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Find the best cruise for you

Featured cruise deals, cruising guide, why take a cruise vacation.

If you have a place on your bucket list, chances are, a cruise will get you there. Cruises cover the world, taking millions of passengers each year to destinations like the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Alaska, Europe, the Mediterranean and even Antarctica. Cruising offers a tremendous value, with trips that include your lodging, meals and entertainment, all rolled into one. Some cruise lines even offer fully inclusive vacations, which cover drinks and tours ashore. Cruising means seeing the world while unpacking only once.

Cruises also provide a wonderful option for families, with many ships offering things like waterslides, mini-golf courses and fun clubs for kids and teens -- all for free. Planning is easy: Pick your destination and the right ship for you. The cruise line makes it simple, offering packages to help you save on extras like alcohol, shore tours or even airfare.

Travelers say they choose to cruise because cruising often costs less per night when compared with staying at a hotel, where they'll have to book -- and pay for -- all their extras.

What are Tips for Finding Cheap Cruises?

If you're a flexible traveler, you'll have a better chance of finding cheap cruises. Take a cruise that doesn't sail over the summer or holidays, when prices are highest. Book an inside cabin, or take your chances with a "guarantee cabin," ideal for passengers who aren't picky about their cabins but really want the lowest price available. Book cabins on lower decks, which often come with lower prices than those rooms on higher floors.

Cruise lines such as MSC Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International offer rates that might drop as low as $75 per person per night -- and sometimes lower. Here's a tip: Many times, the smaller ships from these lines offer the smallest prices.

If you want a real bargain, consider a transatlantic or repositioning cruise. These cruises are one-way or open-jaw trips, that start in one port and finish at another. You can score a deal sailing from Florida to Europe, for example, or even from New York to Florida. Just be aware, you'll probably have to pay a bit more for airfare to return.

What are Tips to Finding Last-Minute Cruise Deals?

Being flexible will get you the best last-minute cruise deals. If you live near a cruise port and can drive, you're probably going to be able to jump on those deals that might pop up a week or two before the ship is set to sail.

If you don't have flexibility with dates and locations, be willing to bend on destination. This will allow you to find a wider range of last-minute deals traveling to locations in their off-season or shoulder season.

Do plenty of research and know what your ideal cruise costs on average. When you see it drop, pounce! Many cruise lines update pricing several times every day, so be prepared.

Best cruises in 2020

Part of the appeal of cruising is that there's truly something for everyone. Ships come in an array of sizes, some loaded with so many activities, you couldn't get to them all in a week.

Families will find plenty of options and activities onboard big ships, which have transformed cruising, making the vessels as exciting as the destinations to which they sail. The Caribbean is a great option for families, offering lots of sunshine, great beaches and culture. Alaska, famous for its incredible vistas and abundant wildlife, also is a solid family cruise option. Consider cruise lines such as Carnival, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Disney, Celebrity, MSC and Holland America for a family cruise.

River cruising has been heating up over the past few years, with itineraries that send passengers down the Danube or Rhine rivers in Europe or to even more exotic locations, like the Mekong River in Cambodia or Vietnam or the Volga River in Russia. Popular river cruises embark in cities like Amsterdam, Budapest and Lisbon. Popular river cruise lines include Viking, AmaWaterways, Avalon, Scenic, Emerald Waterways, Tauck, Uniworld and Crystal.

If you're a thrill-seeker, consider an expedition cruise. These cruises, often onboard small ships, offer an intimate experience that brings passengers right up next to glaciers, whales, penguins and iguanas. Ships visit tiny spots all over the world, including Antarctica, Alaska, Australia and Greenland. Passengers will spend their time kayaking, hiking, biking and exploring with expert guides and knowledgeable naturalists. Expedition travelers love cruise lines such as Lindblad Expeditions, UnCruise Adventures, Silversea, Hurtigruten, Ponant and Quark Expeditions.

Luxury cruises offer all-inclusive experiences onboard smaller ships with perks like butlers, high-end amenities and personalized, intuitive service. Ships often feature luxury touches like marble and crystal decor, intimate spaces and beautiful spas. Because luxury ships tend to be smaller, they can often reach off-the-beaten-path destinations bigger ships can't -- ports like St. Tropez or Guadeloupe. If you're looking for a luxury cruise, consider Crystal, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania, Azamara, Viking Oceans and Silversea.

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Suites & Staterooms

Please select your stateroom or suite type and room category from the available options.

• Daily housekeeping
• Complimentary 24-hour room service
• Elemis Aromapure soap, lotion, shampoo
• Luxurious bathrobes
• Generous storage
• Fresh fruit upon request
• Ice service
• TV with On Demand movies, programming

Two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, premium massage shower heads and a host of amenities are featured in these comfortable staterooms.

• Hair dryers, makeup mirrors

These expansive staterooms include include two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our Signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, premium massage shower heads, a host of amenities and an ocean view.

Filled with light from floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah, these staterooms include a sitting area, two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, and bath tub with premium massage showerheads.

Signature Suite

• Whirlpool bath

These large, comfortable suites feature a spacious sitting area with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah, two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, and one murphy bed for one person. The bathroom includes a dual-sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath and shower, and an additional shower stall.

Neptune Suite

• Premium bathrobes, slippers
• Fresh flowers
• One-Touch concierge service
• Whirlpool bath (suite dependent)
• In-suite coffee, espresso
• Complimentary laundry
• Pre-dinner hors d'oeuvres served in suite
• Welcome glass of sparkling wine
• Priority boarding for tender ports, priority dining/seating requests, special disembarkation service
• High tea in suite on request
• Exclusive tote bag

With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah, these spacious suites are flooded with light. They feature a large sitting area and two lower beds convertible to one king-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses. The bathroom comes with a dual-sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath and shower, plus additional shower stall. Amenities include use of the exclusive Neptune Lounge, a private concierge and an array of complimentary services.

Your Ship: Eurodam

Our first Signature Class ship, Eurodam epitomizes grace and excellence. Test your music trivia skills at Billboard Onboard or catch a performance at the stunning World Stage. During the day, head to top-level decks to play pickleball at sea amid an ever-changing ocean backdrop or rejuvenate with therapeutic spa treatments at the Spa & Salon.

• 2104 Guests
• 936 ft. Length
• 105.8 ft. Width

Dining & Onboard Activities

Each day on board offers delicious dining options, world-class entertainment and enriching activities

Pinnacle Grill

The ultimate steakhouse at sea, with an exceptional menu of Prime steaks, seafood and wine.

Pinnacle Grill is the ultimate steakhouse at sea, where an exceptional menu and impeccable service make for one of finest meals you’ll ever have. The refined menu features a selection of 28-day wet-aged USDA Prime steaks — meticulously chosen to guarantee the finest quality — as well as classic steakhouse dishes and innovative recipes from James Beard Award-winning chef and Culinary Council® member, David Burke. Every dish is exquisitely prepared, beautifully plated and complemented by a vast collection of award-winning wines. Here, your meal is an event unto itself, a celebration of fine dining and a triumph of flavor.

*Meals at Pinnacle Grill are half price for kids 12 years old or under, or free when they order from the kids’ menu.

Canaletto is a relaxed setting with authentic Italian cuisine that is best enjoyed when shared.

In Italy, there’s nothing more important than coming together to celebrate the joy of great food. This is the inspiration for our onboard Italian restaurant, Canaletto. Enjoy amazing Italian classics like braised chicken cacciatore al forno, branzino ai ferri or garlic shrimp ravioli. And for dessert: tiramisù, cannoli alla Siciliana, gelato, and more. Including pasta made fresh daily. Buon Appetito!

Meals at Canaletto are half price for kids 12 years old or under, or free when they order from the kids’ menu.

Explore traditions of Southeast Asia, China and Japan with cuisine praised by Condé Nast Traveler as rivaling the top restaurants on land.

Praised by  Condé Nast Traveler  for cuisine “that rivals the top restaurants on land,” Tamarind is the perfect place to explore the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, China and Japan. The menu, which honors the elements of water, wood, fire and earth, features such exotic fare as wok-seared lobster, barramundi (Asian sea bass) in banana leaf and sushi, accompanied by chilled or heated sake. 

Meals at Tamarind are half price for kids 12 years old or under, or free when they order from the kids’ menu.

Lido Market

A casual, modern marketplace, Lido Market offers the widest range of food options on board for breakfast, lunch, dinner and a late-night snack.

Explore a world of intriguing culinary possibilities in the Lido Market. Steps from the Lido pool, this modern marketplace includes a curated selection of delicious options that you can grab on the go or have made to order: Breadboard, with freshly baked breads and pastries; Wild Harvest, offering a bountiful selection of hearty salads; Homestead, serving up comfort classics; Distant Lands, featuring global cuisine; Sweet Spot, for ice cream creations and desserts; Roasting Pan, hand-carved meats, fish and other hearty entrees; Perk, freshly brewed beverages and chilled juices; Quench, premium coffee, beer, wine, and soda available for purchase; Rise, savory quiches, croissants and sandwiches, and more.

This casual poolside grill serves up the best burgers at sea, Nathan’s Famous gourmet hot dogs, golden French fries and more.

Dive-In offers a variety of casual culinary classics, using the highest quality ingredients. Enjoy a burger, grilled to perfection and served on a toasted brioche with our own trade-marked secret sauce. Savor a succulent Nathan’s Famous gourmet hot dog with golden French fries. Or choose a grilled chicken breast sandwich or juicy portabella mushroom stack. Dive-In is the perfect spot to dine poolside on the best burgers at sea.

New York Pizza

Our poolside pizzeria has fresh Italian salads and authentic thin-crust personal pizzas with savory toppings.

At New York Pizza, choose from a variety of scrumptious, 9-inch, thin-crust pies. Named for New York’s famed five boroughs, our signature pizzas are made to order and topped with only the finest ingredients. Enjoy your pizza by day while overlooking the Lido pool, and into the night. This venue is New York Deli & Pizza on  Koningsdam ,  Rotterdam  and  Nieuw Statendam , offering made-to-order deli sandwiches in addition to pizza.

24-Hour Room Service

Enjoy breakfast in bed or an early dinner on your verandah — entrées and more are available whenever you wish.

Sleep in and have breakfast delivered. Enjoy an early dinner on your verandah before an evening excursion. Order a salad, sandwich or entrée any time. Room Service is only a phone call away. All selections are included in your cruise fare unless otherwise noted on the in-room menu.

Explorations Cafe

Our relaxing café with panoramic views is your home for handcrafted espresso drinks during the day and refreshing cocktails in the evening.

At Explorations Café, sink into plush chairs and sofas in a comfortable environment. Sip elegantly prepared espresso drinks and nosh on fresh pastries from the coffee bar. You can also take in fantastic views, catch up on your favorite book or browse the web. 

Dine on delectable sushi and sip Asian-inspired spirits at Nami Sushi, a sushi bar within Tamarind offering stunning ocean views.

Nami Sushi offers a tempting array of the sushi rolls he’s created. Choose from such delectable selections as Tempura Lobster Roll with soft shell crab tempura; Dragon Roll with tempura shrimp, unagi sauce and avocado; Tsutsumi Roll with snapper, green olive, caper and avocado; Futomoki Roll with crab, yamagobo, avocado and cucumber; Volcano Roll with sesame-marinated salmon and Thai chilis; Nigiri sushi with tuna, salmon and ebi shrimp; and more. The word “nami,” Japanese in origin, means “wave” and is an homage to the ocean views you’ll enjoy as you dine on the freshest, tastiest and most inventive sushi at sea.

The Dining Room

Our flagship dining experience is a welcoming and sophisticated setting for an exquisite breakfast, lunch or superb multicourse dinner.

For an elegant breakfast, leisurely lunch or unforgettable multi-course dinner, The Dining Room is your destination. For dinner, choose from classics such as Boneless Lamb Loin en Croute, Rosemary Roasted Chicken, as well as regionally inspired cuisine and artfully prepared vegetarian dishes. 

Crow's Nest

BARS AND LOUNGES

Enjoy cocktails and sunsets in this lounge, featuring panoramic views.

Holland America Line offers you a wide selection of lounges onboard. The panoramic view takes center stage in The Crow's Nest at the top of the ship, where you can relax just about any time of day and enjoy your favorite drink.

Explorer's Lounge

Elegant and refined, stop by for a glass of wine or your favorite cocktail.

The Explorer’s Lounge is an elegant and refined space to enjoy a glass of wine, a cocktail, or your favorite liqueur.

Enjoy cocktails and ocean views while listening to live music.

Holland America Line offers you a wide selection of lounges. This popular bar is at the top of the atrium and is the perfect locale for cocktails and dancing.

Tamarind Bar

Partake in exotic cocktails and sakétinis amid wraparound ocean views.

Which is more delightful: the apple-pear saketini in your chilled glass or views of the sun going down in a crimson blaze? Enjoy both in this stylish hideaway – your destination for panoramic views and exotic cocktails, and just one of the wide selection of lounges and gathering places on board.

Billboard Onboard

ENTERTAINMENT

Sing along, test your music trivia knowledge, or sit back and enjoy as chart-topping hits fill the room each night.

2 pianos - 60 Years of Chart Toppers - 100s Of Songs.  Sing along, test your music trivia skills or just sit back and enjoy as the hits fill the room each night.

World Stage

World Stage features innovative cruise ship shows and a two-story LED screen that creates a vivid wraparound display.

World Stage, the largest theater on board is home to a variety of performances day and night. Our exclusive EXC® Talk lecture series features captivating regional stories told by local experts and narrated by your Cruise & Travel Director. In the evenings, Step One Dance Company, vocal sensation Cantaré, BBC Earth in Concert and more take the stage.  Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam  and  Rotterdam  bring the World Stage experience to the next level by surrounding you in spectacular sight and sound with a two-story, panoramic LED screen.

Onboard Shopping

Enjoy a wide variety of duty-free shopping onboard.

Enjoy a wide variety of duty-free shopping in such signature shops as The Vault, Diamonds and Gemstones by Merabella, which offers the best diamonds at sea, brought to you by Effy.

Fitness Center

Take a class in our professionally staffed Fitness Center.

Stop by the professionally staffed Fitness Center equipped with the latest cardio and weight machines. Try one of our classes on indoor cycling, Pilates and more or work out at your own pace. You can also head out for fresh air and exercise on deck, where you'll find basketball and volleyball courts, and two refreshing pools (available on select ships). Some classes may have a nominal fee.

Holland America Line Navigator

Personalize your cruise experience with our free mobile-friendly tool.

Personalize your cruise experience once you’re on the ship with our free mobile-friendly tool. Plan your daily activities, browse and purchase shore excursions, view restaurant menus, make dining reservations, check your account balance and more. 

Casino Action

The Casino offers games for all levels.

Your Holland America Line ship’s Casino offers a wide array of gaming options. Whether you prefer slot machines or want to try your hand at blackjack or poker, our dealers and staff are available to provide complimentary instruction — and we offer many engaging tournament options. The Casino is only open at sea.

Unleash your competitive spirit in our new family game room.

Unleash your competitive spirit at High Score!, our new family game room. By day, it’s a secret hideaway for kids and teens, where they can engage in a fast-paced flurry of four-person air hockey or contend for bragging rights in the video arcade. At night, the entire family is welcome to bond over board games, skee-ball, a tilting labyrinth and family activities.

Pickleball at Sea

Enjoy complimentary lessons, tournaments, and courts with amazing top-deck views.

Play the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. with Holland America Line, the exclusive cruise line partner of the Professional Pickleball Association. All our cruise ships feature pickleball courts with amazing top-deck views. The equipment and courts are available for a match anytime, so long as the weather allows. Frequent pickler? Join a pickleball tournament at sea and put your dink shot to the test. Hesitant amateur? Learn the basics at complimentary beginner’s lessons, starting in spring 2023. Commemorative starter kits will soon be available in our retail shops — purchase as gifts for avid players or as souvenirs, so that you can always look back on your pickleball cruise memories.

Kids ages 3 to 17 can enjoy an array of activities. Registration required for children under 13.

Holland America Line's youth activities program, Kids Club, offers an array of entertaining events for kids and teens ages 3-17, supervised by a full-time, professionally trained staff. They'll have an opportunity to join other kids their age for arts and crafts, sports, video game competitions, scavenger hunts, challenging team games and themed parties. Note: Kids Club is not offered on cruises of 25-days or longer, including all Legendary and Grand Voyages. We will offer a selection of children’s activities throughout these longer voyages for any children who may be onboard.

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The Destination Management Company of Qatar Airways

1 USD = 3.64 QAR

Floating Hotel Day Visit

Timing: 12:00 - 02:00 Duration: up to 16 hours Price: QAR 182 (USD 50)

Guests need to present a valid Hayya Card to be able to access Doha Port and also to access the ships.

MSC  Day Pass

Embark on the MSC World Europa or the MSC Poesia with exclusive day pass access. The day pass will allow you to board the ship for the day and enjoy all the facilities and attractions offered onboard. 

Important note:  There is no parking at the terminal. Visitors need to use public transportation, either taxis, Uber or the shuttle service linking Al Ghanim Transport Hub and the Cruise Ship Hotels. Private vehicles will not be allowed access to the terminal.  

MSC World Europa

From her sleek interior design and 13 dining venues to her thrilling entertainment offerings, the onboard experience on the MSC World Europa is like no other cruise ship. Relax in the scenic Panorama Lounge, experience the excitement of the futuristic Luna Park Arena, or lose yourself in the iconic Kinetic Dome.

Experience a world of cuisines with brand new concepts including Chef’s Garden Kitchen, the first hydroponic garden at sea; La Pescaderia, a Mediterranean fish restaurant; a new on-board microbrewery; and a Gin bar where you can learn mixology.

The ship also features some of our signature favorites, like our American-style steakhouse, Latin American street food inspired Hola! Tacos & Cantina, Kaito Teppanyaki & Sushi bar, and our renowned buffets.

There’s something for everyone on board, from a large waterpark, to bumper cars and street performances. And with 7 swimming pools spread across the ship, including one with a sliding roof, there’s always space to relax by the water and pool deck.

For families with children, the award-winning MSC Kids Club features state-of-the-art facilities inside a dedicated area of the ship, with a range of kids’ clubs and tailor-made programs for every age group.  

Is an innovative cruise ship with elegant style that brings. traditional craftsmanship to creative designs.

Step aboard and you’ll enter a refined world of comfort, from the spectacular foyer waterfall to the Zen Garden, authentic Japanese Sushi bar and opulent MSC Aurea Spa wellness centre with steam room, sauna and divine massages to pamper body and mind, it’s the perfect place to unwind.

The ship offers all the resort amenities you could wish for, including 3 swimming pools, 4 whirlpools and a giant poolside cinema screen. Kids and teens are equally well served, with their own clubs and parties, a dedicated Stone Age and Dinosaur Play Area, stunning video games and even a DJ disco!

The gourmet cuisine on board brings you specialties from around the world, but retains its Mediterranean heart, rooted in the values of the Italian slow food movement. With MSC, every succulent dish is freshly prepared with care by our skilled chef’s from prime quality ingredients.

The varied lounge bars offer similarly refreshing originality and authenticity, from the Grappolo d’Oro wine-tasting bar to the Mojito cocktail bar and sumptuous design of the cigar room.

What to Expect

• Day access to MSC World Europa or MSC Poesia
• Access to all public facilities and attractions onboard 
• A variety of dining options
• There is no parking at the terminal. Visitors need to use public transportation, either taxis, uber or the shuttle service linking Al Ghanim Transport Hub and the Cruise Ship Hotels. Private vehicles will not be allowed access to the terminal.
• Day access pass
• Hayya card to be applied for independently
• Food and drinks payable onboard
• Anything else that is not expressly mentioned above in Inclusions

Access: Please note that you will need to present a valid Hayya Card to be able to access Doha Port and also to access the ships.

You will also need to present your booking confirmation to access the ships.

Location:  Doha Port Grand Cruise Terminal - Terminal 1 for MSC World Europa (currently sold out); Terminal 2 for MSC Poesia.

The nearest Metro Station is:  Souq Waqif ( Gold Line )

Important note:  There is no parking at the terminal. Visitors need to use public transportation, either taxis, uber or the shuttle service linking Al Ghanim Transport Hub and the Cruise Ship Hotels. Private vehicles will not be allowed access to the terminal.

*Rates mentioned are per person and subject to change.

• What areas can you access with the day pass? All the public areas accessible to all passengers. This means that visitors CANNOT visit technical spaces and areas that are restricted to the high paying passengers, such as the Yacht Club.
• What restaurants are available? All restaurants are available at a cost to the visitors, except Yacht Club and dependent availability; no pre-arrival reservations
• How does the access card work? Access card to be received at the daily visitor counter in the grand terminal. The card has to be scanned at the gangway, where the Security staff will verify the picture. It has to be scanned in and out.
• How can you pay for services on board? Visitors will need to register a credit / debit card during the check-in to activate this function of the access card. At most of the outlets this is the only accepted form of payment.
• Can you access the waterslides and pools? Yes 
• Can people get on and off throughout the day? No – once day guests disembarked they are checked out and cannot re-enter the vessel
• Child (above 3 years old to 17 years old)
• Cancellation Policy: Non-refundable
• Please note that by booking, you acknowledge and accept the boarding conditions

MSC Boarding Conditions:

These Boarding Conditions govern the relationship, responsibilities and liabilities as between, on the one side, the Client and/or each Visitor (as appropriate) named on the Booking Confirmation and, on the other side, the Carrier and are BINDING ON THESE PARTIES .

Each Visitor, or the Client on behalf of the Visitors has entered into a contract with the Discover Qatar or DQ for the purpose of the Visitors boarding one of the Vessels. All Visitors agree to all the terms and conditions of the Booking along with these Boarding Conditions. These Boarding Conditions are to be deemed as incorporated into the Booking and will apply whether or not there is any actual carriage during the period any of the Visitors are on board.

The Visitor must carefully read these Boarding Conditions (and the Client shall also be obliged to do so, and to ensure that all Visitors (or its parent/guardian in the case of a Minor) read and accept these Boarding Conditions before the Visitor or Client makes the Booking. These Boarding Conditions set out its rights, responsibilities and limitations towards the Carrier, its servants and/or agents. The Carrier’s liability is limited as set out in Clause ‎18.

1. CONSTRUCTION AND DEFINITIONS

BOOKING means a final and binding reservation, regulated by the terms and conditions entered into at the time of booking and these Boarding Conditions that a Visitor (or the Client on behalf of the Visitors) has entered into with DQ, for the purpose of booking day access as visitors to the Vessel.

BOOKING CONFIRMATION means the document issued as confirmation of the Booking, and issued by DQ in order for the Visitors to access the Vessel. 

CARRIER for the purpose of any obligation or responsibility attaching to the carrier under these Boarding Conditions, the Carrier means MSC Cruises SA, with registered Offices in Avenue Eugène Pittard 40, 1206 Geneva (Switzerland). However, the protections and defences which are provided for in these Boarding Conditions in favour of the Carrier, shall also apply to the owner and/or charterer whether bare boat/demise charter, the actual carrier, the time charterer, sub-charterer, manager or operator of the Vessel including SC. The term “Carrier” includes the Carriers, the carrying vessel, (“Cruise Ship”), its owner, charterer, manager, operator, any tenders or other means of transport provided by the Carrier to the Visitors.

CLIENT means (if applicable) any person or entity who has entered into a contract with DQ for the purpose of any Visitor boarding the Vessel. The Client confirms that it has full authority to enter into on behalf of and bind all Visitors named on the Booking Confirmation. All Visitors visiting the Vessel together will be deemed to have understood and agree with these Boarding Conditions and the conditions of the Booking.

DISABLED PERSON means any person whose mobility is reduced as a result of any physical disability (sensory or locomotor, permanent or temporary) intellectual or psychosocial disability or impairment, or any other cause of disability, as a result of age, and whose situation needs appropriate attention and adaption to that persons particular needs for the service made available to all Visitors.

DISCOVER QATAR or DQ means the agency managing the Bookings of day passes for Visitors.

LUGGAGE means any hand luggage or other personal items belonging to or carried by any Visitor, including articles worn by or carried on the persons of the Visitor.

MASTER means the Captain or person in charge of the carrying Vessel at any given point and commanding of the vessel.

MINOR means any Visitor under the age of 18 or under the legal age limit which is in force pursuant to the applicable law. For the specific purpose of serving or consuming alcohols in Qatar “MINOR” means a Visitor under the age of 21.

RECOGNISED ASSISTANCE DOG means any dog that has been trained to assist a Disabled Person by an organisation that is a member of Assistance Dogs International and/or the International Guide Dog Federation.

SC means the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy.

TOURNAMENT means the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 TM

VESSEL means the vessel named in the relevant Booking or the substituted vessel owned, chartered, operated and/or controlled by the Carrier.

VISITOR(S) means any person that boards a Vessel for a limited period of time and is not accommodated overnight. All references to the "VISITOR" (singular) shall include the plural and vice versa. All Visitors visiting the Vessel together, including adults responsible for Minors, will be deemed to have understood and agree with these Boarding Conditions. For the purpose of this definition, Visitor include any Senior Officials (such as Government Personnel, FIFA representatives and relevant sponsors) boarding the vessel.

VOYAGE shall, for the purpose of these Boarding Conditions, mean any period during which the Visitors are on board the Vessel. 

