Cheap Cruises to Greece: Complete Guide to Affordable Greek Island Adventures

you can find affordable Greek island cruise deals, From cheap cruises to Greece for 7 nights starting around the high-$500s to savvy money-saving

Greece has become one of the world’s fastest-growing cruise destinations. In fact, 2024 saw a record 5.01 million cruise passengers visiting Greek ports - up 43.8% from the year before - and nearly 7.83 million total port calls. Despite this explosive popularity, many travelers worry that Greek island cruises must be expensive. The good news: you can find affordable Greek island cruise deals starting well under $1,000. In our guide, we’ll show you how budget-minded travelers can enjoy Greece. From cheap cruises to Greece for 7 nights starting around the high-$500s to savvy money-saving tricks (and even free activities ashore), we cover everything you need to plan a wallet-friendly Greek adventure. We’ll break down typical costs, best booking times, budget itineraries and more. Whether you’re after a budget Greece cruise or a longer island-hopping adventure, read on to discover how to make your Greek cruise dreams come true.

Understanding Greece Cruise Pricing

Cruise prices vary widely, so it helps to know what you’re paying for. On the very low end, 7-night Greek cruises have been found for as little as $599 per person. That often means a basic inside cabin on a compact ship during an off-peak season. At the higher end, luxury cruise lines and bigger ships can push prices into the $5,000+ range. For example, one 21-night Mediterranean itinerary priced its suite cabins at about $5,200 per person. In short, you’ll see deals from around $600, midrange cruises roughly $800-$1,600, and premium options well above.

Keep in mind that many “budget” rates are all-inclusive in terms of lodging and meals. As one travel site notes, even seemingly high cruise prices cover your cabin, all main meals and entertainment on board. On the other hand, extras can add up: alcoholic drinks, shore excursions, specialty restaurants and airfare to/from the ship are usually extra. Here’s a breakdown:

• Included costs: Cabin, daily meals (buffet or main dining), onboard activities (shows, pools, gym), basic Wi-Fi sometimes, port fees and taxes (often built in). For example, AffordableTours.com points out that a $599 fare is “all-inclusive” for lodging and meals.

• Additional costs: Optional shore excursions (like guided tours of ruins or snorkeling trips), drink packages or alcohol, specialty dining, spa services, gratuities, and flights or hotels pre/post-cruise. Budget travelers can keep these low by using ship buffets for meals, bringing their own refillable water bottle, and exploring on their own instead of buying expensive tours.

Several factors affect your ticket price:

• Ship size and amenities: Smaller or older ships typically cost less per person than brand-new mega-ships. Smaller vessels can also reach smaller ports. Major brands (Carnival, MSC, Costa) tend to offer lower fares than luxury lines (Silversea, Regent).

• Cabin type: Inside cabins are cheapest; ocean-view or balcony cabins cost more (often 20-50% extra). For example, one 21-day itinerary showed interior cabins at about $3,200 vs balcony at $3,579.

• Departure port: Cruises from Athens/Piraeus may start lower than those from Italy or other European ports, simply because flights to Greece can be costly. Sometimes flying into Italy and taking a cruise from there (e.g. Venice or Rome) yields cheaper tickets.

• Length of cruise: Shorter cruises (3-5 nights) often cost more per day, while 7–9 night sailings usually have a lower per-day rate. Be sure to compare on a per-night basis.

Prices also fluctuate seasonally. In general, June-August (high summer) brings the highest prices due to peak demand. Shoulder seasons like May, early June, September and October tend to offer significantly lower fares for similar itineraries. For example, one booking site found 7-night Greek cruises starting around $409 in early summer versus $1,039 in July. Even within the summer, early June can be much cheaper than July. Off-season months (late fall and winter) have the lowest cruise fares, though many lines sail fewer itineraries then and weather may be cooler.

Best Time to Book Cheap Greece Cruises

Wave Season (Jan–Mar): Cruise deals are often heaviest in January through March, known industry-wide as “Wave Season.” Carriers run promotions to kick off the year. Booking during Wave Season can mean extra perks or discounts - often you’ll see up to 20% off or onboard credit deals during these months. Royal Caribbean calls it “the best time to book a cruise” because you can find great bargains on sailings not just in the Caribbean or Alaska, but in the Mediterranean too. In short, if you can plan a year ahead, snagging your cruise in January–March may yield the lowest base fares and extra onboard credits.

