Cruise through the Cyclades with Variety Cruises – 8 Days on a Dream Yacht in Greece

Cruise through the Cyclades with Variety Cruises – 8 Days on a Dream Yacht in Greece

Our cruise began on a sunny morning in the Port of Piraeus, the starting point of our 8-day journey through the Cyclades Islands. Docked at the pier was a sleek and modern yacht operated by Variety Cruises, accommodating around 45–50 passengers – a clear alternative to large cruise ships. On board: tourists from various countries, a professional crew, and a relaxed atmosphere, all set for a different kind of Greek island exploration.

Variety Cruises offers a unique concept in maritime tourism: small-ship cruises with facilities comparable to those of a floating boutique hotel. The cabins are comfortable and well-equipped for a pleasant stay at sea, while the shared spaces – such as the indoor lounge, sun deck, and dining area – are designed for both relaxation and socializing.

One of the main advantages of this type of cruise is the flexibility of the route and access to smaller ports or secluded coves that large cruise ships can’t reach. Alongside iconic destinations like Santorini and Mykonos, the itinerary also includes less crowded islands or even spontaneous swimming stops in crystal-clear waters. The schedule is balanced, offering free time for personal exploration as well as guided excursions for those wanting to dive deeper into the local culture and history.

The cruise begins and ends at the same point – the Port of Piraeus – making it easy to integrate into a longer Greek holiday. It’s an ideal option for travelers seeking a laid-back maritime experience, away from the crowds, with access to some of the most beautiful islands of the Aegean Sea.

From Piraeus to Mykonos: A New Island Every Day

The 8-day, 7-night Variety Cruises journey offered a well-balanced itinerary combining Greece’s most iconic islands with charming lesser-known destinations. Stops included globally famous islands like Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete, as well as quieter gems like Nafplio – a Venetian-influenced port town with pastel buildings and narrow streets – and Kea, where we discovered a 2,000-year-old stone lion.

Each day brought a new destination at a pace perfect for exploration. Mornings started with breakfast on deck as the yacht anchored in a new port or sheltered bay. Travelers could join guided tours – such as an excursion in Santorini or a visit to the archaeological site of Delos – or explore on their own. Enjoying a coffee in a peaceful, untouched cove is an unforgettable experience.

Overnight Sailing, Full Days to Explore

One of the cruise’s biggest advantages is that island-hopping happens overnight. That means travelers get to spend every full day ashore without losing time sailing. Each morning reveals a new view: dramatic cliffs, traditional ports, or hidden beaches. No packing, no transfers – just wake up, and a new island awaits.

Throughout the journey, the crew organizes spontaneous swim stops in remote coves, where guests can dive directly from the yacht into the clear Aegean waters. These refreshing breaks quickly become some of the most cherished moments of the cruise, especially on hot days.

A Relaxed Atmosphere and Intimate Group

With no more than 30 passengers on board, the dynamic of the cruise changes entirely. There’s no overcrowding, no buffet lines, and no need to reserve a sunbed early in the morning. Everything happens in a relaxed setting, and interaction among guests feels natural. Within days, passengers get to know one another, form friendships, and share travel stories.

The attentive and kind crew plays a big role in the overall atmosphere. Every member is ready to offer personalized tips about destinations, answer questions, and create a welcoming onboard environment. Small touches – like remembering breakfast preferences or preparing coffee just the way you like it – add comfort and familiarity.

Theme Nights and Special Moments

In the evenings, onboard activities bring variety and joy. One of the highlights is the captain’s dinner – a festive evening where everyone dresses up and enjoys a more formal, yet still relaxed, event with the crew. On another night, the deck turns into a party venue with a Greek BBQ, live music, and traditional dancing.

All these moments – from swimming in the sea and island excursions, to lounging on the top deck and sharing stories under the stars – make this cruise a rich and memorable experience. The vibe is friendly and easygoing, with none of the rigidity found on big cruise ships.

A Boutique Cruise Beyond the Ordinary

A Variety Cruises journey through the Cyclades is much more than just a vacation at sea – it’s an authentic, personalized experience, far from the crowds and mass tourism. Choosing a boutique yacht with just 30–40 passengers gives you the chance to explore spectacular places, many inaccessible to large cruise ships or standard tours. Each day reveals a new island, each stop an invitation to discover hidden beaches, charming villages, and dreamlike landscapes.

The intimacy of the ship adds a unique comfort: no queues, no rushing, and spacious common areas that feel open and inviting. The atmosphere is peaceful and relaxed, and the flexible schedule lets you choose between guided excursions and free time on your own. Every evening brings new stories, dinners under the open sky, and meaningful connections. In just a few days, you can form international friendships, share special moments, and feel part of a floating family.

This is, without a doubt, a complete vacation that blends the best of Greece: warm sun, turquoise waters, fascinating history and culture, delicious cuisine, relaxation, and adventure. Variety Cruises offers not just a cruise, but an unforgettable, refined, and deeply human experience.

It’s a different way to rediscover Greece – from the sea, at a slow pace, with time to reflect and all the comfort you need. It’s an experience that blends simplicity with elegance, nature with sophistication, and freedom with the discreet care of a crew that thinks of everything. Every morning starts in a new place, with sunlight dancing on the clear water and the promise of a day full of discovery.

But perhaps the most beautiful aspect is the people. On a small ship, in an intimate and relaxed setting, unexpected friendships are born. Over a glass of wine on deck, during a village walk, or at a traditional dinner, you’ll hear life stories from around the world. You become part of a floating family, where everyone shares the same goal: to enjoy life, quietly, far from the noise of the world.

This kind of cruise is hard to forget. A rare combination of relaxation, human connection, stunning scenery, and the freedom to be yourself, without constraints. It’s no wonder so many guests return year after year, eager to relive that pure, authentic feeling that only the sea and Greece can offer.

Useful Information for a Variety Cruises Trip through the Cyclades

• Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
• Departure and return point: Port of Piraeus, Athens
• Number of passengers: max. 40, boutique yacht-style vessel
• Language on board: English (but the crew is international and very friendly)
• Included: Comfortable cabin accommodation, full board (2 meals per day), swim stops, optional excursions
• Prices: from €2,000 to €3,000 per person, depending on season and cabin type