Sail on Luxury Small Ship Cruises to Beautiful Greek Islands with Oceania Cruises

Sailing on a cruise is the perfect way to experience the gorgeous Greek islands!

Are you looking for a luxury cruise ship that will take you to the smaller Greek islands? Hopping on a cruise with Oceania Cruises, in our opinion, is the best way possible to explore the Mediterranean in luxury.

From ancient monuments, azure waters, idyllic beaches, archaeological sites and so much more, there is so much to experience in the Greek Isles.

Continue reading this blog to learn more about this unique way to experience the Greek Islands in luxury.

About Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises is a small luxury cruise line that focuses on high-quality culinary experiences and incredible destinations. It’s easy to see why it is considered to be one of the best cruise lines in the world.

The fleet’s seven elegant, compact ships can accommodate a maximum of 1,238 guests and offer some of the world’s best dining experiences on voyages ranging from 7 to more than 200 days! Enjoy expertly planned travel experiences aboard the designer-inspired, small ships that stop at more than 600 ports in more than 100 countries on 7 continents.

By providing the best dining at sea, meticulous attention to detail, and a cozy and welcoming country club casual atmosphere on every journey, Oceania Cruises is dedicated to providing the highest quality cruise vacation to every guest. Oceania provides their customers an amazing travel experience by blending opulent comfort, outstanding value, and specially designed excursions in the most amazing destinations on earth.

Sail to Greece with an Oceania Small Ship Experience

Oceania’s Greek Isles cruises provide access to adventures that take place on beautiful islands dotted with whitewashed villages located in amazing destinations with incredible historic pasts. Visit a winery with a view of the caldera in Santorini, climb the Acropolis in Athens, and Ephesus to step back in time to the Greco-Roman era. Oceania Cruises has many options for incredibly immersive Greek island itineraries!

Hotels

Extend your stay before or after your Greece cruise at a luxurious hotel that is carefully selected for its superb location, ambiance, world-class standards of service, cuisine and amenities.

Oceania’s hotel packages come with free porterage, airport, hotel, and ship transfers, as well as flexible air schedules for up to three days before or after your Mediterranean cruise. You’ll also enjoy the services of the exclusive Oceania Cruises hospitality desk at each hotel.

Land Programs

Oceania’s Greek Isles Pre- and Post-Cruise Land Programs encourage you to become even more fully acquainted with the historic wonders and unspoiled beauty of this enticing area. These multi-day, in-depth Land Programs feature special excursions, upscale lodging, locally inspired meals, and airport transfers on the first and last days of your program.

Aegean Sea Shore Excursions & Greek Islands

During your cruise to Greece, Oceania’s shore excursions will expose you to the finest of Greek cuisine, culture, history, and wellness practices, from immersions in local life to guided tours of amazing ancient sites. You’ll have the opportunity to engage yourself with in-depth excursions, adventures ashore, and unhurried, meaningful sightseeing with longer evening stays around the region.

Onboard Oceania Cruises

Oceania’s small luxury ships can take you almost anywhere in the world, yet you’ll always feel like you’re returning home to your loved ones. Oceania Cruises’ team and crew prioritize personalized service and respond to each request with a smile. You’ll experience a sense of attention to detail as soon as you board since Oceania is passionate about providing excellent service.

Oceania Cruises is a luxury cruise line that offers small to mid-sized ships an intimate and luxurious onboard experience. The number of people who can sail on Oceania cruise ships varies depending on the specific ship.

The smaller vessels in their fleet, such as the Regatta, Insignia, Nautica, and Sirena, have a capacity of around 648 to 656 guests. These ships are known for their more intimate atmosphere and personalized service.

Oceania’s larger ships, Marina and Riviera, can accommodate 1,238 guests. Despite the larger capacity, these ships still provide a more spacious and uncrowded experience compared to many mega-liners in the industry.

