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Athens Greece Small Ship Cruises

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The classical capital of the Mediterranean, Greece has been the seat of European culture for thousands of years, dating back to the time of the powerful and expansive Greek empire. Historically, the center of it all was Athens! This enduring landmark city is home to the port of Piraeus, where many of our cruises depart & return. While here, you will have the chance to explore the ruins of the mighty Parthenon and the fascinating museum that tells of the ancient Greek civilization and culture. For the more active travelers, there is a mountain biking option as well, which takes you from the slopes of Mount Hymettus to the Athenian suburbs. Or perhaps you'd prefer to spend the day acquiring the flavor of Athens, with its savory regional wines, bakeries, and delicacies. Contact us to start planning your trip.

10 Top-Rated Athens Small Cruise Ships for 2025-2026

Trip Name From Days Next Departure Summary
Douglas Mawson $10,195 Dec 01, 2025 Introducing the Douglas Mawson, Aurora Expeditions' latest small ship for global exploration. With sustainability features and luxurious amenities, it accommodates up to 154 adventurers, offering unique itineraries including East Antarctica and Subantarctic Islands explorations.
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L'Austral $4,590 Apr 26, 2025 The L'Austral, sister ship to the Le Boreal, is the fruit of Italian expertise and French sophistication. A superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins, the L'Austral links tradition and innovation, cruising to worldwide destinations in luxury.
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Le Boreal $5,340 Apr 16, 2025 A superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins, the Le Boreal is the fruit of blending French service and sophistication with Italian engineering. Emphasizing the planet's polar regions as well as Latin America, Easter Island and Polynesia, Le Boreal gives passengers the feeling they are on a private yacht and give them access to harbors and coves that large cruise ships can't access.
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National Geographic Orion $9,095 Apr 19, 2025 The creation of the National Geographic Orion in 2003 heralds a new breed of expedition ship: a state-of-the-art vessel which combines the latest advances in ship design and communication technology with all the style and comfort of a luxury cruise ship.
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Emerald Azzurra $7,190 Apr 26, 2025 As Emerald's first-ever ocean superyacht, the luxurious Emerald Azzurra is designed to take up to 100 passengers sailing along the Adriatic Coast, Red Sea, and the Eastern and Western Mediterranean.
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Emerald Sakara $7,590 Mar 29, 2025 Emerald Cruises brings our award-winning reputation and service to the world?s oceans and coastlines as we introduce Luxury yacht cruising on our brand new, innovative superyachts, custom-designed to allow unique access to the fascinating ports and harbors only small yachts can reach.
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Le Bougainville $5,750 Apr 19, 2025 Experience a luxurious setting where the main focus is of authenticity and passion for travel. Le Bougainville is an environmentally-friendly 184-passenger ship that sails across the stunning blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, offering her guests a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy, and comfort.
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Le Dumont-d'Urville $5,520 Mar 29, 2025 Discover a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel aboard this glamorous limited-capacity yacht with environmentally-friendly equipment. Le Dumont-d'Urville features elegantly designed cabins, spacious suites with windows, and lounge areas opening to the outside, offering a unique cruising experience.
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Le Laperouse $5,410 May 31, 2025 Experience the luxurious settings that Le Laperouse offers while you enjoy the authenticity and passion for travel on each itinerary. Its contemporary decor and comfortable, fully equipped suites make it the ideal small cruise ship for exploring the Arctic, Mediterranean and even the Seychelles Islands.
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Sea Cloud II $7,990 Apr 16, 2025 The Sea Cloud II is a legendary windjammer comparable to her sister ship, the Sea Cloud. Featuring her own unique character, the Sea Cloud II combines the high standards expected of a 5-star cruise ship with the unique atmosphere of a romantic tall ship.
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Athens Greece Cruise Tips & Travel Guide

Adventure Life's Favorite Greek Islands & Destinations
Mythology, art, architecture, and beautiful seaside landscapes are highlights of this enchanting Mediterranean country. As you cruise through the tranquil blue waters, you will swim at some of Europe's best beaches and visit extraordinary citadels, monuments, and metropolitan ruins of the Ancient Greek civilization. Here's the highlight list of Adventure Life's favorite Greek destinations:

