Greek Cruise Ships

When you think of Greek cruise ships, do not think of them as you would a Caribbean cruise ship, invariably they are much smaller.

Whilst there are plans to introduce the 'juggernauts of the seas' to the Greek Islands, they are in fact, rather impractical for use in the Aegean waters, although the cruise lines would argue vehemently no doubt, in favour of their use and would make every attempt to attest their competitive qualities. (Watch this space)

These Greek cruise ships are on a scale that is hugely inappropriate to the Greek islands. In certain circumstance the ship might be as big as the island itself. The waters of the Aegean Sea have been chosen by the large cruise lines as a place where they can exploit the markets of the cruising industry. And instead of contracting ship builders to construct vessels which are 'designed for the waters and the markets' they simply utilise the services of these huge ocean-going beasts rather than build custom designed Greek cruise ships.



Most island ports are not deep enough to accommodate the huge ocean-going cruise liners such as those employed by P & O or Royal Caribbean. Indeed, the ships were not designed for use in the waters surrounding the Greek islands. Consequently they tend to set anchor further out to sea and use 'tender boats' to the ferry passengers back and forth to the ports. Their are long lines of passengers waiting to use the boats, which usually brings about a fair amount of bedlam and unfortunately, delay in getting to shore.

Then, the smaller islands are bombarded as thousands of passengers converge on the same spot. Inadequately resourced to handle such numbers, the level of service and expectations of the travellers is never achieved and consequently, the cruisers return to the ship feeling 'let down'. Word travels fast and eventually, the destination port is wiped from the ships itinerary and the islanders are left wondering what it was they did wrong.

Predominantly in the eastern Aegean and also along the neighbouring Turkish coasts, you can cruise larger wooden motor-sailers called caiques, gulets, or gülets. Gulet, from the French golette (schooner), is a traditional Turkish broad-beamed wooden coastal sailing vessel with a raised bow, a broad, flat stern, a main foremast and secondary mast aft. A caique is the Greek equivalent. Indeed, caiques, motorsailers, gullets and goulettes are all synonyms for gulets. These vessels are a balanced blend between Greece's and Turkey's native sea-going vessels and 20th century naval architecture, necessary to achieve the required safety standards of modern day Greek cruise ships.

These kind of boats are equipped with powerful diesel engines to provide primary power, but their top speed is just a very leisurely 8-10 knots. Sails provide additional power, or primary power in strong winds. This means you can sail silently when the wind allows, but go wherever you want reliably with motor power; the ideal combination you could say. These sturdy motor-sailers are built for comfort, not speed, with wide decks and lots of room.

Typically, these Greek cruise ships are very luxurious, and more often than not, come complete with air conditioning, ice machine, very spacious natural wooden interiors, teak decks and a large professional galley with professionally fitted out kitchen. They vary in length from 16 metres to 35 metres and invariably have large forward and aft decks, which of course makes them the ideal place for sun bathing.

You will normally have a private master cabin with en-suite toilet and shower facilities which are more than adequate for most clients. Other travellers, with other travel companies, may have private heads (toilets) and sinks, though communal showers are more common (if the vessel has a shower).

Most caiques have accommodation for 8 to 14 guests who will usually be housed in 4 to 7 two person cabins (these are the most common) with queen or king size beds. Indeed, for parties larger than 12 persons, a caique may have up to 12 two-person cabins (for up to 24 people), and offer more options than regular crewed charter yachts. Indeed, we would suggest you explore the opportunities and flexibility of a 'Caiques' cruise before going ahead and booking a crewed charter yacht. (The 2- or 3-person crew usually sleeps in a lazarette at the bow.)

Unlike cruises on large ocean liners, on a caique or gulet, you can explore more secluded and intimate harbours. Yet, the smallest ports and anchorages (perhaps the most beautiful ones) can only be visited with a smaller modern yacht.

Besides the obvious sun-bathing, there will be lots of activities and many excursions: swimming, diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, dolphin and whale watching, fishing or visiting archaeological sites and last but not least, tasting local culture. None are compulsory of course, you simply pick and choose what you want to get involved with.

When there is just you and your partner, you can rent a master cabin: a cabin charter and join several other couples on your holiday in Greece. The caique will usually take a 'well trodden' sailing route. Most luxury crewed charters will only be available as private charter though. These could be considered the Rolls Royce of Greek cruise ships.

With a private or full charter your party will have the whole ciaque and its crew at your disposal with a decisive say in the route, itinerary and the activities. Just think of it as your own private charter yacht.

Generally, caiques will seldom really 'sail', which means you will not get have the chance to get involved in the actual sailing or manoeuvring of the vessel, so sailing instruction is not an option, yet other Caiques (due to a different construction!) sail really well.

On smaller charters (standard sailing yachts) you will often sail the yacht together, which enhances team spirit and gives you the chance to learn how to sail.

Caiques are a lot slower than normal motor yachts, which means they cover less distance; thus, limiting your itinerary options. The essential generator also means noise-pollution and filthy diesel fumes, which are certainly not appreciated by your neighbours along the quay. The majority of these traditional Turkish/Greek yachts can be found near their origin: Kos, Bodrum, Rhodes and Kalymos. So, there are less options to cruise a Caique in the Cyclades, Ionian, Saronic and other must-see sailing areas in Greece.



A caique Greek cruise ship will be more expensive then a regular crewed yacht charter.

If you would would like some help in finding the right cruise for you, we may be able to help. Simply complete the form below and we'll get right back to you.