Aegean Sea Cruises: Best Cruises to the Aegean

Premium Cruises to the Aegean Sea

On an Aegean Sea cruise, you’ll discover intriguing islands rich in history that have enchanted travelers for centuries. This is where you can immerse yourself in ancient mythology, feast on fresh Mediterranean cuisine, and relax on powder-white beaches or, in some cases, sparkling black sand.

Explore Minoan antiquities with an archaeologist, learn to cook authentic Greek cuisine, or kayak across limpid lagoons. From the towering volcanic cliffs of Santorini to the mountains of Crete and the sandy beaches of Mykonos, a European cruise through the Aegean Sea is the best way to experience this captivating corner of the continent.

Aegean Sea Cruise Highlights

Gorgeous Beaches

The entire Aegean region is blessed with beautiful beaches, all of them different. Elafonisi on Crete is a perfect swathe of pink sand. On Santorini, you’ll see sparkling black beaches, as well as the startling Red Beach at the base of towering, russet-colored cliffs. Mykonos is famous for its lively beach scene, with DJs spinning tunes all day. Head for anything-goes Paradise Beach, or the more sedate, family-friendly Kalafatis, where there’s great windsurfing.

Ancient History

You’ll be immersed in history spanning thousands of years on a cruise in the Aegean Sea. Kusadasi in Turkey is the gateway to ancient Ephesus, which dates back to the 10th century BC. From Mykonos, take a day trip to dreamy Delos, a thriving port in the 7th century BC, where wildflowers bloom in between ancient columns and mosaics. Rhodes’ claim to fame, meanwhile, is the magnificent palaces of the medieval old town, built by the Knights of St. John.

Delicious Food

The Aegean is characterized by its fresh, healthy food. Stuffed vine leaves, hummus and tzatziki dips, juicy tomato salads topped with salty feta and extra virgin olive oil, and fish straight from the boat are typical lunches in the islands, best enjoyed in a waterfront taverna. You’ll also find tender, slow-cooked meat, rich with local herbs, and the freshest fruit, from plump peaches to sweet figs. Greece is known for its fine wines, too; Santorini is one of the best places to taste and buy.

Featured Aegean Sea Cruise Ports

Santorini

Santorini’s whitewashed towns spill over the cliffs of an ancient caldera that plunges into the glittering sapphire Aegean. Visit the archaeological site of Akrotiri to learn about the sophisticated Minoans who thrived here and then fled before the volcano exploded 3,600 years ago. Dine in a clifftop restaurant in pretty Oia, famed for its blue-domed churches, and visit some of the island’s renowned wine cellars. Or savor the unusual experience of swimming off a sparkling, black sand beach.

View Santorini Port Guide

Chania (Souda)

Chania’s Venetian Harbor, lined with old mansions in warm, glowing colors and inviting tavernas, fishing boats bobbing on the water, is a joy to explore. There’s beautiful countryside beyond this enchanting town, too. Join a tour through the rugged White Mountains to see how shepherds live and to taste authentic Cretan cuisine. Or lace up your hiking boots for a testing trek through the dramatic Samaria Gorge, one of the most spectacular walks in the whole Aegean region.

View Chania (Souda) Port Guide

Mykonos

There’s more to pretty Mykonos than its famed beach clubs. Visit the neighboring island of Delos to admire mosaics, statues, and columns dating back 2,500 years. Head into the countryside for a cooking class, and feast on your creations of spinach pie, stuffed peppers, and garlicky tzatziki. Or while away an afternoon in Little Venice, where bars and restaurants in former fishermen’s houses sit right on the water, with views of the iconic windmills.

View Mykonos Port Guide

Aegean Sea Cruise Itineraries

There’s a wide choice of itineraries that explore the Aegean Sea, ranging from six to 12 nights and visiting ports on the Greek mainland as well as the islands. You can choose between many different routes that visit Greece, Turkey, Malta, Italy, and beyond. Longer voyages cross the whole region, sailing between Athens and Barcelona over 10 nights, visiting ports in Italy and Spain as well as the Greek Islands. There are also chances to sail from the Aegean to the Adriatic, combining Greek ports with medieval Dubrovnik in Croatia.

Why Cruise to the Aegean Sea With Celebrity Cruises

You’ll see the best of the Aegean on our sleek, contemporary ships, with a wide range of excursions on offer catering to every taste. Wander around ancient temples learning about mythology, hike mountain gorges, or bask on sunny beaches.

After exciting days in port, you’ll return to a world of comfort, where exciting dining and contemporary entertainment await. Sip a cocktail at the Martini Bar, or watch daylight fade to dusk at the Sunset Bar. Treat yourself at the spa, and unwind by the pool. Elevate your experience with The Retreat®, which includes a stay in one of our beautiful suites along with access to an exclusive restaurant, Luminae at The Retreat, a private lounge, and more.

On Edge-series ships, enjoy specialties from the Aegean and Mediterranean in Cyprus, our Greek-inspired restaurant. Solstice-series ships feature the Lawn Club, where you can lie on the soft grass and gaze at the glittering blue Aegean. On Celebrity Infinity, meanwhile, enjoy made-to-order grill dishes and salads in the sunshine at the Mast Grill, and romantic cocktails at the al fresco Sunset Bar.