The Greek Islands and Eastern Mediterranean offer one of the most beautiful and rewarding small ship cruising regions anywhere. Think white-washed villages, quiet coves, golden beaches and archaeological sites that span millennia. Small ships can reach harbours and anchorages that larger vessels cannot access, which means more time in authentic places and fewer crowds at the quayside.
Greek Islands & Eastern Mediterranean Small Ship Cruises
Find a cruise
Our top picks
Sea Cloud Cruises
Piraeus to Istanbul
From Athens (Piraeus) to Istanbul
3 Jul - 10 Jul 2026 (7 Nights)
From £4,127 per guest
Emerald Cruises
Greek Islands & Turkish Coastlines
From Athens (Piraeus) to Athens (Piraeus)
4 Jul - 11 Jul 2026 (7 Nights)
From £6,703 per guest
Oceania Cruises
Minarets & Mosaics
From Athens (Piraeus) to Monte Carlo
4 Jul - 16 Jul 2026 (12 Nights)
From £1,705 per guest
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Piraeus to Lavrion
From Athens (Piraeus) to Lavrion
4 Jul - 11 Jul 2026 (7 Nights)
From £12,100 per guest
Our Insight
Highlights of a luxury Greek Islands and Eastern Mediterranean cruise
Athens and Istanbul are the most popular embarkation and disembarkation ports, and both are worth extending your stay. Athens has the Acropolis and the superb Acropolis Museum. Istanbul offers you bazaars, mosques, the Topkapi Palace and the city's layered Byzantine and Ottoman history.
The Greek Islands themselves provide endless variety. Santorini's clifftop villages and Mykonos draw global attention, yet countless lesser-visited islands give you a more authentically Greek pace: peaceful coves, traditional tavernas and a real connection to the local life. Small ship itineraries can reach these quieter islands where larger vessels simply cannot go.
History runs through every port. Ephesus, accessed via Kusadasi, was once home to the Temple of Artemis. The Palace of Knossos in Crete dates back four thousand years. Rhodes' Medieval Old Town, built by the Knights of St John, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region's archaeological depth is matched by few places on earth.
The small ship difference in the Greek Islands and Eastern Mediterranean
Small ship Greek Islands cruises provides a more intimate experience. You anchor in tranquil bays, swim or paddleboard directly from the ship, and disembark alongside a handful of fellow guests rather than thousands. On board, crews know you by name. This is travel that feels personal. The ideal way to discover rustic villages, peaceful ports and remote coves that larger vessels cannot reach.
Luxury small ship Greek Islands and Eastern Mediterranean itineraries
Athens and Istanbul are the primary starting points for luxury Greek Islands cruises. Select itineraries also sail from Venice, with the smallest ships docking at the historic San Basilio terminal, as well as Valletta, Rome, Dubrovnik, and occasionally Barcelona for longer voyages.
Most routes blend Greek and Turkish ports. Some itineraries focus on the Northern Aegean and destinations such as Thessaloniki. Calls to Ashdod and Haifa, which once provided access to Jerusalem and Bethlehem, are currently paused due to the regional situation.
Luxury cruise lines sailing the Greek Islands and Eastern Mediterranean
The region's popularity and excellent accessibility mean all of our luxury cruise partners sail here regularly. Each brings a different approach to ship size, onboard style and itinerary focus. Some specialise in yacht-style vessels that reach the quietest harbours, others offer longer voyages combining the Greek Islands with the wider Mediterranean.
The best way to compare options is to explore our Greek Islands and Eastern Mediterranean cruises or speak to us for tailored recommendations.
When is the best time to cruise the Greek Islands and Eastern Mediterranean?
Sailings operate from March through November. Late spring and early autumn are particularly good, when the weather is warm, the sea is inviting and popular sites can be enjoyed without peak-season crowds. Summer is the hottest and busiest. Shoulder season offers the best balance.
Travel tips and FAQs for Greek Islands and Eastern Mediterranean cruising
What are the best quiet Greek Islands to cruise to?
Small ships reach islands that larger vessels cannot access. Folegandros, Symi, Patmos, Hydra and the smaller Cyclades all offer a more authentic pace than Santorini or Mykonos. We have guidance on quieter Greek Islands and which cruise lines can take you there.
Are there cruises which transit the Corinth Canal?
Yes. The Corinth Canal is narrow enough that only the smallest vessels can pass through. Windstar, Ponant, SeaDream and Emerald all have ships small enough to transit this historic waterway.
How do Greek Islands cruises compare to the Western Mediterranean?
The Greek Islands and Eastern Mediterranean have a different character. The pace is slower, the islands are more spread out and the archaeological heritage runs deeper. The Western Mediterranean offers more variety of countries and coastlines. Both are excellent, and the right choice depends on whether you are drawn to island life or coastal cities.
Is this region suitable for first-time cruisers?
Yes. The Greek Islands are one of the most accessible and rewarding regions for a first small ship cruise. Flights from the UK are short, the weather is reliable in season and the combination of beaches, history and island-hopping suits most travellers.
What should I pack for a Greek Islands cruise?
Light, breathable clothing for warm days. Comfortable walking shoes for archaeological sites and cobbled village streets. Sun protection and a hat. A light layer for evenings on deck. Smart-casual for dinners on most luxury small ships.
Are Eastern Mediterranean cruises affected by regional security?
Some itineraries that previously called at Israeli ports have been adjusted due to the current situation. Turkish and Greek ports remain unaffected. Your Mundy consultant can advise on the latest status of specific routes.
What our clients say
“That I continue to use them over many years says it all.”Mr Macmorran
collections
You may also like
Western Mediterranean
Boasting the chic French and Italian Rivieras, the Western Mediterranean’s elegant seaside ports are also the gateway to historic cities such as Florence and Pisa.
Danube river
Perhaps Europe’s most famous river, the Danube stirs memories of the grand old days of Mitteleuropa, passing through the majestic imperial cities of Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava.
Croatia & The Adriatic
The Adriatic is a wonderful cruising destination, home to perfectly preserved medieval towns, dramatic mountain scenery and Croatia’s myriad islands.