Last-Minute Deals (90 days out): Conversely, waiting until the last minute (often around 60-90 days before sail date) can unearth discounts on unsold cabins. Many lines clear remaining inventory at discounted “last-minute” rates. This can be hit-or-miss, but dedicated deal hunters and cruise agents watch for price drops and flash sales. If your dates and itinerary are flexible (and you don’t mind booking late), you may save hundreds. Travel pros say the “sweet spot” for last-minute cruise deals is about 30–90 days before departure, after final payment deadlines when inventory is released. Just remember flights and hotels will be pricier if booked late.

Seasonal Booking Strategy: Peak summer months demand top dollar, so if a June or July cruise shows a high fare, check adjacent months. Shoulder-season sailings (April-May, September-October) offer a great compromise: the weather is still lovely (warm but not scorching) and crowds are smaller, yet prices are often 20-50% lower than July. Off-season (November–March) can yield the cheapest rates overall, but fewer itineraries run then and port stop lengths may be shorter. For families or those constrained by school schedules, focus on spring or early fall departures for better deals.

Best Months for Value: Based on booking data, May and early June and mid-September through October consistently deliver excellent value. For example, one travel deals site found May 2025 7-night cruises from $691, whereas July 2025 ones were $1,039. Similarly, September sailings were around $972. As a rule: avoid July-August if you’re on a budget, unless you absolutely need those dates. Book well before the summer travel rush or right after Labor Day to lock in lower prices and still enjoy great weather.

Top Money-Saving Strategies

Even after choosing dates, there are smart tricks to trim costs further:

• Choose an Inside or Oceanview Cabin: Opting for an interior cabin (no window) saves hundreds per person compared to a balcony. If you’re mainly ashore each day and sleep at night, you might not miss the view. On one lengthy cruise, the interior cabins ran about $3,200 vs $5,200 for a suite - a huge difference. Sometimes an “obstructed view” or “guarantee” stateroom is cheap too.

• Repositioning Cruises: These are one-way voyages used to move ships between regions (e.g., Greece to the Caribbean in fall). They often cost far less per day. Yes, you’ll need a flight home from a different port, but even factoring that in, the overall per-day cost can be very low.

• Group or Family Deals: If you’re booking for a family or large group, ask about group rates. Some lines give discounts or perks (like free berths) when multiple cabins are booked together. Travel agents with cruise specializations often have access to promo fares not easily found online.

• Travel Agent or Specialized Cruise Agent: Establish a relationship with a cruise-savvy travel agent. Agents can monitor fares and sometimes secure additional onboard credits or perks. They also often know about unpublished deals or “cruise business class” fares for last-minute sailings. It never hurts to ask - many agents offer free advice as you plan.

• Avoid Peak Extras: Forgo pricey drink or dining packages unless they truly match your habits. Review your party’s typical consumption: if you rarely drink alcohol or only have a few special dinners, skip the bundle and pay-as-you-go.

• Go Small Ship/Older Ship: Smaller cruise lines (or older, refurbished ships of big lines) usually charge less. Celestyal, for instance, specializes in Greek island cruises on mid-size ships and often has competitive rates. Luxury ships are beautiful but come with high price tags.

• Mainstream vs. Luxury Lines: For true budget pricing, stick with mainstream brands (MSC, Costa, Carnival’s Dream-class ships, etc.) instead of ultra-luxury lines (Regent, Silversea, Viking). Mainstream ships have more children’s facilities and active onboard entertainment - often what families and casual cruisers want anyway.

• Itinerary Optimization: For a first trip, a 7-night cruise hitting major islands is usually plenty. Longer cruises add cost, so unless you crave extended sea days, stick with 7-10 nights. Also, round-trip itineraries (starting and ending in Athens/Piraeus) eliminate extra one-way flights. Beware itineraries with too many port days, which drive up dock fees and excursion temptations; sometimes a quick “port stop at dinner only” means you’re just paying extra for an overnight at sea. In essence, plan the simplest itinerary that hits your must-see spots.

