Marella Cruises to the Greek Islands: A Complete Guide

Which Marella Cruises Sail To The Greek Islands

Marella Cruises operates several ships that journey to the Greek Islands throughout the cruise season, which typically runs from April to October. The Marella Discovery and Marella Discovery 2 are among the fleet’s largest vessels that regularly include Greek destinations. These ships offer numerous amenities including multiple dining venues, swimming pools, and entertainment options while accommodating approximately 1,800 passengers each. The Marella Explorer and Marella Explorer 2 also frequently sail Greek itineraries, providing similar amenities with slightly different onboard experiences. The more intimate Marella Celebration, though smaller, offers specialized Greek island itineraries that can access some of the smaller ports that larger vessels cannot reach. Each ship varies in size, facilities, and atmosphere, giving travelers options based on their preferences for onboard experience.

What Are The Greek Islands To Visit With Marella Cruises

Marella’s Greek Islands itineraries include both popular destinations and lesser-known treasures. Santorini tops many travelers’ lists with its dramatic caldera views and iconic blue-domed churches in Oia and Fira. Most Marella ships anchor in the caldera, offering tender services to shore. Mykonos features prominently on many itineraries, famous for its windmills, vibrant nightlife, and the nearby archaeological site of Delos. Rhodes combines medieval history at the Palace of the Grand Masters with beautiful beaches, while Corfu offers a blend of Venetian, French, and British influences in its architecture and culture.

Beyond these classics, Marella also visits Kefalonia, showcasing natural wonders like Melissani Cave and Myrtos Beach. Crete, Greece’s largest island, appears on longer itineraries, allowing guests to explore the ancient Minoan palace of Knossos near Heraklion. For travelers seeking less-touristy experiences, islands like Skiathos and Skopelos (where “Mamma Mia” was filmed) offer authentic Greek charm with pine forests extending to golden beaches. Kos provides ancient ruins including the Asklepion medical center, while Zakynthos is famous for its Shipwreck Beach and sea caves.

How To Choose The Right Marella Greek Islands Cruise

Selecting the ideal Greek island cruise requires consideration of several factors. First, determine your ideal cruise duration—Marella offers everything from 7-night focused Greek itineraries to 14-night Mediterranean voyages that include Greek ports along with stops in Italy, Croatia, or Turkey. Consider which islands are must-sees for your personal interests; history enthusiasts might prioritize Rhodes and Crete, while beach lovers might prefer Kefalonia and Zakynthos.

The cruise season timing also affects your experience. Early season cruises (April-May) offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds but slightly cooler seas. High season (June-August) provides warmer water temperatures ideal for swimming but comes with larger crowds and higher temperatures. Late season (September-October) balances warm seas with fewer tourists. Consider which ship best suits your preferences—the larger Discovery and Explorer ships offer more facilities and entertainment options, while smaller vessels provide a more intimate experience.

Understanding Marella Greek Islands Itinerary Types

Marella Cruises structures their Greek Islands sailings into several distinct itinerary types. The “Aegean Shores” itinerary typically focuses on the Cycladic Islands including Mykonos and Santorini, along with calls to the Turkish coast. The “Iconic Islands” route generally covers a broader geographic range, potentially including both Ionian and Aegean islands. The “Hellenic Highlights” itinerary often combines mainland Greek ports like Athens (Piraeus) and Katakolon (for Olympia) with island destinations.

For those seeking a deeper exploration, the “Greek Odyssey” itineraries typically offer longer durations with overnight stays in key destinations like Mykonos or Rhodes, allowing for evening experiences ashore. “Eastern Mediterranean” broader itineraries incorporate Greek Islands alongside stops in neighboring countries, potentially including Cyprus, Turkey, or Croatian ports. When choosing between these options, consider not just the destinations but also the rhythm of the itinerary—some provide multiple consecutive island days while others intersperse sea days for relaxation.

Cost Considerations For Marella Greek Islands Cruises

Marella Cruises positions itself as offering value with its all-inclusive approach, though prices vary significantly based on season, cabin type, and itinerary length. Inside cabins on 7-night Greek Islands itineraries typically start around £800-£1,000 per person in shoulder season, while balcony cabins range from £1,200-£1,500. During peak summer months, these prices can increase by 20-30%. Longer 14-night itineraries generally start from £1,500 for inside cabins and can exceed £2,500 for suites or premium balcony options.

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Itinerary Type	Duration	Starting Price (Inside Cabin)	Peak Season Price Increase	Notable Islands
Aegean Shores	7 nights	£800-£900	+25%	Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes
Hellenic Highlights	7 nights	£850-£950	+30%	Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos
Greek Odyssey	14 nights	£1,500-£1,700	+20%	Extended island coverage with overnight stays
Eastern Mediterranean	14 nights	£1,600-£1,800	+15%	Greek Islands plus Turkey/Croatia

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Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.

Making The Most Of Your Greek Islands Cruise Experience

To maximize your Greek Islands cruise experience, research each destination beforehand to prioritize your activities. Many popular sites like Santorini’s Oia village get extremely crowded during peak hours when multiple ships are in port. Consider booking Marella shore excursions for complex destinations or arranging independent exploration for more straightforward ports. Pack appropriately for the varied activities—comfortable walking shoes are essential for the often uneven, cobblestoned streets of Greek towns, while sun protection is crucial for the intense Mediterranean sun. Many Greek archaeological sites offer limited shade. Remember that each island has its own unique character and specialties, from Santorini’s wines to Rhodes’ medieval architecture, allowing you to experience a different facet of Greek culture at each stop on your Marella cruise journey.