The best Santorini honeymoon cruises explore a variety of exotic Greek Isles, with inspired amenities and itineraries built with room for romance. Discover ancient ruins and architectural marvels. Bask on breathtaking beaches and volcanic calderas. Encounter culinary creations and locally sourced cocktails fit for the celebration of a lifetime.
Sail with Celebrity Cruises® to enjoy the best suites for newlyweds, picturesque private escapes, and expert tips for planning a memorable experience in one of the most romantic destinations in the world.
Must-See Santorini, a Dreamy Hellenic Honeymoon
The Red Beach, where the red volcanic cliffs meet the turquoise Aegean Sea.
Santorini is the dream destination for many newly married couples. Visiting by ship offers the opportunity to sample Santorini’s charms while sampling a taste of gems throughout the sparkling Aegean Sea.
Each Greek isle invokes a unique sense of place. Santorini’s most romantic spots signal that this locale is all about love. Make the most of a Hellenic honeymoon, settling in for a spectacular sunset and dinner under the stars, long after other large ships have sailed away. Feel the anticipation rise with the cable car as you ready yourself for the romance waiting for your arrival.
Here are some of the best cruises to consider:
Looking down toward the Aegean Sea during a golden sunset at Santorini, Greece.
Romantic getaways to Fira could not be simpler. Ships deliver guests to a small landing below a spirited village with shops and cafes to peruse with your partner.
- Contemplate taking on a “leg day” of mythic proportions on the 588 zigzagging Karavolades Stairs up to Old Port or hopping one of many donkeys (which, unfortunately, have made their presence known on said steps) before settling on the wiser scenic cable car ride up the caldera.
- Follow the stone and mosaic-tiled streets through a linear squiggle of cliffside shops and jewelry stalls. White dresses, pastel men’s shirts, handsewn leather sandals, funky jewelry, and artisan decor tempt passersby with keepsakes to bring home.
- Stop at one of many alfresco patios overlooking the sea for a spot of sun, freshly caught calamari, sizzling saganaki, and icy cold Mythos.
For a flexible way to experience Fira, Celebrity offers an unguided transfer that gives guests time to explore the island’s capital at their own pace. After a tender ride to Santorini’s new port, a comfortable motor coach takes you into town, where you can wander whitewashed streets, browse boutique shops, stop for Greek coffee, or linger over a small traditional meal. The return transfer departs from Athinios port, helping you avoid the cable car lines and ease back to the ship after a relaxed day ashore.
Oia
A highlight of the Greek islands is exploring Santorini’s breathtaking Oia. The signature white cliffside architecture, three blue domes, and lively ambiance can’t be mistaken. Couples connect deeply while visiting this stylish hotspot.
- Browse upscale shops and wine bars that give Oia a refined sense of occasion.
- Capture the moment with a professional photo session.
- Enjoy a Calistoga Couples Massage on cliffs overlooking the sea.
For a guided way to experience more of Santorini, the Akrotiri, Venetsanos Winery, and Village of Oia shore excursion blends ancient history, local wine, and cliffside views. The journey begins at the Bronze Age site of Akrotiri, where preserved homes, shops, frescoes, and ancient art reveal a town buried by volcanic ash around 1450 B.C.
From there, guests enjoy a tasting of three wines with Greek mezes at Venetsanos Winery before continuing to Oia for a guided stroll and lunch in one of the island’s most picturesque villages. The tour also includes time to explore Fira before returning to the ship from Athinios port.
My Visit to Santorini’s Imerovigli
When I visited Santorini, I aimed to skip past the lively cafes of either Oia or Fira and head in between to the serene Imerovigli. From Fira, this is a 5-10 minute taxi along the caldera ridge or a scenic 30-45 minute walk, passing through Firostefani.
We slipped down the hillside maze of Cycladic sugar-cube architecture into an intimate, secluded culinary experience at Varoulko Santorini at the five-star Grace Hotel. The whole of the Aegean lay out before a rich wood table piled with seafood. The endless, glistening sea sparkled, set off nicely from the generous balcony’s whitewashed tiers.
The entire village is built in terraced, amphitheater style, allowing for uninterrupted panoramic views that let everyone feel they are in a world of their own. As we toasted with a chilled local white, we watched hikers on a loop directly down the cliffside, clambering out to Skaros Rock for 360-degree caldera views. The scenic and accessible trail directly below the Grace Hotel leads to a prominent volcanic headland, once home to the island’s medieval capital, with a small chapel and ruins from a 13th-century Venetian castle.
