If you have questions, we have the answers. If you are new to cruising and do not yet know much about this unique and wonderful way to travel, we have anticipated many of the questions you may have—including some you may never have thought to ask. Choose a question below to find the answer.
How should I start planning my cruise?
Start with three important decisions: destination, duration and budget. First consider where you would like to travel, how long you would like your cruise to last and how much you wish to spend.
We then recommend contacting us. We offer the widest variety of cruises, represent most cruise lines as selected representatives in Greece and maintain strong cooperation with all the other cruise companies. We can answer all your questions, including:
- Which cruise ship is right for you
- What you should include in your budget
- What is included in the cruise fare
- What additional costs you may have
- Which cabin or suite is suitable for your budget
- What type of dining and services your ship provides
- What entertainment you can expect
You can search for this information online, but you will not be able to ask as many detailed questions or receive personalised guidance.
Should I choose a holiday or a cruise?
Definitely a cruise. A cruise is one of the best ways to take a holiday and escape the stress and pressure of life on land. Your cruise ship is a floating hotel offering everything you need at excellent value for money.
What exactly is a cruise?
A cruise is a holiday and an escape. Your cruise ship is a floating hotel, where you unpack your suitcase only once. It offers a carefree holiday, rest and relaxation in comfortable surroundings, excellent service, good food and a different view every day.
You will enjoy high-quality services and the company of friendly people. Worldwide, more than 350 cruise ships, each carrying between 50 and 6,000 passengers, visit almost 2,000 destinations. Cruise ships range from 60 to 330 metres in length, with facilities and services that vary from one cruise line to another. The atmosphere may range from very informal to highly formal.
Entertainment can include theatrical performances, magicians, dance shows, cabaret shows, live music, discos and much more. A cruise offers an excellent relationship between price and product. Explore new places, meet different people and make new friends. Whatever cruise ship you choose, it provides the essential ingredients for a wonderful holiday.
How long does a cruise last?
Cruises range from one or two days to an exotic long-duration world voyage lasting up to 180 days. The most common cruise duration is seven days.
If you are new to cruising, try a short cruise first. For our Greek friends and clients, we consider a three-day cruise from Piraeus to the Greek islands ideal for getting your first taste of cruising.
When is the best time to take a cruise?
You can take a cruise at any time of year. For our new cruising friends and clients looking for a first experience, we recommend the most beautiful sea in the world—the Aegean.
A cruise in the Aegean from April to November is an excellent choice. Beautiful summer destinations also include the Baltic, the Norwegian Fjords and the Western Mediterranean. During the winter months, we recommend cruises in the Caribbean, Hawaii, the Arabian Peninsula and the Persian Gulf.
Cruise ships travel throughout the world, allowing passengers to enjoy “summer cruises during the winter season”.
What will the weather be like during my cruise?
Our friends and clients—particularly those taking cruises to another continent, Northern Europe or on a world cruise—often ask: What weather should we expect? What clothes should we bring?
We are not meteorologists, but on our website you can select “Weather Information and Forecast for Every Port”. You will find detailed information about weather conditions, including temperature, humidity and sea conditions for every month of the year, a 14-day weather forecast and even weather history for the previous 15 years for the specific date and port that interests you. By knowing the weather details in advance, you can prepare more effectively for your journey.
Which port will my cruise depart from?
The departure port depends on the cruise itinerary. Cruises from Greece generally depart from the ports of Piraeus, Lavrio, Corfu, Crete and Rhodes.
Depending on the destination, cruises departing from abroad may leave from ports such as Rome/Civitavecchia, Genoa, Marseille, Barcelona, Southampton, Copenhagen, Kiel, Hamburg, Miami, New York, Hawaii and others.
For all overseas departures, you must arrange air travel to and from the port of your destination. The air ticket is charged separately. Our office can arrange your air ticket reservation and provide information about available flights and costs.
If your cruise departs from a foreign port and air travel is necessary, we recommend considering a short or long holiday stay before or after your cruise.
Why are prices not shown for every cruise on your website?
Our website provides detailed information and answers to many possible questions. However, for some cruise lines, we provide cruise prices to our friends and clients during our communication.
This is because cruise prices are not fixed. They change constantly and depend on when the reservation is made, as well as on special discounts or offers of longer or shorter duration, which frequently change. For some cruise companies, prices change almost daily.
The final cruise price is confirmed according to the prices in force on the day you make your reservation. Since the beginning of 2014, our company has maintained a direct online connection with two of the largest cruise companies in the world, securing the best possible information about their availability and prices.
Our ultimate goal is to complete this process with all ship-owning companies and provide online information about prices and cabin availability for all cruise ships.
Which cabin should I choose?