Best Budget-Friendly Cruise Lines for Greece

When it comes to lines that consistently offer Greek itineraries at modest prices, a few stand out:

• Mainstream Budget Options: MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises often have very competitive Mediterranean pricing, with regular promotions (think BOGO deals or kids-sail-free specials). These lines operate large ships that include all meals, many pools and shops - ideal for families on a budget. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is another value-oriented line that sails Greece; NCL often runs promotions like reduced fares for 3rd and 4th guests in a cabin (great for families) and sometimes free-attraction bundles. All three of these lines use Athens/Piraeus or nearby Lavrion as primary ports, which can save on flights.

• Greek Specialist Lines: Celestyal Cruises is a Greek company focused solely on Aegean itineraries. Their ships are smaller (a few hundred to a couple thousand passengers), which gives a more intimate feel. Celestyal packages often include extra perks like late-night arrivals or overnight stays in port to make the most of your time ashore. Their pricing per day can be higher than the giant ship lines, but meals, wine or beer packages are typically included in the fare. It’s a great choice if you prefer longer port stays and Greek-centric experiences, even if the headline fare isn’t ultra-cheap.

• Alternative Options: If you’re open to mixes of sea and land travel, look at island-hopping tour operators. TourRadar, for example, lists multi-day island itineraries that combine Ferries + hotels. Some 6-8 day packages from Athens through several islands start around $296 per day (including hotels and some breakfasts). While not as fast as a cruise, these tours give flexibility and can run cheaper per day than a cruise once you factor ferry travel. Another DIY alternative is to take the ferry between islands and stay in budget hotels or Airbnbs - this independent route can yield a “private” cruise experience for often less money, especially if you opt for slower ferries.

Essential Greek Island Ports & What to Expect

Greece boasts dozens of islands, but a few ports are especially good for budget travelers:

A. Must-Visit Budget-Friendly Ports

• Athens/Piraeus (Mainland): The port of Piraeus (just outside Athens) is the hub for almost all Greek cruises. In Athens itself, you’ll find free or cheap attractions: strolling around the Plaka neighborhood, watching the changing of the guard at Syntagma Square, and visiting the Ancient Agora all cost little to nothing. Piraeus has free ferries to Aegina during the day (look for the blue-and-white “Aegina” boats) for about 5€ round-trip - a fun mini-cruise! Dining in Athens can also be very budget-friendly: away from the Acropolis, tavernas offer souvlaki and salads for a few euros. Take advantage of Athens’s many free walking tours (many volunteer-led tours run on tips only) and the fact that many city museums have free entry days.

• Santorini (Thira): Arguably the most famous Greek island, Santorini draws every cruise ship out there. To save money, avoid Oia’s overpriced spots. Instead, explore the quieter villages of Fira and Pyrgos. Walk the caldera rim path from Fira to Oia (3 hours) for free “postcard” views (skip the bus). Eat where the locals eat: skip cliffside restaurants and head inland to family-run tavernas for grilled seafood and wine. When visiting the volcanic beaches (Red Beach, Perissa), pack a picnic or buy snacks from local mini-markets. Boat tours in Santorini can be pricey, so if you want the volcanic hot springs experience, hike down or pay the inexpensive dinghy down to the Old Port of Fira (5€). In short: enjoy Santorini’s sights on foot and book excursions through Greek-run operators rather than the ship (often half the price).

• Mykonos: This island is famous for nightlife and beaches. Instead of partying at Scorpios or Alemagou on a dime, budget travelers should take the public beach buses (about €2) to beaches like Psarou or Agios Ioannis, which cost only 5-7€ to rent a sunbed and include an umbrella. Visit Little Venice at sunset for free views, then eat in the inland town of Ano Mera where tavernas serve great gyros and meze for well under $15 a person. Consider doing the $2 local bus ride to farther beaches instead of expensive taxi transfers. Mykonos Town has charming backstreets where you can stroll free and shop for affordable souvenirs (avoid the overhyped boutique shops on the waterfront).

