Greek islands 7 days cruise from Venice was my first experience of this kind. I wasn’t sure what to expect. It seems that everyone loves cruise adventures, so why shouldn’t I? Anyway, I tried to restrain my excitement and keep moderate expectations. Now I can say that the cruise of the Greek islands was a great way to spend the vacation. However, I would like to address some of the issues we came across in and outside the boat.
Day 1: embarking in Venice
We flew to Venice a day prior since we already esplored this wonderful group of island three times prior. Our embarking was scheduled for late Sunday afternoon, at 5 PM, so we had plenty of time to arrive at the port and check-in without any stress. Registration and luggage drop-off was smooth and quick – Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) did not suck at their job.
Once embarked on the ship called “Norwegian Star”, we went to look for our room. We got the budget option inside cabin, that is, without a balcony or window. When we booked this Greek islands cruise of course we wanted to have a nice view as well. Unfortunately, rooms with balconies or windows were sold at auction. Who bids the highest price, gets the view. In the beginning, we tried to bet as well, but it quickly became obvious that additional commodity would cost us an arm and leg so we dropped it. However, we hoped that we’ll spend as little time as possible in that room. And on top of that, we weren’t claustrophobic. Adventures were waiting for us!
Later we gave ourselves an extensive boat tour. We checked out all bars, available restaurants, entertainment areas, pools zone, casino, etc. It seemed that a great week full of all-included beverages and food was waiting for us. Just a few places weren’t included in our package, and to dine there would mean to pay additionally.
Day 2: Kotor 2 pm – 8 pm
On the second day, we arrived at the Montenegro port of Kotor. This was one of many tender ports. That means, the ship cannot dock right at the port and sails several hundred meters from the shore. Multiple tender boats are prepared to transfer tourists from the cruise ship to land. A priority is given to those who booked an excursion through NCL. It goes without saying that a lot of time is lost just to perform these logistics.
Luckily, we were one of those who booked an excursion through NCL and we left the ship among the first ones. We paid $85 per person for the excursion called “Kotor, Perast & Our Lady of the Rocks”. At the port of Kotor, a tour bus with a guide was already waiting for us. In the beginning, it looked that everything was going smoothly. Aaaaand, it started.
The tour bus was scheduled to go firstly to the lovely town of Perast, located just 12 km away from Kotor. And really bad traffic welcomed us. Of course, it’s none of the organizers’ fault but we were feeling how the time is ticking too fast. Finally, we arrived in Perast. From there, we needed to take another boat to a tiny island called Our Lady of the Rocks.
On that island, there was Gospa od Skrpjela church. That church was our main destination. And there was another surprise waiting for us – tons of tourists. Some from the same Norwegian cruise, some from different ships. Just one tourist group could enter the church at once, and since we arrived last, we should visit it last. So, we were waiting, and waiting, and waiting… People from our group got irritated. Finally came our turn. The church was tiny, I dare to say, nothing spectacular and we spent there less than 10 minutes because, behind us, there were more tourists desperately waiting for their turn.
We sailed back to lovely town to Perast but since we were running late, we couldn’t even have lunch there and enjoy the view of the Kotor bay. We got our souvenir postcard, got on the bus, and drove to Kotor. The last excursion was waiting for us there.
The excursion in Kotor lasted less than an hour because again – we were in a hurry and a lot of people wanted to have at least a little bit of free time. The tour guide shortly introduced the history of Kotor, walked us around the old town, and left us to have our free time that wasn’t enough to even have lunch.
Since most of this excursion was spent being transported from one location to another, or standing in a line, once we came back on the boat we asked for a partial refund. 30% of the total price was refunded, and no questions were asked.
Day 3: Corfu 10 am – 4:30 pm
In Corfu, our ship docked straight to the port therefore we didn’t waste time for tendering. There we had a “4×4 Adventure” excursion ($170 pp). 12 Suzuki crossovers were already waiting for us right at the port. Several signatures, safety instructions, and off we go. The 12-car line was lead by an experienced driver through mountainous Corfu.
The drive was nice. The open roof of the Suzuki was perfect for such a ride on a sunny day. At first, we shortly stopped at a vantage point just to snap several pictures of the sea beneath us. Then we continued to drive until we reached a lovely typical Corfu village. There we got traditional Greek sweet – yogurt with honey. The village was dead silent and radiated peace.
