This was published 1 year ago
Greek Islands cruise: Seeing Mykonos, Santorini and more without the hassles
The old town of Nafplion in Greece.Credit: iStock
If it feels like everyone you know is in Greece, it's because they are. From the beaches in Mykonos to the shops of Athens' Plaka district, I hear the familiar Aussie twang. Some call it the revenge travel trend; I prefer to think of it as a long-awaited reward.
Greece continues to top many travel wish-lists and why wouldn't it? The warmth of the people, the dreamy beaches and bluest blue water, archeological richness and soul-satisfying food that surely must rank as some of the best in the world. I dream of calamari.
Tell anyone you're going to Greece in 2022 and prepare to incite jealousy. I'm on Celebrity Cruises' 10-night Italy & Greek Islands cruise, visiting fabled ports including Mykonos, Santorini and Athens. It's a fantastic way to get a snapshot of several blockbuster islands without the hassle of organising ferries, hotels and transfers. Considering the exorbitant high-summer hotel prices, no doubt it works out to be more affordable too.
The rooftop garden on board Celebrity Beyond.
My phone pings daily with questions from friends. Q: Is Mykonos or Santorini better? A: Mykonos if you came to party, Santorini if you don't mind hilly climbs. Q: Which island is your favourite? A: Underrated Kefalonia wins this beach-lover's heart with the best swim of the trip. Q: How's the food? A: Gyro never tasted so good.
There's so much to see, do and eat on shore, so I fight the temptation to stay on the ship each day. Holidays are about wonder, indulgence, discovery and renewal. I find all of those things on the ship.
Celebrity Beyond is the third in the line's luxury Edge Series and it's a winner.
The ship features 32 restaurants and bars, many included in the fare. The Oceanview Cafe's buffet selection is delicious and varied each day, while the white-tablecloth main dining room has been divided into four restaurants, each one dedicated to French, Italian, Greek or Modern American cuisine. The specialty dishes at Cyprus restaurant include hot melted cheese saganaki, Cypriot short ribs and grilled octopus with lemon-garlic aioli.
In the for-fee dining collection, I enjoy the sushi and seafood at Raw on 5. The most celebrated venue is Le Voyage, a first-at-sea restaurant by acclaimed French chef Daniel Boulud. Rumour has it he is going for the first Michelin stars on a cruise ship.
The menu changes regularly, featuring dishes that might include five-spice duck pithivier, tamarind and peanut-crusted prawns, and mille-feuille of pineapple martinique.
Of all the bars on the ship, the bright orange Magic Carpet has the X factor. The open-air cantilevered platform is as big as a tennis court, yet it 'floats' between decks. On warm evenings, it's a great spot for a sundowner.
In the 1250-square-metre spa, 120 unique treatments are offered, along with wellness products and experiences curated by Goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow.
I spend a day at the SEA Thermal Suite rotating between the hammam, salt room, steam room, rainfall shower and infrared sauna. My favourites are the heated tile loungers, ergonomically designed in an S shape to release tension in the spine. If you must work off the cruise calories right away, there are fitness classes by F45 Training, HIIT sessions and Peloton training.
British architect Tom Wright, whose most well-known project is Dubai's Burj Al Arab Hotel, brought to life his vision of outdoor spaces that make passengers feel more connected to the ocean around them. The result is seen most notably in the multi-level Sunset Bar, which feels akin to an upscale beach club. Two cantilevered pools cling to the ship's edge, but be warned, the magnifying effect of the see-through walls is not flattering, especially after a week of cruise food and Greek feasts. Blame it on the gyro.
ONE MORE THING September marks Cruise Month for CLIA, celebrating the return to cruising in Australia, New Zealand and around the world. See cruising.org.au
THE BEST OF GREECE
On a 10-day Celebrity cruise itinerary, island-hop to see the highlights of Greece.
ATHENS
The Acropolis has to be seen at least once. The birthplace of democracy and philosophy is also one of the best vantage points for views of Athens city. It's steep and slippery, so wear comfortable shoes. Afterwards, wander down to the nearby Plaka neighbourhood for souvenirs and taverna refreshments. Try the Mythos beer.
RHODES
Credit: iStock
The old and the new peacefully coexist in Rhodes, referred to locally as Rodos. There's the World Heritage-protected Old Town, defensively walled since the 14th Century. Get lost in the narrow streets, lined with shops selling handmade shoes, soaps and colourful scarves. Then cool off at a beach club in Lindos or Faliraki, where the music is loud and cocktails are strong.
SANTORINI
If you're afraid of heights, you better be in great physical shape. To get to Fira town from the tender dock, it's either an uphill donkey ride (the poor donkeys), a breathtakingly steep cable car journey or a near-vertical climb of almost 600 steps. Once there, cross the island by bus or taxi to Oia (pronounced Ee-a) for postcard views of whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches.
MYKONOS
Join a shore excursion boat trip from the port to Paradise Beach, a nice swimming spot with eye-popping sunbed prices. Closer to the ship, a stroll around Little Venice yields plenty of opportunities for photos. Local artisans specialise in intricate handmade jewellery.
NAFPLIO
In Nafplio, a coastal city that was once the capital of the Kingdom of Greece, archaeological ruins date back to the Bronze Age. Pick of the shore excursions is to the Fortress of Palamidi, built by the Venetians. Or simply wander around and take photos of the Byzantine churches, fountains and neoclassical architecture.
KEFALONIA
This easygoing, affordable island is a favourite holiday spot of Greek families. In Argostoli pay a couple of Euro to take the local bus to Makris Beach. Many beaches in Greece are rocky or pebbly; Makris resembles the Caribbean, with fine, golden sand and brilliant, blue waves. Restaurants, sun lounges and umbrellas here are a summer bargain.
THE DETAILS
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CRUISE
An 11-night cruise in the Mediterranean on Celebrity Beyond in August 2023 costs from $4005 a person, twin share. It departs from Rome and stops at Sicily, Santorini, Athens, Istanbul in Turkey and more. Drinks, Wi-Fi and tips are included.
TRANSFER
Rome's main cruise port is in Civitavecchia. There's a direct train from Rome Termini station that takes around an hour. From the station, hop on the local transfer bus that transports passengers directly to ships.
See thetrainline.com
Kristie Kellahan travelled as a guest of Celebrity Cruises.
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