Santorini, with its iconic caldera views and sunsets, is a popular stop for many cruise ships touring the Mediterranean. The island’s deep blue waters and cliffside towns provide a picturesque backdrop that attracts thousands of cruise passengers each year.
While the specific cruise ships that attend Santorini can vary from year to year and season to season, many major cruise lines include Santorini in their itineraries. Some of the prominent cruise lines that frequently dock or anchor at Santorini include:
- Royal Caribbean International: Known for its vast fleet and diverse itineraries, Royal Caribbean often includes Santorini as a port of call for its Mediterranean cruises. https://www.royalcaribbean.com/gbr/en/greece-greek-isles-cruises.
- Celebrity Cruises: As a premium cruise line, Celebrity Cruises offers a more upscale experience and often features Santorini in its Eastern Mediterranean itineraries. https://www.celebritycruises.com/gb/destinations/mediterranean-cruises/greek-island-cruise
- Princess Cruises: Another major player in the cruise industry, Princess Cruises often features Santorini in its Mediterranean and Greek Isles itineraries. https://www.princess.com/ports-excursions/santorini-greece-excursions/
- Holland America Line: Known for its classic cruising style, Holland America often includes Santorini in its longer Mediterranean voyages. https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/gb/cruise-destinations/mediterranean-europe-cruises/greek-isles-cruises
- MSC Cruises: As a European-based cruise line, MSC Cruises has a strong presence in the Mediterranean, and Santorini is a regular stop for many of its ships. https://www.msccruises.co.uk/cruises/destinations/mediterranean
- Viking River Cruises: Specializing in destination-focused itineraries, Viking often includes Santorini in its Mediterranean and Greek Isles cruises. https://www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk/search.html?q=santorini
- Seabourn: As a luxury cruise line, Seabourn offers an intimate cruising experience with smaller ships, and Santorini is often on the list for its Mediterranean voyages. https://www.seabourn.com/en/gb/cruise-destinations/greece-cruises
- Azamara: Known for its longer stays in ports, Azamara provides its passengers with more time to explore destinations like Santorini. https://www.azamara.com/gb/search?search=santorini
It’s worth noting that due to the unique geography of Santorini, large cruise ships anchor offshore and tender passengers to the old port of Fira. From there, visitors can take the cable car, walk, or ride donkeys up the steep cliff to the town of Fira.
If you’re considering a cruise that includes Santorini or any other destination, it’s always a good idea to check the specific itineraries and schedules of cruise lines, as these can change based on various factors, including season, demand, and global events.