2. VALIDITY, NON-TRANSFERABILITY AND AMENDMENT The Carrier agrees to transport and/or have on board the Visitors on the Voyage, stay on board or event to be held on named or substitute Vessels. Before boarding, the Visitors agrees to be bound by all its terms, conditions and limitations. All prior oral and/or written agreement is superseded by these conditions. These Boarding Conditions cannot be amended without written and signed consent from the Carrier or its authorised representative. The Booking Confirmation issued by DQ is valid only for the Visitors for whom it is issued, for the date and Vessel indicated or any substitute Vessel and is not transferable.  

3. DISEMBARKING A Visitor will not be entitled to stay on-board the Vessel overnight and will be required to disembark without delay in accordance with the date and duration as indicated on the Booking Confirmation.  

4. EXTRA CHARGES

4.1. Each Visitor shall pay in full all charges for goods and services incurred by the Carrier on his/her behalf, before the end of the Voyage in any currency in general use on-board at the time of payment.

4.2. Alcoholic beverages, cocktails, soft drinks, mineral water and any medical expenses, any independent contractor services or products, charges or taxes imposed by any government agency shall be extra charges, unless otherwise stated as included at the time of booking.  

5. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

5.1. All Visitors must present for inspection upon request the Booking Confirmation, a valid passport as well as any visa, entry or exit permit, any Qatari ID, Resident Permit or Fan ID. 5.2. Each Visitor (or, if a Minor, his/her parents or guardian) shall be liable to the Carrier, SC and/or DQ for any fines or penalties imposed on the Vessel or Carrier, SC and/or DQ by any authorities for that Visitor’s failure to observe or comply with local governmental laws or regulations, including requirements relating to immigration, customs or excise. 5.3. The Carrier, SC and/or DQ makes no representation and gives no warranties as to the correctness of any documentation that is checked.

6. SECURITY 6.1. Each Visitor shall present him/herself for boarding, according to the instructions provided by DQ and shall be available for any security inspections. 6.2. For security reasons and any requirements by law, each Visitor acknowledges and agrees that agents of the Carrier may search the Visitor, his/her Luggage. 6.3. The Carrier shall have the right to confiscate any articles carried or contained in any Luggage which the Carrier, in its sole discretion, considers dangerous or poses risk or inconvenience to the security of the Vessel or persons on board. 6.4. Each Visitor is prohibited from bringing on board any articles that can be used as a weapon, explosives, illegal or dangerous goods. 6.5. The Carrier reserves the right to search any cabin, berth or other part of the Vessel for security reasons at any time

7. FITNESS TO STAY ONBOARD

7.1. In order to ensure that the Carrier is able to host the Visitors safely and in accordance with applicable safety requirements established by international, EU or national law or in order to meet safety requirements established by competent authorities, including the vessel’s flag state, each Visitor warrants that his/her conduct or condition will not impair the safety of the Vessel or inconvenience other persons on-board.

7.2. If it appears to the Carrier, the Master or the Vessel's doctor that a Visitor is for any reason unfit to stay on board and/or likely to endanger safety, then the Carrier or the Master shall have the right to take any of the following courses: (i) to refuse to embark the Visitor; (ii) to disembark the Visitor; (iii) if the Vessel’s doctor considers it advisable, to administer first aid and administer any drug, medicine or other substance or to admit and/or confine the Visitor to a hospital or other similar institution ashore at the Visitor’s expense, provided that the ship’s doctor and/or Master considers that any such steps are necessary.

7.3. Unless provided under any applicable law, where a Visitor is refused embarkation as a result of safety and/or fitness to stay on board, the Carrier, SC or DQ   shall not be liable for any loss or expense occasioned to the Visitor thereby, nor shall the Visitor be entitled to any compensation from the Carrier, SC or DQ

7.4. Not all areas or equipment on the Vessel are suitable for access to Disabled Persons.

7.5. The Carrier reserves the right to refuse passage to anyone who has failed to notify it of their specific needs with regard to seating or services required from the Carrier or terminal operator, or their need to bring medical equipment, or to bring a Recognised Assistance Dog on board the Vessel, or of any other known disabilities, or who in the Carrier’s and/or Master’s opinion is unfit or unable to stay on board, or anyone whose condition may constitute a danger to themselves or others on-board on the grounds of safety.

7.6. Visitors who need assistance and/or have special requests or need special facilities or equipment with regard to seating or services required or their need to bring medical and mobility equipment, must notify DQ at the time of booking. This should include detailed information required to assist DQ in making available accessible transport to Disabled Persons. Wheelchair users must specify whether they operate a manual or powered wheelchair and inform DQ whether they require portside services at the time of booking. This is to ensure that the Visitors can safely embark, disembark and remain on board in accordance with all applicable safety requirements. The Carrier is not obliged to provide any assistance or meet special requests unless the Carrier has agreed to do so in writing. If the any Visitor cannot be carried safely and in accordance with applicable safety requirements then the Carrier can refuse to accept a Visitor or embarkation of a Disabled Person on the grounds of safety.

7.7. Wheelchair users must furnish their own standard size wheelchairs. The Vessel’s wheelchairs are available for emergency use only. Where the Carrier considers it strictly necessary for the safety of the Visitor it may require a Disabled Person to be accompanied by another person or a Recognised Assistance Dog who is capable of providing the assistance required by the Disabled Person. This requirement will be based entirely on the Carrier assessing the need of the Visitor on grounds of safety and may vary from Vessel to Vessel.

7.8. Where any mobility or other equipment is lost or damaged by the fault or neglect of the Carrier then it is the Carrier’s decision as to whether to repair or replace such equipment taking into account the reasonable requirements of the Visitor. All equipment must be capable of being carried safety and must be declared at the time Booking. The Carrier may decline to carry such equipment where it is not safe to do so or where it has not been notified in time to enable a risk assessment to be carried out.

7.9. Any Visitor who embarks, or allows any other Visitor for whom he or she is responsible to embark, when he/she or such other Visitor is suffering from any sickness, disease, injury or infirmity bodily or mental or to his/her or her knowledge has been exposed to any infection or contagious disease, or for any other reason is likely to impair the safety or reasonable comfort of other persons on-board, shall be responsible for any loss or expense incurred by the Carrier or the Master directly or indirectly in consequence of such sickness, disease, injury, infirmity, exposure or refusal of permission to land unless in the case of sickness, disease, injury, infirmity or exposure the same has been declared in writing to the Carrier or the Master before embarkation and the consent in writing of the Carrier or the Master to such embarkation has been obtained.

7.10. Although the Vessel is planned to be berthed at all times at the Cruise Terminal in Doha, conditions may arise when it will be necessary to anchor offshore rather than alongside. When this is the case, the Carrier will use a tender to take Visitors ashore. A tender is a small vessel and may not be suitable for persons with Disabilities or Reduced Mobility or balance problems. When using tenders, safety is the utmost priority and it is important that the Visitors are able to use the tender safely. Visitors may be required to descend to a platform or pontoon and into the tender. There may be steps both up and down and Visitors may need to navigate a gap between the platform and the tender (which can be approximately 1.5 ft).  Depending on weather, tide and sea conditions, there may be some movement, which could change throughout the course of the day. Visitors must be fit and mobile enough to access and disembark the tender. If Visitors have impaired mobility, or use a mobility aid such as a stick, then they must carefully consider their ability to embark the tender safely before making their way down to the platform. Visitors must take into consideration the use of steps, the possibility of a gap and height difference between the platform and the tender, and the potential sudden movement of the tender when making a decision. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters will not be carried by the crew to the tender. All Visitors must be independently mobile enough to use the tenders. Ultimately, carriage by tender may be refused by the Master or any of his officers if there is any doubt as to the safety of any Visitors.

7.11. All Visitors must take extra care when stepping on and off the tender. There will be crewmembers there to guide and steady Visitors as they embark and disembark but they cannot support, lift or carry Visitors. The same precautions apply when Visitors disembark the tender in the port.  

8. SMOKING POLICY

Smoking is not permitted in any food service areas (buffets and restaurants), the medical centres, child-care areas, corridors or elevator foyers, areas where Visitors are assembled in groups for safety exercises, disembarkation or tour departures, public toilets, or in bars close to areas where food is served.

8.1. Smoking in the cabins and on the cabin’s balconies is strictly prohibited. 8.2. The Carrier reserves the right to levy a fee should passengers be found smoking in non-designated area of the Vessel.  Repeatedly smoking in non- smoking areas can ultimately lead to early disembarkation and prosecution by the authorities. 8.3. Visitors shall be liable for any damage caused by smoking. 8.4. Smoking is only permitted in a dedicated outside area of each Vessel, indicated by signage, where ashtrays are provided. 8.5. Disposing of cigarette butts over the side of the Vessel is strictly prohibited.

9. CONDUCT OF VISITORS

9.1. The safety of the Vessel and all those on-board is of paramount important. Visitors must pay attention to and comply with all regulations and notices relating to the safety of the Vessel, her crew and Visitors, the terminal facilities and immigration requirements. 9.2. Visitors must at all times conduct themselves in a manner that respects the safety and privacy of other persons on-board. 9.3. Visitors must comply with any reasonable request made by any member of staff, the Master or his/her officers. 9.4. All Visitors must take care for their safety whilst walking on outside decks. Visitors and children must not run around the decks or other parts of the Vessel. 9.5. Visitors’ Luggage must not be left unaccompanied at any time, unless different and reasonable instructions are given by the staff. Unaccompanied Luggage may be removed and/or destroyed. 9.6. Visitors shall not bring on-board the Vessel any goods or articles of an inflammable or dangerous nature, nor any controlled or prohibited substance. Breach of these conditions and regulations shall render the Visitor strictly liable to the Carrier for any injury, loss, damage or expense and/or to indemnify the Carrier against any claim, final penalty arising from such breach. The Visitor may also be liable for statutory fines and/or penalties. 9.7. In order to ensure safety and security standards, it is strictly forbidden to bring food and beverage on-board the Vessels. In compliance with this requirement, during embarkation, checks may be carried out on Visitors’ Luggage. The items that are allowed are: personal hygiene products, cleansing products, lotions, fluid medications for therapeutic use, baby gear and baby food items, dietary items prescribed by a physician. 9.8. The Visitor will in any event be liable for any injury, loss or damage occasioned by their breach of any of the prohibitions in these Boarding Conditions and must indemnify the Carrier, SC and DQ against any claim in respect thereof.

10. ANIMALS/PETS 10.1. Animals and/or pets other than Recognised Assistance Dogs are not allowed on-board the Vessel under any circumstances without the Carrier’s permission in writing. Any such animals or pets brought on-board by a Visitor without permission will be taken into custody and arrangements will be made for the animal to be landed at the Visitor’s sole expense. 10.2. Whilst the Carrier and/or its servants and/or agents will take such care as is reasonable in all the circumstances in relation to the pet or animal, neither the Master nor Carrier nor any member of the Crew shall be liable to the Visitor in respect of any loss or injury or death to the pet or animal whilst in the Carrier’s possession/custody. 10.3. Recognised Assistance Dogs are subject to and must comply with national and EU Regulations and/or equivalent applicable legislations regarding health, inoculations, training and travel. It is the Visitor’s responsibility to have all necessary papers, to be made available for inspection on request, and check the position prior to the boarding.

​11. ALCOHOL 11.1. Alcoholic drinks, including wines, spirits, beer or other liqueurs are available for purchase on-board the Vessel at fixed prices. Visitors are not permitted to bring on-board any such drinks, whether for consumption in a cabin or otherwise. Alcoholic drinks in any form will not be sold to Minors. It is the responsibility of the individual Visitors and any accompanying adults to ensure such legal age limits are complied with. 11.2. The Carrier and/or its servants and/or agents may confiscate alcohol brought on-board by Visitors. 11.3. The Carrier and/or its servants and/or agents may refuse to serve a Visitor alcohol or further alcohol where in their reasonable opinion the Visitor is likely to be a danger and/or nuisance to himself/herself, other Visitors and/or the Vessel.

12.1. All the provisions of clause ‎7and the requirement of fitness to embark are applicable to all Visitors including Minors. 12.2. The Carrier does not accept unaccompanied Minors. Minors will not be allowed to embark unless they are accompanied by a parent or guardian or other authorised person ( Adult Visitor ) who shall be identified on the Booking Confirmation. Adult Visitors embarking with a Minor shall be fully responsible for that Minor’s conduct and behaviour. Minors may not order or consume alcoholic beverages. 12.3. Minors on-board must be supervised by an Adult Visitor at all times and are welcome at the activities on-board provided that an Adult Visitor is present. Children cannot remain on-board if their Adult Visitor goes ashore. 12.4. The Adult Visitor shall be liable to the Carrier and shall reimburse it for loss, damage or delay sustained by the Carrier because of any act or omission of the Minor in their care. 12.5. Minors are subject to all the terms contained in the Boarding Conditions.

13. MEDICAL SERVICES/TREATMENT 13.1.Visitors are encouraged, where possible, to seek medical assistance from providers on shore. The Vessel’s doctor and medical personnel are not under the Master's or Carrier’s control for treating Visitors. 13.2. Medical facilities on-board may be limited. The Carrier, Master or doctor shall not be liable in any way for referring Visitors ashore for medical services or for the actual medical services rendered ashore. In the event that medical attendance of any kind or ambulance assistance, whether on shore, at sea or by air is required and is provided or ordered by the Carrier or the Master or the doctor, the concerned Visitor shall be liable for the full charge or cost thereof and shall indemnify the Carrier upon first demand of any costs incurred by the Carrier, its servants or agents. 13.3. The Vessel’s doctor is not a specialist and the Vessel’s hospital is not required to be, and is not equipped to the same standards as, a land-based hospital. The Vessel carries medical supplies and equipment as required by its flag state. Neither the Carrier nor the doctor shall be liable to any Visitor as a result of any inability to treat any medical condition as a result. 13.4. In the event of illness or accident, Visitors may have to be landed ashore by the Carrier and/or Master for medical treatment. The Carrier makes no representations regarding the quality of any medical treatment ashore to which any Visitor is referred. 13.5. In relation to medical equipment, which any Visitor intends to bring on board, it is the responsibility of the concerned Visitor to arrange delivery to the docks prior to check-in of all medical equipment. 13.6. The requirement for Visitors to notify to DQ at the time of booking if they need to bring their own medical equipment on-board is to ensure that the medical equipment can be carried and/or carried safely. 13.7. It is the concerned Visitor’s responsibility to ensure that all personal medical equipment is in good working order and for arranging enough equipment and supplies. The Vessel does not carry any replacement. 13.8. The concerned Visitor must be able to operate all own equipment. If there are any particular conditions requiring a personal care or supervision then such personal care or supervision must be arranged by that Visitor at his/her expense. The Vessel is unable to provide or arrange respite services, one to one personal care or supervision or any other form of carer for physical or psychiatric or other conditions.

14. OTHER INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS The Vessel carries on board service providers who operate as independent contractors. Their services and products are charged as extras. The Carrier is not responsible for their performance or products. These contractors may include: hairdresser, manicurist, masseuse, photographer, entertainer, fitness instructors, shopkeepers and others providing services. The limitations of liability referred to into these Boarding Conditions shall apply to all independent contractors. The Carrier shall not be responsible in any way for the conduct, products or services provided by such independent contract

15. VISITORS LUGGAGE AND PERSONAL PROPERTY

15.1. Visitors can embark with one piece of hand Luggage per person. 15.2. Prams and wheelchairs are allowed but must be kept with Visitors at all time and must not block any exits when in use around the Vessel. 15.3. Visitors Luggage and property shall include only personal belongings, and any commercial property shall be subject to an additional charge. Visitor bookings of a commercial nature, such as FIFA sponsors, shall, at the discretion of the SC and subject to Carrier’s agreement, not be subject to additional charges for the storage of commercial property. 15.4. The Carrier shall not be responsible for any fragile or perishable property carried by a Visitor. 15.5. No animals are permitted on board, except for Recognised Assistance Dogs licensed to a Visitor. The concerned Visitor shall have full responsibility for any Recognised Assistance Dogs. 15.6. If medical mobility or other equipment is required, this must be notified to DQ at the time of booking to enable the Carrier to assess whether such equipment can be carried safely. It is the concerned Visitor’s responsibility to ensure that such equipment is in good working order and that the Visitor can operate such equipment. 15.7. The Carrier shall have a lien upon and the right to sell by auction or otherwise, without notice to any Visitor, any Luggage in satisfaction of unpaid monies or of any other monies that may in any way have become due by any Visitor to the Carrier or to its servants, agents or representatives.

16. VISITORS LIABILITY FOR DAMAGE Visitors shall be liable for and shall reimburse the Carrier for any damage to the Vessel and/or its furnishings or equipment or any other property of the Carrier caused by any wilful or negligent act or omission by the Visitors or any person for whom the Visitors are responsible including, but not limited to, Minors accompanying the Visitors.  

17. FORCE MAJEURE & EVENTS BEYOND THE CARRIER'S CONTROL Except as provided by law, the Carrier shall not be liable for any loss, injury, damage, or inability to perform the Voyage arising from any Force Majeure circumstances such as, but not limited to: war, terrorism - actual or threatened - fire, natural disasters, acts of God, labour strikes, bankruptcy, failure of subcontractors to perform, or any other events beyond the Carrier's control and/or any events which are unusual and/or unforeseeable.

18. LIABILITY OF THE CARRIER

18.1. The liability (if any) of the Carrier for damages suffered as a result of death or personal injury to a Visitor, or loss or damage to Luggage shall be determined in accordance with the following Conventions whose limits apply including in any claims for loss of or damage to Luggage and or death and or personal injury and are hereby expressly incorporated into these Boarding Conditions: a. The International Convention relating to the Carriage of Passengers and their Luggage by Sea 1974 (The Athens Convention 1974) or where applicable The Athens Convention 2002, or EU Regulation 392/2009 Concerning the Rights of Passengers when travelling by sea in the event of Accidents (EU Regulation 392/2009). b. The Athens Convention 2002 where ratified and applicable to the boarding contract shall apply where EU 392/2009 does not apply. c. For bookings where the Athens Convention 2002 does not apply and which are not made in the EU or the Vessel does not have an EU flag or and where the place of embarkation or disembarkation is not in the EU then the provisions of the Athens Convention 1974 and the limits therein shall apply and are hereby expressly incorporated into these Boarding Conditions. d. Copies of the Athens Convention 1974, 2002 and EU Regulation 392/2009 are available on request and can be downloaded from the Internet at www.imo.org and https://www.imo.org/en/About/Conventions/Pages/Athens-Convention-relating-to-the-Carriage-of-Passengers-and-their-Luggage-by-Sea-(PAL).aspx. e. A summary of EU Regulation 392/2009 can be found at http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=URISERV:tr0018&from=EN    f. It is agreed that the Carrier shall at all times be deemed a ship owner for the purposes of the Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims 1976, whether as amended by the Protocol of 1996 or otherwise and as in force in any relevant jurisdiction from time to time, and so entitled to limit liability thereunder. g. If any provision of these Boarding Conditions is rendered null and void by the Athens Convention 1974, Athens Convention 2002, or EU Regulation 392/2009 or otherwise then any such invalidity shall be limited to the particular clause and not to the Boarding Conditions

18.2. The level of damages a Carrier may be liable to pay in relation to death and/or personal injury and or loss of or damage to Luggage is limited and shall in no circumstances whatsoever exceed the limits of liability set out under the Athens Convention 1974 or, where applicable, The Athens Convention 2002 or EU Regulation 392/2009. 18.2. The liability of the Carrier for death, personal injury or illness to a Visitor shall not exceed 46.666 Special Drawing Rights ("SDR") as provided and defined in the Athens Convention 1974 or, where applicable, the maximum sum of 400,000 SDR pursuant to EU Regulation 392/2009 or The Athens Convention 2002 and, where there is liability for war and terrorism under EU Regulation 392/2009 or The Athens Convention 2002, the maximum sum of 250,000 SDR. 18.3. Liability of the Carrier for loss of or damage to a Visitor’s Luggage shall not exceed 833 SDR per Visitor under the Athens Convention 1974 or 2,250 SDR where EU Regulation 392/2009 or Athens Convention 2002 applies. 18.4. It is agreed that such liability of the Carrier shall be subject to the applicable deductibles per passenger, such sum to be deducted from the loss or damage to Luggage. 18.5. The Visitors understand that the conversion rate of SDR's fluctuates daily and may be obtained from a bank or Internet. The value of an SDR can be calculated by visiting http://www.imf.org/external/np/fin/data/rms_five.aspx . 18.6. The Carrier shall not be liable for loss or damage to any valuables such as monies, negotiable securities, precious metal items, jewellery, art, cameras, computers, electronic equipment, or any other valuables unless they are deposited with the Carrier for safe-keeping, and a higher limit is agreed expressly and in writing at the time of deposit, and an extra charge is paid by the Visitors for declared value protection. Use of the Vessel’s safe is not a deposit with the Vessel. Where there is liability for loss of or damage to valuables deposited with the Vessel then such liability is limited to 1,200 SDR under the Athens Convention 1974 or 3,375 SDR where EU Regulation 392/2009 or Athens Convention 2002 applies. The Carrier and the Visitors agree not to demand any security from the other in connection with a claim of any kind. The Visitors waive the right to arrest the Vessel or to attach any other asset owned, chartered or operated by the Carrier. If the Vessel is arrested or attached, then the ship and the Carrier shall have the right to any limitation and all defences available herein. 18.7. In addition to the restrictions and exemptions from the liability provided in the Boarding Conditions, the Carrier shall have full benefit of any applicable laws providing for limitation and/or exoneration of liability (including without limitation, law and/or the laws of the Vessel’s flag in respect of/or the global limitation on damages recoverable from the Carrier). Nothing in these Boarding Conditions is intended to operate to limit or deprive the Carrier of any such statutory or otherwise limitation or exoneration or liability. The servant and/or agents of the Carrier shall have the full benefit of all such provisions relating to the limitation of liability.  18.8. If any action is brought against any company pertaining and/or connected to the Carrier, the owners or the disponent owners, the Master or crew or any servant, agent or independent contractor of MSC,  or against any person or entity having an interest in the relevant Vessel including but not limited to the operator of the Vessel, any of these persons or entities shall be entitled to avail themselves of all defences, limits of liability and indemnities that the Carrier is entitled to invoke under the Booking and under the provisions of law applicable including, but not limited to, the benefit of any defence to or limitation of liability.  Save as provided in this clause, no third party shall have the right to enforce or apply any term hereof and the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 is expressly excluded. The parties may vary the provisions of the Booking, or terminate it, without the consent of any third party who derives any right pursuant to its terms even if such variation or termination varies or terminates the rights of such third party. 18.9. Without prejudice to the provisions above, if any claim is brought against the Carrier in any jurisdiction where the applicable exemptions and limitations incorporated in these Boarding Conditions are held to be legally unenforceable then the Carrier shall not be liable for death, injury, illness, damage, delay or other loss or detriment to any person or property arising out of any cause of whatsoever nature which has not been shown to have been caused by the Carrier’s own negligence or fault. ​19. ANGUISH/DISTRESS No compensation is payable by the Carrier to any Visitor for any emotional stress, mental anguish and/or psychological injury of any kind save where legally recoverable against the Carrier as a result of any injury caused by an accident due to the fault or neglect of the Carrier.

20. APPLICABLE LAW These Boarding Conditions and any claims against of whatever nature (including claims for death and or personal injury) brought by or on behalf of or by heirs and or dependants of any Visitors shall be subject to English law.

21. JURISDICTION

21.1. Except as provided by law all claims of any nature related to these Boarding Conditions shall be brought in and be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the High Court of London. 21.2. Without prejudice to the sub clause above, the Carrier shall be entitled to commence proceedings against any Visitor in the place where that Visitor normally resides.  

22. NOTICES OF CLAIMS A. The Carrier shall be under no liability whatsoever in respect of any claim arising from an accident which was not reported by a Visitor to the Master or safety officer whilst on-board the Vessel. B. Notices of Claim for loss or damage to Luggage shall be given to the Carrier in writing before or at the time of disembarkation, or if not apparent, within fifteen (15) days from the date of disembarkation. Notices should be sent to MSC Cruises SA, c/o MSC Crociere S.p.A., Via A. Depretis, 31, 80133 Naples, Italy. C. Complaints under EU Regulation. 1177/2010 concerning accessibility, cancellation or delays must be made to the Carrier within two (2) months from the date the service was performed. The Carrier shall respond within 1 month to advise whether the complaint is substantiated, has been rejected or is still being considered. A final reply shall be provided within two (2) months. The Visitor shall provide such further information as may be required by the Carrier to deal with the Complaint. If the Visitor is not satisfied with the response then it may complain to the relevant enforcement body in the country of embarkation.

23. TIME LIMITS FOR FILING SUIT All claims against the Carrier or the Vessel for illness, emotional stress or personal injury to a Visitor or for loss or damage to Luggage shall be time barred after two (2) years from the date of final disembarkation or in the case of death, the date on which final disembarkation would have taken place as provided by Article 16 of the Athens Convention 1974 and or where applicable The Athens Convention 2002 or EU Regulation 392/2009. These time limits are applicable to Minors and persons under a disability.  

