Athens to Cyclades Cruise: Packing, Boarding, Setting Sail

Our Athens to Cyclades cruise begins in Marina Zeas, where the journey starts before the ship even sails. This blog shares what it’s like to board Jewels of the Cyclades, meet your crew, and settle into life onboard.

You’ll find practical tips for packing, travel to the port, and what to expect on your first day. It’s also a story of surprise detours, warm welcomes, and the moments that make cruising unforgettable.

Travel, nature, new people, and a sense of adventure have always drawn me in. I moved to Greece in 2001, captivated by the sea, the flavours, and the warmth of its people. So, three years later, a Variety Cruise through the Cyclades offered the perfect opportunity. I got to go on an Athens to Cyclades cruise and visit familiar places, but with a fresh perspective.

We set sail from Marina Zeas on Friday at 2 PM. Galileo, like all Variety Cruises vessels, departs from there. Fresh from a refit, she gleamed in vivid blue.

Notably, sleeker, smarter, and now proudly more eco-friendly. Boarding runs from 2 to 3 PM. Don’t be late, or you’ll miss the magic!

I used to bring everything “just in case” —a full wardrobe, multiple shoes, maybe a kitchen sink. But trust me: comfort wins on a small ship.

Here’s what you actually need:

• Soft-sided luggage (it stows easier under the bed)
• Light, casual clothes for warm days
• Practical shoes for cobbled paths
• A hat & sunscreen (you’ll thank me later)
• A jacket for evenings
• One smarter outfit for the Captain’s Dinner

That’s it. You’re not moving in. Pack light and enjoy your Athens to Cyclades cruise more.

Back to the Athens to Cyclades cruise magic! A welcome drink and warm smiles greeted us. Stella, our radiant Cruise Coordinator, lived up to her starry name, bright, kind, endlessly helpful.

Meanwhile, Socrates, the quick-thinking Hotel Manager, ensured everything ran smoothly from the moment we stepped aboard. After a quick passport drop-off and check-in, I was relieved to find my overstuffed luggage already waiting in the cabin. It was located on the lower deck.

Afterwards, a short walk past the lounge led me through soft piano music and warm tones that set the scene. The calming blue and brown palette immediately stood out. The cabin’s clever design made use of every inch.

It had everything I needed, rendering my “just in case” packing wonderfully pointless. Moreover, the bed was pure comfort, even when the Aegean stirred things up (more on that later). A thoughtful welcome awaited: a trio of Melinikon’s Greek honey — Fir, Wild Flower, and Thyme — sat invitingly.

I made my way to the sunlit upper deck just as clouds gathered, hinting at a shift. At our welcome briefing, Captain George unveiled the route, but the Aegean had other ideas. A sudden change in weather turned our Athens to Cyclades cruise into a “Mystery” detour toward the Peloponnese.

Thanks to Stella’s swift coordination and the captain’s calm wit, it became an unexpected highlight. Afterwards, safety came next: the muster drill, alarm sounds, and life jacket demos were all essential. As always, Captain George and Hotel Manager Socrates were on hand, ready to guide with calm and reassuring ease.

Starting this Athens to Cyclades cruise, the sails caught the wind, carrying us toward Santorini. That evening, Captain George’s warm welcome and Chef Eslam’s first culinary flourish set the tone for the voyage. Indeed, it was just a taste of the onboard magic still to come.

Dining onboard was a daily delight. From our first dinner — shrimp soup with ouzo, black angus or grilled salmon, and blue cheese cake — it was clear. We’d be eating well.
Mornings brought generous continental breakfasts, and lunches balanced fresh fish, meats, fresh salads, and Greek veggies. Both served meals and buffets kept things varied. Cakes and coffee were always at hand, often fresh from the oven.

Additionally, a baklava-making class with Chef Eslam sealed the deal, sweet and sticky. But most importantly, we shared it with pride, during this Athens to Cyclades cruise.

The beauty of a cruise is how it simplifies everything — no need to scroll reviews or chase reservations. Great food, good company, and memorable moments are already onboard.

Of course, every traveller is different. Tastes vary, and what delights one might not suit another. However, on this Athens to Cyclades cruise, I heard nothing but praise, from the food to the excursions.

Most importantly, everyone seemed to relax into the rhythm of life at sea. From the first night, Stella and the Captain set the tone. After dinner, the Upper Deck came alive with music, laughter, games, and even karaoke (which he somehow made less terrifying).

What truly stood out? His Q&A sessions and the fact that he joined nearly every excursion. Just by being there, he created a sense of connection that I’d never experienced on a cruise before.

In addition, the onboard bar offers a fine selection of Greek wines and cocktails. All extras, including drinks, excursions, Wi-Fi, even laundry, are charged to your cabin and settled at the end. No tabs to track, just easy indulgence.

The upper deck and lounge felt like a shared living room. In the meantime, a humble puzzle drew sunbathers, readers, and chess players together. Piece by piece, quiet camaraderie built until the blue domes of Santorini emerged.

Although most guests were couples, solo travellers felt equally at home during this Athens to Cyclades cruise. One remarkable guest, a longtime lover of Greece, easily made friends while soaking up the sun with a book.
Circling back to our itinerary, I’ll also highlight the unique route crafted for our days onboard. I’m absolutely certain we had the privilege of experiencing Variety Cruises’ most treasured gems.

To sum up, our Athens to Cyclades cruise brought calm seas, new friends, and unforgettable surprises. From first impressions on board to shared dinners under the stars, it felt special. This small ship experience was a perfect way to reconnect with the Greek islands’ beauty.
To continue the story, [read Part 2 of our Athens to Cyclades cruise] and [Part 3 here].

To plan your own journey or request a quote, click below to learn more.