Cruising from Athens, Greece—specifically from the port of Piraeus—opens the door to some of the most breathtaking journeys across the Mediterranean. For travelers dreaming of ancient history, turquoise seas, Greek island sunsets, and seamless cruise comfort, Royal Caribbean sailings from Athens are an exceptional experience. Piraeus acts as one of the most important cruise gateways in Europe, linking mainland Greece with world-famous islands, Turkey, Israel, and beyond.

This article provides an in-depth look at which Royal Caribbean ships depart from Athens, their itineraries, routes, ports of call, onboard features, best times to sail, pricing expectations, tips for booking, and everything a traveler should know before boarding. Whether planning your first Mediterranean voyage or returning for another island-filled adventure, this guide is crafted to help you understand every detail.

Royal Caribbean Ships Sailing from Athens (Piraeus)

Royal Caribbean seasonally deploys multiple ships to Athens–Piraeus, mostly between May and October. The lineup varies each year, but there are consistent vessels known for operating Greek and Eastern Mediterranean routes.

The primary Royal Caribbean ships that sail from Athens include:

• Odyssey of the Seas

• Explorer of the Seas

• Voyager of the Seas (seasonal)

• Jewel of the Seas

• Rhapsody of the Seas (select seasons)

• Spectrum of the Seas (rare reposition or Europe deployment)

Now let’s break down each one in detail.

Odyssey of the Seas – Royal Caribbean’s Star Ship from Athens

One of the most popular Royal Caribbean ships sailing from Piraeus is Odyssey of the Seas, a Quantum Ultra-class vessel known for futuristic entertainment and high-tech relaxation.

Odyssey typically offers 7-night and 8-night Eastern Mediterranean itineraries, visiting ports such as:

• Santorini, Greece

• Mykonos, Greece

• Rhodes, Greece

• Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey

• Chania, Crete

• Haifa & Jerusalem, Israel (select sailings)

Odyssey is often the most modern ship Royal Caribbean sends to Greece, featuring:

• RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator

• North Star observation pod (360° panoramic sea views)

• FlowRider surf simulator

• Two-level outdoor pool deck with The Lime & Coconut Bar

• World-class entertainment in Two70 venue

• SeaPlex with bumper cars, laser tag & sports courts

For guests seeking the newest Royal Caribbean design sailing from Athens, Odyssey of the Seas is the flagship choice.

Explorer of the Seas – A Comfortable, Mid-Sized Mediterranean Classic

Explorer of the Seas brings rock-climbing walls, ice-skating shows, and multiple dining venues to the Greek cruise market. Ideal for travelers who prefer a medium-size ship rather than a mega-liner, Explorer offers comfort and energy without overwhelming scale.

Typical itineraries from Athens include:

Itinerary LengthHighlights

6–7 NightsGreek Isles + Turkey

8–10 NightsIsrael, Cyprus, Mykonos, Rhodes, Crete

Longer SailingsSeasonal reposition to Italy or Middle East

Explorer appeals strongly to families, couples, multigenerational groups, and first-time cruisers who want big-ship features at a calmer pace.

Jewel of the Seas – Greek Island-Focused Cruising from Athens

Jewel of the Seas, a Radiance-class ship, is frequently used for classic Greek island itineraries. The ship offers panoramic ocean views, plentiful outdoor deck space, and a relaxing atmosphere.

Popular routes include:

• Athens → Santorini → Mykonos → Crete → Rhodes → Bodrum or Ephesus

• Athens → Cyprus → Israel → Greek Isles

• Athens → Turkey highlights and island hopping combinations

Jewel is best suited for travelers wanting port-intensive itineraries, spending more time exploring ancient cities and beaches rather than staying onboard.

Rhapsody of the Seas & Voyager of the Seas – Seasonal Greece Deployment

Some seasons see Rhapsody of the Seas or Voyager of the Seas sailing from Piraeus, depending on Royal Caribbean’s fleet strategy. These ships usually provide shorter itineraries or reposition voyages:

• 4–6 night mini-cruises

• Reposition cruises to Italy, Dubai, or Cyprus

• Mixed-region Eastern Mediterranean routes

Not every year includes these two ships, but when available, they often provide more affordable options for Greece-based sailings.

Where Do Royal Caribbean Cruises from Athens Go?