24. DATA PROTECTION Personal data relating to individual Visitors shall be collected, processed, stored and used securely and in accordance with relevant data protection laws. The Visitors consent to the collection, processing, storing and use of their personal data to enable the Carrier to perform its services to DQ during the Voyage and DQ to provide access to the Visitors. This may include providing the Visitors details to Governments, immigration, port state control, police, flag state and other competent authorities and or as may be required by law. In the case of emergencies, the Visitors consent to the Carrier providing personal data to shore side doctors, next of kin, the Carrier’s insurers and advisors and the Visitors medical insurers. Personal data shall only be kept for as long as is necessary or required by law.

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Royal Caribbean Cruise Deals Guide

When it comes to planning the ultimate getaway, there are so many reasons why cruise vacations rank among the most popular travel options. First of all, they’re completely stress-free. On a cruise vacation, all the planning is taken care of by the cruise line — from the destinations you sail to and the shore excursions available at each port, to a full range of entertainment and activities happening onboard every day. If you’re not a planner, or if the only things you’re looking to focus on during your getaway is savoring great food, relaxing, and soaking up the sights, cruise vacations are the way to go. A cruise vacation is also a great option if you’re traveling with the whole family, especially when you opt for a Royal Caribbean cruise. All of the ships in this cruise line’s fleet offer family-friendly experiences for guests of all ages. Even little ones will find plenty of ways to play with spaces and activities designed for tots to tweens. One of the top reasons savvy travelers love cruising, though, is because of the incredible value it offers. With Royal Caribbean, your cruise fare includes access to most of the ship’s attractions, select dining venues and all of the entertainment onboard. If you want to make your experience even more all-inclusive, you can opt for beverage and specialty dining packages that cover drinks and dinner at some of the most exclusive restaurants in the fleet. On top of all that, the cruise line presents frequent limited-time offers and seasonal sales, making it easy to score big savings when booking your vacation.

I’m ready to start planning my cruise — how can I score the best deals?

Whether you’re looking to book a short getaway or a longer adventure to far-flung destinations, Royal Caribbean makes it easy to save big on everything from your cruise fare to special experiences onboard and onshore. The first step to making sure you get the best deals is to join the cruise line’s email list. Once you’ve signed up, you’ll receive regular updates on all the latest offers, like deals by destination , kids sail free promotions and flash sales. The savings don’t end when you book your cruise, though. Once you’ve made a reservation, you’ll also receive notifications about special offers for onboard experiences — like discounts on beverage and specialty dining packages, shore excursions, spa services, and more via My Royal Cruise .

Does it pay to plan ahead, or should I wait until the last minute?  

It’s an age-old question — does the early bird really get the worm, or are there perks to taking a “wait-and-see” approach? If you’re booking a cruise vacation, you’ll find there are benefits to both strategies. Planning ahead is a great way to score big savings , as Royal Caribbean often runs early saver deals to guests booking well in advance. It’s also pretty safe to assume prices usually go up as availability goes down the closer you get to your sail date, so booking ahead is a surefire way to lock in a great rate. That said, booking a cruise at the last minute can also yield some unexpected savings — but only if the itinerary you’re interested in hasn’t sold out yet.

If you can be flexible when it comes to your travel dates, you’ll have your pick of unbeatable savings. Popular vacation dates — like the holidays , spring break , summer vacation and week long cruises — sometimes see the highest prices (though you might get lucky with a seasonal sale). If you have the flexibility to travel during the shoulder season or off season, you’ll likely enjoy big savings on popular stateroom categories , like Balconies and even Suites. The deals don’t only apply to your cruise fare, though. Once you’ve booked your vacation, you could easily unlock discounts and specials on add-ons, including beverage and dining packages , Voom® high speed internet, shore excursions, and amazing experiences not included in your cruise fare — like a day of pampering at Vitality SM Spa, a behind-the-scenes tour of the ship’s galley followed by brunch, VIP seating at shows, and much more.

How can I maximize the value of my cruise vacation?

There are plenty of ways to get more bang for your buck when you sail on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Every ship in the fleet offers a range of delicious complimentary dining options , but you can dig into even more crave-worthy flavor by purchasing a Specialty Dining Package for less ahead of your cruise. Add a Specialty Beverage Package — which includes unlimited alcoholic beverages, soda, and more — and your experience is as close to all-inclusive as it gets. And with so many complimentary shows and attractions onboard, you can easily fill every sea day without spending a single dollar extra.

Royal Caribbean also offers deals based on departure ports  and destinations, so if you’re a flexible traveler looking for great savings, you can plan your next vacation around which itineraries are on sale. Just check your email or visit RoyalCaribbean.com/cruise-deals to stay up to date on promotions, sales and special offers. You can even browse sailings and deals by homeport, destination and season, so you can rest assured you’re getting the best possible deal no matter when or where in the world you choose to set sai.

Ready to start planning your next getaway? Start exploring cruise deals now.

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10 Around-the-world Cruises for the Trip of a Lifetime

These world cruises offer the ultimate itineraries.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

Want to island hop around French Polynesia, visit Africa's incredible cities, and cruise through Asia without ever switching hotels or repacking your bags? An around-the-world cruise provides the ultimate itinerary, packed with exciting international destinations (some even visit hard-to-reach destinations like Easter Island and Antarctica), and luxury cruise lines provide comfortable accommodations, specialty restaurants, and plenty to do on and off the ship.

There are two main things you need before booking a world cruise: plenty of time and some spare cash. Prices range from around $20,000 to upwards of $100,000 per person, and all our top picks are more than 100 days (one is even a whopping 275 days), so they're ideal for retired travelers looking for their next big adventure. Pack wisely for a range of destinations and climates, and get ready for the journey of a lifetime, filled with postcard-perfect destinations and new friends (because you're bound to meet a travel buddy or two after 100-plus days on a ship). If an around-the-world cruise is at the top of your travel list, you'll want to book sooner rather than later — these journeys frequently sell out because many cruise lines only offer a limited number of sailings.

Here are ten of the best around-the-world cruises you can take in 2023 and 2024.

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking world cruise.

See 28 countries on the 138-day Viking World Cruise from Fort Lauderdale to London. After departing from Florida, the Viking Sky will sail the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, stopping in sunny destinations before crossing the Panama Canal to reach the Pacific. From there, the ship will visit destinations in Mexico and the continental United States, continuing on to Hawaii, French Polynesia, New Zealand, and Australia. Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, and India are among the ports in Asia, then it's on to the Middle East before traveling to Europe, where final destinations include Italy, Spain, and Portugal en route to London. Fares start at $59,995.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Moments in time: world cruise 2024.

Sail around the world in 132 nights aboard the Seven Seas Mariner on a round-trip journey from Miami. You'll spend the days at sea enjoying the luxury ship's amenities, including the spa and several restaurants and lounges, between stops in destinations like Costa Rica, Mexico, Hawaii, Tahiti, Bora Bora, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, India, UAE, Israel, and Italy, among others. This 2024 world cruise , with fares starting at $73,499, is officially sold out , but you can join a waitlist to be notified of cancellations.

Royal Caribbean

The ultimate world cruise.

Royal Caribbean pulls out all the stops — and there are more than 150 of them — on this 274-night cruise to all seven continents. The itinerary aboard the Serenade of the Seas begins in Miami on December 10, 2023, and visits more than 60 countries, including Brazil, Ecuador, Nicaragua, French Polynesia, the Philippines, South Korea, India, Romania, and Greenland, before ending in Miami on September 10, 2024. Travelers who don't want to commit to the entire cruise can book shorter segments. Fares start at $59,999 for this cruise that gives travelers the opportunity to visit 11 of the great wonders of the world, including the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, and Chichen Itza.

World Cruise 2024

Enjoy 133 days on Silversea's Silver Shadow with this round-trip sailing from San Francisco. During that time, the ship will visit 65 ports in 14 countries, including Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, China, Japan, and Canada. Fares start at $66,000 for this 2024 sailing, which currently has waitlist availability.

2024 World Cruise: Extraordinary Horizons

Climb aboard the Seabourn Sojourn for a 145-day world cruise from Los Angeles to Athens, visiting 72 ports in 28 countries. The cruise departs Los Angeles and goes to Hawaii, French Polynesia, New Zealand, Australia, Vietnam, Japan, and China — just to name a few places — before ending in Greece. Visit the website for booking details and shorter segments.

Oceania Cruises

Around the world in 180 days.

Travelers on Oceania's 180-day round-trip cruise from Los Angeles to New York aboard the Insignia will see some of the world's most impressive sights. Highlights include stops in stunning French Polynesia, Indonesia, Thailand, Egypt, Spain, France, and Iceland. Fares start at $48,499 for the 2024 sailing .

MSC Cruises

Msc world cruise 2024.

The MSC Poesia will take guests to 56 destinations on this 120-day cruise starting in Rome. Countries visited during this journey include Argentina, Chile, Peru, New Zealand, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India, and Jordan. When you're not exploring each port, you can relax in the swimming pools and hot tubs, visit the many restaurants, bars, and lounges, or go to the spa. Fares start at $17,199 per person; find booking details on the MSC website.

Princess Cruises

111-day world cruise.

This round-trip cruise from Los Angeles on the Island Princess will visit 47 ports in beautiful places like New Zealand, Australia, Bali, Sri Lanka, UAE, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Spain, Morocco, Bermuda, Mexico, and more. Fares for this 2024 sailing start at $19,497.

Holland America Line

128-day grand world voyage.

Explore the world on this 128-day round-trip journey from Fort Lauderdale on the Zuiderdam . This cruise's itinerary includes a trip down the Amazon River, stops in the Caribbean, a Panama Canal crossing, and stops in cities like Honolulu, Tokyo, Shanghai, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, and more. Fares start at $23,599 for this 2024 cruise .

Azamara World Cruise

This 155-night itinerary to more than 40 countries kicks off in Fort Lauderdale and finishes in Barcelona. The itinerary features ports for experiencing some of the great wonders of the world, including the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, as well as Petra in Jordan and the Colosseum in Rome. Travelers can also choose to join segments of the cruise aboard the Azamara Onward for as few as 10 nights. Fares for this 2024 sailing start at $36,379.

Travel Blog

One Day in Santorini From Cruise Ship: Epic Itinerary

Are you looking for an incredible one-day in Santorini from a cruise ship itinerary to make the most out of your shore day in beautiful Santorini? Then I got you covered!

Whether you’re a young couple wanting to explore the romantic island off the beaten tracks, or someone interested in immersing themselves in culture and history, Santorini has something for everyone.

90 % of cruise ship guests tour the famous villages of Oia and Imerovigli, which makes them insanely crowded. I have been to Santorini many times, and have almost gotten run over by the crowds. To avoid all the masses, I have created an alternative itinerary.

This guide will provide everything from tips on the best beaches in Santorini to suggestions on breathtaking day trips and excursions. I’ll give you all the ingredients for a dreamy voyage that can easily be tucked into just 10 hours!

Don’t spend your precious port call exploring only Oia. Let’s explore this beautiful island together.

Table of Contents

One day in santorini from cruise ship – in short, the santorini cruise port, best guided excursions for 1 day in santorini, about pyrgos/megalochori, noon: traditional greek lunch, early afternoon: volcanic beaches of santorini, 1. akrotiri archeological sites, 2. ancient thira, 3. santorini wine tasting, 4. santorini catamaran trip, 5. santorini lighthouse, 6. visit exo gonia, 7. walking tour with a local guide, early evening: shopping in santorini, what to pack for santorini on a cruise, how to get around santorini, conclusion: one day in santorini from cruise ship, more 1-day cruise itineraries, faq’s 1 day in santorini, about the author.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Read my  disclaimer  for further information.

When coming to Santorini on a cruise ship, you have a couple of options on how to spend your day. You can either book a guided day trip or explore the island on your own with my suggested itinerary :

• Morning : Visit the adorable villages of Pyrgos and Megalochori
• Lunch : Lunch in a traditional Greek restaurant
• Early Afternoon: Explore one of the volcanic beaches of the island
• Late Afternoon: Cultural experience (wine tasting or sightseeing)
• Early Evening: Souvenir Shopping

Santorini is a popular destination for cruisers. Many cruise lines have Santorini as a port of call on their Eastern Mediterranean routes.

There are two major ports in Santorini where your cruise ship might dock.

Old Fira Port is one of the oldest ports in Santorini, and this is also where many cruise ships will dock. The port has been a main point of entry to the island since ancient times. It is still used today by cruise ships, ferries, and local boats.

It is located right down the cliff from Thira, the capital city of Santorini. The port is home to a variety of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and tourist information centers.

The second important port in Santorini is the Athinios Port. The Athinios Port is located at the foot of Mount Profitis Ilias in Santorini and has over time become the main port on the island. You will need a bus to get from the port to major attractions.

If your vessel docks at the Old Fira port, you can walk up about 600 steps to reach Fira. There are also cable cars available that make the journey a bit easier. Please refrain from riding up on a donkey, as this is very straining for them. The cable car costs around EUR 6,00 for a ride.

Both ports are too small for bigger cruise ships, so you will arrive via tender boats .

As an avid cruiser, I know that booking a shore excursion with the cruise line can be quite expensive . In the end, you’ll be in a big group waddling around the island.

To avoid this issue, I usually book a tour with my favorite company Viator . They have a great selection of tours (also private ones) and you can cancel them free in case the ship is delayed or the stop is canceled.

If you feel like exploring the island on your own, you might not need a day tour at all. But if you wish for a little more guidance and are not excited to operate an ATV or a rental car, this might be just the right thing for you.

Also, private tours in Santorini are surprisingly cheap, so it is worth considering. We have done these tours ourselves, and I can absolutely recommend them.

Here are my favorite day tours and half-day tours in Santorini:

6-Hour Private Best of Santorini Experience 🤩 5/5 Stars (336 Reviews)

5-Hour Santorini Luxury Caldera Cruise with Greek Meal and Drinks 🤩 5/5 Stars (999 Reviews)

Private Santorini Tailor Made Tour – Choice of the guest! 🤩 5/5 Stars (177 Reviews)

Santorini Must-See Highlights: Private Sightseeing Tour 🤩 5/5 Stars (81 Reviews)

Santorini Wine Adventure with 12 Wine Tastings, Tapas and Sunset 🤩 5/5 Stars (571 Reviews)

Santorini Private Instagram Tour 🤩 5/5 Stars (79 Reviews)

Morning: Pyrgos and Megalochori

As you make your way up to Fira from the cruise port, you’ll need to grab an ATV, rental car, or cab. Our journey will take us to some of the most underrated spots on the island .

Many famous photo spots you see on Instagram are taken in the famous village of Oia . But the truth is, it is crowded and you will have a hard time getting a good shot there.

Luckily, I spent so much time on this island that I found equally nice spots – without crowds.

If you are looking for white houses, churches with blue domes, and no people – head over to Pyrgos or Megalochori.

Megalochori is a picturesque village on the island of Santorini . It has narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed houses with traditional blue doors and shutters. You can also find ancient churches topped with white domes.

My husband and I took our wedding photos there because it looks like the famous Oia but without any crowds.

Pyrgos is a village full of charm and beauty, close to Megalochori. It offers an incredibly beautiful atmosphere, with far fewer people.

If you are looking for a traditional Greek white-washed building with beautiful blue accents – Pyrgos is the place.

The village is situated among vineyards and olive groves , with stunning views of the Aegean Sea . Hike up to Pyrgos Castle for the best view.

If you wish to see a village on the cliffs with white-washed houses, Imerovigli is your best bet. It is a smaller version of Oia . From this village, you will have stunning views of the Caldera and the Aegean Sea.

The name Imerovigli translates to “day watch,” as it was once a strategic point for spotting approaching pirates. You can hike all the way from Thira to Imerovigli – it is an easy hike with lots of pretty views.

Looking to take a mid-day break from your busy 1 day in Santorini? Look no further than the best places for lunch and coffee. Santorini has some amazing food to offer – sadly it is hard to find.

Most places serve tourist food for tourist prices. Luckily for you, I know all the great, and authentic food spots in Santorini.

My suggestion is to have lunch in Megalochori or Pyrgos as well. If you prefer to be oceanside, begin the drive toward Kamari.

Here are my favorite restaurants for lunch in Santorini (off the beaten paths):

• Penelope’s in Pyrgos (the best tzatziki on the island)
• Pyrgos Restaurant in Pyrgos
• Olio in Megalochori
• Tavern Mythos in Pyrgos
• Taverna Alexander in Kamari
• Mesogaia Restaurant in Kamari

Santorini is famous for its cliffside white-washed architecture and stunning sunsets, but did you know it also has some pretty unique beaches? After a nice lunch it is a great time to drive by some of the stunning beaches on the island.

If you had lunch in Kamari – look no further. Kamari Beach is a black volcanic beach that is super stunning. It has a great boulevard with restaurants, shops, and beach clubs.

Another hidden gem is Red Beach, named for its reddish-black volcanic sands and towering red cliffs. It is hard to reach, so you’ll need to plan this carefully.

Another standout is White Beach , a tiny pebbled paradise accessible only by boat. And for something truly off the beaten path, head to Vlychada Beach . It has eerie lunar-like rock formations.

Snorkel enthusiasts will be happy to hear that Santorini has some of the best snorkeling in the Aegean Sea. Check out Black Beach, Caldera Beach, or Ammoudi Beach and explore the volcanic underwater world of Santorini.

Do you need travel insurance in Santorini? Yes, travel insurance in Santorini is highly recommended. Unsafe roads, water sports accidents, and food poisoning are only a few examples of when travel insurance could come in handy.   EKTA offers worldwide travel insurance  with 24/7 service and no hidden fees or restrictions.

Afternoon: Sightseeing or Wine Tasting

If you are looking for a cultural experience to fill the rest of your one day in Santorini from a cruise ship, then you are in the right spot. Here are some amazing ideas you should put on your Santorini itinerary.

Sadly, you won’t have too much time for all of them, so you’ll have to pick and choose.

My tip: if I had to choose between all these amazing experiences, I would choose a wine-tasting experience.

The Akrotiri Archeological Sites are a must-see when spending one day in Santorini. Located on the southernmost tip of the island, the site is an ancient settlement that dates back to the Minoan civilization. The site has its origins in the Bronze Age (around 2000 BC).

The ruins are believed to have been buried under volcanic ash from the eruption of the volcano under Santorini.

Visiting the Akrotiri Archeological Sites is a unique experience that you should not miss when in Santorini.

The site is open daily, from 8:30 am to 3 pm. The price of admission is EUR 12,00 pp.

Ancient Thira is another ancient settlement located on the southern tip of Santorini. It dates back to the 9th century BC and was believed to be founded by Dorian Greeks.

The ruins are located on a steep hillside. You can see the T emple of Apollo, an agora, a theater, and several other interesting structures.

It is a bit of a hike to reach the ancient structures, but the view from the hilltop is amazing. You can see all the way over Kamari Beach.

Keep in mind that most of the structures are pretty much destroyed, so you will need a lot of imagination. I enjoyed the experience, but I was a bit disappointed in the ruins.

You can drive almost all the way up to the ruins in Ancient Thira. The drive takes approximately one hour from the main port of Fira.

Spending 1 day in Santorini would not be complete without experiencing its great wine culture.

Santorini’s main export product is indeed white wine.

The volcanic soil and unique climate of the island provide ideal conditions for producing white wines. They have a distinctive character, intensity, and complexity. The most popular varietals include Assyrtiko, Athiri, Aidani, and Mandilaria.

All of them are grown in cute little baskets. They keep the plants safe from the winds.

Many different wineries in Santorini offer tastings. I have been to four of them myself and I have loved all of them, even though they were quite different from each other.

I suggest you visit at least one of these wineries when in Santorini:

• Canava Roussous Winery
• Winery Anhydrous
• Hatzidakis Winery
• Santo Wines

If you only have time to visit one of them, I would suggest Santo Wines . Their view of the Caldera is simply to die for.

A catamaran trip is almost a must when on the island. Onboard you can enjoy exquisite local food and drinks, take a dip in the crystal clear waters , and even take some amazing photos of the Caldera.

I can wholeheartedly recommend taking a half-day Catamaran Trip. We had an amazing experience and the crew was super friendly.

We visited Red Beach, and White Beach and saw the sunset over Oia.

If you don’t have enough time for that, book a private boat tour instead. They can bring you back on time for when the ship leaves.

The Santorini Lighthouse is an iconic landmark on the island , providing breathtaking views of the caldera and nearby islands.

Located on the edge of a cliff at Cape Akrotiri , the lighthouse is one of the most photographed spots in Santorini and a popular tourist destination.

It was built in 1895 and it is about 25 meters high . You can drive there with your ATV or rental car and check it out.

Exo Gonia Santorini is a picturesque village located in the heart of Santorini’s caldera, perched on cliffs overlooking the Aegean Sea.

This traditional Cycladic village was one of the few settlements to survive the destruction caused by the Minoan eruption in 1650 BC.

It is quite interesting to see and should be on everyone’s 1 day in Santorini itinerary.

We booked a walking tour with a local guide in a historic village. The guide was super sweet and knowledgeable and he showed us traditional Santorini cave houses.

The residents of Santorini build cave houses due to the island’s unique geology. The volcanic eruption that happened in 1650 BC caused much of the landscape to become infertile and difficult to cultivate, making it difficult to build traditional homes.

Additionally, they needed insulation from the often intense heat in the summer months. Our last hotel was built as a traditional cave house and it was so nice and cool inside.

I recommend this tour wholeheartedly for your one day in Santorini from the cruise ship itinerary. We were a private group of four people and the atmosphere was nice and relaxed and the guide made sure to teach us a lot.

The best places to go shopping in Santorini are the cute towns of Fira and Oia. Fira is the capital of Santorini, and it’s filled with shops, boutiques, and markets selling everything from traditional Greek souvenirs to trendy fashion items.

The streets of Fira also offer numerous jewelry makers, tailors, and local artists.

If you are looking for a sustainable souvenir from local production, I suggest bringing home a bottle of Santorini wine. They also make lovely jams and spreads that make for amazing gifts.

Keep in mind that shopping in Santorini is quite expensive. If you are looking for cheaper souvenirs, check out the smaller shops in Pyrgos and Megalochori instead.

When planning your shore excursion to Santorini, be sure to pack light but bring items that will make your day comfortable and memorable.

For sunny days in Santorini, a good pair of sunglasses, sunscreen, and a large hat are essential items. Don’t forget comfortable sandals (lots of walking and many steps) and lightweight clothing.

The sun is quite strong in Santorini, but you will probably not feel it because of the wind. Use lots of sunscreen , even when it doesn’t feel hot.

Lastly, keep in mind that it is extremely windy in Santorini, so avoid items that easily fly away (such as loose-fitting hats). It can also be a bit chilly, so I suggest a cover-up.

Other items that you should bring on your shore excursion for 1 day in Santorini:

• GoPro (if you go snorkeling)
• Snorkeling Equipment
• Travel Guide

When staying 1 day in Santorini, the best way to get around is by renting a car or hailing a cab . Santorini has only 26 cabs, so you might wait a while.

If you are only in town for a day, a private driver might be a good option. He can bring you to all the hot spots on the island.

For those looking for a more adventurous way to explore Santorini, motorbikes, scooters, and bicycles can also be rented from various rental companies.

The roads are paved and relatively narrow, so it can be tricky to navigate with a car. I found the ATVs to be the best way to get around the island.

Well, it looks like one day in Santorini may not be enough to explore the island and truly experience the beauty of its beaches!

Luckily for you, some of the best things about Santorini can be done during a short cruise stop – from exploring the signature white cliff houses to the stunning beaches of Santorini. And of course, a glass of their Assyrtiko wine must be on your itinerary.

So put on your shades, grab your favorite sun hat, and get ready for an unforgettable day of exploring all that Santorini has to offer. If you wish to learn more about Santorini, make sure to check out my ultimate Santorini island guide with lots of helpful tips.

The best way to see Santorini from the cruise ship is on your own – and this is the full guide on how to do it.

I hope you enjoy your amazing 1 day in Santorini and this guide was helpful!

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Yes, one day is enough to get a small taste of the breathtaking beauty of Santorini, but it is certainly not enough to experience all that the island has to offer. From its unique white cliff houses and stunning beaches to its renowned Assyrtiko wine, countless attractions and activities would keep you busy on a longer stay.

Yes, it is worth spending a day in Santorini! With its timeless views of the caldera, unique whitewashed architecture, and breathtaking sunsets, Santorini is a highly sought-after destination for travelers from all around the globe.

June and September are the best months for a cruise to Santorini. There are fewer crowds than during the main season as it is a bit warmer than in Spring.

Yes, Santorini is a very walkable destination. The main town of Fira is small and car-free, providing an ideal environment for exploring the area on foot. Furthermore, the local streets are lined with beautiful buildings and sweet shops. If you wish to explore further, you need a car or ATV.

Sabrina is a passionate travel blogger and content creator, based in the Netherlands. She spends most parts of the year abroad at various destinations with her husband.

She provides slow-paced itineraries that focus on quality over quantity. Sabrina wants to help her readers to get more out of their travel experiences – while doing less. Read more.

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One Day In Santorini From A Cruise Ship Or Day Trip

Tight on time, and only have 1 day in Santorini? This guide will show you how to see the best of Santorini in one day as hassle free as possible.

