Exploring the Mediterranean: Our Family Cruise through Greece

Contributed by Crystal Weiser

This summer marked a major milestone for my family. It was our first overseas adventure together. After a lot of research and deliberation, we decided to take a Mediterranean cruise, with a focus on Greece, to explore the iconic islands and dive deep into their rich history and culture. From the ancient ruins of Athens to the stunning waters, every moment was a discovery.

The Ultimate Mediterranean Cruise: Why We Chose to Cruise

We know that cruising would allow us to sample different destinations without the stress of added travel logistics. One of our guides put it best: “Cruising is like wine tasting. You get a little taste of each destination and decide which ones you want to explore more thoroughly next time.”

This analogy really resonated with us. We were able to visit several islands in a relatively short amount of time and decide which ones we’d like to “buy the whole bottle” from, so to speak, on future trips.

Why Celebrity Cruises?

We chose Celebrity Cruises for its impeccable itinerary, which included some of the most sought-after Greek islands: Athens, Mykonos, Rhodes, Santorini, Hydra, and even a stop in Turkey. While Celebrity Cruises aren’t known for being kid-friendly like Royal Caribbean or Disney, the itinerary outweighed the lack of onboard activities for our teens. Plus, we found it more affordable to book two separate cabins than to squeeze our family of four into a single cabin on another cruise line. The destination in this case was our focus.

Ultimately, the extra space for our two teenage boys was a major bonus. It allowed them the freedom to spread out, unwind, and even have some time to themselves, which made the whole experience smoother.

Pre-Cruise Athens: A Day of Exploration

Our journey began in Athens, and to ensure we had plenty of time to adjust to the 7-hour time difference, we arrived two days early. Thankfully, we found a direct flight from Charlotte to Athens, which was a blessing with kids. The fewer layovers, the better! Plus, we had the chance to rest a bit on the redeye flight, which helped us hit the ground running upon arrival.

We stayed at Acropolis City Life BH Hotel, a charming boutique hotel just a short walk from the Acropolis and other major attractions. The hotel was small but well-located, with enough space for our family - a king bed for us and two pull-out twins for the boys. It also helped that the hotel offered transportation from the airport, making our arrival hassle-free.

Our first few hours in Athens were all about exploring. We didn’t plan to visit the Temple of Hephaestus or the Ancient Agora, but once we stumbled upon them, we couldn’t resist. Both were fascinating, with the Agora serving as a museum filled with artifacts dating back to the 5th century BC. We spent several hours wandering, reading, and marveling at the ancient history that surrounded us.

Afterward, we grabbed a bite at a nearby restaurant, then strolled around the shops of Monastiraki Square, where we found plenty of souvenirs. The evening ended with some much-needed ice cream, and we hit the bed early to recover from our long flight.

Immersing in Athens: History and Culture

Our first full day in Athens was packed with culture. After enjoying a delicious hotel breakfast (seriously, the best hotel breakfast my boys have ever had!), we headed to the

Acropolis Museum for our walking tour. We booked the tour through Viator, and our guide was absolutely amazing. She gave us fascinating insights into the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the museum itself, all while helping us dodge the intense Greek summer heat.

Pro Tip: Your AMAAB travel advisor can help with choosing the perfect excursions for your family based on what you would like to see and do.

The Parthenon was as awe-inspiring as expected. It was crowded, however, by 10 a.m. Make sure to arrive early for an even more unforgettable experience. Thanks to author Rick Riordan, our boys have such an extensive knowledge of Greek mythology. They thankfully had the chance to test their knowledge by identifying the gods depicted in the museum’s replicas.

We then wandered the Acropolis Museum, which houses original artifacts from the ruins. The level of detail and craftsmanship was astounding, and it’s hard to fully comprehend how much history has been preserved for thousands of years.

After the museum, we walked to Syntagma Square to witness the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which is a fascinating tradition similar to the one in Washington, D.C. The guards' unique uniforms (complete with skirts and leggings!) and marching style was definitely an unexpected highlight.

We capped off the day with a visit to a local market, where we picked up some fresh olive oil and treats. Dinner was a delicious feast of Greek classics like spanakopita, dolmades, and moussaka, followed by a little indulgence in baklava - let’s just say I may have eaten my weight baklava.

Embarking on the Mediterranean Cruise

The day of our cruise, we had another fantastic breakfast before heading to the Athens cruise terminal. The check-in process was smooth, and by 11 a.m., we were on board and exploring the ship. The Celebrity ship was large and luxurious, with plenty to do when we were in between ports.

Island Hopping in the Mediterranean

Our itinerary included five incredible ports, each with its own unique charm. Here are a few of the highlights:

Mykonos: A picturesque fishing town known for its narrow, winding streets and stunning beaches. The weather was a bit windy, which kept things cooler than expected, but it was still a beautiful stop. The Windmills were a fun site to see, and their “little Venice” was also fun, watching the waves crash right up to the buildings.

Rhodes: By far my favorite stop. We visited the ancient Acropolis of Lindos, where the Apostle Paul preached to the pagans and baptized many at the Bay of St. Paul. We also explored the medieval city of Rhodes, built in the 14th century and still in remarkably good condition. It felt like stepping into a historical film. We spent the most time at this island and I was thankful we had so much time to explore this city.

Ephesus (Kusadasi, Turkey): This was an emotional stop. We visited the House of the Virgin Mary, which was a deeply moving experience. The ancient city of Ephesus was massive, and the preserved ruins were awe-inspiring. The highlight for me was seeing the original Statue of Athena, which gave a tangible connection to the past.

Santorini & Hydra: Both islands were stunning, though Santorini, with its iconic blue-domed churches, was incredibly picturesque. We even walked 588 steps down to the water instead of taking the cable car. Hydra, a car-free island, had a unique charm and crystal-clear waters perfect for a swim. The water was perfect after a long hot day of exploring.

Reflecting on the Experience

Overall, this Mediterranean cruise was a dream come true. We were able to visit iconic Greek locations while balancing family time, history, and relaxation. The food, the service, and the excursions exceeded our expectations, and even though Celebrity Cruises may not cater to families as much as other lines, we had a great experience, and for us the itinerary was the key factor.

Would I recommend Celebrity? Absolutely! It's perfect for those looking for a lovely ship with an extensive itinerary that explores multiple locations in a short period. If, however, you’re traveling with kids and looking for a more family-friendly experience, Royal Caribbean or Disney option might be better suited to your needs. I help my clients with these options, and together we will plan discover the best option.

Regardless of who you choose to sail with, it will absolutely be worth it to explore the world together with your family. The memories we made in traveling in Athens, the Greek islands, and Turkey are ones we will cherish forever. This trip truly exceeded all expectations, and I can’t wait for our next family adventure!

Crystal Weiser

AMAAB Travel Agent

@CrystalWeiser.travel

An A Mouse and a Beach Travel Advisor would love to help you get started by finding the right cruise for your next family vacation or couples getaway. Get connected with an AMAAB travel advisor here.