Enjoy The Finest Cuisine at Sea while relaxing onboard Oceania Cruises’ small, luxury ships as you explore unique destination experiences across the globe. Find out how Oceania’s culinary experience offers variety with the guarantee of enjoying delicious food. Enjoy Oceanias’ new pizzeria and trattoria, the frequently rotating Chef’s Market Dinners at Terrace Café, and much more.

Enjoy a romantic dinner for two at one of Oceania’s gourmet restaurants, then finish the evening with an entertaining musical. Indulge with a relaxing massage at Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center, take part in a friendly wine tasting, or learn at an interesting discussion by one of Oceania’s Guest Speakers no matter which of Oceania’s magnificent ships you are travelling on.

You are invited by Oceania Cruises to embark on the trip of a lifetime that will truly satisfy your love of travel.

Simply MORE

With Oceania Cruises’ newest offer, simply MORE, you’ll receive more value, greater choice and more convenience than ever before while onboard and in destination!

Simply MORE means taking part in more engaging shore excursions with FREE Shore Excursions, which include more than 8,000 tours available globally, ranging from fully personalized Executive Collection options to sommelier- and chef-led Food & Wine Trails Tours.

With a complimentary House Select beverage package, which includes a variety of vintage champagnes, wines, and beers, you can celebrate your adventures even more while sailing through amazing destinations.

Simply said, MORE implies that you have the convenience of unwinding right away after leaving your house thanks to FREE Roundtrip Airfare (from select gateways) and FREE Airport Transfers.

Almost everything you’ve ever wanted is now included, along with acclaimed gourmet specialty dining that is always included and FREE Unlimited WiFi.

If you’re looking to explore the islands of Greece on a great deal with incredible value then Oceania might be the perfect option for you!

Oceania’s Summer Sale Offer

For a limited time, take advantage of fantastic savings and sail to amazing destinations with Oceania Cruises! With up to 40% off plus simply MORE, including 2-for-1 cruise fares, free shore excursions, free wine, champagne and more, free gourmet specialty dining, and free unlimited WiFi free and even roundtrip airfare with airport transfers!

Check out amazing sailings to the Mediterranean included in Oceania Cruises’ Summer Sale and experience Greek islands and more for yourself:

Greek Isles Explored with Oceania

On an Oceania Cruises’ luxury Greek islands cruise, you can find a chilled-out island or two to enjoy golden beaches, experience the local culture, dive into sparkling coves and of course focus on enjoying the journey on your luxurious Oceania small cruise ship.

Oceania has many Greek itineraries sailing in the Mediterranean and stopping at multiple destinations in Greece. Learn more below!

Athens (Piraeus)

Traveling to Athens offers a captivating blend of ancient history and vibrant modernity. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks like the Acropolis and its magnificent ruins, wander through charming neighborhoods, indulge in delicious Greek cuisine, and experience the city’s lively atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and culture seekers alike.

Visit Cape Sounion, which provides a captivating escape to Greece’s picturesque coastline. Renowned for its stunning Temple of Poseidon, perched atop a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea, Cape Sounion offers breathtaking views, serene surroundings, and a chance to immerse oneself in ancient Greek mythology.

Mykonos

Enjoy exploring the charming seaside village’s winding, narrow alleys filled with whitewashed homes, flowers, and brightly painted doors and shutters. On the hill, take a seat beneath the famous windmills of Mykonos. Visit the archaeological museum and a historic bakery that still has a wood-burning stove from the fifteenth century.

Argostoli (Cephalonia)

This island’s capital, Cephalonia, is situated in a protected cove along the Koutavos Lagoon, which is where one could see a loggerhead turtle. Two of the island’s recognizable landmarks are the Saint Theodore Lighthouse and the stone obelisk of the Drapano Bridge. The city’s archaeological museum features ancient artifacts from the Mycenaean, Hellenistic, and Roman eras.

Kos

Relax on the Kefalos beaches or take a dip in Thermae Beach’s warm waters. Walk in Hippocrates’ footsteps at the Asklepieion, or explore the island’s Roman, Greek, Italian, and Ottoman past by exploring the excavations of ruins along the alleyways adorned with whitewashed buildings.

