A “Splendour” trip to the Aegean’s top attractions

"Splendour of the Seas"

On April 12^th Royal Caribbean’s “Splendour of the Seas” is pulling up its anchor in Venice to sail the Aegean. The ship of 2000 guests will undertake April’s most thorough research on the Greek islands.

Its itinerary of 12 days includes Greece’s classic attractions, such as Rhodes, Corfu, Santorini and Athens, as well as other top ports like Mykonos, Katakolon and Chania. Destinations respond to every taste, from sightseeing freaks and adventurous wanderers to beach lovers and relaxing buddies. It is, for sure, one of the highlights of the month.

Corfu Town

Rhodes and Corfu offer a mixture of irresistible natural beauty and cultural heritage. The shore excursions offered by RC are lots, but you should avoid those aiming to show you a general picture of the islands in a hurry. For those who love wandering around small historical towns, the option of going ashore on your own, mixing with the locals and sparing your time as you like is always advisable.

Chania is a similar kind of destination. You can walk around the Old Town either on your own by taking a taxi or by booking an excursion via the ship.

Athens and Ancient Olympia are maybe the most important sites of the Classical Era. In the Greek capital, you may combine a visit to the Parthenon with a walk around the rock of Acropolis or an excursion to Sounion.

Mykonos is the ultimate swimming destination. Although the waters will not be warm enough yet, courageous swimmers should target one, two -or three if you are serious beach hoppers- of the island’s deep blue beaches. Either you go swimming or not, you can always enjoy the view of the famous white Myconian houses that are typical of Cyclades’s architecture.


See also: "Pacifica" on its way to the Aegean

''Pacifica'' on its way to the Aegean

“Costa” has chosen to send its huge, newly built “Pacifica” to the Aegean Sea during springtime. Carrying more than 3500 passengers in luxury, that ship is one of the highlights of the season.

''Costa Pacifica''

Its itinerary is wisely made offering the most popular destinations with lots of sightseeing. Given that beaches during this period are not yet ready to welcome their visitors it is an excellent move indeed to focus on monuments of the Classical Era.

April is ideal for sightseeing freaks due to its moderate temperatures; no hat is needed, only your sunglasses. Besides, this is the main purpose of shore excursions to Athens, Katakolon and Limassol. Rhodes is also full of antiquities, but its diverse cultural heritage gives you more options. In case you have already been to these places you can always consult our suggested alternative promenades.  

''Herodion theater and Parthenon, Athens''

''Pacifica’s'' itinerary allows you plenty of time on board to relax in Italian style and to charge your batteries before you get ashore. ''Cruisinggreece'' recommends excursions to Sounion, Lindos and Paphos from Piraeus, Rhodes and Limassol ports respectively.  There is no need to give you a tip regarding Katakolon. Ancient Olympia is the one and only option. We suggest you make an early booking for these tours.

See also April's report

Τhe April report

Greece has already received several visits in March. Athens, Rhodes and Katakolon, the all-time classics of spring time, were the major players for this month. However, they may expect a stiff competition in April. 

Corfu is offered on the itineraries of most companies visiting Greece due to its famous Easter celebrations. The myriads will flock there, especially around the Orthodox Holy Week and afterwards (15^th – 30^th  April).

In addition, Crete has made a new entrance in the April calendar due to the crisis in North African countries. Chania and Heraklion replaced major Egyptian destinations, which, in our opinion, is not a setback at all. The cultural heritage and the natural beauties of Crete offer you plenty of choices ashore.

Temperatures in April will probably not permit you to go for a swim in these tempting beaches of the Aegean. However, the weather is ideal for walks and tours without the need of wearing a hat. Sightseeing freaks may enjoy the best conditions for taking pictures in less crowded settings. April, along with October, are voted  as “the best months to visit Athens” by “Cruisinggreece” as long as you don’t forget your sunglasses at home.

Once again, “Costa” will take the leading role for April. Six of its ships are scheduled to dock at Greek ports. 

"Costa Pacifica"

The newly built (2009) acquatic jewel,  “Pacifica”, with 3780 passengers capacity and 1100 personnel,  will make a fresh start from Savona, passing through Katakolon, Rhodes, Limassol and Piraeus. “Fortuna, “Atlantica” and “Victoria” will also bring several thousands of visitors ashore, if they are determined to leave comforts and luxury onboard, while the smaller, “Allegra” and “Romantica” will make their usual tour in the Ionian and Aegean Sea.

Their Italian competitors, “MSC”, are also scheduled to visit several Greek destinations. Their main targets are Katakolon and Corfu in the Ionian Sea. Among the very much awaited arrivals is the newly built “Splendida” with 3200 passengers in the beginning of April. “Magnifica”, “Musica”, “Armonia” and “Melody” will add more music and several thousand of visitors to the Aegean.

“Royal Carribean” will bring its “Mariner of the Seas” with 3800 passenger capacity, while “Splendour of the Seas” will mostly focus on the Greek beauties by the end of April visiting Corfu, Piraeus, Mykonos, Santorini and Katakolon.

"Seabourn Odyssey"

“Louis”, the Cypriot company, will add  a few thousands to all major Greek cruise destinations departing from various locations, while “Seabourn” will make a rigorous research in alternative Aegean beauties (Lesvos, Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes, Milos) with “Odyssey”. 

“Azamara”, “Oceanic” and “Norvegian” have also sheduled some stops in Greece on their way to other destinations.