• Rhodes: The island of Rhodes offers a mix of history and beaches. In the medieval town of Rhodes (a UNESCO site), walking tours around the ancient walls are free - a rewarding way to spend a day without spending a euro. Nearby towns like Lindos can be reached cheaply by local bus (€5), and the climb to the Acropolis of Lindos costs just a few euros (plus a fabulous view). Dining options range from casual gyros stands to seaside tavernas; try traditional dishes like lamb pitaroudia (fritters) or garden salad with local cheese for under $10. For beaches, the coasts around Faliraki and Kolymbia have free public areas (you only pay for sunbed if you want).

B. Lesser-Known Value Ports

If you want to stray off the beaten path, consider these lower-tourism ports, often included on longer cruises:

• Katakolon (for Olympia): This tiny western port is the gateway to ancient Olympia. It receives far fewer visitors than the big islands, so prices can be lower (especially on shopping and food). From Katakolon you can take a local bus or cheap taxi to Olympia instead of a pricier ship tour. The small waterfront promenade in Katakolon has simple cafes where a sandwich or Greek coffee is just a few euros.

• Heraklion, Crete: As Crete’s main port, Heraklion is a big city port but still offers good value. Visit the famous Palace of Knossos (with a modest €16 entry fee) and then explore Heraklion’s open-air market for fresh fruits, cheeses and olives at local prices. The old town’s streets are packed with affordable eateries; look for grills with gyros for under $5. Buses and trains on Crete are also cheap - for example, an all-day bus pass is only a few euros.

• Patmos: This small, spiritual island (where John the Apostle is said to have written Revelations) is quieter than the Cyclades hotspots. Patmos Town is compact, so you can explore its medieval castle and monastery for a small fee, and beaches like Psili Ammos are public (you just pay a few euros to rent towels or umbrellas). Local tavernas in Hora Patmos serve hearty Cretan cuisine at surprisingly low prices. For a view, hike the free trail to the famous Monastery of St. John instead of paying for a guided trip.

C. Port-Specific Budget Tips

• Free Activities: In almost every port you’ll find parks, beaches or viewpoints that are free. Athens has many free museum days (like the Acropolis Museum one Sunday a month) and public landmarks. Santorini’s sunset in Oia is free - just bring your own snacks. Mykonos’ windmills and beaches are public, as are Rhodes’ medieval walls. Always ask your ship’s shore guide about “self-guided walking tours” or public transit; often, they mention that city buses cost only a few euros to get to beaches or nearby villages.

• Transport vs Excursions: Ship-organized tours often cost 2-3 times what local companies charge. For example, a ship tour might charge $60 for a round-trip bus to a beach, whereas the public bus only costs $6. Use port authority shuttles or walk to town when safe. Even taxis in Greece can be shared - ask around for fellow cruisers to split a ride into town.

• Eating Authentically: Look up restaurant menus in advance. Avoid dining right next to major attractions (where prices are highest). Use apps like Google Maps or TripAdvisor to find tavernas rated highly by locals for value. In general, a gyro or souvlaki wrap (a full meal) is $3-5. A typical plate of grilled fish or meat in a local taverna might be $8-12, not counting drinks. Tap water in Greece is mostly drinkable, so refill your bottle instead of buying lots of bottled water on board.

Money-Saving Tips While Onboard

Cutting cruise costs isn’t just about the fare – spending on the ship matters too.

Dining: The main dining rooms and buffet are included, so plan to use those heavily. Skip most specialty restaurants (sushi, steakhouse, etc.) which add $20-$50 per person. Most ships allow you to bring one bottled water or soda per person, or simply carry a reusable bottle and refill it at water stations or with free coffee/tea dispensers. Drink packages can sound tempting, but often they only pay off if you drink several cocktails or many sodas per day. Calculate: if a beer is $6 and a package is $50/day, you need to drink 9 drinks a day to break even (not practical for most).

