Santorini : Coming on a CRUISE SHIP [Full Guide]

[@tabitha72]

The BEST Video. No one explained the way you did. Everything that I needed to know. Thank you so much!

[@michaelmcdonald3345]

Just got back from a cruise stopping in Santorini. You were spot on with your assessment. Best advice I can give is don't book an excursion! Wait until you get ashore and then book something. Or take the water taxi at the dock. On my ship, you had to wait in a very long line to get a tender ticket the day before. If you book through the ship you might get a low number. If you can't walk the steps or take a donkey, then you wait in line for a cable car. The cable car line to go back down was almost an hour wait. Only two cruise ships were there and the streets were still packed! Good luck!

[@Sand1955]

Thank you for this information and your response to my earlier question for you. It proved invaluable! We were on Santorini for one day last month during our 7 day cruise. We got off the ship early so there was no line for the cable cars. We got in line way before the last tender boat to our ship and before sunset. Because of that we stood in line maybe 25 minutes. So we were able to enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset from the ship. Plus being able to watch the reflection of the sunset on the island, see the lights come on across the island and then get dark was truly magical for me. I am glad we were on the ship and not the island for the sunset. I bought you a cup of coffee last month in appreciation for the information you provided. My friends were very impressed you actually replied to my question in the comment section of your video.

[@GreeceExplained]

You managed it all like a boss !! Congrats !

[@ivydeguzman995]

This makes it way easier to understand what to expect by seeing the actual footage of “getting there and back”! Thank you so much! Very helpful!

[@agnieszkanowak7489]

Saved me hours of research, Thank You so much !

[@kamaleshkamal6418]

The best Greek guide for a reason!!

[@nickloong]

This sounds so technical but useful to those who have limited time, especially tourists from those huge cruise ships.

[@markokesvoysey2938]

Just been. A dreadful experience. Great video.

[@user-xw5he8md1w]

Oh noooo....so better NOT on a cruise ​@markokesvoysey2938

[@izzyrov5814]

Thanks a lot for all the info. We should go there during the winter then, to avoid the crowd.

[@wingehead]

Excellent video, great for planning our trip there in August.

[@tabitha72]

So far this is the best video. I am taking a short cruise, so it has everything that I need to know and wanted to know. Thank you so much.

[@tinale9458]

THANKS YOU FOR YOUR SHARING THE VIDEO! IT REALLY HELP FOR ANYONE INTHE FRIST TIME ON CRUISE TO SANTORINI.

[@kleiffy]

This is one of the best videos I have seen and it gives the information I was looking for Santorini. I am looking forward to seeing his other videos!! Thanks!!

[@hayhay3838]

By far the BEST video explaining how to explore Santorini when visiting by cruise. This was so helpful. You answered ALL of my questions! Thank you!!!

[@Theharpsabu]

This was amazing. Heading there next week and you've just packed out my itinery! thanks

[@Ester_Stamatakis]

Your videos are The Bible for me when I travel to Greece. Thanks for your nice wotk!!!

[@laurag9526]

Thank you for this video, so helpful! I watched this before a recent cruise and when I looked up how many cruise ships were in Santorini on the same day as my one, I decided to book an excursion with the cruise line and it was much better than trying to do it on our own.

[@kenhicks-f9n]

Excellent video! We are cruising into Greece in Sept 2024 and I'm not keen on using the ships excursions. This video helped me understand how to get around on my own or what to look for if I choose to book independent tours.

[@billaa6956]

Exactly same, we will be doing this September. Viator has some good cheaper trips.

[@deenaparker8689]

Wow! Great pointers! I never would have known these helpful tips.

[@billaa6956]

Love hiking so stairs are good to work out. Public bus are lovely, adventure continues.

[@davidpurkerson7009]

Great information! Clear and simple.

[@maddyplume123]

Wow I’m going next week and didn’t know any of this!!! Thank you!

[@josehuaman6603]

I'm goint to Santorini next month in a cruise and this video was very useful. Excellent information.

