The Best Greek Island Cruises with Azamara | Travel Guide

The allure of the Greek Isles is irresistible with their stunning natural beauty, rich history, and cultural heritage.

With over 6,000 islands, of which 227 are habitable, Greece offers a multitude of destinations to discover. A Greek island cruise is one of the best ways to explore this Mediterranean paradise, and Azamara is a standout among cruise lines for those seeking a deeper, more immersive experience.

Most cruise lines typically visit 3 to 4 popular islands such as Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, and Crete. However, Azamara Cruises takes it a step further by cruising to nearly 40 islands, providing a comprehensive exploration of the Greek Isles.

Read on to learn about why you should consider hopping on one of the best Greek Island cruises with Azamara!

About Azamara

Azamara is a luxury cruise line known for its destination-focused itineraries and intimate, small-ship cruises. Unlike larger ships that often stick to the more tourist-heavy ports, Azamara’s smaller vessels allow for access to lesser-known, hidden gems. This enables passengers to experience a variety of the Greek islands in a way that is both authentic and enriching.

Azamara’s commitment to delivering immersive travel experiences is evident in their extended stays and overnight stays in port, allowing guests to fully engage with the local culture and Greek history. Their ships, such as the Azamara Journey, Quest, Onward and Pursuit, offer a premium onboard experience with top-notch service, exquisite cuisine, and a variety of amenities. With Azamara, travelers can expect personalized service and the chance to explore the world’s most beautiful and culturally significant destinations in style and comfort.

Azamara Ships

The Azamara Journey, Quest, Onward and Pursuit cruise ships are renowned for their intimate and luxurious onboard experiences, accommodating around 700 guests each. These mid-sized ships provide a perfect balance of comfort and sophistication, with elegant staterooms, world-class dining options, and exceptional service.

Known for their destination-focused itineraries, these ships offer immersive experiences in local cultures and attractions. Onboard, guests can enjoy a range of amenities including spas, fitness centers, gourmet dining, enriching entertainment, and engaging enrichment programs. Designed to navigate smaller ports inaccessible to larger ships, the Journey, Quest, Onward and Pursuit provide unique, off-the-beaten-path destinations, ensuring a personalized and memorable cruising experience.

Exploring the Greek Islands with Azamara

Embarking on a Greek islands cruise with Azamara means more than just visiting the well-trodden paths of the Aegean Sea. While you will undoubtedly get to see the famous ancient ruins and historical sites of Santorini, the vibrant nightlife and picturesque old town of Mykonos, the medieval castles of Rhodes, and the extensive coastline of the island of Crete, Azamara also brings you to lesser-known gems that larger ships often miss.

For instance, you might find yourself exploring the Dodecanese islands, home to idyllic beaches, ancient monuments, and charming, small villages. On the tiny island of Symi, you can wander through narrow streets lined with colorful houses and enjoy the local cuisine, such as fresh seafood and feta cheese. Patmos, known for the Monastery of St. John and the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offers a mix of religious history and natural beauty.

Azamara Cruises Greece Itineraries

7, 9, or 10-Night Greece Intensive Cruise

Azamara’s Greece Intensive Cruises are perfect for travelers who want to immerse themselves in the beauty and culture of the Greek islands. These itineraries typically include stops at iconic destinations like Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete as well as smaller, hidden gem islands like Patmos and Samos.

Passengers can explore ancient ruins, relax on beautiful beaches, and enjoy vibrant local culture. With overnight stays in some ports, guests have ample time to experience the rich history and stunning landscapes of Greece.

11-Night Greece and Turkey Voyage

The 11-Night Greece and Turkey Voyage offers an enchanting journey through the Aegean Sea, combining the best of Greek and Turkish destinations. This itinerary often includes visits to Athens, Rhodes, and Santorini, along with Turkish highlights such as Antalya and Alanya. Guests can explore ancient monuments, bustling markets, and beautiful coastal towns, enjoying the unique blend of cultures and histories that these regions offer.

10-Night Adriatic Wonders Voyage

The 10-Night Adriatic Wonders Voyage takes passengers on a scenic journey along the Adriatic coast, including stops in both Greece and other stunning Mediterranean destinations. This cruise might feature Greek ports such as Corfu and Agrostoli, as well as Adriatic gems like Dubrovnik and Zadar. Enjoy stops in Montenegro and Slovenia and enjoy ending the cruise in stunning Venice, Italy.

12-Night Islands of the Med Voyage

The 12-Night Islands of the Med Voyage offers an extensive exploration of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful islands, including several Greek destinations. This itinerary might include stops at Santorini, Syros and Crete, along with other Mediterranean highlights such as Ephesus and Sicily. Passengers can enjoy a diverse cultural experience, with opportunities to explore ancient sites, vibrant cities, and beautiful coastal landscapes from Greece to Spain.

Each of these cruises is designed to provide a rich and immersive experience, showcasing the best of Greece’s natural beauty, ancient history, and vibrant culture. Whether you choose a shorter intensive voyage or a longer itinerary that combines other Mediterranean destinations, Azamara ensures a memorable and enriching journey. Contact a Tier One Travel Consultant to learn more about Azamara’s Greek cruise itineraries.

Unique Shore Excursions

Azamara’s shore excursions are designed to provide authentic experiences and in-depth explorations. One of the highlights of an Azamara Greek isles cruise is the opportunity to visit small islands that offer a glimpse into the traditional Greek way of life. Islands like Monemvasia, a medieval fortress town on a tiny island off the Peloponnese, provide a unique and memorable experience. Discover the stunning Greek countryside and vistas, explore the Volos Archaeological Museum, and visit the charming Makrynitsa Village. Whether it’s a day trip to the volcanic islands near Santorini or a cultural tour of Syros, known for its neoclassical architecture and vibrant arts scene, there is something for every type of traveler.

Back-to-Back Cruises with Azamara

One of the unique offerings from Azamara is the opportunity to take back-to-back cruises, allowing guests to extend their journey and explore even more of the Greek Islands and beyond. When you look at some of their back-to-back voyages, you often find there might be only one port that you repeat. This provides a fresh and diverse itinerary, ensuring each leg of your cruise is filled with new experiences and must-see destinations.

For example, Azamara offers a triple back-to-back voyage in 2025 that spans 29 days with no sea days. This means guests can enjoy continuous exploration of different ports of call each day, immersing themselves in the rich culture, history, and natural beauty of the regions they visit. Whether you’re discovering the historic ruins of one island or the vibrant local markets of another, Azamara’s back-to-back cruises offer an unparalleled way to see the world.

Choosing Azamara for your Greek island cruise means opting for a journey that combines luxury, authenticity, and a deep connection to the destinations you visit. With access to nearly 40 Greek islands, Azamara offers one of the most comprehensive and enriching cruise experiences in the region. Whether you are drawn by the ancient history, the natural beauty, or the vibrant culture of the Greek Isles, Azamara provides the perfect cruise to explore it all.

Embark on your odyssey of the seas with Azamara and discover the best of Greece’s hidden treasures, iconic landmarks, and beautiful landscapes.

READY TO EMBARK ON MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES WITH AZAMARA?

When you’re ready to book your next travel plans, 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.