How to spend 1 day in Santorini

I'll start this Santorini travel guide with the assumption that you already know just a day in Santorini is probably not enough time.

I'll also assume, a day there (or maybe a little less) is all you have, and so you want to make the most of your time in Santorini.

This guide will show you the best ways to catch some of the highlights of Santorini in one day.

If by some chance though, you came across this guide but want a longer Santorini itinerary, you should check these two articles out:

• Santorini in 2 days
• Santorini 3 day itinerary

Santorini in one day

With that out of the way, I'll move onto my second assumption. And that is you only have time enough to see Santorini in one day because of the following reasons:

• You're arriving into Santorini on a cruise ship
• You're Greek island hopping on a tight schedule
• You're visiting Santorini on an ambitious day trip from Athens

If this is the case, taking an organized tour is probably going to be your best way to see the popular destination of Santorini in 6 or 7 hours. If that sounds like you, take a look at these 3 options:

• Santorini in a Day: Best of Santorini Private Tour (Most Popular)
• Santorini Private Sightseeing Tour (Cruise Passengers meet top of cable car)
• Santorini Private Tour Designed By You (Up to 12 hours)

If you'd prefer to see what you can of Santorini without a tour guide though, put aside a couple of minutes to read the rest of this post.

Let's start by asking a question….

Why do you want to go to Santorini Greece?

Before you plan a trip to Santorini, take some time and ask yourself a couple of questions. Why do I want to go to Santorini? What do I want to do there? Then, ask yourself a few more:

• Do you want to see the blue domed churches and the sunset views?
• Are you interested in a trip to the volcano?
• Were you planning to visit Akrotiri archaeological site and the museums in Santorini?
• Do you want to spend some time on the beach?
• Is it the wineries that mostly caught your attention?

There's obviously not time to do all this with one day in Santorini, so you'll have to narrow it down. There's also another thing to keep in mind…

Expectations vs reality

We’ve said this before, and we’ll say it again – if you can, avoid visiting Santorini in the peak season . Not only are prices higher, but the number of visitors can be almost ridiculous.

Like a few other places in Europe, Santorini has become a bit of a victim of its own success. Things are changing very rapidly in Santorini, so if you were there even a few years ago, do not expect to find the place as you left it.

In peak season, Santorini now receives up to six cruise boats carrying up to 8,000 passengers, on a daily basis. This is on top of the people who visit on ferries from other Greek islands.

Those who stay in hotels and rooms for rent add to the numbers, with a total capacity not far off a whopping 100,000 beds. For an island with a current estimated population of 25,000 people, this is a crazy!

In short, you might have been sold on the idea of Santorini with its beautiful villages, whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches, but nearly 150,000 people have also been sold the same dream, and will be there on the same day you are. Keep this in mind, as it might affect what you decide to see and do with your one day in Santorini.

Best time to visit Santorini

Our conclusion? While the island is definitely worth visiting once in your lifetime, you will have a much better experience if you choose to go during a less busy time of the year. We were there in November, and we absolutely loved it. Another trip we took to Santorini in late September was also very enjoyable.

However, if summer is the only time that you can visit, be prepared for the crowds, and plan ahead.

Take into account that public buses will most likely be full, and that driving around on your own might not be as relaxing as you think, due to traffic, parking restrictions and rules.

If you are coming on a cruise, calculate the time that you need to get off and back on your boat, and allow for possible delays. Finally, don’t have high hopes of island photos, without the crowds. You’ve been warned!

Arriving in Santorini

If you've only got one day in Santorini, where you arrive and depart from is going to be an important factor in planning your itinerary. There are three main access points when arriving in Santorini.

Santorini in one day by cruise boat

Santorini is frequently included in cruise itineraries around the Mediterranean. These cruise ships arrive near the Old Port, just below the town of Fira. Cruise passengers will have less than one day in Santorini, ranging anywhere from 5 to 16 hours.

Boats arrive and depart at several times during the day. Many of them only stay on the island between 16.30 and 21.30, which gives barely enough time to see the famous Oia sunset.

What many cruise passengers don’t realize is that even getting off and back on the boat is likely to take a substantial chunk of time.

As Santorini’s port is not big enough for large ferries, people are generally taken to the island on small tender boats. We have read that passengers who have pre-booked tours in Santorini are given priority to get in the tender boats, but we don’t have our own experience.

Going up from Santorini Old Port to Fira

The tender boats take visitors to the Old Port, from where they can either walk up a few hundred steep steps or take the cable car to Fira town.

As you realize, the queues for the cable car will be quite long, and getting into town might take you a while. There is also the option of a donkey ride, but we definitely do not suggest it.

It's difficult to put an exact time on how long it will take you to get from your cruise ship to Fira in Santorini, but anywhere up to an hour might be realistic. As such, plan your time on the island accordingly.

Santorini Day Trip from Athens

It is technically possible to plan a day trip to Santorini from Athens by choosing well timed flights. These change from year to year, but basically, you'd be looking at the earliest flight to Santorini possible from Athens, and taking the latest one back. Or going on to another destination of course.

Santorini airport is located around 6kms from Oia, and there are various options on how to get from the airport into the town, with the quickest being a pre-booked taxi . I've got a full guide here – How to get from Santorini airport to Oia .

Arriving in Santorini by Ferry

Santorini is connected with Athens and many other Greek islands by a network of ferries. These arrive at either the Old Port, or the New Port, depending on which service you take.

Again, whilst there may be bus services and taxis to use, you might be best pre-booking a taxi in order to cut down on wasted time.

Ok, I'm on Santorini, Now What?!

So, you now know where you'll be arriving into on Santorini, it's time to plan out your day! If you're seriously tight on time, and don't want the hassle of planning everything yourself, a tour is the way to go. You might even want to consider a private driver for the day. This is especially so for people arriving by cruise boat to Santorini.

These are the best tours for people spending just a day in Santorini:

• Best of Santorini Full-Day Private Guided Tour (7.5 hours)
• Private Half-Day Sightseeing Tour of Santorini (5 hours)
• Best of Santorini Experience Private Tour (6 hours)

One Day in Santorini Itinerary

Tours aren't for everyone though. If you prefer to explore Santorini independently, you'll need to cherry pick the ideas that suit you best from the following information.

Getting around Santorini

While taking one of the above tours will be a great addition to your Santorini experience, you might prefer to be more flexible and get around on your own. Transportation will be the main issue here, especially in high season.

There are plenty of inexpensive “KTEL” buses going around the island, costing from 1.80 to 2.50 euro for each ride. Be prepared for queues, and allow enough time, especially if you have a ferry or cruise boat to catch.

Most buses depart from the capital of Santorini, Fira. If you want to visit both Akrotiri and Oia, you will have to take two different buses as there is no direct route. You can find bus schedules here .

Renting a car, quad, moped (or bicycle!) is another option. Take into account that Santorini’s narrow streets can get very busy in summer, so be prepared for traffic jams. If you want a specific type of car, you will definitely need to book in advance. Parking will be another issue, especially in popular places like Oia.

Do not rely on hailing a taxi down the street. The island only has about 40 taxis! If you want to pre-book some form of transportation from the port or the airport, click here .

Things to do in Santorini in a day

With the logistics out of the way, we will now list the best things to do in one day in Santorini, and you can choose according to your preferences.

Best way to see Santorini views in a day

One of our favourite things to do in Santorini was hiking from Fira to Oia . It’s entirely possible to do the hike on your own, but you can also do it as a guided tour if you prefer.

The trail is about 10 kms (just over 6 miles) long and apart from a couple of spots is an easy hike. You should allow at least 3 hours, as you will want to take several photos!

The path passes through some of Santorini’s prettiest and most quaint villages – Firostefani and Imerovigli – and ends at Oia, with the famous sunset. Take a small detour to see the Skaros rock, and if you have several hours wander into the pretty villages.

Hiking from Fira to Oia in Santorini is a great option to absorb the ambience of the island and to admire the wonderful views. In fact, if we went back to Santorini for a day, this is the one activity we would absolutely do again.

Take into account that summer can be very warm, so avoid afternoon hours when the sun is at its hottest. The best time to do the hike is either early in the morning or late in the evening, to coincide with the sunset in Oia.

Make sure you have prearranged your transport back to Fira .

Romantic Santorini in a day – Santorini sunset in Oia

Many cruise boats depart in the afternoon or early evening. However, if your schedule allows for the sunset in Santorini, you are likely to want to get to Oia for that. Although Oia is really beautiful, in our experience the villages close to Fira, such as Firostefani and Imerovigli, are also very picturesque. In fact the Santorini sunset is impressive no matter where you are!

Remember that Oia is very popular and is likely to be quite crowded. If you are after the sunset views, rather than Oia itself, you might actually prefer to spend your evening in a less popular village – or simply somewhere along the hiking trail mentioned above.

As for what to do in Oia, if you are like us, you might find that it’s too crowded for your liking in summer. Our suggestion is to try and find a relatively quiet place to enjoy the views. If you are after the blue domed churches, this is where they are. You can’t miss them – just follow the crowds! Quite frankly, it might be best to visit the village early on in the day, as things will get hectic afterwards because of the numbers people who want to see the sunset.

If you visit Oia in winter, however, you will experience the village at its best. Walk around the cobbled streets, sit for a coffee somewhere, and just enjoy the sunset views.

Best way to see ancient Santorini in a day

If you are interested in ancient history, Santorini has a lot to offer. The most popular ancient site on the island is the ancient site of Akrotiri.

Often compared with Pompeii, this is a site that was buried under lava and ashes, when the Santorini volcano erupted in the 16th century BC. It is possible to get to Aktoriri by bus, rented car or pre-booked taxi, though if you want to learn more about Santorini’s history you can always take a guided tour .

A less famous ancient site on Santorini that is also very interesting, is the site of Ancient Thera (or Thira). This citadel was founded by the Spartans in the 9th century BC, much later than the destruction of Akrotiri, and was named “Thera” after their leader.

Ancient Thira is located at the area of Mesa Vouno, between Kamari and Perissa beaches. You can see many ruins dispersed all around the area, including the ancient Agora, several temples, a theatre, gymnasiums and a cemetery. The site is closed on Tuesdays.

Museums in Santorini

Apart from the ancient sites, you should also visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira. It’s not too big, but it contains superb wall paintings, frescoes, ceramics, jewellery and several other fascinating artefacts, excavated in Akrotiri and nearby Potamos. It covers Santorini’s history up to the Late Cycladic I period. The museum is closed on Tuesdays.

Another great museum in Fira is the Archaeological Museum of Thera. Its collections include artefacts from the Roman and Hellenistic Periods. The museum is closed on Mondays.

Visiting all of these will be a history overload for most people, but if you have a special interest in Greek history you can easily visit all of them in one day. Note that Ancient Thera and the museums close around 15.00-16.00, depending on season.

Finally, a museum that has just opened earlier in 2019 is the Lost Atlantis Museum in Megalochori. Santorini is said to be one of the possible locations of the lost Atlantis, and this interactive museum promises to explain the history of this mythical land. We have no opinion of our own, but we’d be curious to visit when we return to Santorini. 

Visit the Santorini volcano

While exploring the Santorini volcano isn’t on everyone’s list, we enjoyed it a lot when we visited. The black-gray sand is quite unique, and the landscape is otherworldly. If you are into weird landscapes by all means go, just make sure you have a hat, water and sunblock.

We’ll be honest though – we probably wouldn’t have enjoyed hiking there on a hot day, as the dark sand gets incredibly hot. If you are visiting in peak season think carefully about the high temperatures and decide for yourself.

If you are interested in boat tours in Santorini, this article will help – Santorini Boat Tours .

Santorini in one day – The beaches

Our biased opinion – Santorini beaches are far from the best beaches in Greece. They are definitely quite photogenic, especially the Red Beach , but our advice is to not really bother with the beaches in Santorini, especially if you are going to other islands in Greece.

At the same time, there is no denying that many visitors enjoy the long stretch of black pebbles to the east side of the island. Kamari, Perissa and Perivolos beaches are quite popular, and you might want to include them in your one day Santorini itinerary. If you do, let us know what you thought!

A less frequented beach is the small beach at Ammoudi, just under Oia village. You can easily walk down from Oia, and also have a meal at Dimitris taverna.

Santorini for wine lovers

Apart from the views, the incredible sunsets, the volcano and the ancient sites, Santorini is also famous for its wine. Its unique volcanic soil allows for distinctive types of grapes to grow in the area, and the varieties of wine produced cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

There are many wineries in Santorini that you can visit. Some famous names are Kanava Roussos, Kasteli, Argyros, Sigalas, Boutaris, Koutsogiannopoulos, Gavalas, Santo Wines, Gaia, Art Space and Venetsanos, to name a few.

As the wineries in Santorini are dispersed around the island, you will need to have your own transportation, and a designated driver. However, the best way to visit the wineries in Santorini is to take a dedicated wine tasting tour , where you will be able to learn more about the wine making process and enjoy local delicacies to match each wine.

It is also possible to combine a winery tour with other places of interest, according to your preferences.

Santorini for foodies in a day

Apart from its unique wines, Santorini also has several local products and dishes worth tasting. If you want a more authentic experience away from the tourist crowds, you can consider taking a private tour revolving around traditional products, cooking and wine.

Get to know the famous Santorini fava (yellow split peas), tomatoes and other delicacies, and attend a cooking class in an original farm.

What to do in Santorini in one day

We hope that all of the above has helped you plan what to do in Santorini in one day. As you can see, there are many choices for things to do, and it all depends on what you like, as well as the time of year, to a certain extent.

To summarize – If you are coming to Santorini in summer, it might be best to arrange a private tour. This way you won’t have to deal with the hassle of transportation and parking, and you will definitely see more of the island as your guide will know where to take you. Even if you never take tours, this might be one occasion where it’s necessary, to make the most of your limited time.

If you are coming to Santorini during the off-peak months, it will be easier to explore the island on your own if you prefer. If you want to visit multiple places, you can rent a car and drive around. However, another great suggestion is to do the hike from Fira to Oia, and take in the views. If you want, you can add in a wine tasting tour, and enjoy the famous Santorini wines. The choice is yours!

One day in Santorini – Your experience

Have you ever been to Santorini for a day? What was your experience? Let us know in the comments!

FAQ About Visiting Santorini for One Day

Readers planning a first trip to Santorini and only have a day to explore the island often ask questions similar to:

Is 1 day enough for Santorini?

You can see a lot of the highlights of Santorini in one day if you plan out your itinerary well, but two or three days is really needed to explore and appreciate the whole island.

Is it worth going to Santorini for a day?

If one day is all you have to spend on Santorini, it is definitely worth it. Make sure to put time aside to get photos of those famous blue domed churches, the picturesque village of Oia, and of course the amazing views of the sunset!

Can you travel around Santorini in a day?

You can travel around the entire island in a day if you have a rental car or are taking an organized tour. It is more complicated and impractical to travel around Santorini in a day on the buses, and a taxi for the day would be very expensive.

How much time do you need in Santorini?

The ideal amount of time to spend in Santorini would be two or three days. This would allow time to see its many attractions such as the archaeological site of Akrotiri, the traditional villages, Santorini's wineries and more.

What are the significant attractions in Santorini?

Visitors should aim to plan a Santorini itinerary around some or all of the most important attractions on the island which include: Fira, Oia, the Caldera, Akrotíri Archaeological Site, Red Beach, Wineries, Pyrgos, black sand beach at Perissa, Ammoudi Bay, and of course the world-renowned sunset.

14 thoughts on “One Day In Santorini From A Cruise Ship Or Day Trip”

Is it feasible to bike along the trail to Oia from Fira?

Hi Scott, No it’s not possible to cycle along the Fira to Oia trail in Santorini. There are sections where there are steps, and also in both towns many visitors which makes cycling on the paths there impossible.

For a solo traveler in Santorini, arriving by ferry 3pm day 1 and departing by ferry 3pm on day 2, what sightseeing do you recommend and how to go about it? Best way to go around in the island. Most group sightseeing require at least 2 people, is the problem I’m encountering trying to book a short group tour. My hotel is in Fira. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

So, Fira is definitely the best place to stay in Santorini for one night. The problem you have with the tour of Santorini, is you arrival and departure time – most tours start in the morning and finish late afternoon. I would suggest on the first afternoon to take a bus or taxis to Oia for sightseeing and sunset. The next morning, spend exploring Fira. ]I don’t think you’d have a lot of extra time for much more, unless you took a private half day tour .

I have heard horror stories of passengers waiting for an hour or more for the cable car up to Fira. This is because they line up to buy tickets and then line up to get on the cable car. Can the tickets be bought in advance, on line, to save one line? I have been unable to find any website to do this. Your info would be appreciated. Thanks. Raj

Hi, No the tickets can’t be bought in advance. Depending on how many people are ashore from the cruise ship, the wait for the Santorini cable car can be up to an hour. If you are able to, walking up to Fira from where the cruise ship leaves you might be quicker – it takes about 20 minutes with stops on the way for photos.

We will be on a cruise in late July and will have a partial day in Santorini. I was wondering how far the Cable Car entrance is from the cruise ship dock. Do you have directions? The tour we were looking at has already filled up — but would like to take my grandson on the cable car ride. Thanks for any information you can give me

Hi Beverly,

Passengers are taken to Santorini shores by tender boats from the cruise ship. Most tender boats go to the old port, which is where the cable car is (the cable car is really only for cruise ship passengers). It’s best to check with your cruise company to see where you will be left in Santorini. If you use the cable car, you will arrive in Fira town. If you are only in Santorini for a few hours, you can find some things to do here, and enjoy the views. Fira isn’t as pretty as Oia, but there’s still places to be explored for good photos.

Will you miss the Santorini subset with an 8pm cruise departure on a early September cruise.

Sunset in Santorini in September is normally around 19.30 ish. The colors in the sky some 10-1 minutes after that. If your boat leaves at 20.00 you might be better off planning to see the sunset from the boat.

Suggestions please for best way to get group of 8 people from Oia sunset back to cruise ship… Also – approx how long would that journey take?

Hi, Probably pre-booking is the best options with: Welcome Taxis I believe it will allocate a mini-van to you rather than two taxis. You can take a look at their site, and send them a message if unsure. You’ll need your cruise details of departure time and where it will depart from.

very informative, thanks dave… we are going to be there in mid july from 1pm to 10 pm on a cruise. i know, not ideal but i’m a teacher…. if we want to go to the beach then oia for example, do we still need to mess with the cable car? or can we be picked up where the tender disembarks?

what beach is a good bet not too far away from port but not overrun with tourists?

do you have a good itinerary to share?

thanks a lot best julie NY

Hi Julie, If I’m to be honest, I wouldn’t recommend spending time on the beaches in Santorini if you have just 9 hours or so. The beaches in Santorini are not very good (in my opinion), and no one really goes to Santorini for a beach holiday. If you have other islands on your cruise they might be better for beaches (depending on which islands!) Your tender will either take you from the cruise ship to the cable car (but you an walk -about 15/ 20minutes if you don’t want to wait) or perhaps to Ammoudi. You’d need to check. For Santorini for this amount of time I’d probably say to spend a couple of hours in Fira, then bus or taxi to Oia. Sightseeing Oia. Sunset in Oia and then bus/taxi back to Fira. Food and then get to where you need to be for your return to the ship.

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One day in stockholm from a cruise ship: an itinerary that works.

Are you spending one day in Stockholm on a cruise and are wondering what to see? As the so-called Venice of the North has a rich history and countless cultural treasures, you’ll need to make some tough choices.

I faced the same challenge and compiled a Stockholm 1-day itinerary to make the most of my time ashore. In this article, I’ll share this with you along with essential practical tips, including how to get from the cruise terminal.

Some articles on this website contain affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases . Read the full disclosure here .

IN THIS ARTICLE

How I Visited Stockholm on a Cruise

Stockholm was the 6th port of call on my 2-week cruise along the Baltic Sea :

• Cruise operator :  Celebrity Cruises
• Cruise ship : Celebrity Silhouette
• Time in port : 8 am – 5 pm

Cruising to Stockholm is worth it solely for the sensational approach.

A steady hand from the captain is needed as, over three hours, the ship navigates the archipelago of 24,000 islands that stretch 80 km east of the city. It’s worth setting your alarm clock to sit on your balcony to take in the view, a mixture of barren rocks circled by seabirds and islets populated by brightly painted wooden summer homes.

Language  – Swedish. English is widely spoken.

Currency  – Swedish Krone (SEK). However, cards are widely accepted, even as payment for small purchases such as a cup of coffee. Therefore, I did not bother getting local currency and used my card instead.

Tipping  – A gratuity is often added to your bill. However, if a service charge is not included in your bill, a 5 – 10% tip is customary.

Stockholm is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Fill your face at breakfast on the cruise ship before setting out for the day.

Getting around Stockholm  – Stockholm has an excellent integrated public transport system. Many of the main tourist sights are clustered around Gamla Stan.

A 1-day Stockholm Itinerary: Self-Guided Walking Tour + Map)

I’ll level with you You won’t be able to see all of Stockholm in a day. However, this itinerary will help you seek out the best bits during your limited time ashore.

Here’s a map with a suggested route to set you on your way. If you find it easier, you can use it as a Stockholm self-guided walking tour . Simply click here or on the image for an interactive map and walking directions between the stops.

This Stockholm itinerary starts at the Abba Museum and ends at the Royal Palace , covering a total distance of 3 miles (5 km). However, if you want to save time, or give your feet a rest, you can take a tram between Djurgården and Kungsträdgården.

Visit the Abba Museum

Mama Mia! Spend your morning in Stockholm by reliving the Swedish fab foursome’s glory days through this fun and interactive museum.

The first part of the  Abba Museum , dedicated to the  Mama Mia films , is a little underwhelming. Here you will find props from the films, costumes and testimonies from the cast.

Descending to the  main exhibition , you get the real deal.

Learn about Agnetha, Björn, Benny and Anni-Frid’s professional lives before they became an acronym of the first letters of their first names. Watch Abba winning the 1974 Eurovision Song Concert with  Waterloo.

A vast collection of their extraordinary costumes is on display in the museum, as are some of their many gold and platinum discs and album covers from across the globe.

If you are a film buff, you will love the interview with the renowned Swedish director  Lasse Hallström . Before achieving international acclaim with movies such as  My Life as a Dog  and  The Cider House Rules , he cut his teeth directing almost all of Abba’s videos as well as  Abba: The Movie  in 1977.

Abba was one of the pioneers of pop videos. Despite a small budget, Hallström put together compelling, and iconic, videos.

The Abba Museum is tremendously interactive.

You can become the fifth member of Abba by performing on stage with Agnetha, Björn, Benny and Anni-Frid, virtually try on their costumes and re-mix their tracks. By scanning your ticket on the adjacent scanner, your visit will be saved for 30 days.

• The Abba Museum is at Djurgårdsvägen 68
• To get to the Abba Museum from Frihamnen cruise terminal, take bus #76 to Djergården from where it is a 10-minute walk.
• The museum is also served by hop-on-hop-off buses.
• The Abba Museum is cashless; only cards are accepted. Small lockers and a cloakroom are available (free).
• To beat the crowds, visit the Abba Museum early in your day in Stockholm

Explore Djurgården

The Abba Museum is located on the royal island of  Djurgården , which is well worth exploring further if time permits. It is home to the expansive  Kungliga  Park, which occupies the eastern half of the island.

Alternatively, pay a visit to  Skansen . This is the world’s oldest open-air museum and showcases how Swedish people lived before the Industrial Revolution.

Skansen is also the world’s only open-air museum with wild animals and is home to Nordic wildlife, rare breeds, pets and exotic creatures.

If the weather is not kind to you on the day of your Stockholm cruise stop, I recommend the  Vasa Museum . Named after its chief occupant, a 17th-century ship that capsized and sank in Stockholm, this is the most visited museum in Scandinavia.

When you have finished exploring Djurgården, walk or take the tram #7 light rail to Kungsträdgården.

Watch life go by in Kungsträdgården

In fine weather, the lovely Kungsträdgården is the perfect spot for a picnic lunch. Alternatively, refuel in one of its cafes.

Originally the kitchen garden for the Royal Palace, this pretty, narrow garden is home to the impressive Fountain of Molin, cast in bronze and surrounded by willow trees from the 19th Century. In springtime, Kungsträdgården is a riot of colour thanks to the 63 Japanese cherry blossom trees planted there in 1998.

Walk around Gamla Stan (Stockholm Old Town)

If you have just one day in Stockholm, you should not miss Gamla Stan. It was the most alluring historic city centre that I visited on this cruise, even beating the gorgeous  Tallinn .

The best thing that you can do is to allow yourself to get lost in the old town’s tangle of narrow, cobblestoned streets. My suggestion is to make your way first to Stortorget, Gamla Stan’s oldest square.

Stortorget has been the beating heart of Gamla Stan since the Middle Ages and is where the 1520 Stockholm Bloodbath – the mass execution of Swedish nobles by the Danish king Christan II –  took place. Today, it is an achingly picturesque cobblestoned square that is flanked by beautiful ochre-coloured patrician houses.

When you have finished admiring Gamla Stan just go wherever your feet take you. Keep your eyes peeled for Mårten Trotzigs Gränd , Stockholm’s narrowest lane.

Vist the Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet)

I didn’t have time to take a tour of Sweden’s baroque Royal Palace but did enjoy admiring it from the outside.