[@zipporahjones5814]

This is THEE BEST video!!!! Thank you so much!

[@HopeYoung-z5j]

This is exactly what I wanted to know! Thank you!

[@Kozette007]

Glad I booked for May. I’ll visit via land at another time.

[@DawnWhitcomb2026]

I love this video! Very helpful! We are coming to Santorini around October 9th, 2023 and plan on taking the water taxi to Mia, then doing the hike to Fira. We can't wait! It looks amazing!

[@jasonoilar]

Hello! We’ll be going in October 2024, how were the crowds and weather in October? Thanks!

[@AnitaPietruszewska-n8i]

Thank you for this information and your response to my earlier question for you

[@OliaKonJo]

Do you recommend beginning of April? With Celebrity Infinity. So cheap for 2 people right now

[@ElizabethRodriguez-xq3vm]

Wonderful explanation. Very helpful

[@arlenelucenajohnson5276]

Very informative for cruisers. Thank you very much.

[@crumcake3]

Thanks for the information. It helps me plan my cruise in August 😊

[@rrodriguez1022]

This is just what I was looking for! Thank You!!! Cruising October 2023

[@jasonoilar]

Hello! We’ll be going in October 2024, how were the crowds and weather in October? Thanks!

[@RorySeidman]

You and your video is very helpful! I truly appreciate all your words of wisdom!

[@avasong4616]

I have been waiting on videos on Mykonos!! cant wait to learn about Mykonos😊

[@bettywong1886]

Great video! Only thing I would add is to pre-book the water taxi to Oia. We didn’t and it was sold out when we arrived at the Old Port. We ended up taking a donkey up to Fira & bussing to Oia, which wasn’t too bad.

[@hawj89]

this is sooooooo incredibly helpful!!!! thank you!!!!!

[@Dubyel]

We traveled to Santorini in July, 2023 and took your advice to take the boat around to Oia. Oia was charming. Thank you for your valuable information and advice.

[@amandafernandes689]

This is amazing explanation! Great tips! Well done!

[@ccc919]

Such a helpful video! Thank you so much!!

[@ladybug72103]

Best video you created ❤ thank you 😊

[@christinabruno6248]

This was so helpful!!! Thank you

[@accountingofthepalmbeaches]

Thanks for sharing! Which is the best way getting to Imerovigl from the cruise port, in the morning?

[@GreeceExplained]

Taking the cable car up and then either walking for 45min, taking the bus for 2€pp or taking a taxi for 25€. Hope this helps ! If you wish to support my channel, here's a link to make a one time donation :-) www.buymeacoffee.com/greeceexplained

[@Kathy-bc5yq]

Thanks! Excellent information!

[@Breakawaywithnoreen]

Your video is so very helpful. Thank you.

[@kcl1187]

Amazing info and videos! I just Googled both Kapari, 5 Senses and Meraki restaurants are labelled "temporarily closed".

[@GreeceExplained]

That means they re closed during off season and will reopen in April

[@lizbethulloa-davila2612]

What a great video! Thank you for making it. I’m wondering if you have a video like this but for coming into Athens on a cruise?

[@GreeceExplained]

Not yet, no. Sorry :D

[@lizbethulloa-davila2612]

@@GreeceExplained ok. I’m sure it will be great when you do make it! :)

[@tweetybird9199]

I agree with the viewers that this video was the best I've found for cruise visitors (there are many of us). This video directly impacted our discussion to do excursions so that we can be tendered to the other port for bus tour. Please make the similar Athens for cruisers video when you have a chance. Our cruise to Athens is late May 2024. Desperate to hear yor expert opinion from Piraeus port to Athens. Thank you.

[@danhworth100]

Good to know

[@doctorrari1754]

Thanks tu you , my experience in Santorini was Amazing , will be nice if you can do the same Videos in all Spain 🇪🇸 islands

[@datos82]

Thanks was waiting for it !!!