Corfu is home to kumquat – an orange-like fruit of a size of an olive. They’re extremely sour but locals make all types of goodies from them: liqueurs, candies, jams, cookies, and other types of sweets. In our excursion was included visiting of Mavromatis Kumquat Distillery established in 1965. A representative explained to us shortly what is a kumquat and then played a short video on how this fruit is transformed into a liqueur. Later, we got a possibility to taste some of the sweets they produce. This presentation turned out to be successful because a lot of tourists couldn’t resist the charm of kumquats and purchased their products.
Our last stop was at a restaurant from where we could admire the Bay of Paleokastritsa. This bay is famous because its shape reminds a heart. It’s one of the top tourist destinations in Corfu. In the restaurant, we enjoyed Greek snacks, who weren’t driving (me) could also taste some local wines.
Day 4: Santorini 7 am – 10 pm
I wouldn’t lie if I would say that most of the tourists were excited about Santorini. And I was one for them. Santorini is considered the most romantic Greek island. Probably because for this reason, the stop on this particular island was the longest one compared with other places. And we couldn’t avoid tendering there as well.
We chose the “Charming Oia & Winery” excursion for $99 per person. As soon as we reached the shore, we got on a bus and went straight to the Santo Wines. As soon as we stepped into this winery, we immediately understood that this excursion will be worth the price. A stunning views into the sea from white terraces, plenty of Greek food, and delicious wine. The atmosphere was boudgy and we loved it.
After the winery, we drove about 30 minutes to the Oia village for a short excursion. Basically, our tour guide took us to the main town square and showed us the Church of Panagia Platsani, and left us to explore Oia on our own. Finally, we had plenty of time to do what we want and not be in a crazy rush.
There were hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of tourists everywhere. Masses of people filled every corner of Oia and there was no peaceful and quiet place around. First of all, we headed off to see the famous donkey taxi station. A throng of donkeys were stacked on narrow sloping stone stairs “excited” to carry some lazy fat tourists. It was a sad-looking view.
Later on, we looked for a place to take some iconic pictures of Santorini with white buildings, blue domes, and navy blue sea in the background. We finished our day in Oia with an outstanding dinner on the restaurant terrace overlooking the sunset. That was probably the most romantic moment of the day – away from the noise, away from shouldering people in the narrow streets.
Day 5: Mykonos 7 am – 3 pm
Mykonos was the only stop where we did not book any excursion. Since we lost our priority to get in a tender boat one of the first ones, we reached the shore a bit later. However, we had plenty of time to explore the village, its famous windmills, and get a cocktail at a seaside bar.
Later on, we got into a shuttle bus that took us to Paradise beach on the southern side of the island. 2 sunbeds under an umbrella costed 60 eur for the two of us. A bit pricey but hey – we were in paradise!
Day 6: day at sea
Or in other words – do nothing. Unfortunately, I don’t have a high alcohol tolerance so I spent this day on a sunbed on a deck reading a book and drinking virgin pina coladas. My husband, on the other hand, enjoyed the benefits of the free bars.
In the evening we had a fancy dinner, went to a casino, and ended our evening in a hot tub.
Day 7: Dubrovnik 7 am – 1 pm
Our last stop before going back to Venice and our last tendering. We booked a “Walking tour & Cable Car” excursion in Dubrovnik ($99 pp).
Firstly, we took a cable car to visit Srd Hill of a height of 412 meters. The whole panorama, of walled Dubrovnik, together with the Dalmatian coast opened in front of our eyes. Then we had a walking tour in the old town. We walked through Stradun – the main pedestrian street with shops and restaurants. We stopped at Dubrovnik Cathedral and Treasury, Loggia square. Then we had some free time that we needed to use wisely.
And yet, we didn’t. We spent too much time looking for a famous Walk of Shame steps from Game of Thrones. We got lost several times but in the end, we finally found it!
Dubrovnik is also famous for its city walls that you can walk on. Unfortunately, we didn’t enough time for it. After circling a bit more in the old town, we got back into the ship.
Day 8: disembark in Venice at 7 am
At 7 am we came back to the port of Venice. Here’s the end of our Greek islands cruise. Additional excursions In Venice were available as well. We saluted “Norwegian Star” which was our floating home for the last week and went to get Italian morning espresso.
Greek island 7 days cruise with Norwegian in a nutshell
Greek islands cruise was, without doubt, a great experience. Especially, because it was my first cruise. However, there was one big flaw – lack of time. It felt that we constantly running out of time, we saw just a tiny fracture of all the places we stopped in. Every time going back to the boat I was thinking “I wish I had more time here”. So in the end, I did not feel that I visited Dubrovnik, Kotor, or Mykonos at all.
For the party, bars and food lovers, the Greek islands cruise is heaven. One can have a completely trouble-free vacation.