If you want to switch things around a bit in your Stockholm itinerary, the changing of the guards takes place daily at 11.45 am in the outer courtyard. You do not need a ticket for the royal palace to watch it.

Check out the official  website  for further information.

Recommended tours of Stockholm

With a little planning, it’s easy to independently see the best that Stockholm has to offer in one day from a cruise ship. But perhaps you want someone else to take care of the arrangements or you want to benefit from the knowledge of a local guide?

If so, why not pre-book a day tour? Other travellers have highly rated these excursions and you can cancel your booking without penalty up to 24 hours before the start of the activity.

Stockholm Old Town Walking Tour – a 90-minute walking tour of Gamla Stan

>>> CLICK HERE TO BOOK

Private Tour of Stockholm with a Local – if you prefer a more personalised experience

Stockholm Sightseeing Tour by Segway – enjoy a 2-hour tour of Stockholm on a Segway

How to Get to Central Stockholm from the Frihamnen Cruise Terminal

Stockholm has two major cruise terminals:  Frihamnen  and the more central  Stadsgården . Some ships may also park up at  Nynashamn , 36 miles south of Stockholm, and smaller ones may dock at  Skeppsbron  right in the centre of town.

Celebrity Silhouette berthed at Frihamnen.

Option 1: Walk from Frihamnen to Gamla Stan

It will take you around an hour to walk from Frihamnen to Gamla Stan. Unless you want to walk off some of those extra calories consumed onboard, this is probably not a feasible option.

Option 2: Use Stockholm’s public transport

Pick up the frequent bus #76 from outside the cruise terminal. This will bring you to Djurgården in 10 minutes (handy for the museums including the Abba Museum) and Gamla Stan in 15 – 20 minutes.

I recommend buying a day ticket to get the best out of your time in Stockholm which I bought from the shop in the cruise terminal. Note that this is NOT the tourist visitor card Stockholm Pass which also grants you access to museums, sights, attractions and boat trips.

Here is useful information on  travel within Stockholm .

Option 3: Use the Cruise Shuttle Service

When I visited Stockholm on a cruise, a local tour operator provided a shuttle service, running every 20 minutes.

Option 4: Use the hop-on-hop-off buses

Yes. Ubiquitous hop-on-hop-off (HOHO) buses are available.

They come in two different favours.

Red Sightseeing buses

These open-top double-decker buses serve 22 stops. The duration of the entire route is 1.5 hours and buses are timetabled to arrive every 10 – 20 mins in peak season.

Green HOHO buses and boat

If you want to explore Stockholm by bus and boat, this is your best bet.

Their open-top double-decker buses serve 20 stops. The duration of the entire route is 60 minutes and the frequency of buses depends on the month of the year.

Is the Go Stockholm Pass Worth Buying?

The  Go Stockholm Pass  gives you free entry to over 50 of the city’s attractions, free bus and boat tours and a guidebook thrown in for good measure.

During my day in Stockholm, I knew that I wanted to visit the Abba Museum, which is not covered by the Stockholm Pass, and walk around the Old Town, for which I wouldn’t need admission to any of the city’s attractions. Therefore, it would not have been of value to me.

However, depending on what you plan to do in Stockholm, you might arrive at a different conclusion. Think about where you might be able to visit and how much individual tickets and transport will cost compared with the cost of the Stockholm Pass.

Have a fabulous time in Stockholm!

I loved my day in Stockholm and was utterly seduced by its setting and its medieval old town. With its Baltic Sea archipelago, Stockholm boasts the most spectacular approach of any port that I have visited on a cruise, from the Western Caribbean to Norway’s fjords .

Although one day in Stockholm isn’t enough to it justice, don’t let this deter you from making the most of your visit. Whilst you will need to accept that you can’t do it all, it is possible to explore much of Stockholm before your cruise ship sets sail.

Packing a good guidebook to allow you to explore the ports of call on a Baltic Sea cruise independently is a wise move. I can recommend the excellent  Lonely Planet Cruise Ports Scandinavia & Northern Europe  that I used on this cruise.

If you have found this itinerary helpful, take a look at my guides to the other ports of call on this cruise:

• One Day in Rostock & Warnemünde, Germany: A Perfect DIY Cruise Excursion
• Visiting St. Petersburg on a Cruise Ship: The Ultimate Guide
• One Day in Tallinn: A Cruise to Estonia
• One Day in Helsinki from a Cruise: A Walking Tour
• One Day in Copenhagen: 6 Best Things to Do On a Cruise Stop

Finally, if you are a cruise rookie, I also have advice on  choosing your first cruise  and  the best cruise cabins , including  single cabins  for  solo cruisers .

Happy travels!

About Bridget

Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.

Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.

To get in touch, email her at [email protected] or follow her on social media.

6 Best 1 Day Cruise From Miami To Bahamas

By Rosalie Babbington On 24 July 2023 10:49 AM

1 day cruise From Miami to Bahamas offers the best water experiences to the guests. Bimini Day Cruise is the best day cruise to Bahamas and cost $129.

A Bahamas day cruise from Miami provides the best break experiences with plenty of fast ferry options. The Bahamas is the perfect spontaneous getaway which requires a little planning.

Taking a day-long trip to an international paradise has never been easier than grabbing a fast ferry from Miami to the Bahamas. A day trip to the Bahamas is like a bite-sized vacation for those that don’t have time for a break.

A one-day cruise to the Bahamas is becoming popular over the traditional week-long cruise ship vacation. We have researched all possibilities to make it easier for you to go to the Bahamas.

Here is the list of the top 6 best 1 Day Cruise From Miami To Bahamas , that offer the top options for who offers the best one-day cruise to the Bahamas.

1. Bimini Day Cruise

Bimini Day Cruise offers a one day cruise to Bahamas from Miami. The cruise ride takes about 2 hours and is 57 miles from the departure.

Guest can take any means of transportation from Miami to Port Everglades cruise port in Fort Lauderdale . It is just a 33 minutes ride to reach the Everglades cruise port.

1 day cruises from Miami crosses the strong Gulf Streme with the best comfortable journey, weighing 32,000 gross tons. The service staff makes you feel like a VIP.

Relax on the white sand beaches and clam blue-green water and enjoy fishing in Bimini. The place also offers affordable kayaks, stand-up paddle boating, snorkeling gear, and bicycle ride for just $2 per hour.

Guests can also explore the Historic Alice Town, with shops featuring island favorites and the Martin Luther King Memorial in Mangrove Park. The place also offers a greater dining experience.

• Contact: +1 954-969-0069
• Price: $129 on Biminidaycruise
• The cruise can fit up to 600 passengers
• Sails on: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
• One carry-on luggage is free, while the cruise charge $35 for each other extra baggage.
• Leaves from Port Everglades at 9 am
• Arrive at Bimini at 11 am and spend about 7 hours in Bimini
• Departure from Bimihin at 6:30 pm
• Arrive at the Port Everglades at about 8:30 pm

2. Bahamas Day Cruise With Transportation

Discover the unparalleled beauty of the Bahamas and be back in Florida on a round-trip day cruise to Bimini. The fast ferry from Fort Lauderdale maximizes your time on the island.

You also enjoy a complimentary day pass at Hilton Resorts World Bimini, which provides access to the beach club and outdoor facilities.

The one day cruise to Bahamas offers the best sightseeing and exploration of the Caribbean tropical Island. You can reach the Bahamas in 2 hours with the high-speed ferry cruise.

Apart from that, you can also enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and having the best drinks and entertainment in the Bahamas. Other optional water activities include shipwrecking, jet skiing, and parasailing.

Spend the afternoon (about 6 hours) on the island and have time to relax on the beach, partake in water sports, ride around the island in a golf cart, or try the local restaurants and shops. In the afternoon, the ferry cruise will take you back to Florida.

• Contact: +1 702-648-5873
• Price: $279 on GetYourGuide
• The cruise can fit up to 400 passengers
• Sails on: Every 2 day
• Duration: 17 hours
• It offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a full refund
• Pickups from hotels in the Miami Beach and Downtown Miami areas from 5.10 am to 6.40 am
• Departure point: Port Everglades check-in at 7 am
• Returns to original departure point after 17 hours ride to Bimini

What's Included:

• Port Fees & Taxes
• Roundtrip Hotel Transfer from Selected Miami Hotels to Port Everglades
• Roundtrip Economy or Economy Premium Class Ferry to Bimini, Bahamas
• Fuel surcharge

3. Balearia Fast Ferry

Balearia Caribbean provides a fast ferry service between Fort Lauderdale in Florida and Freeport on Grand Bahama Island, the Bahamas. It is also previously known as Bahamas Express.

1 day cruise to the Bahamas from Florida leaves from Port Everglades, a 30-minute drive from Miami. It runs several days a week with the arrival ports in Bimini or Grand Bahama Island.

1 day cruise to the Bahamas offers a variety of cultural experiences and natural wonders. The island is ideal for everything from kayaking and dolphin experiences to jeep safari and bike tours.

The travel time to Bimini is approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, while the trip to the Grand Bahamas takes 3.5 hours on average. Both options will give you between 5 and 7 hours on the island. 

This operation offers a day pass add-on to the ticket for two all-inclusive resorts on Bimini. Both offer full pool access, a beachfront for lounging, and many restaurants and bars. 

• Contact: +1 866-699-6988
• Price: Starts from $86.50 on Baleriacaribbean
• Enjoy traveling onboard with your best furry friend [ pet allowed]
• The cruise can hold over 600 passengers and 130 vehicles
• It is non-refundable. However, date changes are permitted if requested at least 24 hours before departure

Itinerary: 

• The Baleanerias leave Port Everglades at 9 am, with check-in from 6 to 7:50 am
• The boat arrives on Grand Bahama Island at 11 am (same day)
• Departure from Grand Bahama Island is at 6:30 pm, with check-in ending at 5 pm
• Arrive back at Port Everglades at 9:30 pm (same day)

4. Gary Line Miami

Gary Line Miami is the best Bahama cruise from Miami . The travel time to Bimini Island is between 2 to 2.5 hours.

It offers a variety of land and sea tours and, if necessary, transfers between airports or hotels. The sleek, cutting-edge, and comfortable ferry lets you get to the Bimini Islands. There is a full bar and a selection of snacks on board.

A day pass, taxes, port fees, a round-trip ticket, and transfers to and from The Hilton at Resort World Bimini are all included in the Gray Line ticket price. Take a relaxing and up-to-date ferry to Bimini, explore the island, and learn about the Bahamas.

Additionally, you can discover the profound wonders of the island's pristine beaches, Caribbean cuisine, and culture. You can try a variety of water sports , including parasailing, jet-skiing, and more.

Traveling to Bimini, only 110 miles from Florida's southern coast, is the perfect way to escape the tropics. Most of these well-liked beaches are on the western side of North Bimini. The Resorts World beach offers a fun, casual menu and frozen drinks if you want to party.

• Contact: +1 877-643 1258
• Price: $239 on GrayLineMiami
• This tour is wheelchair accessible 
• The tour is not available for infants below 6 months
• This tour can be canceled up to 48hs prior to arrival
• Departs at 9 am with check-in at 7 am
• Boars arrives in Bimini at 11 am
• Departs from Bimi at 6 pm with check-in ending one hours before departure
• Arrive at Port Everglades between 8 to 9:30 pm

5. Bimini Day Trip

Enjoy the free hassle day to Bhamas with 6 hours of free time on Island and plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful beaches or indulge in water activities.

On one day cruise from Miami , indoor and outdoor decks let you take in the ocean views and wildlife. The boat also has a cafeteria and a bar, so you can grab a bite or drink on your journey.

Guests can relax on Bimini's warm turquoise waters and white sand beaches. You can also discover optional water activities like swimming with dolphins, snorkeling, and more.

Optional activities are available for purchase at the concierge desk. These include shipwreck, jet skiing, swimming with stingrays, parasailing, renting a golf cart, and getting a beach day pass.

It is the simplest way to see the Bahamas in a single day because you will return around sunset and be driven back to your morning pickup location.

• Contact: +1 305-397-8170
• Price: $229 for adults on Biminidaytrip
• Infants under 6 months old are not permitted on this tour
• Free cancellation with full refund before 24 hours of service
• Sail on: Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday
• Hotel pickup between 5:40 am to 6 am
• Departs from Port Everglades around 9 am
• 2-hour ride and arrive at Bimini Island
• Leaving Bimini at 7 am
• Ferry at Port Everglades around 9 pm- 9:30 p.m

What's included:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off service from South Beach, Miami Beach, Surfside, Bal Harbour, and Sunny Island.
• A full round-trip speed ferry from Miami to Bimini Island

6. One day Bahamas Caribbean Cruise

A ferry to Bahamas from Miami provides the opportunity to enjoy everything in one fun-filled day. Cruises are also the best and most economical way to travel to Freeport Grand Bahamas.

On your cruise to Grand Bahama and return, you can take advantage of a brand-new all-you-can-eat brunch buffet available until noon. Additionally, there are many leisure pursuits, live performances, and a casino in the Las Vegas style onboard.

On 1 day cruise to Bahamas from Florida , you can shop for duty-free items, including some of the most prestigious jewelry, fashion, crystal, and silver brands. Local crafts and art are also available.

Visitors will find your selection of restaurants stimulating, from the most upscale gourmet dining to local restaurants serving fresh fish. Grand Bahama Island has many attractions, such as a casino, dolphin swimming, and lively nightlife.

Discover an entire island's worth of natural wonders, including three national parks, one of the largest underwater cave systems in the world, beautiful beaches with clear waters, and tucked-away small towns.

• Contact: +1 945-969-0069
• Price $99 on 2DayCruise
• Leaves from Fort Lauderdale at 9 am
• Arrives at the Freeport Grand Bahama at 12 pm
• Leaves the freeport at 6 am after 6 hours of island tour
• Reach to Fort Lauderdale at 9 am

Where is Miami cruise port?

Miami cruise Port is located east of downtown Miami across from Miami's Soaring skyline and south of scenic Biscayne Bay.

Is Miami port open?

Yes, Miami port is open. It is accessible for both business and individual propose.

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One day in Santorini from cruise ship: Top things to do and see during your shore excursion

• Is it possible to visit Santorini in one day?

Discover the picturesque beauty of Oia

Explore the vibrant streets of fira, immerse in the local culture in pyrgos, visit other villages that stand out for their beauty, visit amazing santorini beaches and the volcanic hot springs, visit the famous blue-domed churches, explore the ancient ruins of akrotiri, discover the volcanic landscapes of the caldera, sample local cuisine and traditional delicacies, explore the island’s markets and shops for souvenirs.

• Learn about Santorini’s wine heritage

Experience traditional Greek music and dance performances

How do i plan a day in santorini, how to get around santorini in a day, how long is the cable car ride in santorini, can you walk from the port in santorini.

• Make the most of your one day in Santorini

Embark on an unforgettable adventure during your one day in Santorini from a cruise ship. The stunning Greek island beckons with its captivating beauty and myriad of experiences. With limited time at hand, it is essential to plan your itinerary wisely to make the most of every moment.

From exploring enthralling villages perched on cliffs to engaging in the rich culture and savoring local delicacies, Santorini offers a treasure trove of delights. Get ready to soak up the breathtaking vistas, wander through charming streets, and create lifelong memories during your brief but exhilarating visit to this picturesque island.

It is, but it requires careful planning. While Santorini is renowned for its beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture, the restricted time frame presents a challenge to explore everything the island has to offer. However, with a well-structured itinerary, you can make the most of your brief visit and experience the essence of Santorini.

Our most important tip is to prioritize the top attractions and activities based on your interests. Santorini offers a range of experiences, from exploring picturesque villages to immersing in the island’s rich history at archaeological sites such as Akrotiri.

While it may not be possible to see everything in one day, focusing on a few key highlights will allow you to soak in its beauty and create lasting memories. With proper planning and flexibility, your one day in Santorini from a cruise ship can be a fulfilling experience.

• Exploring enchanting villages in Santorini

During your one day in Santorini from a cruise ship, make sure to explore the island’s captivating villages, each offering its own unique charm and cultural experiences. Here are some must-visit places to consider:

Oia is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets and whitewashed buildings perched on the cliffs. Wander through its narrow streets, shop at boutique stores, and capture impressive views of the Aegean Sea. Don’t miss the chance to witness the mesmerizing sunset from the Oia Castle.

As the capital of Santorini, Fira offers a lively atmosphere with a mix of traditional and modern elements. Explore its bustling streets lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Take a cable car ride or descend the steps to the old port for panoramic caldera views. Visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera to learn about the island’s ancient history.

Pyrgos is a traditional village perched on the highest point of Santorini. Discover its narrow alleys, Cycladic architecture, and blue-domed churches. Climb up to the Pyrgos Castle for a sea view as far as your eyes can see and get to know the authentic local culture.

If time allows, consider visiting Imerovigli and Megalochori. Imerovigli offers outstanding views of the caldera and the volcano, while Megalochori is known for its beautiful architecture, charming squares, and vineyards. With a Private Santorini day tour , you can pay a visit to the scenic villages without wasting time making your itinerary.

• More things to do in Santorini in one day

In addition to exploring the above villages, your one day in Santorini from a cruise ship should include its iconic landmarks. Here are the must-see attractions that showcase the island’s unique beauty and rich history:

One of the best ways to make the most of your day trip is to opt for a cruise, which is ideal if you wish to see enough sights within a few hours. By booking a Santorini day cruise or a Santorini Catamaran tour , you can benefit from a thorough itinerary that covers some of the island’s most renowned attractions. 

Providing a seamless experience, such tours take you to iconic beaches while offering opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the island’s beauty from the water. 

No visit to Santorini is complete without seeing the celebrated Santorini blue domes . Head to the village of Oia or Fira to witness these picturesque structures that have become symbols of the island. Marvel at their stunning architecture and capture memorable photos against the backdrop of the Aegean Sea.

Step back in time by exploring the ancient ruins of Akrotiri. The well-preserved archaeological site offers a glimpse into the Minoan civilization that thrived thousands of years ago. Wander through the excavated streets, admire the intricate frescoes, and learn about the fascinating history of this ancient settlement.

The Santorini caldera is a geological wonder and a sight to behold. Take in the dramatic volcanic landscapes, steep cliffs, and the azure waters of the Aegean Sea. Enjoy panoramic views from viewpoints such as Skaros Rock, Prophet Elias Monastery, or the Santo Wines Winery.

Experiencing Santorini’s unique culture 

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Santorini during your one-day visit by exploring its culinary delights, local markets, and traditional performances. Here are some experiences that will give you a good taste of the local way of life:

Indulge in the flavors of Santorini by savoring the Greek cuisine and its heavenly delights. Taste the famous tomato keftedes, fava dip, and freshly caught seafood dishes. Join a private Santorini cooking class and learn how to prepare your own delicious meals.

Stroll through the bustling markets and charming shops of Santorini to find unique souvenirs and keepsakes. Uncover handmade crafts, local artwork, jewelry, and traditional products. Take a piece of Santorini’s culture home with you and support local artisans and businesses.

Learn about Santorini’s wine heritage

Santorini is renowned for its wine production, so a private Santorini wine tasting tour is a not-to-be-missed experience. Visit local wineries and vineyards to learn about the island’s wine tradition. Savor the distinct flavors of Santorini’s volcanic terroir and gain insights into the winemaking process. Don’t miss the opportunity to try a unique local wine named Assyrtiko, known for its crisp and refreshing taste.

Lose yourself in the sounds and rhythms of Greek music. Enjoy live performances showcasing the vibrant culture of the island. From lively bouzouki music to energetic syrtaki dances, these performances will transport you to the heart of Greek traditions.

• FAQ about one day in Santorini from cruise ship

To plan a day in Santorini, start by identifying your top priorities and must-visit attractions. Create a flexible itinerary that allows for sufficient time at each location. Consider booking from Tailor-Made Santorini Private Tours to maximize your experience and ensure a well-organized exploration based on your own preferences.

Getting around Santorini in a day can be efficiently done through various means of transportation. Santorini day tours are a convenient option, as they provide transportation and a pre-planned itinerary. Additionally, taxis, buses, and rental vehicles are available for independent exploration.

The cable car ride in Santorini from the port of Athinios to Fira typically takes about 3 minutes. It offers a quick and scenic ascent, providing breathtaking views of the caldera and the Aegean Sea.

While it is technically possible to walk from the port of Gialos to nearby destinations, such as Fira, it is not recommended due to the steep incline and limited time during a one-day visit. Opting for alternative transportation options like the cable car or through Santorini tours is more convenient and time-efficient.

One day in Santorini from a cruise ship offers a glimpse into its enchanting beauty and rich culture. With planning and prioritization, you can make the most of your limited time. Consider booking one of the many available Santorini day tours for a well-organized itinerary so you can embrace the charm of Santorini and create lasting memories.

• Experiencing Santorini’s unique culture 

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One day in Tenerife - Advice & Itinerary for Cruise Passengers

Tenerife is a great place to visit, even if you're only stopping over for a day during your cruise. As the most visited island in the archipelago, Tenerife offers plenty of activities for everybody and after your short visit, you will definitely want to come back to spend more time here.

One day itinerary in Tenerife for cruise passengers

1. one day in santa cruz de tenerife, 2. one day in san cristobal de la laguna, 3. go on an island tour and see the magnificent mount teide, our advice for cruise passengers stopping in tenerife , one day in tenerife from gran canaria.

Tenerife is also the largest Canary Island and in consequence, it is impossible to visit the entire island in just a day. You can opt for an island tour and go to see the highlights of the island, but there's so much to see and do in Tenerife , that you could stay here for a few months and still find new places to explore. 

If you're visiting in Tenerife during your cruise, then your stop will be in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the island's capital.

In this case, these are our suggestions for what you can see in Tenerife in a day:

Spend your time visiting Santa Cruz , as the city has plenty of lovely parks and square, good restaurants and bars and offers plenty of opportunities to do some shopping. You can go on an interesting city tour to discover the best sights, then spend the rest of the day wandering on your own and chilling at of the many terraces and bars downtown. 

From Santa Cruz, it's easy to hop on the tram and get to La Laguna, the oldest town in Tenerife and the island's former capital. The journey only takes 15 minutes, so it's short and you'll be there in no time.

If you're passionate about history and culture you will love visiting La Laguna , which still has many buildings with typical Canarian architecture, a pedestrian old town and also interesting museums like the Museum of the History of Tenerife.

Did you know that the Teide volcano is the 3rd largest volcano in the world and the highest peak in all of Spain?

For us, Teide National Park is the symbol of Tenerife and every time we visit dedicate at least a day to exploring this beautiful park and its trails. 

If you want to make the most of your time in Tenerife, we would recommend getting a private tour of the island. This way you won't be stuck in a bus with tens of other passengers from the cruise ship and you will be able these places at your own pace (as much as the limited amount of time permits).

• Pick-up service & Transportation by air-conditioned minivan

But we guarantee that after seeing Mount Teide and spending just one day in Tenerife touring the island, you will want to come back.

• Plan your day in Tenerife ahead of time , so you'll be able to see as much as possible in the given time.
• If you to explore on your own, stick to visiting Santa Cruz de Tenerife or La Laguna. We know it sounds tempting to see them both on the same day, but you'll spend your day running from place to place, chasing tourist attractions, without having the time to enjoy them properly.
• If you want to see Teide and/or Anaga, book an excursion with a guide. Renting a car just for the day and driving on your own will be tiring and probably equally expensive as a private tour. Plus, the local guides know the roads and the best ways to help you make the most of your time on the island.
• Avoid the temptation of going to Loro Park or Siam Park - although these parks are totally worth a visit, each of them will take up an entire day, so you won't have time for anything else. Better leave them for when you come back for a proper holiday in Tenerife.
• Skip traveling to the south of the island and stick to the north. It's not worth it to spend most of your time on the road when there are so many beautiful places in the north of Tenerife .

If you're on holiday in Gran Canaria and you want to come and visit Tenerife for just a day, you have several options, depending on how to plan to get here. 

• If you come from Gran Canaria by ferry , you'll be arriving in the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife - so you can spend the day visiting the city of Santa Cruz and you can also go to Playa Las Teresitas , which is one of the best beaches in Tenerife .
• If you come by airplane, you will land at Tenerife North Airport, which is close to La Laguna - So you can spend the day visiting San Cristobal de La Laguna and/or Santa Cruz, since the two cities are connected by a tram line and it's easy to travel between them. 
• If you come over just to visit Loro Park , then from the Tenerife North Airport you can take one of the two direct bus lines that go from the airport to Puerto de la Cruz. You can either go on bus 30 or bus 343, which will take you to Puerto de la Cruz , from where you can walk to Loro Park or you can take a cab.

As you can see, you have plenty of options for spending a great day in Tenerife, although we personally consider this to be an insufficient amount of time to enjoy what the island has to offer. If you decide to come over for an extended stay, you can see our recommendations for a full Tenerife itinerary . 