[@biblicalgodisonlytruegod]

GREAT VIDEO!

[@janeibbotson8387]

So informative thank you very much

[@marciagordon3640]

Really good info ❤

[@86THERON]

I love you so much! Wow!

[@amylee1371]

Thank you so much!!

[@steveee2511]

i was once with ncl at Santorini it was to stressfull for me and family in my last cruise i decided to remplace Santorini with Crete and Mykonos .

[@karidufur8908]

So helpful! Thank you!!

[@QuandalDingle-r4d]

Finally a cruise one

[@helciobmello]

Thanks for sharing this info, I will be visiting soon!

[@RanEldan-w7n]

Thanks! great video! What is the cost of tender boats from the cruise ship to the shore?

[@GreeceExplained]

They're free

[@RanEldan-w7n]

@@GreeceExplained Thank you so much man! 👍

[@sjhanksaz]

How long are the lines for the Donkey rides up the hill

[@DareToLiveYourDream_]

Thank you so much for this video ❤

[@rebeccah4897]

Thank you this is so helpful! We will be visiting in April, there will be approx. 3000 passengers from 2 small-ish ships in port that day. Can anyone give me an idea of what the queue times are likely to be like for the cable car? Trying to decide whether to book an excursion to avoid the queues, but we would rather just explore by ourselves if we can

[@yedry100]

Very helpful

[@Fefinho83]

Hi again! I just wanted to let you know that €204 per person for an excursion in Santorini is way to much for us! We will be visiting this amazing island next June 20 with NCL Epic, and the prices for excursions are so crazy!

[@Fegga1955]

Try to book via tourist office.Summers are expensive worldwide🥲🥲

[@Fefinho83]

@@Fegga1955 Hi thanks for your reply. I'm already back from my trip to Greece. We took Sebastian advice and hire at the port the €30 pack to Oia: navigation from Fira port to Oia port, then bus to the top, free time at Oia and then bus to Fira. It was an amazing experience and best way to avoid crowds!

[@duarte2santos]

@@Fefinho83 Hi! do you remember if the bus only comes back from Oia to Fira from 5pm like Sebastian said? Or there was something earlier. Also, it was easy to catch the bus from the bus stop in Oia? Many tanks . Im going next month!!

[@Fefinho83]

@@duarte2santos Hi! There are 3 or 4 schedules and you choose the one you want. You just go where they drop you off at the time you want.

[@marciajimenez7347]

@@Fefinho83from Fira did you take the cable car down? When did you go? Was the cable car very busy and where do you buy the tics for cable car? Thanks

[@robynhoffart1453]

Do you have any videos for cruisers going to Mykonos? I love your videos they are so interesting and informative. I searched but couldn’t find Mykonos.

[@GreeceExplained]

No I dont, sorry !

[@randomlostgirl]

Very informative. Thank you. Can you maybe do some videos on Milos and Zakynthos? 😅

[@fdfrankdiaz]

Thank you for your explanation and detailed information. We are traveling via cruise. If we take a water taxi to Oia, is there a bus that takes you to the port and avoiding the cable cart?

[@GreeceExplained]

Unfortunately not.

[@Deblyn58]

So if doing water taxi and bus returns you to Firo you still need to do the cable car down to port?? You did not mention that?

[@GreeceExplained]

Yes you do

[@marciajimenez7347]

@@GreeceExplaineddo you buy the tix first the cable car on site?

[@GreeceExplained]

@@marciajimenez7347 Yup, on site only.

[@Jett-f8q]

Can you take a water taxi back to the cruise port from Ammoudi Bay? Or do you have to take a bus back to Fira and take the cable car back down? By the way, your videos are absolutely amazing and educational. I will be there in June and extremely excited to go!