Your choice depends on your budget. Cabins are mainly divided into inside and outside cabins. Since they offer almost the same facilities, are all air-conditioned and ventilated, and since windows and portholes always remain securely closed, the shared areas of the ship are available to all passengers regardless of cabin category.
The price difference usually depends on the cabin’s location on the ship and its size. For passengers with a limited budget, we recommend considering an inside cabin if they are not psychologically uncomfortable with having no window, porthole or balcony overlooking the sea.
What is included and what is not included in the cruise price?
The cruise price, meaning the cruise fare, includes the cruise itinerary, accommodation in the cabin you select, full board on the ship and entertainment provided by experienced cruise staff, musicians, orchestras, magicians, ballets, shows, theatrical performances and more.
The cruise price does not include port expenses or personal expenses on board, such as drinks, optional excursions and gratuities. These are charged to each passenger’s personal account on board at the end of the cruise.
On certain cruise ships, the cruise price includes all consumption of drinks, soft drinks and wine. On other ships, gratuities are included, while on others a specific drinks package and gratuities are included. In every case, we inform you before your final reservation.
What age groups are cruises suitable for?
Cruises are suitable for all ages. Today, the average age of cruise passengers is under 40, and the average passenger age decreases every year.
Everyone can enjoy this safe, relaxing and comfortable way of travelling. Many people have taken cruises countless times. On a cruise, you will meet people of every age and with many different backgrounds.
Are cruises only for a few people?
No. Cruising is for everyone. Every cruise offers an excellent relationship between price and product. Compared with a holiday to the same destination, cruise prices are highly competitive.
In recent years, more and more Greeks have chosen a cruise instead of a traditional holiday. Increasing numbers of group trips also take place at sea, including trips organised for associations, groups, conferences, seminars and incentive travel.
What is life like on board?
Life on board is fantastic. Passengers have countless options and activities. During the day, these may include deck games, gyms, beauty centres, libraries, spas, extreme sports, swimming pools, organised entertainment and much more.
You can also go shopping in the ship’s stores, use golf and Formula 1 simulators, visit screening rooms or enjoy the decks and atriums for jogging or walking.
After dinner, there are countless options in the ship’s lounges and theatres, including shows, theatrical performances, piano bars, ballets, orchestras, casinos, discos and much more.
Should I book excursions or enjoy free time in port?
At every port of call, you can choose from the many options offered by your cruise ship’s shore excursion office. Optional excursions are available at each port. You can register on board and pay the relevant cost separately.
Optional excursions can also be booked in advance together with the cruise ticket. This allows you to decide comfortably which excursions you prefer and save valuable time during the cruise. If you later cancel, the excursion cost is not refunded.
All optional excursions are organised exclusively by the relevant ship-owning company. Individual passengers or groups of passengers are not permitted to organise an optional excursion themselves.
Optional excursions take place in luxury coaches with professional guides. The price includes entrance tickets to archaeological sites, museums and/or attractions.
If you do not wish to join an organised excursion, you are free to follow your own programme and explore the city you are visiting on foot, by taxi or by another means. You simply need to return to the ship on time, so that you do not risk being left in a foreign country without your passport. A delayed ship departure because a passenger has not returned on time is excluded.
Are there differences between cruise ships?
Yes. Ships differ in size, age, the profile of the cruise line, the luxury of their interiors, dining, entertainment, facilities and services, as well as the ratio between passengers and the total number of officers and crew members.
Knowing the quality of the ships, we have placed them into categories. The position and equipment of the cabins and lounges, the programmes, events, entertainment and even the menus are among the criteria on which we assessed the ships.
All these differences are reflected in the cruise price of each ship. There are differences in the luxury offered by each ship—and luxury is a very broad term. In the “Choose Correctly” section of our website, look at the number of anchors next to each ship’s name and you will know what to expect.
Could I get bored on a cruise?
Usually, it is men who ask: “What can I do at sea?” Today, there are more things to do on board a ship than on an island in the Aegean or the Caribbean. The key is choosing the right cruise ship.
On a cruise ship, you can do everything—or nothing at all. The sea offers a greater sense of freedom than tourist destinations on land. Even if you become bored for some reason, all large cruise ships offer internet access, films, digital music libraries and much more.
Does everything feel standardised on a cruise?
Not at all. You can do many things or do nothing. Large ships accommodating 1,500 passengers, as well as the largest ships—particularly those accommodating up to and more than 5,000 passengers—offer continuous activities. Many of these activities are repeated, which is useful if you are a regular cruise passenger.
Every day, the programme for the following day is distributed in your cabin or at reception. It lists all the activities taking place on board. You can therefore choose the programme that suits you best. The choice is yours.
Can I travel alone on a cruise?
If you wish to travel alone, relax and enjoy yourself at sea while sailing from the deck, a cruise is an ideal choice. You can visit new places, explore new ports, meet people and enjoy the care of the cruise ship’s staff.