• Best Apartments in Tenerife: Kn Aparthotel Columbus (Playa de Las Americas) • Aparthotel Los Dragos del Sur   (Puerto Santiago) 
• Popular hotels in Tenerife: H10 Costa Adeje Palace 4* (Costa Adeje) • Iberostar Bouganville Playa 4* (Playa de Las Americas) • Barceló Santiago (Puerto Santiago)
• Luxury 5* hotels in Tenerife: Adrián Hoteles Roca Nivaria (Adeje) • Vincci Selección La Plantación del Sur (Adeje)
• See our dedicated guide for the best places to stay in Tenerife .
• Best Excursions & Tours: Whale & Dolphin Watching with Drinks & Snacks • Loro Parque Entry Ticket and Shows

Largest Canary Island - Facts about Spain's Canary Islands archipelago

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Rome cruise port guide – Visit Rome in a day

Rome is a key Mediterranean cruise port and a destination that passengers are eagerly waiting to explore. The city is one of the most historic in the world, promising ancient buildings and monuments on every corner and some of the best pizza, pasta and coffee that Italy has to offer. Being a huge capital city with countless sights, you could explore it for a week and still not see everything!

As cruise ships are only usually docked at the port for the day, the question on everyone’s mind is, what are the best things to do in a one-day visit? You may also wonder whether you should book a tour or make your own way around the city. We’ve assembled a complete Rome cruise port guide to an action-packed one day of sightseeing in the city, giving you different options and plenty of advice for seeing the city in this short space of time.

Should you book a tour or make your own way to Rome?

Whilst tours are excellent for getting to sights that are outside of the main tourist areas that may not be well connected, that isn’t the case in Rome and we recommend making your own way around the city. It’s cheaper and you won’t be waiting of other passengers, so will see more in a shorter amount of time. Rome is well connected and you’ll have plenty of freedom to explore yourself if you don’t go down the tour route.

If you do want to take a tour to avoid public transport and have less to worry about during your trip, we recommend the following excellent tour options on Viator.

Civitavecchia Shore Excursion: Rome in 1 day including Skip-the-Line Colosseum and Vatican Museums

Civitavecchia Port: 9 Hours Luxury Private Full-Day Rome Excursion

How to get from Civitavecchia Port to Rome city centre

Civitavecchia Port is 50 miles north of Rome city centre. It’s a small town that can be a pleasure to explore in itself; with a market, historic buildings and other attractions you’ll like, however; it’s nowhere near as good as Rome and you should skip the town altogether if you haven’t been to Rome before. There are multiple ways to get to Rome from Civitavecchia Port.

• By train *our recommended option* – Trains operate 3-4 times per hour from Civitavecchia train station to Rome Termini Station. Most standard trains take 60-80 minutes and cost €5 per person, however there’s an express Frecciabianca train once per hour that takes only 45 directly into Rome. This costs €9 – 15 per person. The walk to the train station from Civitavecchia cruise port takes around 15 minutes so remember to factor this into your journey.
• By Cruise ship shuttle bus transfer – can be quite expensive and booked directly through your cruise ship. Takes 60 – 80 minutes.
• By Private car transfer / taxi – Can be bought via your cruise ship or a local company on arrival at the port. This is the most expensive option and can cost upwards of 100 euros. A much cheaper alternative is to book through Viator here for only roughly ~€30 per person *insert link**
• By tour – If you’ve booked a tour, your bus will pick you up at the port and take you onwards to Rome. Refer to your tour information for details.

We highly recommend the train option for getting to Rome. If you time it right, you can leave the ship and catch the express train to Rome, taking only 45 minutes. It’s a quicker, cheaper and a more pleasant journey over driving. You’ll arrive at Termini Central train station in Rome, where you can then catch a Metro to the area of Rome you’d like to see.

Use TheTrainLine app on your phone to browse train times and book tickets. View Civitavecchia train station on a map here .

How to get around in Rome

Metro – The Metro is in our opinion the quickest and easiest way to get around Rome. It costs only €1.50 for a one-way journey and it’ll dash you across to the other side of the city within minutes. You’ll probably arrive into Rome at Termini Train Station. This station is also a Metro stop and you can use it to travel onward to the attractions of your choice. It’s a great time saver for your short day-trip in the city. Simply buy a ticket at the machine and scan it at the barrier. Download a Metro map here . Not all journeys are commutable by Metro so be sure to check Google Maps Directions first. You may need to catch a bus depending on where you’re going.

Public bus / tram – For when your legs are tired or the journey to your next attraction is too far to walk, jump on the well-connected public bus or tram. You’ll need to buy a one-way journey ticket at a tourist office, larger bus station or off-licence/supermarket before getting on the bus. A €1.50 ticket permits bus journeys of up to 1 hour. We recommend using your Google Maps app directions feature to check what bus you need get.

Open-top sightseeing bus – Whilst the hop-on-hop-off bus is a nice way to see the sights, we don’t think it’s worth it for your short day-trip. Once you’re in the city centre, ­many of the attractions are within a short walk of each other and you’ll spend a lot of your time at each location. Public transport can be quicker and easier! If you do wish to use the open-top bus, you can buy a day-pass for €24 for an adult or €14 for a child. Buy tickets in advance on their website here .

Rome in a day itinerary options – What to see and do

On to the exciting part – our itinerary’s! As your time is limited in Rome and you’ll want to see the top sights of Rome in a day, we’ve put together three sample itineraries, designed to see and do as much as possible without dashing around to different areas. You’ll still have plenty of time for fine Italian food and ice cream!

Choose a Rome one day itinerary that you like the sound of the most and customise it to suit you. Each itinerary takes around 8 hours from start to finish. For 4-hour trips, simply go with our ‘morning’ part of the plan. It’ll take 3-4 hours from arrival.

Option 1: The Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and city centre sights

This Rome itinerary option includes some of the top-rated sights in the city, with the exception of the Vatican (which would be a rush to include alongside these other sights). You’ll get an action-packed but brief visit of the must-see’s and everything is planned within walking distance of each other.

Catch the Metro from the train station or bus station to the stop ‘Colosseum’. It’ll take you around 10 minutes from Termini central station.

Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill – The mighty Colosseum and surrounding area are most people’s favourite attraction in Rome; ours included! It’s located in the ancient Roman old city and is the largest standing gladiator arena on earth! It could also once host 50,000 people at full capacity, roaring and cheering whilst they watched gladiators fight to the death or exhilarating animal and chariot competitions. Right next to the Colosseum is the ancient ruins site of the Roman Forum, featuring temples, living quarters, bath houses and other remnants of the old city.

There’s also Palatine Hill, the hilltop palace grounds of past Roman emperors including Julius Caesar. The entire area is packed with impressive ruins, hilltop views, beautiful garden scenery and a viewpoint for the Circus Maximus chariot racing arena. All three attractions are included in one ticket that you can buy at the entrance or by reserving tickets with a timeslot online, which we highly recommend doing as queues can mean waiting over an hour! Expect to spend around 3 hours exploring this impressive heart of the city

Book your combination Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill ticket on the official attraction website for €12 here .

All of the below attractions are within walking distance of each other and the Colosseum (in order). There’s no need for public transport or taxi’s ?

Campidoglio square – Campidoglio square has a lot of historical significance in Rome as it was designed by Michelangelo after being commissioned by Pope Paul III. It’s a key area you’ll pass on the way to the heart of the city centre and is one of the most beautiful squares’ in Rome, attracting millions of visitors every year.

Altar of the Fatherland and Piazza Venezia – The Altar of the Fatherland dominates the Rome skyline and we were stunned by how big and impressive the structure is! The monument was built in honour of Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of unified Italy and it stands today as a key tourist attraction. Take pictures at the bottom of the structure and then climb the steps and turn around for an excellent view of Piazza Venezia square below, which will no doubt be swarmed by busy Roman traffic. It’s a nice area to take pictures and marvel at the buildings.

Lunch – Pizza E Mozzarella – The ideal place for a lunch-on-the-go and some of the best pizza you’ll get in Rome, Pizza E Mozzarella is a no-frills counter-takeaway in an alleyway, that serves up fresh pizza by the slice, cannoli’s and drinks. For only a few euros you can get a big slice of pizza in a flavour of your choice. It’s delicious, cheap and you’ll want to come back for more!

Pantheon – Beaten only by the Colosseum, the Pantheon is one of the most impressive and oldest buildings in Rome. Built in a distant 126 AD and once a temple, it’s now a church for tourists to marvel at. Stand back from the mighty Pantheon to appreciate it in all its beauty before entering through the tall stone pillars. Inside you’ll find an echoing chamber of ancient architecture with a perfectly spherical dome ceiling.

Trevi Fountain – A visit to Rome is not complete without visiting the magnificent Trevi fountain. Everyone’s seen pictures of this beautiful monument but nothing is quite like seeing it in person. The curved fountain has turquoise water and intricate marbled statues as its background. Tourists will crowd around to see this Boroque masterpiece so be sure to squeeze in and find a good spot for a photo-op! The streets around the Trevi Fountain have some excellent corner Gelato stores and it would be crazy not to try some!

Piazza di Spagna & Spanish Steps – You’ve had an action-packed day and will no doubt be tired, however do try to make a final stop at the Spanish Steps if you have time. This must-see staircase sits in the foreground of a Renaissance church, with a Piazza di Spagna square fountain at the bottom. You’ll find locals taking a break from work, sitting on the steps having lunch, and tourists taking selfies. Take pictures from the bottom of the staircase and climb to the top and turn left for some excellent views of the city! It’s also a nice area to sit down for a break whilst people watching.

Shopping – Your day of sightseeing has come to an end! If you still have a little more time before heading back to the ship, why not hit the shops? The area near Piazza di Spagna has streets upon streets of stores, from designer Italian fashion to more affordable chain-stores and boutique gift shops. Browse to your heart’s desire and stop for a coffee. The area is upmarket and has some great photo spots.

Option 2: Colosseum and Trastevere

For this itinerary, please follow the morning of our ‘option 1’ itinerary above. You’ll get to see the same iconic sights in the morning, with a slightly different and more relaxed afternoon.

Same as Rome in a day itinerary option 1.

Trastevere – If you’ve been to Rome before and have seen the main city centre sights or you fancy sampling a different side of the city, an afternoon detour to the Trastevere district just across the river is exactly what you need. This quaint collection of narrow streets, corner cafes and top restaurants is the place of choice for the trendier crowd looking to get a taste of traditional Rome. It’s also a romantic place for couples and has a vibrant nightlife! Take the short walk to Trastevere across the western bridges and spend your afternoon getting lost down narrow streets, listening to live-music performers or stopping by a café to relax after your busy morning. Trastevere promises excellent food, gelato, drinks and a quiet atmosphere during the day. It’s one of the prettiest places in the city and we’re sure you’ll love it! For lunch in the Trastevere district, we recommend Pasta e Vino Osteria . Their pasta will be one of the best you’ve ever tasted!

Option 3: Vatican City, bridges and Trastavere

This itinerary has Vatican City at its core, exploring the historic home of the Pope, Vatican Museums, St Peter’s Basicilia and the world-famous Sistine Chapel. There’s also time for another few key sites in the surrounding area. It’s excellent if you’ve been to Rome before and have already seen the Colosseum or are really intrigued by the Vatican.

Catch a Metro to the stop ‘Ottaviano’ and then walk a further 8 minutes to the gate of Vatican City. The journey will take around 20-minutes from Roma Termini train station.

Vatican City

The Vatican is the smallest country in the world and sits to the north-west corner of Rome city centre. Being a whole (but tiny) country, there’s a lot to see here and you’ll no doubt be impressed by the historic buildings, ancient statues and decorated ceilings, so expect to spend around 3 hours exploring.

Tour or no tour?

When visiting the Vatican you can choose to pay entry only, which will allow you to visit the main sites separately at your own leisure. Tickets cost €17 on the gate; however, you’ll definitely encounter huge queues that can take over an hour. Reserve tickets online in advance and you’ll pay a small €4 fee to skip the queue.

Alternatively, join an official guided tour for around €35 per person. This group tour includes 30 – 40 people and will take you around each of the Vatican sights, one-by-one, giving you a full explanation of the history of the Vatican through a set of headphones and taking the shortcuts between the buildings. The full tour takes around 3 hours and is highly recommended if you’re not short for time. You’ll get a much more immersive experience of the city than you would wandering around by yourself.

You can book your tickets for the Vatican sights on their official website here . As time is tight for your day in Rome, we recommend booking your tickets online at least 3 weeks in advance and selecting your ideal timeslot for arrival. Places can sell-out fast!

Note: Entry is free to children under the age of 6 and to everyone on the last Sunday of the month. The Vatican also has a strict and enforced dress code where everyone must cover up shoulders and knees. Be sure to wear long trousers and a t-shirt/jacket.

Here’s what you’ll see at the Vatican:

Vatican Museums – Not one museum but multiple museums with collections of ancient Greek and Roman statues, ceiling painting masterpieces from Italy’s famous painters of the Renaissance, Catholic Church gifts from countries across the globe and ancient Egyptian relics and statues. The high-ceiling stone hallways, winding staircases and vast gardens all make it an intriguing place to wander.

Sistine Chapel – The Sistine Chapel is one of the most famous churches on earth. It’s the chamber of congregation for the Pope and his clergy and the decision room when electing a new Pope. What’s most recognisable about the chapel is its hand-painted ceiling that was created by Michelangelo and other talented artists of the Renaissance era, surrounding the walls and ceilings in a true work of art. You’ll walk through the chapel, look up and will be in awe for your full visit here.

St Peter’s Basilica – Considered one of the holiest churches in all of Catholicism, St Peter’s Basilica is a giant and intricately decorated church that you can explore as part of a tour or at your own leisure. The grand hallways and alter are marbled in gold and intricate stone workings, and it’s a masterpiece throughout. See the different ground-level sections of the church as part of your tour or pay an additional fee to climb to the top of the Basilica dome for the best views in the city. We highly recommend doing this!

Pro-tip:  You may find that you’re only able to book specific time slots for your Vatican tour if an event is running or you book last minute. If this is the case, try to switch the sights on our itinerary around and see Castel Sant’Angelo first.

Lunch: Borghiciana Pastificio Artigianale – Being a heavily touristic area, the restaurants near the Vatican can be overpriced and a poor representation of hearty Italian food, however there are some great hidden gems. Borghiciana Pastificio Artigianale is a small, family-run restaurant that’ll serve you the best pasta you’ve ever tasted! Dishes are simple yet delicious and the prices are cheap compared to nearby alternatives. It’s a 5-minute walk from the Vatican.

Castel Sant’Angelo and St Angelo Bridge – This old and remarkable castle is a must-see attraction a short walk from the Vatican, so it makes complete sense to head straight here after lunch. Outside you can see the tall re-enforced walls and turrets, capturing some excellent pictures of it from the adjoining St Angelo Bridge. Inside, the Castel Sant’Angelo is home to a museum of artefacts and you can explore the old weapons or armour or see the city from the top of the castle walls. If you want to head onwards to Trastevere, you may not have time for the museum and entering the castle, however it’s still a great place to see the sights and stroll across the iconic bridge.

Trastevere – Depending on when you have to be back at your cruise ship, you may not have time for the Trastevere, however if you do, it’s an excellent area of the city that feels more ‘traditional’ and low-key. The streets are cobblestone, narrow and filled with coloured buildings, cafes and corner bars. You have an eclectic mix of locals, international students and tourist couples that have chosen to stay in one of the most romantic areas, and you’ll find street performers and painters on every corner.

Visit Trastevere for a taste of traditional Rome, amongst quiet streets away from the core city centre. Grab some ice cream and people watch on a park bench, sit back with a cappuccino and cake or join the Romans with their early evening ‘Apertivo’ drink if time is getting on.

Alternative afternoon route:

An alternative to visiting Trastevere in the afternoon is to head back into the centre of Rome. You can walk to the Piazza Navona area from Castel Sant’Angelo within 10-15 minutes. From here you can go gift shopping, wander the squares and impressive buildings or check out the ancient Pantheon (as recommended in our first itinerary). See a map on this alternate itinerary below.

Top tips for visiting Rome on a cruise

• Start your day early and travel to Rome as fast as you can. There’s a lot to see in one day and the journey to the city takes over an hour!
• Eat your lunch on the go to save time. There are plenty of corner cafes, deli’s and pizza takeaways that have just as good food as many ‘touristy’ restaurants, just with quicker service and a cheaper price. We’ve recommended some of them in our itinerary above.
• Buy your attraction tickets online in advance, however don’t book too many! You want to leave enough time to see sights properly.
• Depending on your cruise itinerary, the amount of time you have in the port varies. Customise our Rome in a day itineraries based on the number of hours you have.
• Watch out for scams and pickpockets in the city. Keep your belongings close and nothing in your back pocket.
• Leave Rome with plenty of time to get back to the ship. Trains take over an hour and you want to account for any delays.
• Don’t tire yourself out and try to see too much in one day. You’ll find that Rome is a city you’ll definitely want to come back to for longer!
• Download Google Maps Rome maps and do as much research as you can before arriving so you’re confident where to go. It’s also interesting reading up on the historic sights so you have a background story behind them already.
• Some of the main attractions are closed on Mondays. Check opening hours in advance before visiting if you’re arriving on a Monday

For more tips on seeing the city, check out our 67 Rome Travel Tips for First Time Visitors guide here . That concludes our one day in Rome itinerary for a cruise trip to the city! Whilst it may be tempting to explore the local town of Civitavecchia where you’ll dock, we highly recommend skipping the port and heading straight to Rome as early as you can. Use our Rome cruise port guide and suggested itineraries to plan your trip to the Italian capital and customise it based on how much time you have. If you have any more questions about visiting or the cruise port, be sure to get in touch ! Rome is one of our favourite European cities and we’re confident you’ll love it!

THANKS FOR READING! IF YOU LIKED OUR ARTICLE, SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS OR PRINT IT OUT FOR YOUR TRIP. FEEL FREE TO  CONTACT US  WITH ANY QUESTIONS YOU HAVE…

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Athens One Day Cruise

one day cruise from Athens to Hydra, Poros, and Aegina Islands

One Day Cruise from Athens to Hydra, Poros, Aegina

Athens One Day Cruise; Embark on an unforgettable journey with Athens One Day Cruise, where you’ll explore three of the most iconic islands near Athens, Greece. In this daily cruise, immerse yourself in the Aegean Sea’s turquoise waters and discover the hidden gems of these picturesque islands. Our team at Athens One Day Cruise curates a one-of-a-kind experience that showcases Greece’s stunning natural beauty and embraces our lively outdoor lifestyle. Get ready to embark on your dream Athens one-day cruise adventure.

At the Saronic Gulf islands, you’ll visit three unique destinations: Hydra, known for its car-free streets and rich history, Poros with its breathtaking panoramic views of the Peloponnese, and Aegina, the largest of the three islands, brimming with fascinating history. Don’t miss out on experiencing the best of the Saronic Gulf islands on the Athens one day cruise!

Embark on an unforgettable journey with Athens’s renowned one day cruise. Setting off from this historical city, the cruise offers a magical experience unlike any other. With a variety of itineraries to choose from, you can have the chance to visit some of the world’s most sought after and picturesque islands. As one of Greece’s most beloved cruises, Athens One Day Cruise stands out amongst the 6,000 stunning islands and islets that make up the country’s mesmerizing landscape. Soak in the breathtaking views of the Aegean sea, gliding past charming small islands and arriving at the renowned Saronic Gulf.

Prepare to be in awe as you witness the awe-inspiring magnificence of crystal-clear blue waters and witness firsthand the sheer power of nature’s incredible wonder. With Athens One Day Cruise, you are guaranteed an unforgettable experience that will bring you closer to the wonders of nature like never before.

Remember to bring your camera along on our trip – we’ll ensure a fantastic atmosphere! And if you’re looking to feel like a star for a day, consider upgrading to our exclusive Athens One Day Cruise VIP Package. Click here for more!

Make sure to bring your camera with you … we’ll bring a good mood!

Cruise highlights.

• Cruise to 3 islands: Hydra, Poros, and Aegina
• Free time to explore each island
• Shopping or swimming on Hydra
• Excursion to the Temple of Aphaia on Aegina
• Visit Trizina, the Russian Dockyard or stroll through the Lemon Forest on Poros
• Lunch on board
• Return transfer from Athens to cruise starting point
• Pickup and drop off from selected Athens hotels

Let’s sail together on the most popular cruise from Athens

Book the Athens One-Day Cruise:

Description of Athens One Day Cruise

Our cruise guide will pick you up from your hotel or from one of our selected locations. After a short sightseeing of Athens , while we will pick up other participants, we will arrive at the port. Your Athens Day Cruise begins!

Our Officers and Hostesses are waiting for you for a warm welcome. They will assist you with boarding on one of our luxurious cruise ships and invite you to proceed either to the Main Lounge, where our live orchestra has already started putting you in the right mood with its international music repertoire, or to one of the spacious open decks where you can enjoy the fascinating view, as the ship leaves the port at approx 08:15 for the three beautiful islands of the Saronic Gulf.

Our guides and hostesses will invite you to assemble in one of the Lounges, in order to give you all the necessary information concerning the ship, the cruise program as well as the islands. It is a perfect opportunity to get answers to any questions you might have, as our trained staff is there to ensure that you will have a wonderful day. You’ll have the chance to appreciate our activities on board, such as listening to music while sipping your special cocktail, dancing, and the fun of taking a Greek dance lesson.

Cruising between the islands’ tastes our lunch buffet offers you an exceptional culinary experience featuring a variety of authentic Greek and Mediterranean cuisine.

Cruise Schedule : 08:00 Departure, 11:15 Arrival to Hydra , 12:45 Departure from Hydra, 14:00 Arrival to Poros (Lunch), 14:50 Departure from Poros, 16:00 Arrival to Aegina , 18:00 Departure from Aegina, 19:15 Return to the same spot – Check the detailed schedule

VIP Cruise Package | Athens One-Day Cruise

This exclusive VIP cruise package is designed for discerning travelers accustomed to five-star luxury and superlative service! A cool drink and delicious food are waiting for you to welcome you on board with various types of delicious appetizers as a festive start to your adventure cruise to three spectacular islands of the Saronic Gulf.

Of course, our sunny decks are there for you to lounge comfortably enjoying a glass of fine wine (optional) with the fresh air and the Aegean atmosphere. And if you want to relax, our executive VIP lounge is ready for you in an aesthetic atmosphere and a modern lounge with spacious, comfortable seating and all conveniences at your fingertips.

Island of Hydra | Athens One Day Cruise

Arrive on the island of Hydra sailing 2H30 approx., and its port whose amphitheater shape once served as a safe shelter for Saronic Pirates. Admire from our deck’s vessel the special architecture and dramatic landscapes of this island, whose old traditional stone houses and mansions silently stand witness to a long and turbulent history.

It’s all there on Hydra… the small narrow stone-paved streets waiting to be explored on foot or by the island’s traditional “vehicle” – the saddled donkey.. captivating walks along the old seaside promenade.. crystal clear waters… radiant traditional fine-craft shops.. the beauty of Hydra will conquer you forever!

Poros Island | Athens One Day Cruise

Poros is 1 hour & 15 minutes to sail. Poros is the smallest of the three islands, separated from the Peloponnese by a narrow strait and offering a most enchanting view of Poros Town. Time at leisure is about 50 minutes.

Departure from Poros, and immediately lunch will be served. Our Chef will do his best to tempt your senses with a wide choice of Greek and Mediterranean dishes., fresh salads, and desserts.

Sailing towards Aegina, relax and enjoy the sun on the Ship’s Lounge, or admire the spectacular panoramic view from one of our spacious decks.

Aegina Island | Athens One Day Cruise

After two-hour sailing, we shall arrive at our last port of call, the island of Aegina , the largest of the three islands. Apart from its harbor, there are numerous interesting sites to discover on the island and therefore we propose 3 optional tours: Excursions and Tours on Hydra and Aegina

After your visit to Aegina, return to the ship to enjoy our live orchestra and dancers. Listen to  Greek music with the “bouzouki” and learn  Greek dances with our professional dancers for an afternoon of fun. The Greek Folk Dance Show with Apostolis and his dancers in local costumes from all over Greece is an inspirational experience to enjoy as your cruise ship enters the harbor of Piraeus at sunset.

Cruise Description | Cruise Info | Schedule | Excursions | FAQ | Terms

Book the Athens One Day Cruise:

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One Day In Barcelona From Cruise Ship

One day in barcelona from cruise ship.

Are you having a stop in Barcelona on the cruise? Are going to have a plan for one-day in Barcelona from cruise ship port ? Then you should consider several factors before concluding what best is for you.

Are You Interested in Barcelona Sightseeing Tour ?

If you are interested in booking, one of the sightseeing tour of Barcelona that is going to be started from inside a city with a specific starting location, you should consider several issues. First , According to our experience, cruise ships are not going to be boarded very on time. This means that if you expected 9:00 am, it could be 8:30 am or could be 9:30 am. so you should expect a little bit of wasting of time or a little bit of rush. Second You should get a taxi from Barcelona cruise port to Barcelona city . in front of the terminal there is a taxi stand and usually it takes 20 to 30 minutes to reach one of the Barcelona sightseeing starting tour locations and the cost depend to several luggage and persons could be from 20 to 30 euros. Third , Tours that are starting from a specific location in the city usually are large group tours and you should expect to accompany by more than 20 people. And Finally The Barcelona city tours are very categorized. we can say that the top 5 Barcelona city tours are :

• Barcelona Gothic quarter tour
• Park Güell Tour
• La Sagrada Familia with skip line
• Half day tour Montserrat Barcelona
• or La Pedrera-Casa Milà which is a famous Gaudi designed house

And each of them is usually taking 3 hours with a unique starting time in the day So it is very difficult to manage to have several one in one day.