Activities & Entertainment: Every cruise includes many free activities: pool games, dance classes, trivia, shows, exercise classes and more. Participate in those rather than paid extras. Shore excursions off-ship are convenient but markups are steep. Instead, try local options or simply explore on your own. (Your ship may sell curated tours at $100+, whereas a taxi in port might be $30.) Also, avoid cruise ship internet - they charge $20+ for a few hours of Wi-Fi. Most ports have wifi cafes or SIM cards available for €10 with a good data plan. If you must get online on board, use their free app or messaging service (some ships offer limited texts via ship Wi-Fi at no charge).

Onboard Spending Control: Set a daily cash budget for extras like snacks, souvenirs and tipping. It’s easy to let bills pile up if you just swipe the cabin card for every purchase. Many cruisers find that leaving their credit cards at home and carrying a pre-set amount of cash helps keep spending honest. Remember to tip your ship’s service: either pre-pay a suggested gratuity or tip with cash directly at the end of the cruise.

Avoid Retail Traps: Ship shops are NOT cheaper than port stores for liquor or jewelry; skip these unless you have a store coupon. The casino is designed to draw you in - unless you’re on a strictly casino-focused cruise, consider it closed.

Pack Essentials: To avoid overpriced “necessities” onboard, pack travel-sized toiletries, an adapter (cruises often charge $10+ for one), and medications. Sunscreen, cover-ups and beach shoes are much cheaper to buy in a regular store than through the ship. Even a deck of cards or travel board games can save $$$ if you’ll get bored of the card games in the casino lounge.

Sample Budget Itineraries & Costs

Seeing is believing, so let’s look at two sample trips - a week-long cruise and a short hop - with rough budgets:

A. 7-Day Budget Greek Cruise

Sample Route (Round-Trip Athens): Athens (Piraeus) → Mykonos → Santorini → Crete (Heraklion) → Rhodes → Athens.

• Cruise Fare: Interior cabin on a mainstream line, booked in shoulder season, can be as low as $700-$1,000 per person (double occupancy). For example, one CruiseCheap listing shows an Athens-to-Athens Greek Isles cruise from $924.

• Airfare: Round-trip from the U.S. to Athens can vary. Booking far in advance and using fare alerts helps - you might pay around $800-$1,200 in economy from East Coast cities.

• Daily Onboard Spend: Assume $25/day on average for drinks/snacks (if you mostly drink water/tea and occasionally buy a soda or cocktail, this could even be less). On a 7-night cruise, that’s $175.

• Shore Meals & Sightseeing: If you budget $50/day for lunch in port (often you can do cheaper: a gyro + drink  $8-$10) and $30/day for a paid activity or museum (many sights are free or $5-$10), that’s about $80/day off-ship. For 7 days, ~$560.

• Total Estimate (per person): Cruise $800 + Flight $1,000 + Onboard $175 + Shore $560 = $2,535 for a 7-day Greek cruise including flights, taxes, and all meals. (This is illustrative; you could spend more or less depending on your choices. You may also share a cabin or pre-cruise hotel to cut costs.)

The key takeaway: Even with flights and extras, a week in Greece (7-day cruise) can run under $3,000 per person all-in, which is quite reasonable for a European vacation covering 5 destinations.

B. 4-Day Quick Greek Hopper

Not ready for a full week? Short cruises and ferry-based tours give you a taste. Some companies (like Celestyal Cruises) offer 3- or 4-night “Cyclades” cruises visiting 2–3 islands. In a shoulder month, you might find a 4-night cruise from $400–$600 per person (cabins included) – in rough terms, about $100-$150 per day. By comparison, a self-organized 4-day Athens → Mykonos → Santorini loop (hotel+ferries) might run a similar total or slightly lower, depending on hotel class.

For example, TourRadar offers 5-day island-hopping tours for around $174/day (including hotel, some transport) in peak months. Weaker currency seasons or last-minute ferry deals can push costs even lower. The drawback of short cruises: you visit fewer ports (often skipping mainland) and have more sea travel days. But if all you want is “Greek islands in a weekend,” these budget mini-cruises are unbeatable value and can be booked in advance like any cruise.

