, with warm seas and fewer crowds than July and August, when the islands are at their busiest. We recommend a night or two in Athens before you sail, and we can arrange flights, hotels and transfers.
Our Cruise Experts Love
Lines we recommend
The cruise lines our Travel Designers suggest most often for this kind of trip. Tap a line for the full guide.
Viking Ocean Cruises
MSC Cruises
European-flavoured family cruising at scale, with Mediterranean and Caribbean coverage year-round.
Celebrity Cruises
Modern premium cruising with stylish ships, world-class dining and global itineraries.
Silversea
All-inclusive ultra-luxury cruising on small ocean and expedition ships, butler service throughout.
Seabourn
Ultra-luxury all-suite small-ship cruising with Restaurant by Thomas Keller and global reach.
Windstar Cruises
180–342-guest sailing yachts and motor yachts — small-ship ocean cruising, casual luxury.
Which line suits you?
| Cruise line | Best for |
|---|---|
| MSC Cruises | Families and value seekers who want a big ship and classic island stops. |
| Celebrity Cruises | Couples who want a modern ship and a good mix of islands and Turkey. |
| Viking Ocean Cruises | Adults who want a calm ship and an included excursion in every port. |
| Windstar Cruises | Travellers who want smaller islands that the big ships cannot reach. |
| Silversea | Luxury travellers who want an all-inclusive, small-ship experience. |
| Seabourn | Food lovers and couples who want ultra-luxury and quieter ports. |
Where you can go from Piraeus
- The Cyclades
- Mykonos and Santorini, with whitewashed villages and dramatic sail-ins.
- Crete and the Dodecanese
- Crete’s Minoan palaces and Rhodes’ medieval old town.
- Turkey
- Kusadasi for Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean, and some sailings to Istanbul.
- The Adriatic
- Longer cruises to Kotor, Dubrovnik and Venice.
Before you sail: Athens
A night or two in Athens lets you see the Acropolis early, before the heat and the crowds, and visit the Acropolis Museum and the Plaka. The port is a short drive from the city, so the transfer is easy on embarkation day.
For a land holiday instead, see our Greece holidays and island-hopping ideas. Our Travel Designers can combine a cruise with a stay on an island.
FAQ
Cruises from Athens (Piraeus): your questions answered
How far is Piraeus from Athens?
Piraeus is the port of Athens, about 12 kilometres from the city centre, a short drive or metro ride away. We can arrange transfers from your hotel or the airport.
Where do cruises from Piraeus go?
Most explore the Greek Islands, with calls at Mykonos, Santorini, Crete and Rhodes, and often Kusadasi in Turkey for Ephesus. Longer sailings head to Croatia, Venice, Italy or Istanbul.
When is the best time to cruise the Greek Islands?
May, June, September and October offer warm weather and calmer crowds. July and August are the hottest and busiest months, and the Meltemi wind can make the Aegean breezy in summer.
Should I stay in Athens before my cruise?
Yes, if you can. A night or two gives you time for the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum and protects you against flight delays. We can book a hotel and transfers for you.
Too many options? We'll narrow it down
Tell a Travel Designer where you want to go, when, and what kind of ship suits you. Three honest recommendations, same business day.