1- Barcelona City Tours Day Trips From Cruise Port ,With Pick-up

• Visiting La Sagrada Familia from outside
• Visiting La Pedrera-Casa Milà which is a famous Gaudi-designed house
• Be more familiar with new architecture in the city Modernisme (Modernismo catalán) by exploring Passeig de Gràcia
• Walking in Barcelona's gothic quarter to visit the cathedral of Barcelona and the Jewish quarter
• Passing in Montjuic and having stopped in several points to visit Barcelona from the highest point in the city.
• Passing Montjuic cactus park with the possibility of walking
• Visiting the old port of Barcelona ( port Vell )
• Visiting beaches of Barcelona

And at the end of the tour you can ask your guide to take you back to Cruise Ship or your accommodation in Barcelona

2- Day Trip To Montserrat From Cruise Port

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• Privacy Policy
• Andorra Day Trip
• 3 Countries in 1 Day
• Girona & Costa Brava
• Barcelona City Tour
• Girona Half Day
• Costa Brava (Tossa De Mar)
• Day Trip To France
• For Half a Day
• For One Day
• For Weekend
• From Cruise Port
• Andorra Travel EBook Guide
• Andorra Travel Blog
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• Spain Travel Blog

Chennai Cruises: Cruises in & From Chennai

Cruises from chennai.

If you want to sail away in the middle of the ocean under the clear blue skies, travelling via a cruise from Chennai is an excellent option. The cruises which ply from Chennai Port are Jalesh Cruise, CroisiEurope and government run passenger ships. The three major routes are Chennai-Andaman Islands; Chennai- Trincomalee - Colombo - Kochi - Goa – Bombay; Chennai-High seas-Trincomalee- Chennai. The cost of sailing in a cruise ship from Chennai Port ranges between Rs 3000-Rs 30000. There are different categories of accommodation available for the travellers. The expense varies with the variation of classes. Private cruise lines like Jalesh Cruise and CroisiEurope serve lip-smacking delicacies at their dining rooms. Additionally, they also offer numerous entertainment facilities for the merriment of the travellers. Especially Jalesh Cruise has a series of them including live music, exotic dance performances, DJ Night, movie sessions, and spa treatments. There is also a designated area for kids and teenagers where your little ones can indulge in a lot of amusements. So, board a cruise for your next vacation and experience luxury at its best.

Chennai Cruises Packages

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Newly added experiences, tourism board alliances, chennai cruises faqs, which are some of the best cruises from chennai, which are the best routes for cruises that depart from chennai.

1. Chennai- Trincomalee - Colombo - Kochi - Goa – Bombay: On this route, your crusade will flag off from Chennai Port and end at Mumbai Harbour. In between, the ship will take you through destinations including Trincomalee, Colombo, Kochi and Goa. Now, you can cruise between two nations across six distinct destinations. Amazing, isn't it? All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) + handcrafted drinks are included on these cruises. Other than this, there will be proposed onboard activities for the purpose of the entertainment of the travellers. The major highlights of the cruises running on this route are excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites; Kerala Backwaters; panoramic tour of the city of Colombo;visit to Mani Bhavan, the museum dedicated to the life of Gandhi in Mumbai. The entire voyage lasts for 11 days and 10 Nights. The seven-deck “La Belle Des Océans” which ply from Chennai- Trincomalee - Colombo - Kochi - Goa – Bombay is run by CroisiEurope. 2. Chennai-High Seas- Trincomalee- Chennai: On this route, your expedition will commence from Chennai Port. The cruise will sail in the high seas to reach Trincomalee and will head back to Chennai Port after 3 Nights. Experience the taste of international cruising standards and indulge in a mind-boggling journey to Trincomalee. The cost of sailing from Chennai Port to Trincomalee and back to Chennai ranges between $119- $299 (Rs 9000- Rs 22000). The cost keeps escalating with the up-gradation of classes. Beginning with Indian Thalis to Asian cuisines; travellers can gorge onto lip-smacking delicacies. Other than this, there are multiple other eateries on the deck to savour your taste buds. Onboard experiences consist of live music, exotic dance performances, DJ Night, movies, and spa sessions. One can try their luck at the in-house Casino. There is also a designated area for kids and teenagers where your little ones can indulge in a lot of amusements. The entire sojourn lasts for 4 Days and 3 Nights. The ships which ply from Chennai-High Seas-Trincomalee- Chennai are run by Jalesh Cruises.

Which are the departure ports from Chennai?

On the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal, Chennai only has one departure port i.e. Chennai Port. Initially known as the Madras Port, it is one of the oldest ports in India which began its operations in 1881. Over the years, Chennai Port has grown into a major hub for containers, cars and project logistics. Other than this, Chennai Port also departs cruise ships to tropical destinations like Andaman and Sri Lanka. Only government run cruises ply from Chennai Port to Andaman Islands. On the other hand, luxurious cruise lines like Jalesh Cruise ply between Chennai Port and Sri Lanka.

What is the best time for cruising from Chennai?

The best time to take a cruise from Chennai is between November and April. Around this time, the ocean is not prone to terrific cyclones and storms. Due to absence of rain-bearing clouds, the sky blooms in blue and enables a smooth cruising experience. Since the weather remains temperate, onboarders can also go up to the deck to soak in the sunshine and overall serenity. Although cruises from Chennai Port ply between May –October, these are monsoon months and sea id harsh. If you are planning to indulge in a cruise around this time, get ready for a bumpy ride.

How much does a cruise ship cost from Chennai?

The cost of a cruise ship in Chennai varies with place. In the case of Chennai to Andaman, it ranges between Rs 3000- Rs 12000. In case of Chennai- High Seas- Trincomalee- Chennai, it starts from Rs 9000 and can go as high as Rs 22000. The price varies with up-gradation of classes. The lowest class is on the Bunk Seats and the highest class is the Cabins.

What are the important guidelines to know about cruises from Chennai?

- Carry 2 passport size photographs, your address proof, government identity proof and a full advance payment along with the requisition form for booking tickets. - Travellers should take medication against motion sickness because it is a common phenomenon which happens to most of the passengers. - Irrespective of the time of the year, travellers should take influenza vaccination and other immunizations. - Make sure to arrive at the terminal 4 hours before departure. - Outside food & alcohol are not allowed inside the cruises. - Economy passengers can carry a maximum of 100 kg of luggage. Passengers belonging to other classes can carry a maximum of 200 kg of luggage.

What are the different types of accommodation available on board?

Cruise ships from Chennai have different categories of accommodation available onboard. 1. Chennai to Andaman: - There are four categories including Deluxe Cabin, 1st Class Cabin, 2nd Class Cabin, and Bunk Class. All of them are on a sharing basis. - Deluxe Cabins are on 2 sharing basis and offer two beds, TV, fridge, table, chairs, storage space and an attached bathroom. - 1st Class Cabins are on 4 sharing basis and offer four beds, table, attached bathroom and lockers. - 2nd Class Cabins are on 6 sharing basis with shared toilets and showers in the corridor. - Bunk Class is like a dormitory which is below sea level in one big arena and is segregated by occasional walls. Bunk Classes have common toilets and showers. 2. Chennai to Srilanka: - Similarly, cruises from Chennai to Srilanka include 4 categories including Ocean View, I Interior Cabins, Balcony Cabins and Minisuite. - Ocean View Cabins can accommodate a total of 4 people and offers queen-sized bed, TV, AC, fridge, private shower, toiletries and cabin service. - Interior Cabins can accommodate a total of 4 people and offers queen-sized bed, TV, AC, fridge, private shower, vanity unit, toiletries and cabin service. - Balcony Cabin can accommodate a total of 2 people and offers all the contemporary facilities along with a balcony. - Minisuite can accommodate a total of 3 people and offers all the modern amenities. Additionally, it also provides an independent living area and a balcony.

What can you not do on a Chennai cruise?

- Don’t sit on the sundeck for long hours. Non-stop exposure to the sun and the moisture from the sea water can cause real damage to your skin. - Don’t consume excessive alcohol onboard. It will result in deterioration of your health because alcohol can speed up dehydration and generally lowers your body's resistance to motion sickness. - Don’t purchase unsealed water bottles on the cruise. It might have been stored in unsanitary conditions and is often unsafe for drinking.

Is food included on cruises?

Yes, food is included in cruise packages from Chennai. You will be served with lip smacking breakfast , lunch and dinner. Beginning with Indian Thalis to Asian cuisines, travellers can gorge onto lip-smacking delicacies at the main dining rooms. Other than this, there are multiple other outlets on the deck to savour your taste buds.

What is the policy for infants and pregnant women?

Infants must be of six months or more for indulging in a cruise from Chennai. If parents fail to conform to this policy, denial of boarding will take place. On the other hand, pregnant women need to show a physician’s recommendation stating that both the mother and baby are fit to travel on a cruise. Additionally, it should also be mentioned in the recommendation that the pregnancy is not prone to high-risk.

How long does it take from Chennai to Andaman by ship?

It usually takes 3-4 days i.e 72- 96 hours to reach Andaman from Chennai by ship. In addition, if there are delays or halts in between, the entire journey might take 1 more day. If you plan to book cruise packages from Chennai to reach Andaman, plan your itinerary for the trip accordingly!

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One Day In Cannes Itinerary – Top Things To Do In Cannes, France

Exploring the city of Cannes in 24 hours is undoubtedly a very entertaining thing to do, and with our quick one-day Cannes itinerary, you can easily plan an unforgettable trip. This lovely city in France is well known for its picturesque sandy beaches, luxurious hotels, and upmarket boutiques, all of which attract millions of tourists every year. Then there’s also the world-famous Cannes International Film Festival where the biggest movie stars always appear. So, a day in this wonderful city is always going to be fantastic. Here’s how best to experience this magical part of France.

Plan your trip to Cannes

1. What’s the Best Time to Visit Cannes? 2. A Few Facts about Cannes 3. One Day in Cannes Itinerary 3.1. Walk the Boulevard De La Croisette 3.2. Visit the Palais Des Festivals et Des Congrès 3.3. Explore the Old Town of Le Suquet 3.4. Purchase Some Local Fruit and Flowers From Marche Forville 3.5. Climb to Eglise Notre-Dame de l’Espérance 3.6. Witness the Beauty of Lerins Islands 3.7. Spend your Night at Casino De La Pointe Croisette 4. Where to Stay in Cannes? 5. Day Trips from Cannes 6. How to Reach Cannes? 7. Extra Tips for Visiting Cannes

What’s the Best Time to Visit Cannes?

During the summer months, Cannes entertains plenty of visitors with its mild temperature which hovers between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius. The mild temperature of Cannes makes the city accessible throughout the year, but March to May is the best time to visit Cannes because it is the time when Cannes has a lot of hustle and bustle going on. During summer vacations, Cannes becomes the most popular city in France due to its long sandy beaches, classic restaurants, luxurious resorts/villas, and so on.

The International Cannes Film Festival , Pyrotechnic Art Festival , and Grape Festival in Frejus are the most popular festivals that take place in Cannes in the summer. Obviously, you will find plenty of other interesting events here, so you can be absolutely certain you will never be bored while visiting.

A Few Facts about Cannes

Cannes is famous worldwide for its international film festival, beaches, and great hospitality, and the fact that it’s situated on the French Riviera only adds to its allure. Before visiting Cannes, however, you might want to check out some interesting facts about this French city.

• Cannes is globally known for the International Cannes Film Festival.
• On 3rd November 2011, Cannes hosted the G20 Summit 2011.
• In the 10th century, Cannes was known as Canua.
• Cannes was converted into a medical base during WWI.
• Famous princess and actress Grace Kelly got married in Cannes.
• In the 20th century, the city turned completely to tourism, and new ultra-luxurious hotels like Majestic, Martinexm Carlton, and JW Marriott Cannes were built.
• Cannes has a subtropical Mediterranean climate.
• Summers are long and warm in Cannes.
• The temperature remains high from June to September.
• Cannes is home to the football club AS Cannes.

One Day in Cannes Itinerary

If you want to spend one day in Cannes, there are plenty of fun options for you. In this short Cannes itinerary, we are going to show you some of the best places that you can cover in a single day. We understand, exploring this place in such a short timeframe may be a little bit challenging, but there is no need to worry – we’ve got your back. Just follow this ultimate guide to Cannes, and you will make the most of your one day in this beautiful city.

Walk the Boulevard De La Croisette

Boulevard De La Croisette is also known as the Promenade de la Croisette. When you’re in Cannes during your one-day trip, you can’t afford to miss walking this wonderful road. It stretches along the shore of the Mediterranean Sea and is about two kilometers long. It has many famous shops and restaurants that are quite popular among tourists. A great place to really pick up the vibe of this city.

Address: Bd de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes, France Cost: Free entry

Opening and Closing Hours: Open day or night

Visit the Palais Des Festivals et Des Congrès

Palais Des Festivals et Des Congres is one of the iconic landmarks of this city that you really should visit at least once. The reason is simple – this fabulous auditorium is the place where the annual Cannes film festival takes place. You can also book a guided tour that tells you about the significance and historical background of this place.

Address: Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, 1 Bd de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes, France Cost: $4.40 per person Opening and Closing Hours: Open 24 hours

Explore the Old Town of Le Suquet

Le Suquet is known to be one of the most picturesque and oldest neighborhoods in Cannes. It dates back to Roman times. Le Suquet has a rich history that is depicted through its old beautiful church and castle. If you are planning to explore some old-touch places in Cannes then you must add old town Le Suquet to your bucket list.

Purchase Some Local Fruit and Flowers From Marche Forville

Without exploring the local markets and spots of Cannes, thisone-day itinerary would certainly be incomplete. When you’re in Cannes you must visit Marche Forville, an absolutely lovely market with loads of beautiful flowers and fruit.

During morning hours, Marche Forville is full of vendors, visitors, and even street photographers.

Address: 6 Rue du Marché Forville, 06400 Cannes, France Cost: Free Opening and Closing Hours: 07:30 am to 01 pm (Monday Closed)

Climb to Eglise Notre-Dame de l’Espérance

Cannes has plenty of Gothic-style churches, but Eglise Notre-Dame de l’Espérance is one of the noted churches in the world. This 15th-century church is situated on the top of the old town of Le Suquet. Among travelers, Eglise Notre-Dame de l’Espérance is quite popular as it offers breathtaking views of the old town of Le Suquet.

Witness the Beauty of Lerins Islands

Do not miss out on a trip to Lerins Islands when you’re here! These four Mediterranean islands off the French Riviera, very close to Cannes, two of which are inhabited, are an absolutely stunning destination.

You will enjoy breathtaking views of the Mediterranean along with exotic beaches, long shores, and turquoise water. You can also enjoy many fun water activities like scuba diving, cliff jumping, snorkeling, jet-skiing, and much more.

Address: Lérins Islands, Cannes, France Cost: Free entry Opening and Closing Hours: Open 24 hours

Spend your Night at Casino De La Pointe Croisette

Among many things to do in Cannes in one day, playing Casino in Casino De La Pointe Croisette is one of the best ways to enjoy a fabulous evening, especially if you’re here with your friends. It is one of the most popular casinos around, and visitors from all over the world come here whenever they get a chance to visit Cannes.

Address: 5 Rue François Einesy, 06400 Cannes, France Cost: Free entry Opening and Closing Hours: 10 am to 03 am (Saturday 10 am to 04 am)

Where to Stay in Cannes?

Being a world-famous tourist destination, Cannes offers the best accommodation facilities to all its guests. You will find luxurious stays to budget-friendly options, from villas to hostels, you choose easily whatever fits your budget. Here are some of the best places to stay in Cannes.

Five Seas Hotel

1 rue Notre Dame, Cannes City-Centre, 06400 Cannes

If you’re looking for a luxury stay in Cannes, you won’t find a better place than the Five Seas Hotel . Not only is its location fantastic, just a few steps from the beaches and very close to Palais des Festivals, but you will also be able to enjoy its rooftop bar and pool, as well as incredibly luxurious rooms. An amazing view, spa, and other five-star amenities are also included, of course.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Nemea Apart’Hotel

6 Rue André Chaude, Carnot, 06400 Cannes

Nemea Apart’Hotel is just 10 minutes away from the beach on foot and offers plenty of great amenities that are bound to make your stay very pleasant. These include a sauna, an indoor pool, and a lovely garden, plus some of the units in this place have a kitchenette. You will be staying in some really comfortable rooms, and the prices you get are more than fair for a hotel of this category.

Hotel Abrial

24 Boulevard De Lorraine, Cannes City-Centre, 06400 Cannes

Hotel Abrial was renovated in 2018, so what you will be getting here is a very pleasant place to stay that is also very close to Cannes Train Station. The hotel has a lovely terrace, and you can enjoy a lovely view of Cannes rooftops from your (very comfortable) rooms. It’s worth mentioning that Boulevard de la Croisette is very close by, and the breakfast is very tasty indeed. A great choice!

26 avenue de Lattre de Tassigny, 06400 Cannes

A budget stays in Cannes doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. Esperanto is great proof of that! It’s located in a nice and quiet place, but you can easily reach all the most important sights and beaches from here. Furthermore, the rooms are well equipped and very comfortable, and most of them also come with their own balconies. The breakfast is excellent, and the staff at your service, no matter what you need.

Day Trips from Cannes

The area around Cannes city boasts lovely seaside villages, stunning resort towns, astonishing scenery, and quaint hilltop towns. After exploring the major tourist attractions of Cannes, if you have extra time, you can explore some nearby spots that are equally charming. Setting up day trips like that will be well worth it.

Monaco is globally known for its picturesque shorelines, beaches, French restaurants, lush vegetation, and sublime Mediterranean climate. You can reach it very easily from Cannes, and an opportunity like this to visit Monte Carlo should not be missed. Spend one day in Monaco and see why the world’s elites can’t get enough of it.

Saint-Tropez

In recent years, Saint-Tropez has become an incredibly popular beach resort area among both national and international visitors. It has plenty of designer boutiques, fancy restaurants, and private beach clubs where you can just chill and enjoy. Musee de I’Annonciade is one of the iconic museums in Saint-Tropez, well known for its rich collection of modern art, but even aside from it, you will have plenty of places to visit.

BOOK THE TOUR

Esterel Mountains

Esterel Mountains are well known for their dramatic landscapes. This magical place rises immediately behind the Cote d’Azur coastline between Cannes and Saint-Raphael, bordered by two valleys. If you love spending time in nature and want to see something astonishing, this mesmerizing place is for you. Set up a day trip from Cannes as soon as you can.

Biot, Alpes-Maritimes

Biot is one of the villages in France near Antibes and lies between Nice and Cannes. It is well-known for its forted walls, historical landmarks, cozy French restaurants, and elevated forts. This spectacular village which is now popular for its glassblowing and ceramics dates back to the prehistoric era. Definitely a lovely day out.

How to Reach Cannes?

Being a noted travel destination in the world, Cannes is easily accessible through flights. Flights to Cannes are frequently run through different parts of the world. Nice Airport is the nearest airport to Cannes, just 25 km away. You can book a cab or taxi from the airport and later explore the city with the help of a hired car or by using public transportation. But for a one-day trip, you should get a taxi. This way, you can cover plenty of sights in a single day easily and comfortably.

And if you want to get out of the city a bit, trains are your best option.

Extra Tips for Visiting Cannes

If you are on your one-day trip to Cannes, you should reach Cannes early in the morning so that you get to explore as many sights as possible. The public transport around here is pretty good and can save you a nice amount if you opt for it. You should also try the local dishes in Cannes’ restaurants, you won’t be disappointed. So, if you want to explore Cannes in a single day, book cheap flight tickets now, pack your bags, and head to this amazing city – the French Riviera awaits!

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

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I just came from Cannes and used the information here as my guide. Thank you for sharing.

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This New ‘Standby’ Cruise Fare Costs Just $49 Per Day—but Is It Worth It?

By Jessica Puckett

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Would you be willing to wait at a port city with your bags packed, hoping to board a cruise at the last minute, all in order to secure one of the cheapest cruise deals out there? Holland America—with its industry-first standby fare offerings—is betting yes.

The line’s new Standby List Program allows travelers to put their names on a list of prospective passengers to be confirmed for a voyage if there are unsold rooms on the ship. Standby cruisers only pay $49 a day, but they receive as little as two days’ notice to get ready for the trip.

For flexible travelers, the scheme offers the possibility of huge savings. Here’s everything cruisers should know about sailing on standby.

How do the fares work?

To get on the standby list, travelers can select an itinerary on Holland America's list of standby-eligible voyages and call 877-724-5425 to join. (You can also have your travel advisor add you to the standby list on your behalf.)

Once you're on the list, you'll be charged $49 per person per day (not including taxes, fees and port expenses, which can cost several hundred dollars more). If you’re not selected for the cruise, you’ll receive a full refund.

When the week of the sailing arrives, the cruise line will start notifying standby passengers whether they made the cut. Guests are confirmed for their sailings in the order they were added to the standby list, so signing up early counts. Would-be passengers should expect to hear their status between seven to two days before the voyage’s departure.

Travelers who aren’t confirmed within two days of the sailing’s departure receive an immediate refund. Truly spontaneous travelers can choose to cut things even closer with a more nail-biting option: They can opt to remain on the standby list all the way up until 90 minutes before departure to see if there’s a no-show. If that doesn't work out, they’ll still get a full refund.

The deal could offer major savings to group travelers who have a bit of flexibility this summer, as the third and fourth guests in a stateroom can travel nearly for free—they would just be on the hook for taxes and fees. But young families are not eligible for cruising standby, as the fares are only available for travelers ages 21 and older. Since it would be a major gamble to travel long distances for an unconfirmed trip, the standby option makes the most sense for people who live in or near eligible ports like Vancouver , Seattle , San Diego , Fort Lauderdale , Boston , Montreal , or Quebec .

How can travelers take advantage?

In 2024, the bulk of standby fares that Holland America is offering are for Alaskan voyages departing Seattle, Whittier, and Vancouver, as well as New England and Eastern Canada voyages departing from Boston, Montreal, and Quebec City.

There are also a handful of transatlantic sailings departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, including an extended six-week sailing in November that meanders through dozens of Mediterranean ports in Italy, Portugal, Spain, Morocco, and Egypt, to name a few. Most of the dates for the standby itineraries stretch from May through September, with a few options in October and November as well.

It all sounds appealing, but there are a few factors travelers should keep in mind. “With this program, you've got to be extremely flexible in all aspects of your trip,” says Tanner Callais, founder of cruise travel advice site Cruzely . “Some of these cruises sail for extended periods of time, including up to 42 days,” which is the duration of that lengthy Mediterranean sailing. “You also don't know what sort of cabin you'll receive,” he says. “If you're someone that has to have a balcony room, then this might not be for you.

The type of cabin could, in fact, be a deal breaker for certain travelers. Holland America says it charges standby guests for an interior stateroom, a space as small as 143 square feet with no windows. But travelers could be assigned any category of room ranging up to a verandah stateroom, which ranges from 228 to 405 square feet with enough outdoor space to fit two deck chairs. However, it’s all based on availability.

“Travelers who want to benefit from a standby fare should keep in mind that once confirmed, Holland America Line assigns their room,” says Rob Clabbers, founder and president of the agency Q Cruise + Travel . “While that might result in savings, it means travelers may end up in the last remaining and likely less preferred location—above a theater or night club [or] all the way forward or aft. While this may work for some, it is definitely not recommended for those who fear seasickness, have mobility issues, would like to be close to travel companions, [or] want to be near or away from elevators,” he says.

Holland America Line also notes that these deals are intended for travelers who live within driving distance of the departure ports. “Booking a last-minute airline ticket could end up being more than the cost of the cruise,” Callais says. “That said, the fares are so low that if you have the flexibility, then it might be one of the best deals you'll ever find. This is especially the case if you're a solo traveler, as the double occupancy fare doesn't apply.”

Travelers will want to run the numbers on each voyage to ensure they’re receiving the best possible deal for enduring the hassle of last-minute arrangements. Some of the sailings do offer incredible value. “However, on other sailings, the savings are not nearly as great,” Clabbers says. “If you or your travel advisor do some research, you may very well find some sailings at fares that are similar or even lower than the $49 per day standby fare—and without the restrictions.”

For instance, it’s possible to book a seven-day Alaska sailing that departs June 9 on Holland America’s website, with prices for an inside room starting at $349 per person, plus $310 in taxes, fees, and port expenses. “You even get a $50 credit to spend on board per room, but the biggest advantage is that you can confirm this several weeks before sailing, so you can fine-tune your travel plans rather than have to wait until the very last minute,” says Clabbers.

Harrison Pierce

María Casbas

CNT Editors

One of the better deals would be the 42-day Mediterranean Cruise leaving from Fort Lauderdale in November. Booking that sailing outright, “you would pay $5,479 plus $435 in taxes, fees, and port expenses per person based on double occupancy for an Inside room,” Clabbers says. But, if you sail the itinerary on standby and get confirmed, “you would pay a total $2,058 per person plus taxes. Obviously that would be a good deal.”

Will other cruise lines start offering standby prices?