With an additional charge for single use of a cabin, the cabin is entirely yours. You will use a cabin that could accommodate two people, but you will be alone and enjoy the comfort of your own personal space. Courteous, warm and friendly hospitality, comfort and luxury in your cabin are the main ingredients of a successful cruise for a passenger travelling alone and able to enjoy peace and quiet.
On many cruise ships, such as those of Norwegian Cruise Line, which offers “freestyle dining”, or on other companies offering alternative dining and many different venues, an individual passenger can freely choose where and when to dine.
If, however, your cruise ship’s restaurant has first and second seating, you can still choose the table where you wish to dine, with the assistance of the restaurant maître d’hôtel.
Some cruise lines offer the special “Gentlemen Cruise Host” service. These hosts are usually men over the age of 55 who are courteous, sociable and pleasant. They provide companionship to individual female passengers, dine with them in the restaurant, accompany them to dances, cocktail parties and dance classes, participate in shipboard activities with them and accompany them on optional excursions.
The first company to establish gentleman hosts was Cunard Lines in the mid-1970s. Today, gentleman hosts are also offered by other companies, such as Holland America Line, Crystal Cruises and others.
Worldwide, more than 25% of all cruise passengers—more than 4 million people—are travelling alone and choosing a cruise as their holiday. A cruise makes it easy to meet other people in a familiar and friendly environment. Many ships offer special single cabins at an additional charge.
Why does cruising cost more for solo travellers?
The largest proportion of cruise passengers are couples, so all cruise lines base their prices on double occupancy of each cabin. When someone travels alone, they are charged a supplement for the unused part of the cabin, because the cabin is being used by one person.
Older ships have more single cabins by design. Modern ships, however, have generally been built with cabins intended for double occupancy. Special offers are always aimed at double occupancy of the cabins.
For individual travellers, the supplement usually ranges from approximately 50% to 80% of the per-person price in a double cabin.
Are there enough activities for children?
A cruise offers families more quality time than any other type of holiday. Family cruising, with activities adapted to different age groups, is continuously developing.
Most cruise ships around the world are family-friendly. A cruise can also be educational. In practice, children have a wonderful time on a cruise.
Are there adults-only ships?
Yes. If you do not enjoy large crowds and very large cruise ships, choose a smaller ship that may offer the ideal escape.
Some cruise lines operate ships exclusively for adults, where children are not permitted to travel. For example, P&O Cruises operates three adults-only cruise ships: Adonia, Arcadia and Oriana.
Are cruises suitable for honeymooners?
Absolutely. A cruise is an ideal choice for a honeymoon. Weddings can also be organised on board cruise ships or in certain ports, depending on local regulations.
Most of the arrangements can be prepared by the ship, leaving the newlyweds with nothing more to do than appear. For those wishing to enjoy a second honeymoon, many ships can organise a “vow renewal” ceremony. These services are charged separately.
Could I suffer from seasickness?
Cruise ships have “safety fins”, or stabilisers, on each side of the vessel to reduce movement. The percentage of passengers who develop symptoms of seasickness on a cruise is less than 3% of the total.
Former sailors and modern doctors recommend various remedies, which you may choose to take. Walk on the deck and you will find that your knees act as your own stabilisers. You will begin to develop a sense of balance that helps counteract seasickness. This is known as “getting your sea legs”.
The best remedy is to breathe in the sea air. If you nevertheless feel seasick, try a little orange or lemon and eat lightly. When you are on deck, focus on a fixed point on the horizon. In every case, the ship’s doctor will be available to advise you about the best option.
Is cruising a problem for people with allergies?
Absolutely not. On the contrary, people suffering from allergic rhinitis and pollen allergies benefit greatly from a cruise. Many have reported that these problems simply disappear, particularly when the cruise ship is at sea.
Are hygiene standards sufficiently high?
Hygiene standards are very high and governed by health inspection regulations. Since the 1980s, on North American cruises, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has carried out a hygiene inspection once or twice a year on all cruise ships carrying American passengers. This led to the creation of the Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP).
Through the VSP, a level of hygiene is achieved that helps cruise ships provide an excellent and healthy environment for passengers and crew. Dozens of inspection points are assessed according to international regulations, while strict navigation, safety and hygiene standards are applied.
Strict international laws, guidelines and inspections by government bodies and certified organisations are in force.
Abandon-ship drill
Under international safety regulations, a short abandon-ship drill takes place within the first 24 hours after the cruise departs. Participation is compulsory.
There are life jackets for everyone in all cabins. Please read the instructions for use carefully. During the drill, please follow the instructions given over the ship’s loudspeakers without delay.
Children’s safety
For children’s safety, they are not permitted to play without parental supervision on the outside decks, stairways, near the swimming pool or near the lift. They are also not permitted to play with the ship’s safety equipment.