Corfu

Immerse yourself in this island’s gorgeous beaches, mountains, peaceful monasteries, elegant palaces, old-world mountain towns, and charming Venetian neighborhood. Visit the elaborate Achilleion Palace, which was constructed by Austrian Empress Sissi and is adorned with striking sculptures of the Greek hero Achilles.

Igoumenitsa

Igoumenitsa, a hidden treasure on Greece’s northwest coast, is close to several historic attractions and sits on the site of a 4th-century BC village. The ancient city of Nikopolis, which was established in 31 BC, was once a prosperous capital created by the Roman emperor Octavian to mark his triumph over Anthony and Cleopatra. You can also go to Meteora, which has magnificent monasteries from the 15th century set into seemingly insurmountable sandstone peaks.

Kavala/Philippi

Kavala, which was built on the site of ancient Neapolis, has beautiful beaches and a wealth of historical sites. Overlooking Kavala is a Byzantine castle with a 16th-century aqueduct that is still in good condition. A Roman forum and a cathedral from the fifth century can be seen among the nearby Philippi ruins.

Mitilini (Lesbos)

Visit the enormous castle perched on the hill and learn about the historical origins of this thriving city. This is where the magnificent Greek theatre that the Romans built and then later replicated in Rome is located. Visit the Church of St. Nicholas, which was once a mosque, and the spectacular Cathedral. Enjoy the Archaeological Museum or a museum of fine art with a collection of significant pieces. In the countryside, you can find picturesque towns where time has stood still or explore the historic district close to the waterfront to take in the old Turkish houses.

Chania (Crete)

Chania proudly displays its past. Spend the day visiting museums, including those that explore the ancient past buried beneath the rocky soil, the spectacular maritime history of Greece, and the distinctive folklore of the area. Visit the ruins of Aptera, a city-state that flourished during the Minoan and Hellenistic periods and later served as a stronghold for the Romans.

Heraklion (Crete)

Visit the magnificent Palace of Knossos Minoan ruins, which are famous for being the location of the labyrinth where the Minotaur wandered, as well as the archaeological museum, which is home to many exquisite objects from the complex. Discover the orchards, 7,000 windmills, and historic villages of the breathtaking, mountain-ringed Lassithi plateau.

Katakolon

Visit the ancient city of Olympia, where the Olympic Games were first held in 776 B.C., and stroll through this abandoned sanctuary admiring the temples, altars, and treasures. You can also stand on the spot where the forerunners of modern athletes used to train before competitions. Alternatively, take a relaxing drive through the countryside, via charming villages, to a nearby vineyard, where you can sample the wines, cheeses, and other things.

Gythion

This charming hamlet gives a one-of-a-kind and genuine experience of small-town life in Greece. The pastel-colored buildings inched their way up the foothills of Mount Koumaros. The nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mystras, a medieval city that was constructed in 1248 but abandoned in 1832, has left stunning medieval ruins within an amazing landscape. The spectacular caves at Diros, which were first discovered in 1958, were used by early humans between 4,000 BC and 3,000 BC. The Dimitrios shipwreck, a large cargo ship from the 20th century that has sat abandoned on Selinitsa beach since 1981, is a must-see in Gythion.

Limnos (Lemnos)

An amazing Greek Island hidden gem is Limnos, a small island tucked away in the northern Aegean Sea. The island’s capital, Myrina, is a prime example of its charm, cultural attractiveness, and unspoiled natural beauty. It has neoclassical buildings and restaurants lining its cobblestone streets, as well as a harbor with lots of seafood tavernas. The walk up to the highest mountain in the city is worth it only to see the breathtaking sea views from the Venetian fortress, which dates back to the 13th century. Limnos is home to various distinctive geological features, including petrified forests, thermal springs, volcanic landscapes, and tropical dunes that makeup one of just two deserts in Europe. Plus take time to enjoy wine from the vineyards and the incredible archeological sites.