You might be wondering why a cruise line would offer fares as low as $49 a day. At the end of the day, more guests on board means ships generate more money. “Obviously, a cruise line wants to sail with every cabin filled to maximize revenue and efficiency of scale,” says Callais. “If a room sails empty, the cruise line is still using the same amount of fuel and paying the crew and captain the same wage.”

The majority of new ships break even at 50% occupancy, while older ships need 80% occupancy to hit that benchmark, according to Tom Baker , president of Cruise Center .

Carnival Corporation, which is Holland America’s parent company, saw an average revenue of $236 per passenger each cruise day in 2023, while its direct expenses per passenger was about $156 each day, according to Callais’ analysis of the company’s earnings report . But whereas most of a line’s expenses are fixed, there’s always more room to increase revenue with more passengers, who are bound to spend more on the ship. “In other words, even if this standby rate is less than the cruise line would make at a normal rate, it's still better to earn a little money from it than zero,” Callais says.

Although Holland America is the only major cruise line currently offering the standby fare, it could catch on at other companies if it brings in enough money. “Like most industries, cruise lines are constantly looking at competitors and seeing what they are offering or doing that might benefit their business,” Callais says. “If it works, it will get picked up by others.”

Regardless, it’s likely that standby offerings will stay limited to certain lines, as well as specific ports and times of year. “If the program trains too many passengers to just wait and cruise standby, then that could actually end up hurting the bottom line,” Callais says.

But for many travelers, planning and looking forward to a trip is half the fun: "Part of the joy of travel is the anticipation of the experience," says Clabbers.

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How much does a cruise cost in 2024.

Use this guide to learn more about cruise pricing and how to figure out the total cost of a cruise.

How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

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With the rising cost of everything, cruise fares – some even as low as $27 per person per night based on double occupancy – seem like an incredible bargain. And they certainly can be, but the fares you see advertised online often don't include extras like taxes, fees, port expenses, gratuities, shore excursions, specialty dining, alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, room service fees and more.

Cruise pricing can be confusing with so many variables. Unless you're sailing with a smaller luxury line that is all-inclusive , your bill on the day of disembarkation may be unexpected or even shocking. Small things like buying bottled water or renting noodles for floating in the ocean at a cruise line's private island can add up quickly. To help you plan better for a cruise vacation , U.S. News has broken down some of the costs and add-ons you need to take into consideration before booking your next getaway on the high seas.

Find your perfect cruise

How much does a one-week cruise cost?

A cruise can cost anywhere from about $109 per person in an interior cabin for a four-night Bahamas cruise up to $101,199 per person for an entry-level suite on a 168-night world cruise – and anywhere in between. Cruise fares vary based on itinerary, number of nights, cabin type, amenities and cruise line. Here are a few examples of base cruise cost ranges on larger cruise lines for various regions:

• A seven-night Caribbean cruise in November ranges from approximately $270 to $2,600 per person.
• A seven-night Alaska cruise in May ranges from approximately $250 to $1,700 per person.
• A seven-night Mediterranean cruise in June ranges from approximately $620 to $2,300 per person.
• A seven-night Mexico cruise on the Pacific Coast in January ranges from approximately $470 to $700 per person.
• A seven-night Canada and New England cruise in October ranges from approximately $490 to $1,100 per person.

What's included in the base fare with a larger cruise line?

Mass market cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean International , Norwegian Cruise Line , MSC Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line – and more upscale lines like Celebrity Cruises , Holland America Line , Cunard Line , Disney Cruise Line and Princess Cruises – advertise "starting from" base fares, which are for inside cabins. These are the least expensive staterooms on the ship, and they do not have windows. Staying in these accommodations still gives you access to all the complimentary dining venues and several types of nonalcoholic beverages (such as nonbottled water, iced tea, juices, hot coffee and tea), as well as the ship's pools, gym facilities, kids clubs and onboard entertainment.

If you want a room with a view – or a larger stateroom – consider booking an ocean view room with a window, or a cabin with a balcony or veranda. With these rooms, you'll have access to all the ship's included amenities and typically more spacious accommodations for the week. Of course, this option will come at a higher price point.

No matter which room category you choose, port expenses, taxes and fees are not included in the base fares, and they're automatically added to the cost of your cruise. The amount of these charges will depend on the length of your cruise and where you're sailing. Gratuities for the staff and crew are also additional.

Ready to plan a cruise? Find the best value sailings on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

What if you want more amenities and perks?

For more perks, you can splurge on a suite or a higher room category. With Celebrity's Concierge Class, for example, you'll be treated to amenities such as a welcome lunch, a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine, personalized concierge service, an exclusive destination seminar, pillow selection upon request, laundry service and more.

With Disney Cruise Line's Concierge Staterooms and Suites, guests have a dedicated concierge agent offering personalized assistance for pre-arrival planning for port adventures, dining reservations, other onboard activities and special requests. You'll also get priority check-in and boarding, a private welcome reception, free Basic Surf Wi-Fi, access to a private lounge with complimentary food and beverages (alcoholic and nonalcoholic) served throughout the day, and other perks.

You may opt to stay within an exclusive area of the ship, such as the MSC Yacht Club, The Haven by Norwegian or Celebrity's The Retreat. These high-end private retreats offer a mostly all-inclusive experience with additional features, while still including access to all the entertainment, dining venues and more on board. The accommodations can cost hundreds more dollars per day, but you'll have an experience similar to sailing on a small luxury vessel.

For example, the MSC Yacht Club offers an intimate all-inclusive space within its larger ships. The private area is accessible with a key card and features luxurious suites, a dedicated concierge, 24-hour butler service, a private restaurant and lounge, a secluded pool deck, priority reservations for specialty dining, VIP seating for entertainment, and other amenities. There are also additional dining and snack options throughout the day at the pool and lounge.

You'll find similar amenities in Norwegian's and Celebrity's private retreats, including priority boarding and disembarkation, exclusive sun deck areas, and priority access when boarding tenders for going ashore.

Guests of MSC's Yacht Club receive the line's Premium Extra Beverage Package, which covers premium liquors, fine wines and Champagne in the Yacht Club and at most other venues on the ship. Accommodations in The Retreat on Celebrity also include premium beverages throughout the ship. If you're staying in The Haven by Norwegian, a beverage package is not covered in the pricing, but Norwegian frequently advertises its "Free at Sea" package, which includes free unlimited bar, free specialty dining, complimentary Wi-Fi, discounts on excursions and other perks.

What factors determine pricing?

Base pricing and the additional components vary greatly among the cruise lines, so you'll need to determine what your budget is for the trip – and what you can and can't live without when it comes to accommodations and amenities. Travelers may also find that one cruise line has a deal or promotion with reduced pricing that covers airfare, specialty dining, a beverage package, free Wi-Fi or other perks in the advertised rate (such as the Norwegian package mentioned above), while another line isn't running any specials for a similar itinerary.

Voyages on older cruise ships tend to be less expensive, so if you're on a tight budget, consider a ship with fewer bells and whistles. If you're sailing on a short itinerary in the Bahamas and plan to lounge by the pool or on the beach all day, you may not be concerned about having high-tech onboard amenities, martini bars and several specialty restaurants.

Save the money to splurge on more expensive fares when you're planning to sail on longer voyages on larger and newer ships . You'll want several days at sea to enjoy the onboard amenities on some vessels, such as a three-level racetrack and a 10-story-tall slide on Norwegian Viva . It would take a full week (or more) to explore all the entertainment options aboard Royal Caribbean International's newest ship, Icon of the Seas – or all the new entertainment offerings and attractions on Princess Cruises' latest addition to its fleet: Sun Princess.

Another significant factor to consider is the time of year you want to travel. Better deals are available in the offseason, but the offseason varies depending on what part of the world you're traveling to. For example, May is a great time to find a deal in the Caribbean. The offseason – or shoulder season – in that market typically runs from May to November. However, keep in mind this period overlaps with hurricane season .

You also may be able to find last-minute deals in many other destinations if you're flexible. Working with a travel agent is an excellent way to learn of last-minute specials and cruise deals that offer add-ons like beverage packages, specialty dining inclusions, shore excursions and other perks. You can also check out the online specials that change frequently.

Solo travelers may pay more

If you're traveling alone, you may also need to factor in a single supplement, which can add up to as much as 100% of the cruise fare. To save money, bring a friend so you can access the lower double occupancy fare or consider lines that feature rooms for solo travelers; select Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and Celebrity ships offer solo staterooms, as do other cruise lines. Check out our guide to the best solo cruises with no supplement fare .

These smaller accommodations – typically ranging from around 100 to more than 200 square feet in size – are priced and designed for solo travelers. Key card access to Norwegian's Studio Lounge is included with the line's solo cabins and offers a place to relax and mix and mingle with other cruisers. Other lines that offer solo cabins include Holland America, MSC, Cunard and Virgin Voyages . While the price may not be as inexpensive as the double occupancy fare when traveling with someone else, these accommodations offer some savings over a typical solo fare.

Some lines often feature special deals on select sailings where the single supplement is waived or reduced. A knowledgeable travel agent specializing in cruises can assist in finding the best offers for solo travelers.

'Kids cruise free' promotions can help families save

If you're traveling with kids, many cruise lines – such as Holland America, MSC, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Disney and Princess – offer "kids sail free" promotions periodically throughout the year. You can also find discounted fares for children on select sailings.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has fares as low as $999 for children 17 and younger on a variety of select voyages. Regent's regular fares typically start at around $3,600 per person for a seven-night cruise, so this is a significant savings. This fare also includes unlimited complimentary shore excursions and all the benefits and perks of sailing with an all-inclusive luxury cruise line. Regent even has a current promotion where kids sail free on a selection of seven- to 20-night itineraries in Europe and the U.K.

Food and beverages are another expense to consider

Once you determine your total cruise fare with the taxes, fees, port charges and gratuities, you'll need to budget for the additional expenses you'll have on the ship – and these extras can add up quickly. Meals at specialty dining venues, alcoholic drinks and other beverages may not be covered in the basic cruise fare. You'll also have to pay for room service on many ships.

You can purchase specialty dining, beverage and Wi-Fi packages before or during your cruise. These packages offer savings over purchasing everything individually – and it's best to buy them once you book your cruise, as they're typically cheaper to purchase before you board the ship.

For an example of the savings with a food package, Royal Caribbean offers up to a 40% discount with a dining package. This package includes reduced pricing for children ages 6 to 12, while kids 5 and younger eat for free. The cruise line's unlimited dining package also offers discounts on bottles of wine.

In addition to specialty dining venues that charge a flat fee – usually between $30 and $50 – there are also restaurants that charge as much as $135 or more for dinner, such as the adult venues on Disney Cruise Line's ships. Other restaurants feature a la carte menus with sushi, bar food and even steakhouses that price out individual courses. Some of these venues may not include gratuities, so that's another add-on. If you decide to dine at any of these spots – and they're not included in your package – you'll have to budget for them in the total cruise price.

Enticing dessert items in the gelato and ice cream shops on some ships also come with a price, including Coco's and Dolce Gelato on Norwegian or MSC's Venchi Gelati and Chocolate.

There are endless options when considering beverage packages, too, so you need choose what fits best with your interests and budget. Some of the package options are only for nonalcoholic drinks like fountain sodas, sparkling waters and coffees, while premium or deluxe beverage packages cover beer, wine and cocktails, so they are more expensive.

Depending on the cruise line, most premium packages will usually cover drinks up to $15, but many craft cocktails on cruise ships can be quite expensive, costing much more, especially if you request a specific brand for the liquor. If you have the premium package and want to splurge on the fancy beverage, you'll have to pay the difference.

It's important to know that there are a few select venues and bars on some ships that do not accept a beverage package, so you'll have to pay extra for drinks at those places. For example, MSC's ships have several signature venues that do not accept drink packages, such as Hola! Tacos & Cantina, Lavazza coffee shops and Venchi 1878.

Norwegian offers a package that covers top-shelf beverages and select bottles of wine and Champagne, Starbucks coffee, bottled water, soda, specialty drinks and other beverages. You'll need to budget around $138 per person per day for this option – and an additional 20% gratuity. This type of package can add up to quite a bit of money on a seven-day cruise or longer. For more information, consult our guide on the drink package options for major cruise lines .

Bundle pricing

For additional savings, look into bundle pricing that includes specialty dining, Wi-Fi, photos and more. Purchasing them together may be more cost-effective. For example, Holland America offers the "Have It All" package, which encompasses a $100 shore excursion credit, the Signature Beverage Package (including the service charge), one evening of specialty dining and the Surf Wi-Fi package for a six- to nine-day cruise. If you're sailing for 10 to 20 days or even longer, the benefits increase. The line estimates savings of 50% when you purchase this bundle.

While these packages may not always work out in your favor, you'll at least know what your dining, imbibing, excursions, Wi-Fi and even additional activities on the cruise will cost.

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Additional costs on a cruise ship

Cruisers will also incur additional fees from excursions, fitness classes, spa treatments, access to thermal spa rooms, babysitting services, ship tours, wine tastings, cocktail demonstrations, cooking classes, laundry services, and some entertainment venues and activities on the ship. Examples include Norwegian's racetrack, Viva Speedway; high-tech attractions like the Robotron thrill ride and the XD cinema on MSC Seascape ; and Carnival's first roller coaster at sea, BOLT.

See some of the more popular added costs you'll want to consider below.

Wi-Fi access

If you need Wi-Fi during the cruise, that's another cost to factor into the total price. Here are two examples of pricing for internet plans for two cruise lines.

Carnival offers three options for Wi-Fi, using Starlink. The basic Social Wi-Fi Plan gives you access to certain social media channels like Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp and more, starting at about $15 per person per day. The cost increases to roughly $20 per person per day with the Value Wi-Fi Plan. This option gives you access to your email and to sites for weather, news, finance and more. It does not support Skype or music and video streaming services like Spotify and Netflix during your cruise.

The last option, Carnival's Premium Wi-Fi Plan, starts at around $19 per person per day and offers speeds up to three times faster than the Value plan. With this plan you can make Zoom calls and use Skype. For all three of these plans, you can save 15% off the total price if you book in advance of your trip.

Celebrity also uses Starlink. The line's "All Included" fare includes basic internet and a classic drink package, which the line says can save you potentially hundreds of dollars. If you don't book that fare, Wi-Fi plans range from around $20 per day for basic service to premium Wi-Fi at $35 per day.

• Shore excursions

If you're traveling to far-flung or new destinations, you'll want to book shore excursions. Cruise lines recommend that you book excursions directly with them rather than hiring an independent tour company or operator, but it can be more expensive to book tours through the cruise line.

However, if you experienced a delay on an independent tour and couldn't get back to the ship on time, there's a chance you could get left behind if you're not on a ship-sponsored tour. If you decide to go with a private tour guide, be sure to book an excursion that will allow you to arrive back at the ship with plenty of time to spare before the vessel departs for the next destination. Most tour operators in busy cruise ports work with the cruise ship schedules all the time, so you should be fine with a reputable independent guide.

Some trips last an entire day or are once-in-a-lifetime adventures like dog-sledding on a glacier in Alaska or taking a helicopter ride over the active volcanoes and waterfalls in Iceland. These types of excursions can be costly, ranging anywhere from hundreds to even thousands of dollars. If these types of experiences are not in your budget, look for historic walking or panoramic driving tours. These activities are shorter in duration and typically the least expensive tours available on the cruise. Many of these types of tours will cost less than $100. And, of course, there are always other options available that range between the lower and higher price range of excursions.

If your ship is docked directly in the town or city, then you'll be able to explore off the ship on your own for free. Some cruise lines also offer complimentary shuttle buses into town or a round-trip ride for a nominal fee if it's not within walking distance of the ship. That's another less expensive option for you to sightsee, shop or grab lunch in town.

Transportation

Transportation is another expense that's often overlooked in the total cost of a cruise. Consider if you'll be driving or flying to the cruise port. If you're driving, you'll have to pay for gas and parking at the port – and maybe a hotel the night before the cruise, depending on when you arrive and when your ship is scheduled to set sail. Don't forget the meals or beverages you'll purchase on the way.

If you're flying to the port, especially on a long-distance flight, it's best to come in a day early. In that case, you'll also have to pay for a hotel, transfers from the airport to the hotel and then a transfer (private hire, Uber or cab) to the ship's terminal. There will also be meals to budget for while you're in town before the cruise and a ride back to the airport after the cruise.

Souvenirs or forgotten items

Don't forget to account for purchases on the ship. Items that you forgot to bring from home will be more expensive on board. It's also easy to run up the bill when buying souvenirs for yourself or the kids. It's a good idea to periodically check your bill online or with guest services to see the current balance. You can keep a running tab of what you've billed to your stateroom – and also make sure that the charges are correct.

Cruise pricing checklist

To sum it up, here's a checklist of major items that will help you to compare costs across cruise lines and tally up the total cost of a cruise:

• Base cruise price
• Taxes, fees, gratuities and port expenses
• Specialty dining
• Food and beverage packages
• Optional activities (such as spa treatments or extra-fee entertainment on the ship)
• Miscellaneous expenses (such as meals and beverages ashore)
• Air or ground travel to the port
• Hotel prior to embarking

If you don't want to budget for all the individual expenses related to a cruise – and you don't need the over-the-top entertainment of a larger cruise ship – consider booking a mostly all-inclusive or fully all-inclusive cruise with a luxury cruise line . These cruise lines include almost everything in your cruise fare.

Mostly all-inclusive cruises

One option for a mostly all-inclusive cruise is Viking Ocean Cruises . The line's 12 all-veranda ocean-going vessels accommodate between 930 to 998 guests based on double occupancy – and all of Viking's ships feature the same categories of staterooms and suites, dining, lounges, and entertainment venues across the fleet. The ships offer an immersive cultural curriculum on board with regional dishes, destination performances and enrichment lectures.

Viking's fares include veranda accommodations, port taxes and fees, free Wi-Fi, access to the spa and fitness center, 24-hour room service, ground transportation (if you book airfare with Viking), and one complimentary excursion in each port. You'll also have alternative dining options at no extra charge, plus free beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board the ship. Specialty coffees, teas and bottled water are available 24 hours a day at no extra charge.

If you like to have an aperitif before your evening meal or an after-dinner cocktail, those beverages will be at an additional cost. You'll also need to budget for any optional shore excursions that are not included in the fare.

Keep in mind that Viking is an adults-only cruise line , so children younger than 18 are not permitted.

All-inclusive cruises

Regent Seven Seas, Silversea Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line boast all-inclusive luxury experiences with shipwide amenities such as ocean-facing suites, butlers, premium spirits, fully stocked in-suite bars, no tipping and complimentary dining at world-class restaurants.

Additional perks with Regent Seven Seas include complimentary unlimited shore excursions, free two- or three-night land programs, a free one-night hotel stay before the cruise departure, transfers from the airport to the ship, and business class or economy airfare (depending on the destination).

Silversea offers door-to-door arrangements where everything is handled by the cruise line. You can also opt for a port-to-port all-inclusive rate if you prefer to make your own travel arrangements. If you're on one of the cruise line's expedition cruises, fares will include a pre- or post-cruise hotel stay. All door-to-door and port-to-port Silversea fares cover a selection of complimentary shore excursions in each port.

If you're interested in an even smaller ship – and are sailing to the Caribbean or Mediterranean – SeaDream Yacht Club features an intimate luxury experience on its two 56-stateroom yachts. The fares include top-notch cuisine, an open bar, gratuities, complimentary daily yoga, access to water sports and movies under the stars.

How much does a luxury cruise cost for two?

If you want to go on a mostly adults-only luxury ship, what can you expect to pay for two people? This will depend on the ship, where you want to sail and for how long – and what amenities are included in the fare.

For a seven-night cruise in the Caribbean in December 2024 round-trip from Miami with Regent Seven Seas, an all-inclusive cruise fare with suite accommodations starts at $7,398 ($3,699 per person). There are additional perks and savings available, depending on the level of accommodations you book and if you combine this cruise with another voyage. You can also check with a travel agent specializing in cruises to see if they have access to other promotions.

For a Silversea cruise in December 2025 that sails round-trip from Bridgetown, Barbados, the all-inclusive port-to-port cruise fare starts at $9,800 for two people ($4,900 per person) in suite accommodations. Contact a travel agent before booking to see if they can offer upgrades or additional amenities.

While the price tag may seem high, compare the total cost with the base fare on a larger cruise ship and then add in all the extras.

See the top cruises on  GoToSea .

The bottom line

The average cost of a cruise is all over the map – and there are many variables to consider. Hiring a cruise specialist to navigate the rough waters may be your best option. Cruise specialists are also privy to special deals and incentives that you may not be able to access on your own. Travel agents can also advise you of promotions that may include free specialty dining, beverage packages, complimentary Wi-Fi, shore excursions, discounts on solo and family travel, and more. This approach will save you the hassle of searching online or calling the individual cruise companies to check on what specials are available.

If you'd rather have one price with everything included so there's little room for surprises at the end of the trip, consider a mostly or fully all-inclusive cruise fare. If you don't need waterslides for the kids, big Broadway shows and high-tech entertainment, a cruise on a small luxury line may suit you well.

When doing the math and comparing the costs, you might be surprised how similar in price cruising with a larger mass market cruise line and a smaller luxury line can be. In the end, your decision will come down to your personal preferences and what you value most for your cruise vacation.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed to destinations around the globe on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts, expedition vessels and traditional masted sailing ships. Cruising is one of her favorite ways to travel and she hopes to book an extended cruise to see the rest of the world someday soon. She covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• Cruise Packing List: Essentials for Your Cruise
• How Much Does an Alaska Cruise Cost?
• Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival: Which Is Right for You?
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• Is Travel Insurance Worth It?

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Two sailings in one trip? What to know about 'side-to-side' cruises

A s I walked into the cruise terminal at Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades with my passport in hand, I had deja vu. I pulled up the boarding pass on my phone, dropped my duffle bag on the conveyor belt at security and shuffled up to the check-in counter with more practiced precision than usual, almost as if I’d rehearsed it.

That’s probably because I had gone through almost the same process just 72 hours earlier at PortMiami. I disembarked a Norwegian Cruise Line ship and boarded a sailing with Celebrity Cruises the same day last month, known as a side-to-side cruise.

Side-to-side and back-to-back cruises allow passengers to extend their trips by taking consecutive sailings, each with distinct benefits. Here’s what passengers should know:

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What is a side-to-side cruise?

Guests sailing side-to-side disembark one ship and board another on the same day.

That allowed Richard and Jasmine Ramnarine to combine a family vacation with a romantic getaway. After taking a six-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise from Miami with their family in November 2022, Jasmine’s parents took the couple’s daughters back home to Atlanta. Meanwhile, they continued on another sailing with adults-only brand Virgin Voyages .

Richard, 37, described the experiences as “night and day.”

The couple, who run the travel and lifestyle YouTube channel A Rich and Jazzy Life , took two distinct sailings and cut down on time spent in transit by heading straight from Carnival Celebration to Virgin’s Valiant Lady.

Each had their own unique dining and beverage options, design elements and activities (Celebration features the BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster , for instance, while Valiant Lady has an onboard tattoo parlor). “You don't have to travel all the way home again,” Richard said. “You get two cruises with just one trip to Miami.”

For me, knowing I had brought all my cruise essentials – sunscreen, bathing suit, tie and jacket for the formal night – with me on Norwegian Viva also made boarding my second cruise on Celebrity Ascent less stressful (just be sure not to toss any prohibited items in your bag between sailings). Cruise lines also offer laundry services , so guests don't have to bring enough clothes for two voyages.

Jasmine, 35, noted that cruise lines often have themed events that call for specific attire, so travelers may want to pack strategically. “So, you want to make sure that you have your red outfit (for Virgin’s Scarlet Night), your pajamas for the pajama party on Virgin, then you want to have your all-white outfit for (Carnival’s White Hot Night Party),” she said.

What is a back-to-back cruise?

Back-to-back cruises are consecutive sailings on the same ship. 

Passengers have to get off the ship and board again but typically do so before or after other passengers have disembarked. “You'll get escorted off, you'll say hello to the customs officer, and you'll turn around and go through the boarding process again,” said Susan Guthrie, a travel agent and owner of Cruisin' with Susan and More, affiliated with Travel with Sparkle. “But it's very fast. There's no lines.”

Those guests can also leave their luggage on the ship. She cautioned that travelers must contact the cruise line directly – or through their travel agent – to link the bookings so they can avoid having to go through the full embarkation process a second time.

What is wave season?: Why you should book your next cruise now

And just because you're on the same ship doesn't mean everything will be identical. If you're sailing in the Caribbean, for example, many cruise lines alternate itineraries – such as Eastern to Western – on longer sailings, giving guests a chance to sample different parts of the region, according to Guthrie. “If you stay in the same room, you really develop a nice relationship with your stateroom attendant because you'll keep the same one for the next cruise,” she added.

Are side-to-side or back-to-back cruises cheaper?

Cruise lines don’t typically offer discounts for sailing multiple times in a row, but both tactics can save travelers money. Passengers can take more than one cruise while only having to book a single set of flights. They also save on booking a pre-cruise hotel stay for the second itinerary since they’re already at their departure point, among other costs.

In my case, marrying two cruises gave me a best-of-both-worlds trip. Trading in the thrilling rides and musicals of Norwegian Viva for the more laid-back Celebrity Ascent was as easy as an Uber ride between ports.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Two sailings in one trip? What to know about 'side-to-side' cruises