Greek Islands Cruises

With so much to explore both outdoors and indoors, a Greece holiday is a brilliant choice for a trip at any time of year. The 'shoulder seasons' in spring and autumn are certainly great periods for Greece cruises thanks to factors such as cooler temperatures, but the optimum time to visit simply has to be summer - and this is especially true for Greek Islands cruises. Holidaying in the country during this time means near-guaranteed sunshine and delightfully toasty temperatures, utterly inviting beaches that look like they've been pulled straight from a glossy magazine photograph, a huge range of Mediterranean cuisine and the intoxicating thrum of picturesque towns that buzz gently with life; this is Greece at its best. It almost goes without saying that summer is the perfect time to explore Greece outdoors. Make sure to view natural wonders such as the magnificent Blue Caves of Zakynthos, which reflect the dazzling blue waters below them, and enjoy strolling the streets of Oia, a traditional and picture-perfect village in Santorini. Summer also signals a host of fantastic events and festivals. Try the annual Athens Epidaurus Festival to see works by ancient Greek playwrights performed in landmark venues around the city or head to Santorini Film Festival for screenings of independent films in striking outdoor settings.

It's important to think about the weather when planning your Greece cruise. Happily, the Mediterranean country is sunny for most of the year. Winters can see some rain, however, with December being the wettest month on average. Things dry up again from March onwards and rainfall is then rare during summer months. As for the temperature, the summer months are, of course, the hottest, peaking at around 34°C in August. The rest of the year remains pleasantly warm, with the average lowest temperature in the coldest month (January) being 11°C.

Our Greece cruises call at up to ten different but equally remarkable ports. The main departure point, including for our Greek Island cruises, is Piraeus. Located just outside Athens, this convenient port is a great place to begin your Greece holiday and offers easy access to the Greek capital and its array of world-famous attractions. These include the magnificent Acropolis and Parthenon, the historic and colourful Plaka neighbourhood, and the National Archaeological Museum for a trip back in time. Away from the mainland, ports include Santorini, Mykonos, Heraklion (Crete), Lindos (Rhodes), Corfu, Zakynthos, Cephalonia and Kos. Some ships also stop at Katakolon in order to pay a visit to the ancient archaeological site of Olympia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

MSC Cruises has options for all budgets, meaning that whatever you're planning on spending, there'll be a cruise holiday that works for you. Book early to get the best price and make sure to check out our Greece cruise deals for the most up-to-date offers. Greece and all its charms just got one step closer.

Packing for Greece cruises can be tricky, but don't sweat it - literally. If you're travelling during the summer months, make sure to bring thin, breathable clothes. You'll also want a sunhat, sunscreen, swimwear and maybe even a hand fan. In cooler months, pack practical layers and a light raincoat (just in case). Whatever the season, comfortable walking shoes are an essential item for Greek Island cruises, as you'll be moving around museums, historical sites, villages and possibly even doing some light hiking. Some more formal clothes and shoes are also handy for visiting some restaurants and bars. When it comes to clothing onboard your ship, you'll want casual, comfortable clothes for daytimes and relaxation, plus some smarter outfits for evenings and special events. If you're attending a gala night onboard, feel free to go all-out: tuxedos, suits, evening gowns and cocktail dresses are all common sights.

Greece uses the Euro (€) and has done since 2002. Remember to have some cash with you if you're visiting the Greek Islands, as some venues in more rural areas may not accept credit cards and there may not always be an ATM nearby.

Greece uses Eastern European Time (EET) during winter, putting the country two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) in the UK. In the summer, it switches to Eastern European Summer Time (EEST), which is two hours ahead of British Summer Time (BST) in the UK.

Your cruise to Greece can include stops in other Mediterranean countries, extending the enjoyment of this revered region. Which countries you visit depends on the itinerary you choose. You could experience Croatia and its magical city of Dubrovnik, as well as other ancient ports such as Split and Zadar, or perhaps take in some Italian coastal charms in Bari, a bustling port city - but a gorgeous one, too. Further Italian highlights are plentiful in Venice and its iconic attractions. Some Greece and Greek Island routes feature stops in Turkey, where there's a chance to witness the East-meets-West splendour of Istanbul or explore archaeological sites in Izmir and Kusadasi. Other countries, including Croatia, Montenegro, and Slovenia are also possible visits, meaning that a Greek cruise can open up a truly epic holiday.

Our cruises to Greece and the Greek islands depart from ports at Bari or Venice - Marghera. If you're going on a cruise to Greece and you don't want to organise your own passage there, make things even easier and book onto a Fly-cruise. These ultra-convenient packages transport guests directly from airports at London Heathrow, Manchester or Dublin to Venice - Marghera, and then onto your ship to begin the cruise adventure. Other Fly-cruise routes depart from airports at London Heathrow, Manchester or Dublin, as well as airports in Edinburgh and Glasgow, to Civitavecchia (Rome).

Greece is probably best known for its ancient inhabitants, responsible for conceiving modern mathematics, philosophy, science and medicine - they even invented the Olympics. If your knowledge of the ancient Greek era is limited to Hercules, fear not, as there are well-preserved historical sites all over the country where you can learn more. Visits to Knossos and Olympia, for example, are included in excursions on some of our Greece cruises. Nature-lovers know Greece for its beautiful hikes and the idyllic beaches that line its extensive coastline. A cruise to Greece wouldn't be complete without time spent soaking up the sun on a sandy strip next to crystalline waters. Join one of our excursions and do just that, and perhaps book a boat tour for a glimpse of what's surely one of Greece's most beautiful spots: Shipwreck Beach on Zakynthos. It would be remiss not to mention the food you'll encounter on a Greek cruise. Feta, tzatziki and souvlaki are all known across the globe, but nowhere does them better than Greece. In addition to those, there's hearty stifado stew, moussaka and spanakopita, making for an enviable spread of cuisine.