Athens departures primarily serve the Greek Islands and Eastern Mediterranean, offering an exceptional balance of ancient history, warm seas, and cultural richness. Common ports of call include:

Greece:

• Santorini – caldera views, sunset in Oia

• Mykonos – nightlife, white-washed villages, beaches

• Rhodes – medieval city walls, ancient ruins

• Crete (Chania/Heraklion) – Knossos Palace, Cretan cuisine

• Corfu – Venetian old town, emerald beaches

• Zakynthos (Zante) – famous Navagio Shipwreck Beach

Turkey:

• Kusadasi (Ephesus) – archaeological wonders, markets

• Bodrum – castles, beach clubs, yachts

Israel:

• Haifa (Jerusalem & Nazareth excursions)

• Ashdod (Bethlehem, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem access)

Cyprus:

• Limassol – ancient temples, wine villages, beaches

Many itineraries combine multiple countries in one trip, making Athens sailings ideal for travelers wanting history + islands + culture in one cruise.

Length of Cruises from Athens

Royal Caribbean typically offers:

Sailing DurationIdeal For

4–6 NightsShort vacations, first-time cruisers

7–8 NightsMost popular option, balanced island hopping

9–12 NightsDeeper cultural routes, Israel/Cyprus combination

14+ NightsReposition voyages or grand Mediterranean itineraries

Most travelers select 7-night cruises, as they provide a mix of ports, sea days, and leisure time onboard.

Best Time to Cruise from Athens (Piraeus)

The cruise season from Athens usually runs April to November, with peak summer months offering hot weather and lively island ports.

SeasonProsCons

April–MayMild weather, blooming landscapes, lower pricesSea can be cooler for swimming

June–AugustBest beach weather, full island nightlifeHigh heat, busiest crowds, higher prices

September–OctoberWarm seas & good climate, fewer crowdsSlight risk of autumn storms

November (limited sailings)Quiet ports, bargain pricesWeather becomes unpredictable

For smooth weather, sea swimming, and fewer crowds, September is often considered the best month to cruise from Athens.

Average Cost of Royal Caribbean Cruises from Athens

Prices vary based on month, ship, cabin type, and itinerary. Average pricing ranges:

Cabin TypePrice per Person (approx.)

Interior$650–$1,200+

Oceanview$900–$1,600+

Balcony$1,200–$2,400+

Suite$2,500–$8,000+

Peak summer (July–August) pushes fares highest, while May and October typically offer best value.

Tips for Choosing the Best Cruise from Athens

Travelers choosing Royal Caribbean from Piraeus should consider:

• Whether they prefer a modern mega-ship (Odyssey) or relaxed classic vessel (Jewel)

• How many ports they want vs. sea days

• If visiting Israel or Turkey is a priority

• Cabin type → balcony highly recommended for Greek island sailings

Best Itineraries for First-Time Mediterranean Cruise Travelers

Highly recommended for beginners:

7-Night Greek Isles + Turkey – Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, KusadasiPerfect mix of beaches, nightlife, ancient history.

7–8 Night Athens + Cyprus + IsraelIdeal for cultural explorers wanting Biblical sites & archaeological depth.

Shore Excursion Highlights by Port

For travelers planning ahead, these must-see excursions are worth booking:

PortTop Experience

SantoriniCaldera cruise + Oia sunset

MykonosBeach hopping & windmill tour

RhodesWalking tour of Medieval Old Town

CretePalace of Knossos + Cretan food farm

Ephesus (Turkey)Library of Celsus + House of Virgin Mary

HaifaFull-day Jerusalem + Dead Sea excursion

Booking excursions early ensures best availability—especially Santorini and Jerusalem tours.

Why Sail Royal Caribbean Instead of Other Lines from Athens?

Royal Caribbean stands out due to:

• Innovative onboard entertainment (surf simulators, skydiving, laser tag)

• Balanced itineraries mixing islands + historical sites

• Excellent family options & kids programs

• Strong dining selection + specialty restaurants

• Good value for price compared to luxury lines

It caters well to families, couples, solo travelers, honeymooners, and multi-generation groups.

Final Thoughts

Royal Caribbean offers multiple ships and diverse itineraries departing from Athens (Piraeus), making it one of the top gateways for Mediterranean cruising. Travelers can choose modern high-tech ships like Odyssey of the Seas, scenic traditional vessels like Jewel of the Seas, or seasonal favorites like Explorer or Voyager. From Mykonos to Santorini, Israel to Turkey, Athens is an ideal launch point into history-rich ports, ocean-blue coastlines, and unforgettable island culture.

Whether you dream of Greek beaches, ancient ruins, world-class onboard entertainment, or multi-country exploration, Royal Caribbean’s Athens departures deliver it all—comfortably, beautifully, and endlessly memorably.