Booking Resources & Tools

Once you know what you want, use these tools to find the best Greece cruise deals:

• Cruise Aggregators: Websites like CruiseSheet, VacationsToGo, CruiseCompete or CruiseDirect aggregate fares across many lines and often highlight special deals. They allow side-by-side price comparison. For example, VacationsToGo’s 90-day ticker features last-minute discounts, while CruiseSheet will email you when your desired itinerary drops in price. (Note: some third-party sites add booking fees; always compare the final total to booking direct.)

• Direct Cruise Lines: Sometimes cruise lines themselves run promotions (BOGO fares, onboard credit offers) not advertised to aggregators. Sign up for newsletters of major lines that sail Greece (MSC, NCL, Royal Caribbean/Celebrity, Carnival) as well as the Greek specialists (Celestyal). These newsletters will alert you to flash sales or “Web specials.” When you find a low price, check both the aggregator and the line’s site for the exact sailing – you can often click through an aggregator to book on the line’s site with no extra charge.

• Travel Agents: A knowledgeable travel agent (especially a cruise specialist) can be invaluable. They have access to some group rates, can bundle hotels/flights, and may offer extra perks (pre-paid gratuities, shipboard credit, room upgrades) at no cost. Given that U.S. travelers often prefer booking everything through a single point of contact, using an agent for your Greek cruise can save time and sometimes money.

• Deal Alerts: Sign up for email alerts from CruiseWatch and Cruisedeals blogs. Follow cruise lines and travel deal newsletters on social media or RSS. Also look for “fleet-wide” sales (e.g., Carnival’s Cyber Monday sale often includes Mediterranean sailings). Smartphone apps like Kayak or Google Flights can notify you of fare drops for flights to Greece, which can then help you time your cruise booking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When hunting for cheap cruises to Greece, steer clear of these pitfalls:

• Booking Only Peak Season: If the only dates you check are June-August, you’ll see sky-high prices. Check shoulder months or even year-round; sometimes a November or March sailing can save hundreds.

• Ignoring Total Costs: It’s not just the cruise fare. Don’t forget to factor in airfare, transfers to/from the port, onboard spending, and tips. A “cheap” cruise that requires an expensive flight might not be a bargain after all. Use a budgeting spreadsheet or travel calculator before hitting “book.”

• “Too Good to Be True” Deals: If a deal sounds unbelievably cheap (like $300 for a 7-night cruise), read the fine print. Make sure taxes/port fees are included, and check cancellation terms. Sometimes steeply discounted fares are non-refundable or have heavy change fees.

• Onboard Package Traps: Cruise lines push beverage or dining packages hard. If you’re not a heavy drinker or if you like to mix on-/off-ship dining, calculate carefully. A drink package might promise savings, but if you only have 1-2 cocktails a day, it’s often cheaper to pay per drink.

• Overpriced Shore Excursions: We touched on this above, but it’s so common it deserves repeating: ship excursions are marked up. Research popular tours independently. A local taxi or small-group tour company can often give you a similar experience for half the cost.

• Last-Minute Surcharge: If you wait too long (like within a week of departure) you’ll pay very high prices or get nothing. Similarly, don’t assume booking exactly 6 months in advance automatically yields the lowest price - lines often release their best deals early in wave season, then raise prices as cabins fill.

Conclusion & Action Steps

Greek island cruising doesn’t have to cost a fortune. By understanding what drives cruise prices, picking your season wisely, and using smart booking tactics, you can enjoy a budget-friendly Greek island cruise without sacrificing the fun. Start by deciding when you want to go: book in wave season (Jan–Mar) for early deals, or target shoulder months (May/June or Sept/Oct) for the best value. Use online tools (CruiseSheet, alerts, travel agents) to watch fares. When you see a 7-night trip for around $600-$800, jump on it!

In summary, focus on these key money-savers:

• Book early in the year or late (90 days out) for deals.

• Choose smaller or older ships with basic cabins.

• Visit in May–June or September–October.

• Use included dining and activities, and do shore activities independently.

Ready to plan? Check today’s Greece cruise deals on aggregator sites, mark your calendar for next wave season sale, and start with those $599–$1,000 weeklong bargains. The islands are calling - with any luck, you’ll be sailing there soon with a big smile on your face and money left in your wallet.