Nauplion (Nafplio)

Before it was relocated to Athens in 1834, Nauplion, a modern city in comparison to the rest of the Peloponnese, served as Greece’s interim capital. The city has a very attractive ambience with its neoclassical architecture. For a commanding view of Nauplion, if you have the energy, ascend the steps to the Venetian fortification of Palamidi. Sunbathing on the beaches and going to the Peloponnesian Folklore Foundation are more relaxed options. Travel the short distance to Corinth, which is home to numerous Roman-era ruins, or stop by the prehistoric Greek remains at Mycenae and the classical amphitheatre at Epidaurus for some ancient history.

Santorini

Visit Oia and Fira for their stunning caldera vistas and lovely whitewashed hilltop towns. Visit a winery or view the magnificent relics in Fira’s museum, including new discoveries from the excavation of Akrotiri, which many believe to be the ancient city of Atlantis. Enjoy the breathtaking vistas as you stroll through the narrow streets of the iconic Santorini.

The Best Time To Go to Greece

The best time to go on a Greek island cruise depends on your preferences and what you want to experience during your trip. Here are some tips to help you decide when to plan your luxurious cruise to Greece:

High Season: The peak tourist season in Greece is during the summer months from June to August. This is the best time to go if you enjoy hot and sunny weather. However, keep in mind that it can get crowded during this period, and prices may be higher.

Shoulder Seasons: The shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) can be an excellent time to go on a Greek island cruise. The weather is still pleasant, although it might be slightly cooler compared to summer. The tourist crowds are thinner during these months, and you may find better deals on cruises and accommodations.

Off-Peak Season: The winter months in Greece (November to March) are considered the off-peak season. While the weather may be cooler and some islands might have reduced services, this can be a great time to visit if you prefer a quieter and more relaxed experience.

Check Out These Greek Island Inspired Tours

Conclusion

Cruising the Greek Islands with Oceana Cruises offers the ultimate destination experience for travelers seeking the perfect blend of luxury and exploration. With their Greece cruises and carefully selected ports of call, Oceana Cruises allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of this enchanting region.

Whether you prefer the grandeur of large cruise ships or the intimacy of small luxury cruises, Oceana Cruises caters to every preference. Their variety of cruise options ensures that you’ll receive the amenities of larger vessels along with the personalized attention and exclusivity of small group cruises.

As you visit the main towns and popular islands, you’ll have the opportunity to explore iconic destinations and uncover hidden gems. Each port of call provides a unique glimpse into the local communities, allowing you to connect with the culture, traditions, and flavors of Greece. From savoring authentic cuisine to discovering ancient landmarks, every moment of your journey will be filled with enriching experiences.

The luxury of a large cruise liner is seamlessly woven into your Greek Islands adventure with Oceana Cruises. The onboard amenities, exquisite dining options, and impeccable service ensure that you can indulge in the comfort and elegance that you deserve. Whether you choose a spacious suite or a cozy cabin, you’ll find yourself surrounded by luxury and relaxation.

Cruising in small groups allows for a more intimate and immersive experience. You’ll have the chance to forge connections with fellow travelers and create lasting memories together. The smaller group size also allows for easier access to local communities, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the authentic Greek way of life.

In conclusion, Oceana Cruises offers a remarkable opportunity to discover the Greek Islands in style. With their Greece cruises, variety of cruise options, and carefully chosen ports of call, they ensure that your journey is tailored to your preferences. Oceana Cruises provides a seamless and unforgettable experience. So, embark on a voyage of a lifetime, immerse yourself in the local communities, and let the beauty of the Greek Islands captivate your heart.

Oceania Cruises has Mediterranean cruises on sale departing in November, May, June and August.

ARE YOU READY TO EXPERIENCE SAILING THE BEAUTIFUL GREEK ISLES?

When you’re ready to book your next travel plan, contact one of our Tier One Travel consultants. They will find the perfect place for your next vacation and will craft something incredible that is suited to your unique needs and will make sure your travel plans will be as stress-free as possible.