Athens: Saronic Islands Cruise with VIP Area Seating & Lunch

The Athens: Saronic Islands Cruise with VIP Area Seating & Lunch offers a blend of comfort, scenic beauty, and cultural exploration, all within an 11-hour day. Priced at $294 per person, this tour makes for a relaxing yet enriching way to experience Hydra, Poros, and Aegina. The cruise departs from central Athens, with convenient hotel pickup included, ensuring a smooth start to the day.

What sets this tour apart is its VIP experience, featuring a luxurious VIP lounge and buffet, along with unlimited drinks and a discount on boutique products. The vessel, a modern 70-meter-long cruise ship, is equipped with high-end amenities including five bars, spacious lounges, and state-of-the-art audiovisual systems. While the tour promises comfort and entertainment, it’s important to note that the overall experience is optimized for those looking for a more exclusive, less crowded cruise.

Key Points

• Luxury VIP seating and access to an exclusive lounge enhance the cruise experience.
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics effortless.
• Visits to Hydra, Poros, and Aegina with options for guided tours and free time.
• Business class buffet served in a dedicated VIP area with unlimited drinks.
• Additional paid options include island excursions, transportation, and onboard breakfast.
• The average rating of 4.3/5 reflects positive reviews for friendly staff, good food, and a comfortable atmosphere.

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Start with a Comfortable and Luxurious Cruise Vessel

The new cruise vessel used for this tour measures 70 meters long, with a 10-meter beam and a 3-meter depth, capable of accommodating up to 600 passengers. It boasts five bars, five luxurious lounges, and cutting-edge audiovisual technology, making the journey both stylish and fun. The dedicated VIP area seats 55 people, ensuring guests can avoid the crowds often associated with busy cruise trips.

Travelers appreciate the modern facilities, which offer a sense of privacy and comfort. The VIP lounge and bar serve finger foods, unlimited water, soft drinks, filter coffee, and allow guests to relax or socialize in a more exclusive setting. The WiFi access inside the VIP area adds to the convenience, making it easier to share moments or stay connected.

The Detailed Itinerary and Island Stops

The cruise begins with a pickup in Athens, ensuring a hassle-free start. After boarding, the first sightseeing cruise lasts approximately 3 hours, giving ample time to enjoy the seascapes and the modern vessel’s amenities.

Hydra is the first main stop, with 105 minutes allocated for photo opportunities, walking tours, and shopping. Known for its cobblestone streets and historic architecture, Hydra offers a scenic stroll and a chance to see the donkeys still used as transportation. Its unspoiled beauty and traditional charm create a memorable visit.

Next, the cruise sails for about an hour before reaching Poros, where travelers have another hour for free time, pictures, and exploration. Poros is famous for its natural beauty, especially the pine trees and sandy beaches that provide a relaxing backdrop for a stroll or some leisure.

Following Poros, the boat departs for approximately 80 minutes of cruising before arriving at Aegina. Here, two hours are dedicated to visiting the town, enjoying photo stops, and shopping. Highlights include the Temple of Aphaia and the St. Nektarios Monastery, along with the island’s renowned pistachios.

The final cruise leg takes about 1.5 hours back to Athens, wrapping up the day with scenic views and relaxation on board.

Onboard Food, Drinks, and Shopping Discounts

The business-class buffet is served exclusively in the VIP area, featuring delicious finger foods and a selection of unlimited drinks including water, soft drinks, and filter coffee. This setup allows guests to enjoy their meal in a quiet, comfortable environment, away from the more crowded parts of the ship.

Guests also benefit from a discount on the ship’s boutique products, making it easier to purchase souvenirs or local crafts. For those interested in extra excursions or onshore transportation, these can be booked separately for an additional fee, including options like guided island tours, swim escapes, or visits to ancient sites.

The Experience of Hydra, Poros, and Aegina

Each island offers a unique experience. Hydra is famous for its cobblestone alleys and historic architecture, with a walking tour available. The town’s picturesque scenery and traditional transportation make it ideal for a leisurely exploration.

Poros captivates visitors with its natural beauty and tranquility. The island’s pine trees and steep beaches provide lovely settings for relaxation and photos. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a calmer, scenic environment.

Aegina combines historic landmarks with delicious local produce. The Temple of Aphaia and St. Nektarios Monastery are key attractions, and the island’s pistachios are renowned worldwide. Visitors often choose to explore by bus or on foot, with time for shopping and sightseeing.

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The Modern Vessel and Its Entertainment Features

This state-of-the-art cruise ship is designed to meet all modern standards, providing a smooth, comfortable voyage. The audiovisual systems enhance onboard entertainment, while multiple bars and lounges ensure guests find a space suited to their mood.

The VIP area enhances the journey with privacy and luxury, while the overall design encourages socializing and enjoying the spectacular sea views. The new vessel aims to redefine the one-day cruise experience with its luxurious amenities and entertainment options.

Practical Details for Visitors

The tour includes private transportation to and from an Athens hotel, with guests advised to arrive 5 minutes early for pickup. The duration of the cruise is 11 hours, with starting times subject to availability.

Guests are asked to bring swimwear and towels to enjoy the beaches and swimming opportunities. Oversized luggage, pets, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed onboard to maintain a comfortable environment for all.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, giving flexibility in case plans change. Multiple languages are available for onboard hosts, including Spanish, French, Greek, Italian, Armenian, and Russian.

Who Will Most Enjoy This Cruise?

This tour appeals most to travelers seeking a more exclusive and comfortable experience. The VIP lounge and buffet make it ideal for those who prefer privacy and luxury. It’s especially suited to visitors who want to explore the islands at a relaxed pace, with optional guided tours available.

The 11-hour duration suits those ready for a full day of sightseeing and leisure. While it’s not designed for travelers looking for adventure or physical activity, it’s perfect for those wanting to enjoy Greek island highlights in style.

Athens: Saronic Islands Cruise with VIP Seating & Lunch – Final Thoughts

For $294, this cruise offers a well-rounded experience, combining modern comfort, beautiful island stops, and luxurious amenities. The hotel pickup, VIP lounge, and delicious buffet ensure a hassle-free day from start to finish.

While the tour is more refined than some budget options, the positive reviews reflect satisfaction with friendly staff, good food, and the luxurious environment. Hydra’s charm, Poros’s serenity, and Aegina’s historic sites are highlights that make this day trip worthwhile.

This tour best suits those who value comfort, scenery, and a touch of luxury during their Greek island adventures. It’s a reliable choice for travelers wanting a high-quality experience without sacrificing convenience or style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include transportation to and from my hotel?
Yes, private transportation is included for pickup and drop-off at selected hotels in Athens.

What is the duration of the cruise?
The entire experience lasts approximately 11 hours from pickup to return.

Are meals included?
Yes, a business class buffet with finger foods and unlimited drinks is served in the VIP area.

Can I book island excursions separately?
Yes, additional shore excursions such as guided tours or boat trips can be booked for an extra fee.

What should I bring onboard?
Guests should bring swimwear and towels for beach visits and swimming.

Are there any restrictions on luggage or pets?
Oversized luggage and pets are not allowed onboard for safety and comfort reasons.

Is this tour suitable for families?
The luxurious, comfortable environment makes it suitable for travelers of all ages, especially those preferring a relaxed pace.

What languages are available onboard?
Hosts and greeters speak Spanish, French, Greek, Italian, Armenian, and Russian.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

How do I confirm my booking?
Reservations can be made with flexible payment options, including pay later and full cancellation rights.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility issues?
While the vessel is modern, specific accessibility details are not provided; it’s best to check directly if mobility assistance is needed.

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