[@GreeceExplained]

Only by bus unfortunately ! Technically there is a guy who offers boat rides back to the cruise port, but he often just doesnt show up, so I wouldnt count on him :-)

[@rebeccah4897]

​@@GreeceExplaineddo you know why there aren't return water taxis from Ammoudi Bay to the old port? Surely the boats have to go back there at some point 😅😭

[@GreeceExplained]

@@rebeccah4897 The boats are rushing back to the old port to pick up more cruisers, they dont wanna stay idle in Oia for a few hours. But I see what you mean. It would make sense for SOME boats to stay there for the way back. And the truth is ON SOME DAYS they're doing it, but it's definitely not a guarantee, so I dont wanna promote that option in my video :-)

[@himanshusawla]

Hi , a guide for mykonos too please

[@aussieanne6812]

In October 2023 I was on a Greek Island cruise and totally enjoyed my stop at Santorini. I’d seen another video re the option of taking a “ferry” from the old port to Oia and was so glad I did. It was fun exploring Oia, and also easy to take the include bus back to Fira. At the end of my visit I walked down those many steps and it was very slippery. I was glad I wore grippy walking shoes as I saw people slipping (even I did at one point) and a couple of other ladies fell down - one was wearing high heels and another wore thongs. Donkey droppings and wee were another hazard, but worse still was to see poor donkeys bringing tourists up the steps and donkeys tethered to the walls waiting for “customers”. Despite all of this I enjoyed the walk and there are a couple of viewing points where you can get off the steps and rest - great photo stops.

[@jasonoilar]

Hello! We’ll be going in October 2024, how were the crowds and weather in October? Thanks!

[@cyborik2088]

This is a great video and explains a lot. The boats will take us from the cruise ship to the old port, that I understand. Question please, At the old port if I wanted to take a small boat to Athinios, are they available as well? You said there are boats to take from the old port to Oia, but are there boat to take you from the old port to Athinios?

[@GreeceExplained]

Nope that doesnt exist unfortunately !

[@shedflips]

Our excursion drops us off in Fira and then we are to take the cable car down on our own. Is it possible to travel to Oia and take a water boat back to old port to catch the ship’s tender? If so what would be our options for traveling for Fira to Oia? We are a group of 6, with some older ladies in our group.

[@GreeceExplained]

No, not possible.

[@Deblyn58]

How long would you anticipate cable car wait if only one cruise ship and not scheduled for ship excursion. Looks like princess only cruise ship at port on 3/2/24 (very off season 😏)

[@GreeceExplained]

No line at all

[@jazty91]

Hi Sebastian, great informative video -clicked on the links and getaguide ...unable to find a tour with the water taxi option on 11th may 2025 (we're coming on sun prince 2 ships - including Sun princess & all their excursions are fully booked ) and don't want to get stuck on the cable car queue ...please...have you got any other websites /recommendations links for reliable tour companies we could pre-book with the water taxi option? thank you in advance

[@GreeceExplained]

Hi. Water taxis cant be booked ahead of time. Only on the spot.

[@jazty91]

@@GreeceExplained thanks for response, sorry, actually looking for a tour company recommendation that does santorini tour which includes the water taxi as part of package

[@GreeceExplained]

Same. Only on the spot :-)

[@ljover1]

We love your videos! Our group is coming on a cruise and will be in Santorini 16th September. We were watching your video. Our group likes likes your option of the water taxi to Oia then private bus back. I do not see any link on your channel. Could you send me more information! We already booked one of your recommendations in Athens! Love your videos! Link to tour please 8 people.

[@GreeceExplained]

The water taxi package can only be bought on the spot, not online.

[@egreer3697]

These videos are fabulous!! I had a completely different idea in my mind of Santorini... now I'm informed and even more excited. Thank you! I really wanted to do a catamaran boat tour- We arrive July 28, 2023, in port 7AM to 8PM. Do you think it's possible with logistics or should I let that dream go? I watched your video on boat tours. Could we make it to Vlychada?

[@GreeceExplained]

Yes you can make it ! This one : bit.ly/3JE9zQF Choose the MORNING option and ask to be picked up in front of Mcdonalds (pickup and dropoff are included in the price). Mcdonalds is a 3min walk from the cable car station in Fira.

