I took my first cruise to Greece last year and was mesmerized by the blue waters, white-washed buildings, and local cuisine. However, I made one massive mistake: cruising at the wrong time of the year.
Because my partner is a teacher, our travel schedule typically revolves around the school calendar. As such, we booked our 7-night Greek Isles cruise for the end of July. Before our cruise ended, we agreed the heat ruined our trip and wouldn't consider another Greece cruise during the warmer summer months.
We definitely didn't choose the best time to cruise to Greece. Had we sailed earlier in the year, such as in May, or later in October, the weather would have been more favorable, and there likely would have been fewer crowds.
What's the best time to cruise to Greece?
Most mainstream cruise lines don't sail year-round in Greece. For example, in 2026, Royal Caribbean will not deploy ships to Europe until late April. The first sailing to the Greek Isles from Civitavecchia (Rome) is scheduled for April 24, 2026, aboard Odyssey of the Seas.
This means that families with children who have earlier spring breaks in March will either have to sail with a European line, like MSC, or choose an itinerary to somewhere such as the Bahamas or the Caribbean.
Similarly, Royal Caribbean is staying in Europe until October, so holiday cruises to Greece are also out of the question.
Summer, from late June to August, is the peak tourist season, with higher temperatures and more visitors, especially in popular spots like Santorini and Mykonos. If you don't mind crowds and can handle warmer weather, this can be a great time to experience the vibrant atmosphere.
However, summer is not the best time to cruise to Greece because of those reasons. Instead, I'd recommend looking for a sailing in April, May, early June, late September, or October.
Not only are the temperatures more tolerable, but because the peak travel season hasn't fully kicked in, cruise fares are typically lower.
For example, the average high in places like Santorini and Mykonos in May is around 75°F, and major cruise lines, namely Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, have fares starting as low as $1,030 for an interior cabin for a weeklong cruise visiting Greece.
Comparatively, Greece can see temperatures as around 85°F or 90°F in July and August. It can be difficult to plan excursions to ancient ruins or enjoy other outdoor activities comfortably during these hot months. Spending too much time in the heat can quickly become uncomfortable or unsafe, especially for older travelers or those with health concerns.
During our Greek Isles cruise, we skipped an excursion to Ephesus, Turkey, because it was too hot. On that specific day, the temperatures were closer to 100°F. Though much of the tour would have been spent in the car, we knew we wouldn't enjoy exploring the ruins in extreme heat with little shade. Plus, the day before we arrived in Athens, the Acropolis was closed due to the heat wave!
Read more: How to deal with summer heat on a cruise
Cruise fares are higher during July and August, too. The cheapest 7-night Greek Isles cruise aboard a Royal Caribbean ship in August starts at $1,120 per person. However, if you want to sail on a newer vessel, like Odyssey of the Seas, expect rates no less than $1,350 per cruiser in an interior stateroom.
What about off-season Greece cruises?
It's absolutely possible to take a cruise to Greece in December. However, your options will be far more limited than the spring, summer, and fall, as most mainstream cruise lines reposition their ships to North America for the winter season.
Outside of European lines like MSC Cruises and Costa, you must consider sailing with a luxury line, which is usually more expensive. For example, a 7-night Greece cruise aboard MSC Cruises' MSC Sinfonia in December 2025 starts at $518 per person.
In comparison, a 7-night voyage through Viking starts at $2,599 per person. However, Viking's fare is more inclusive. Not only does the price factor in a balcony stateroom, but Wi-Fi, select alcoholic beverages, and one shore excursion are included in each port.
The same goes for March, as mainstream lines typically don't deploy ships until April. Cruise fares aboard MSC Sinfonia start at less than $700 per person in March.
Temperatures during the off-season are chillier than in the summer. For example, the high in Corfu in December is around 52°F and 60°F in March.
As such, you shouldn't expect to spend your time sunbathing. While you may not have ideal beach weather, the off-season offers a more relaxed, quieter cruise experience.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she traveled frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas during her freshman year of high school. Having sailed on nearly 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
