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Cruises to

the Greek Islands

history

History

The Aegean Sea, located between Greece and Turkey, has been a crossroads of civilizations for millennia. It was the heart of the ancient Minoan and Mycenaean civilization, and later, of the classical Greek empire, whose cities flourished on its coasts. Throughout its history, the Aegean was the scene of important trade routes and numerous naval battles, such as the famous Battle of Salamis.


During the Ottoman Empire, it controlled much of its islands until Greece achieved independence in the 19th century. Today, the Aegean Sea remains a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of the eastern Mediterranean.

food

Food

Greek cuisine stands out for its Mediterranean flavors, using fresh ingredients such as olive oil, herbs, and vegetables. Dishes like moussaka and souvlaki reflect its rich tradition, while seafood and feta cheese are essential. Influences from the Middle East and the Balkans bring spices and techniques. Food in Greece symbolizes hospitality and community.


We recommend trying:

- Moussaka - One of the most popular and recognized by locals. It is a lasagna made with eggplant and minced meat.

- Tzatziki - A characteristic sauce made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, mint, and other ingredients.

- Gyros - It is the closest thing to a kebab but with a Greek twist, as it is accompanied by Tzatziki.

- Feta cheese - whether alone or in salad, feta cheese is a staple of Greek cuisine.

THE MOST VISITED PORTS

The most visited ports

On a cruise to the Greek islands, you can explore iconic destinations such as:


- Santorini, with its white houses and stunning views of the caldera,

- Mykonos, known for its beaches and vibrant nightlife.

- Rhodes offers a mix of history and culture with its medieval city

- Crete fascinates with its archaeological sites, such as the Palace of Knossos.

- Corfu stands out for its Venetian architecture and green landscapes

- Milos surprises with its unique beaches and spectacular rock formations.

WEATHER

Weather

 The Greek Islands have mild temperatures in winter, and pleasant during the rest of the year, which makes them a perfect destination for vacations. The weather is not suffocating in summer, however, the best and most moderate temperatures tend to be in spring and autumn.

currency

Currency

The Euro is the official currency of Greece, and therefore, of the Greek Islands since the year 2002. We recommend that you always carry cash, as it may be common that you cannot pay by card in some establishments.

curiosities

Curiosities

- Petros, the pelican of Mykonos arrived on the island in 1954, due to a storm. To everyone's surprise, he abandoned the migratory habits typical of this species and lived in Mykonos for more than 30 years, during which he won the affection of all the inhabitants and tourists. His death was so felt that they decided to replace him with another pelican, Petro II, who still lives on the island today.


- The white houses with blue roofs are a characteristic symbol of the Islands. In summer, temperatures can become elevated, so they are painted white to keep their interiors cooler. On the other hand, most have a rounded shape, to better withstand the Mediterranean winds.


    - Santorini is a wonder of nature, as it was born after a huge volcanic explosion, which made a large part of the territory of the ancient island disappear and caused the creation of the current geological caldera. 


    - The history of Crete is described by Homer, Plato and Aristotle and several myths and legends hover around it. One of them identifies Crete with the legendary city of Atlantis, the huge island that sank into the ocean, more than 10,000 years ago. But until today this continues being a mystery.


    - Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands. According to legend, when Zeus distributed the islands among the gods, he forgot Helios, the god of the sun. Instead of getting angry, Helios exclaimed that at that very moment a new island would emerge and that it would be his. In those lands, the sun god fathered seven sons and one daughter with the nymph Rodo, from whom the island took its name. For this reason, the inhabitants of Rhodes consider themselves children of the sun, and it is no coincidence that the island has more than 300 days of sunshine a year.

    What itineraries does Cunard offer in the Greek Isles?

    Cunard offers itineraries visiting some of the most celebrated islands and destinations in the Eastern Mediterranean, with routes that can combine Greece with Turkey and Italy. Depending on the sailing, you can choose a voyage focused on the Greek Isles or a broader Mediterranean journey.


    Which Cunard ships sail the Greek Isles?

    Queen Victoria is one of Cunard’s main ships operating Greek Isles itineraries. In 2026, she offers a range of Eastern Mediterranean voyages, including journeys between Civitavecchia, Barcelona, Istanbul and other ports in the region.


    What is the main language onboard Cunard cruises in the Greek Isles?

    The language of onboard assistance can vary depending on the sailing and services available. Cruises marketed by Cunard Cruceros in Spain offer assistance in Spanish, and some sailings may provide specific services for Spanish-speaking guests.


    Which Greek islands and destinations can I visit on a cruise?

    Depending on the itinerary, you may visit Rhodes, Crete, Corfu, Santorini, Mykonos and other Greek destinations. Some routes also include Kusadasi, Istanbul and Italian ports, combining the islands with major cities and historic sites.


    What can I do during port calls in the Greek Isles?

    You can discover beaches, traditional villages, archaeological sites and historic towns. Santorini is known for its caldera views, Mykonos for its charming streets and atmosphere, Rhodes for its medieval Old Town and Crete for its archaeological heritage, including Knossos.

    What can I enjoy onboard Cunard during sea days?

    Sea days offer the elegant Cunard experience, with dining, shows, live music, pools and a variety of activities. You can also attend Cunard Insights talks or enjoy the traditional afternoon tea in the Queens Room.

    Can I combine the Greek Isles with Turkey and the Mediterranean?

    Yes. Cunard offers itineraries combining the Greek Isles with Turkey, Italy and other Mediterranean destinations. Longer voyages can provide a more comprehensive journey through both the Eastern and Western Mediterranean.

    Do you have any questions about this cruise?

    Contact us and we will guide you in everything you need.
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    What is Sanctuary CollectionSM on Ship?

    Shop for your vacation just like you normally would.  When you are ready to checkout, simply select Uplift as your payment method. To apply, you’ll need to provide some basic information like your mobile number, date of birth, and if you are a US resident, your Social Security Number. If you’re approved, finish checking out and you’re done.

    Are these Staterooms the same as Signature Collection on Sun and Star Ship?

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    What amenities are included in Sanctuary Collection?

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    Is Sanctuary Collection only on Sun and Star Ship or fleetwide?

    Shop for your vacation just like you normally would.  When you are ready to checkout, simply select Uplift as your payment method. To apply, you’ll need to provide some basic information like your mobile number, date of birth, and if you are a US resident, your Social Security Number. If you’re approved, finish checking out and you’re done.