[@JohnSmith-cu1jo]

Why don’t they run the fast ferry back from Oia to the Old Port?

[@Fegga1955]

Great idea,a lot is a mess.No organization but one is rewarded by beauty

[@danaroselle6167]

Are there any water taxis that will bring you back to the Old Port Fira from Oia?

[@coreenzeoli8050]

Did you ever find out the answer to this? That's what I'm looking for too.

[@mikecharboneau9042]

if we take a ' speedboat" from old port to amoudi and take bus or van to top of mtn at oia is there a way to take that same route back to old port?

[@GreeceExplained]

There are water taxis going from Oia to the old port, but they dont have a website and its never clear when they will be operating and when not. So I wouldnt count on those.

[@RescueADog]

Why is there no water taxi available to do the reverse of what is being suggested? The day I am there is going to be super crowded and I was thinking I'd rather take the cable car up, bus to Oai then take the water taxi back to the tender to catch my cruise ship but it seems the water taxis only run one way is that correct? Why? Seems like a waste of resources.

[@danielosry1739]

I am arriving by NCL in September 2024. Can I take a speed boat to Athinios for a private tour?

[@GreeceExplained]

Nope

[@danielosry1739]

If I take a private tour and go to Oia can tour wait down at the port or do I still have to walk up?

[@GreeceExplained]

If it's private, yes you can ask for any route you like.

[@flashladderacrobat]

Don't go, it's a nightmare on some ships, and there are 6-7 cruise ships in any given day in the summer and it's too crowded. The tendering operations on some lines are just not up to the task, and shoreside it can turn into a nightmare waiting in 40 degree celcius in a cue to wait to get back on the ship and then you find out you are waiting in the wrong line. Santorini should make a covered walkway down by the sea .

[@margaretash9706]

Add another cable car too.

[@Fegga1955]

Too stresst with crowds waiting in July and August.June and September are best👌👌🙏

[@jimknarr]

Santorini sounds like a disaster. I think we will stay on the cruise.

[@AnthonyBocola]

Also, once I get a package at the 'old port' and return to Fria, how do I get back to the Old Port?

[@GreeceExplained]

With the cable car.

[@2azTravelers]

Hi Sebastian, I love your information. I have a few questions that I am hoping you could provide answers to. Which of the restaurants that you mentioned of Aris and Naoussa is closer to either the steps down to Old Port or the cable car down? Since it looks like when we are there sunset will be around 830p, and our ship leaves at 10p, would you estimate that we would need to see the sunset from one of those restaurants and then make a b-line to the stairs or the cable car after? And, if reservations are recommended, would 6pm be too early or right on time to make a reservation?

[@GreeceExplained]

Aris is a little closer, by like 2 or 3min on foot. Basically both are extremely close to the cable car station. I'd book a table 1h30 before sunset time, so 7pm in your case. And as soon as the sun has set, pay the bill and start lining up for the cable car.

[@2azTravelers]

@@GreeceExplained I appreciate such a quick response. I also appreciate the advice. Not sure if you know how far in advance Aris takes reservations, and should I do it via email or phone? Thank you again!! Keep up the great work. (I've watched many of your Athens videos and now some of your Santorini videos!!)

[@GreeceExplained]

I'd call them 2-3 weeks ahead of time.

[@2azTravelers]

@@GreeceExplained Thank you!!

[@AnthonyBocola]

Hi are the links to water taxi services OR do I simply look for an option when I exit the cruise ship?

[@GreeceExplained]

No links. Just go and talk to them as you exit the tender.

[@flyinggmango]

For coming back to the cruise, you mentioned that nearly everyone has to take the cable car back down. But can we take a water taxi from Oia to the Old Port?

[@GreeceExplained]

Not that I know of, no.

[@sharoncook9694]

Thank you! My husband has his motorcycle license so he’s able to drive one there. 2 questions: does he need an international license and do you even recommend it?