Cities:
  • Delphi & Athens: As two of the most important cities of Ancient Greece, they are home to some of the most interesting archaeological sites in the Western world. 
  • Nafplion: Spend a day in the charming port town that was allegedly founded by Poseidon's son millennia ago and is now home to quaint shops, cafes, and museums.
The Greek Islands - Cyclades:
  • SantoriniAn island formed from the remaining edge of a volcanic crater, the spectacular beaches, views and sunsets of Santorini make it the quintessential Greek Island.
  • Mykonos: A picturesque Cycladic island and famed beach party town with seaside restaurants, a maze of narrow streets and whitewashed houses & churches overlooked by a row of 16th-century windmills, 
  • Tenos: Come see Greece's holiest shrine – Panagia Evangelistria – among terraced hillsides & marble quarries.
  • Delos: Supposedly the birthplace of Apollo & Artemis (the Twin Gods), this city is home to fascinating ruins.
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Greece Cruise FAQs

Why should I choose a Mediterranean cruise?
A cruise visiting Athens Greece will take you to some of the top destinations around the Mediterranean at the value of an all-inclusive journey that offers lodging, meals, and daily tours and excursions. Enjoy the comfort of one of the nicest ships that we feature as you voyage around the Mediterranean. Cruises are quickly becoming the most popular way to visit Europe, compared to the land-based tours which require you to either stay in one region the entire time or pack and unpack your suitcase every time you get to a new city.

What should I look for on a Greek cruise ship?
The elegant yachts that sail the Greek Mediterranean combine style and luxury. You will enjoy the intimate atmosphere of a small yacht, typically with occupancy for between 50-200 passengers. Comfortable and spacious cabins, a sun deck, and a dining area and bar are all standard on these vessels.

Are there five-star boats that explore Greece?
While the boats that explore Greece are technically not five stars due to their smaller size and fewer onboard amenities, you will find that the overall experience is truly a five star journey. With all-inclusive itineraries guided by local experts and a comfortable or even luxurious boat that will serve as your home for the duration of the trip, you won't be disappointed with your cruise of Greece and the Mediterranean.

Should I get a room with a balcony?
Contrary to popular belief, having a balcony on your Greek cruise isn't that important and could even be an unnecessary expense. Rooms with balconies can cost hundreds of dollars more and sometimes they even cut into the cabin space. Since the boats that explore the Mediterranean are pretty small, it's easy enough to just go to the sun deck and enjoy the sunny weather and fresh air from there. A great alternative to a balcony is a room with a full panoramic window or a floor to ceiling window. 

What is dining like?
No other country more perfectly captures traditional Mediterranean cuisine better than Greece. The local flavors will melt in your mouth in a savory blend that characterizes this region, as prepared by talented local chefs.

Do Greek cruises ever visit destinations that aren't on the coast?
Definitely! Greece is full of amazing attractions, many of which are the highlights of the islands and coastal cities. However, there are a number of attractions that you will arrive to by bus as well after your ship has docked in the closest port.

Will my ship have WiFi?
It's possible, but not all vessels offer WiFi. Even on the vessels that do have WiFi, it's possible that your cruise route will take you out of range of a signal, meaning that you potntially could be without WiFi for several days at a time. Check with your Adventure Lir

What kind of power outlets are there? Will I need a converter?
You will need a plug adapter for the outlets – you will either find three flat prongs in the British style or two round prongs in the European style. And although the power is 220v, in contrast to the 110v North American power, typically most appliances and devices are made to handle both.

How can I save money on a river cruise?
Save money on a river cruise by visiting the Greece Deals page or by letting our travel experts know where you want to go. We'll let you know when we have new promotions available. We recommend that you don't save money by choosing a lesser cabin, since you will also probably be choosing one with less comfort or space.

Are cruises in Greece a good family vacation?
Greece is an engaging vacation for the whole family and a great way to get your kids interested in history and European culture. Active options are the best for younger kids. Check out our family travel article for more information.

Do Americans and Canadians need a passport and visa to travel to Greece?
All citizens of North America traveling to Europe need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months. In recent years, it has not been necessary to apply for a visa before traveling to Europe if you plan to stay less than three months, however, this situation may change in the future. See current travel requirements on the U.S. Department of State website

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