Royal Beach Club Santorini
A breathtaking view of the volcanic caldera over the Aegean Sea in Santorini, Greece.
For couples who want their Santorini honeymoon cruise to include more than sightseeing, Royal Beach Club℠ Santorini offers a relaxed beach day on a secluded stretch of volcanic black sand. It’s designed for ease, with transportation, shaded loungers, umbrellas, towels, Wi-Fi, restrooms, Mediterranean bites, Greek dishes, soft drinks, draft beer, and house wine included with the shore excursion. That means less planning and more time to settle in together by the Aegean.
Spend the day between the water and your lounger, sip a welcome cocktail with sea views, share Greek-inspired bites, or cool off with frozen yogurt before heading back to the ship. For honeymooners, the appeal is simple: It gives you a softer, slower side of Santorini after the island’s cliffside walks, village views, and photo-worthy crowds.
Itineraries to Greece’s Most Romantic Isles
Santorini is magical, but every island has romance to spare. Immerse into island life the Greek way by planning your trip inspired by destination-driven highlights:
- Athens: Begin or end your journey in a city shaped by drama, history, poetry, and philosophy. Visit the Acropolis and Parthenon, explore the Acropolis Museum, or spend time in modern Athens, where central markets, scenic beaches, rooftop restaurants, and Mediterranean cuisine add a lively contrast to the city’s ancient landmarks.
- Mykonos: Choose Mykonos for a honeymoon stop with energy and style. Whitewashed villages, blue and jade-green accents, sandy beaches, boutique-lined lanes, and vibrant nightlife make it a natural fit for couples who want their Greek island itinerary to feel both romantic and social.
- Rhodes: Explore the Street of the Knights, the Palace of the Grand Master, and the island’s Byzantine legacy before heading to Lindos, where whitewashed architecture and Acropolis views overlook the blue Aegean.
- Katakolon: For couples drawn to history, Katakolon is the gateway to ancient Olympia, birthplace of the original Olympic Games. Walk through preserved athletic grounds, visit the museum, or balance the day with a scenic drive to the beach and a waterfront meal of Greek specialties, calamari, and fresh local seafood.
Celebrity’s Alluring Amenities for Romance
A narrow pedestrian street in Mykonos, Greece.
The ultimate honeymoon suite has arrived. The Edge Villa, available only on Edge Series ships, is a two-story wonder with a sea-facing bedroom and whirlpool tub. The private terrace features a plunge pool and furnishings for two, with direct access to The Retreat Sundeck.
A long list of butler-assisted amenities offers a seamless VIP experience with a sense of occasion befitting newlyweds celebrating their new union. These include:
- Suite-to-car escort by your butler for Private Journeys.
- A shore excursion departure lounge.
- Complimentary access to the SEA Thermal Suite and Persian Garden.
- Exclusive sleepwear and complimentary daily laundry, with unlimited pressing.
- A complimentary minibar personalized to your tastes.
Guests of The Retreat also have exclusive access to The Retreat Sundeck, with dedicated butler service, upscale loungers, and water features such as a private pool and whirlpools, depending on ship class. A dedicated restaurant, Luminae, serves suite guests an opulent breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu with elevated cuisine. Chef Daniel Boulud’s signature dishes include a chilled carrot and ginger velouté, Moroccan chicken tagine with saffron couscous, and a raspberry pistachio vacherin.
Tips for Planning the Perfect Greek Honeymoon Cruise
Sail to Santorini from May to October, with the shoulder seasons of spring and fall offering room for romance with fewer visitors and milder temps. Summer adds a bustling beach scene, with balmy waters for swimming and watersports.
Pack light for Royal Beach Club Santorini, with a personal backpack or beach bag filled with a change of clothes for after swimming, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and water shoes for the black sand beach. Towels and refreshments are included in an excursion to the new European hotspot.
To pick the best honeymoon cruise itinerary to Santorini, consider the unique features of the Greek islands or European ports to find what you’d like to experience together. Some couples want a beach escape with a stylish, refined European vibe. Some partners want to step back in time and discover ancient ruins and historical sites. Others want to try their hand at local recipes to add a little spice to the menu once home.
Discover Santorini Honeymoon Cruises on Celebrity
Explore Fira, Oia, and Royal Beach Club Santorini on a honeymoon cruise designed around discovery, relaxation, and unforgettable days ashore. Plan a destination-driven journey through the Greek Isles and discover the captivating ports you’ll remember for the rest of your life together.
Explore cruises to Santorini and start planning your honeymoon at sea.