What is the difference between an outside and an inside cabin?
An outside cabin simply means that it has a window, porthole or balcony with a sea view and provides natural light.
An inside cabin has no sea view. It is located between the ship’s corridors and has a panel, curtains or a mirror on one wall instead of a window or porthole.
All cabins are air-conditioned and ventilated in the same way throughout the ship. For safety reasons, the windows and portholes in outside cabins always remain closed and passengers cannot open them.
An outside cabin naturally costs more than an inside cabin of the same size.
What does “guarantee” cabin confirmation mean?
A “guarantee” cabin confirmation is a positive thing. It means that your reservation is confirmed, but your cabin number has not yet been assigned.
Your cabin number may be determined before departure or even when you arrive to board the ship. In every case, a “guarantee” cabin confirmation means that you definitely have a cabin secured in the category you reserved and paid for.
It is also very likely—in most cases—that you will be offered a cabin in a higher category, giving you the benefit of a valuable upgrade.
What are port fees or port expenses?
Port fees are an additional charge added to the cruise price. They are a specific total amount per person imposed by the various ports visited by the cruise ship.
This amount also includes payments for dock facilities, security personnel, as well as staff and porters handling the loading of luggage at the embarkation and disembarkation ports.
Can I eat whenever I want?
Yes, almost always. Even on the first day, after boarding, if you are hungry you can eat at the ship’s buffet.
Most cruise ships also offer flexible dining. Several major cruise lines allow you to choose when you want to dine and with whom during your cruise—just as you would in a restaurant on land.
To serve all passengers as efficiently as possible, large ships generally offer two evening dining seatings. Evening entertainment is also organised twice each night.
What is alternative dining?
Alternative dining is intended for passengers who want a different experience. Mass dining does not suit every preference, so certain ships offer alternative restaurants separate from the ship’s main restaurant.
These restaurants are à la carte and usually involve an additional cost of between $15 and $75 per person. The quality, preparation and presentation of the meals are clearly superior, as are the service and the overall atmosphere.
Alternative dining venues are more intimate and much quieter than the ship’s main dining rooms, making them suitable for a special occasion. Alternative dining is optional and requires advance reservation.
Is it easy to get around a cruise ship?
It may take a little time to become familiar with the ship, particularly on very large vessels. We recommend comfortable walking shoes.
The decks are level and, apart from the stairs, there are dozens of lifts. The rest comes with practice and familiarity. If you want to meet one of the thousands of other passengers, however, you should be specific about your meeting point.
Is there noise on cruise ships?
In general, the atmosphere on a cruise ship is very pleasant, calm and not disturbed by noise. In a few cases, however, there may be noise because of numerous announcements and activities.
Can I visit the bridge?
Usually not, for security reasons. However, some cruise lines offer a “Behind the Scenes” tour at an additional charge, together with a related video that you can watch on your cabin television for an extra charge.
Do mobile phones work on board?
Passengers can use mobile phones on open decks, in public areas, in cabins and generally throughout almost the entire ship.
When the ship is at sea, the telephone connection is satellite-based. Most ship-owning companies have agreements with land-based telephone companies, and the cost varies. Calls are usually charged at a higher—or much higher—rate as international satellite calls.
When the ship is in port, the ship’s network is deactivated and your mobile phone is charged according to the rates applicable to mobile phones in the country where you are located, through foreign roaming.
Is internet access available on cruise ships?
Most ships have facilities such as an internet café or connect centre where you can connect for a separate charge. For a fee, you can also connect your laptop.
Connections and downloads while at sea are often very slow compared with land-based services. When the cruise ship arrives at a port, free internet access is usually available through the ports or passenger terminals.
Where can I watch films?
Many ships have a dedicated cinema. Many newer ships have replaced or complemented the cinema with televisions and DVD players in cabins, or giant screens beside the swimming pool showing films 24 hours a day.
Where can I go on a cruise?
Wherever there is water in the world—sea or river—you are likely to find a cruise ship. There are more than 30,000 different cruises to choose from and approximately 2,000 cruise destinations worldwide.
A cruise can take you to places that are inaccessible by almost any other means, including the North Cape, Antarctica, the South Seas and many other remote destinations.
When should I book my cruise?
The earlier you book your cruise, the better. You are more likely to obtain the cabin and location you want, and your cabin may even be upgraded.
If you book close to the departure date, you may find a lower or special promotional price. However, your cabin may not be in the part of the ship you prefer. On ships with two dining seatings, you may also be unable to choose your preferred dining time.
Where can I park my car when my cruise departs from Piraeus?
Clients departing from the port of Piraeus who arrive with their private car can ask us to recommend a secure, organised parking facility.
When you return from your cruise after three, four or seven days, your car will be waiting for you at the port of Piraeus.