Greek Islands in April?

[Lisette49]

I have seen lots of info about med cruise in summer and fall, but very little in April. We have just booked 10 day Med Cruise on Oceania Regatta for April 13th, and am now getting cold feet (that we will have cold feet!!) Cruise begins in Athens and ends in Istanbul with lots of Greek Islands in the middle. Has anyone done this itinerary in April? Would love to hear an opinion. Also looking for people to share shore excursions. First time on Oceania. How does it work without set dining times? Can you just walk into dining room or do you need to make a reservation? Any info will be greatly appreciated

[LHT28]

We were in Athens the end of April and it was in the 60's by mid May was in the 90's as you cruise south it gets warmer in the Islands.

You should be ok if you take layers.

It is much nicer for touring in the cooler less touristy time of year.

 

As for tours try the Oceania boards for more info.

 

For the dining room and buffet you just show up and you will be seated.

For the specialty restaurants you should make reservations ...most people rush to make them as soon as you board but you have an allotted number of times you can eat there depending on your cabin level so no worries.

You can always try to eat there after your allotment is used up by checking close to dinner time to see if anyone has cancelled.

 

enjoy the cruise

[Trece]

We spent a week in Athens & a week in Santorini last year at that time and it was wonderful, with the added benefit of fewer crowds. We had a day in Athens with some brief rain & we wore a light jacket, a day in Santorini we wore a light jacket, every other time it was shirt sleeves, capris, sandals and it never rained. One thing you need to know, if you don't already, is that it seems you will be there over the Greek orthodox Easter, which this year is April 23. Easter in Greece is THE most celebrated holiday, exceeding Christmas, and there are a LOT of closures beginning on Good Friday, some going into the Monday after, especially of the government sites like the Acropolis etc. Look carefully at your plans if those four days are days you will be in Greece. Sunday especially.

 

We did have a very cool experience on Easter Sunday last year. We were walking to a bus stop & saw a family celebrating Easter outdoors, with the lamb on the spit etc. We were pretty far away across a divided highway so we stopped to take a photo (we hoped, unobtrusively) & they saw us. They waved us over, sat us down, poured us wine & beer, filled us plates, danced with us, and sent us on our way with homemade cookies - it was a truly memorable day! :D

[Wendy The Wanderer]

April is a fabulous time to be in Greece, the weather should be really nice, although a bit cool for swimming in the ocean. No crowds, either.