[@GreeceExplained]

Which country is the license from ?

[@sharoncook9694]

@@GreeceExplained United States

[@GreeceExplained]

@@sharoncook9694 You dont need an international license.

[@kaylaoosthuizen4989]

how is nektar lounge to view the sunset??

[@goodbyetothepeople92]

3 cruise ships on the day I visit. Will that be busy?

[@jeremykeller211]

Greece in particular and Europe in general have been slow to wake up to trashing of destinations caused by cruise ships. Now, major targets, including Amsterdam, Athens, Venice, Dubrovnik, etc. are trying to get nuisance tourism under control. For the best known Greek Islands it is too late.

[@shariC-zx6rg]

Hi, Great video! I've read the cable cars stop at 6pm when our cruise stops there in early November. Are the stairs lighted or should we make sure to get the cable car? I've also read that some folks stay in line for hours to get back and then are told the cars have stopped for the day so they're out of luck. Does that sound accurate? Thank you!

[@GreeceExplained]

I dont know, sorry

[@bizzihead4631]

Great advice. We will be in Santorini in July and have booked a private car to take us around the island. We are due to meet in Fira however we might be better to meet at another location if we don't get off the boat early. Is there a water taxi to Athinios and if so how much one way per person. Thank you

[@GreeceExplained]

Hi ! No there are no water taxis between the old port and Athinios unfortunately.

[@pacogonzalez9884]

Hello! My family and I are going to Santorini in July, very busy time. Our ship is tendered from 8 am to 10 pm, what would you do if you had all this time? Book the boat excursion first for the whole morning and maybe eat at 5-6 pm at a restaurant you mentioned to enjoy the views? Or are there any other particular spots you would reccomend? Thank you!

[@GreeceExplained]

Hi Paco ! Yes I would do an excursion first, but then before dinner, I would do this 1h walk in the Fira area : kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJW6k4tmiLKXosk

[@muzaaaaak]

Are there water taxis to Vlichada Marina from the old port?

[@GreeceExplained]

Nope

[@michaellee5311]

Is it possible to eat and catch the sunset at Oia and make it back to the ship that leaves at 9pm? Or is it better to go to Fira to have dinner?

[@GreeceExplained]

It all depends which month you're coming, sunset time keeps changing. You can find the exact time by googling "sunset time Santorini [date]". I'd say you need to leave Oia 1h30-2h before ship departure.

[@sumukhtendulkar3468]

QQ: I will be stopping in Thira for 5 hours on ferry from Crete to Milos. In Aug is there a place to store luggage on the port itself (not Fira)?

[@GreeceExplained]

Dont think there's anything at the port. But if you take the bus up to Fira, you will find several storage facilities there.

[@patsychappell7850]

Thank you so much for your wonderful video, quick questions do they take credit cards or do I need cash for the cable cars and the water taxi?

[@GreeceExplained]

I think they take credit card, but in Greece it's always good to have some cash on hand :-)

[@nannetteroberson4789]

Coming to Santorini on a Celestial Cruise but will only be there for 5 hours. We are doing an excursion off the ship, so hopefully that will help! Any idea which port Celestial Cruises tender to? Thank you!

[@GreeceExplained]

Same as what I explained in the video :-) Enjoy !

[@mikedellar8762]

Will you be cruising Celestyal Journey in October?

[@janetdiaz3463]

I want it to ask that same question if this person was going to be on Journey ship. We were thinking about using Celestial but heard a lot of negative things about the refurbished journey. Trying to find out if they completed their renovations. ​@@mikedellar8762

[@janetdiaz3463]

Which Celestial ship will you be cruising on

[@hetd5618]

Also is areas near Athens airport safe ? Any good hotel suggestions there

[@GreeceExplained]

Yes very safe. No suggestions though, I'm not an expert of that area sorry.

[@hetd5618]

@@GreeceExplained Thank you so much for all your replies