Santorini suggestions for 30th anniversary

[SoshiFluff]

We are taking 11 night Italy, Greece and Turkey cruise end of May 2025 for our 30th anniversary on Ascent.  On the day of our 30th will be in Santorini from 7am to 10pm.  Want to plan something special there like a dinner with great view.  Any suggestions considering time to get back on board depending on all aboard time( with tender)?  We could also book a specialty restaurant on board but feel it would be better in Santorini.  Thank you for suggestions from those who have been there. 

[Essiesmom]

Assuming you will be there on June 2, there will be two other ships there with you.  MSC Sinfonia and Explorer of the Seas.  Sinfonia will leave earlier, Explorer an hour later.  Hopefully that will mean the lines for the cable car will not be too bad, but you will have to allow time for that.  Almost any restaurant will do, with a nice view of the bay.  I would go over to the Ports of Call board for the Med and ask for restaurant recommendations .  EM

[Miaminice]

Try the Santo Winery for something special 

[Tom and Ingrid]

It has been too long 😞 since we have been there, but you WILL find views all over that island.

 

We had a long morning/early afternoon hike from the port to Oia, where we had a lovely meal at the Skala restaurant overlooking the sea.  The meal was delicious, the customer service was nice. And we just relaxed and enjoyed the beauty around us.  We would return.

 

The main caveat was we were at the END of the season. In fact, the restaurant gave us a free dessert as they were closing for the season, and did not want things to go to waste. You will not get that.  Our seat on the terrace was shared with one or two other couples, so you will also not get that.  We even got a little kitten to come sit with us as we ate 😄. 

 

We took the public bus back to Fira and cable car down to the tender area, but that timing is likely greatly complicated by more ships in port.  Our logistics were easy peasy, but that's a benefit of being late in the season.

Edited May 30 by Tom and Ingrid

[koolforkatz]

We were there in June 2022 via the Beyond and had drinks and a light meal at Idol. Food was great, as was the service. The view was amazing. But honestly, all the restaurants along that strip have beautiful views. We were there probably about 4:30/5:00'ish and by that time the main crush of cruisers (also 3 ships in port) had left so it was easy enough to get great seats

 

We also sailed at 10:00 - we took the cable car back at about 7:00 and just walked right on. No lineups. No waiting. 

 

Enjoy your anniversary in Santorini! We were married there many years ago so it has a special place in our hearts.

[SoshiFluff]

Thank you. We were thinking early dinner. Will check this out as well as other suggestions. 

[edinburgher]

On 5/30/2024 at 2:15 PM, SoshiFluff said:

On the day of our 30th will be in Santorini from 7am to 10pm.

With a 10pm sailing, another option might be that you could actually dine very early either ashore or in a speciality restaurant onboard before enjoying the sunset views from your ship without the stress of worrying about lines for the cable car and a tender.

Edited May 31 by edinburgher

[SoshiFluff]

2 hours ago, edinburgher said:

With a 10pm sailing, another option might be that you could actually dine very early either ashore or in a speciality restaurant onboard before enjoying the sunset views from your ship without the stress of worrying about lines for the cable car and a tender.

Yes could consider that. Wonder where would we have the best views if a bit later during sunse(which specialty dining)?

[edinburgher]

5 hours ago, SoshiFluff said:

Wonder where would we have the best views if a bit later during sunse(which specialty dining)?

We have twice enjoyed sunset views from our ships, usually on an upper open deck,(both times the deck which is just above the swimming pool)  but you could consider asking this on the Celebrity Board where past or current pax would be more familiar with the layout of this particular ship. 

 

Do remember that ships will be at anchor and as a little movement can be expected, you may be better off on an outside deck where you can reposition yourselves should it be necessary.  .