Thoughts on Santorini

[room with a view]

Hi, did you take an NCL excursion to Santorini and what are your thoughts ...we don't want to spend hours waiting at the cable car to get down to the ship ...thanks 

[mcmomny]

Last August we took the NCL excursion to Santorini, they tender you to the old port where you take buses to the sights and then they left us near the cable cars to get back to the tenders and the ship.

 

When we were there it was super crowded, multiple ships in port at the time and very hot! So after a quick glance around we walked right up to the cable car and got our own car and went down with no problems or wait.

 

Maybe because we didn't linger long and headed back to the ship with plenty of time to avoid the rush.

 

 

[MeHeartCruising]

It's an amazingly beautiful place -- specifically the views from up high on the edge of the volcanic cauldron looking out into the water and down into the ship.  There are very scenic locations all over the place.  So it's a shame to not figure out some way how to deal with the current downsides of the island - overcrowded with tourists, possible transit issues getting up and down from ship to sites, etc.  I would book an excursion that avoids the morning cable car (or if the shuttle boat to Oia is running), and then just deal with your options on getting back down to the ship.  Personally, I walked down the donkey path (with no issues).

[drew69]

1 hour ago, room with a view said:

Hi, did you take an NCL excursion to Santorini and what are your thoughts ...we don't want to spend hours waiting at the cable car to get down to the ship ...thanks 

It is a shame as they have pretty much made Santorini miserable with the crowds.  Bene going for over 20 years and now it is so crowded when multiple ships are in port, it is not enjoyable.  Hoping on our 2025 cruise it is replaced with Crete or even Cyprus

 

When we were there this year, there were 5 ships in and over 9,000 pax.  Did an excursion, as always in Santorini, for the easier off to Anthinos port.  Crowded as it was, got in cable car line around 230 and only waited 45 min or so.

 

When we got down to the old port, you could not move it was so crowded and all ships had stopped anyone from getting off ships as there was no room to unload them at the port.

 

Fall back plan is walking down the donkey trail which we have done in the past.  Can be hot, slippery, and smells awful, but doable in about 15 minutes all downhill.

 

[room with a view]

Thanks everyone, I will check how many ships are in on the day we are there... we will probably then decide what to do .

It will come a time when only ships with less then 3,000 pax are allowed .

[zqvol]

36 minutes ago, drew69 said:

It is a shame as they have pretty much made Santorini miserable with the crowds.  Bene going for over 20 years and now it is so crowded when multiple ships are in port, it is not enjoyable.  Hoping on our 2025 cruise it is replaced with Crete or even Cyprus

 

When we were there this year, there were 5 ships in and over 9,000 pax.  Did an excursion, as always in Santorini, for the easier off to Anthinos port.  Crowded as it was, got in cable car line around 230 and only waited 45 min or so.

 

When we got down to the old port, you could not move it was so crowded and all ships had stopped anyone from getting off ships as there was no room to unload them at the port.

 

Fall back plan is walking down the donkey trail which we have done in the past.  Can be hot, slippery, and smells awful, but doable in about 15 minutes all downhill.

 

It doesn’t smell awful on the donkey trail, it smells like a farm. 

[zqvol]

13 minutes ago, room with a view said:

Thanks everyone, I will check how many ships are in on the day we are there... we will probably then decide what to do .

It will come a time when only ships with less then 3,000 pax are allowed .

It will come a time when the total passenger load allowed will be capped at 7500 people, it won’t matter how big the ships are. 

[herbanrenewal]

My son spent 4 days on Santorini, and loved it. On his advice i stayed on ship during cruise, and returned on a ferry from Athens to stay 2 days - if you could only experience how lovely the island is when the cruise ships leave you'd fall in love with Santorini ...but no thanks on doing it a a port of call.

[Chocolate Teapot]

I did a ship's excursion to the archaeological site at Akrotiri and a wine tasting, so we avoiding the cable car until the return journey.

 

The guide was an archaeologist and had done some of the excavations, so he was exactly who you would want to show you around the site. The wine tasting was less successful for me as it was extremely hot, although the tasting took place on a terrace with a spectacular view to the ship and volcano.

 

We were then driven to Fira and left for free time and each given a cable car ticket. Given the hot weather and narrow steep streets, I didn't spend too long in Fira and got a cable car and tender without having to wait for too long. I calculated that each cable car can take up to 36 passengers (6 gondolas with a maximum of 6 people per gondola, but it is a bit of a squash).

[KKB]

We were there last August on the Breakaway. 

We booked an excursion for the main purpose to get us there via the shuttle bus.

There were 4 or 5 ships in port. 

We were the last to arrive, around Noon.

Around 1:45 they halted our tenders due to crowding at the pier.

Didn't start up again until 3:15.

Our excursion was cancelled. 

 

[debenson0723]

I would avoid going during the summer if at all possible. We went in November and it was perfect (all of Greece was). Low crowds, temps in the 70s, no issues with the cable cars. I can't imagine trying to do it with 10K of tourists there but I realize some people don't have an option. 

[ontheweb]

We actually got lost in Santorini. 😒 We stumbled upon a museum in a cave. We went in and the guide led a tour in English for us and Greek for the other couple. Afterwards we showed him our map (this was back when cruise lines still give small physical maps) and asked where we were on the map. He laughed and said we were off the map. He then asked us if we had a car. No, we were on foot. He tried to get us a cab, but he was unable to. He then pointed out a shortcut to get us back to the area on the map.

 

Rick Steves says be a traveler, not a tourist. Finding a place that uncrowded in Santorini while a cruise ship is there in the summer made us feel that way. 😊  

[dock]

Take the earliest excursion so you don’t have to wait for the cable car going up and in the event of tenders being halted later in the day. We did a cruise tour, but even if you book privately, ask for pick up at the port. 
 

If it’s in summer there will be a wait to come down. We waited 52 mins to get on the  cable car this July. Next time we’ll walk down or choose a different time of year if cruise stops in Santorini. Over 11000 people the day we ported. 

Beach day at Perivolos was wonderful, ambling Fira was lovely. Crowds were not too bad, but standing in the heat waiting for the cable car was awful. We were just too tired to stay out till 6pm ( which was our original plan)  as we had an early start. 

Edited August 15 by dock

[room with a view]

13 hours ago, KKB said:

We were there last August on the Breakaway. 

We booked an excursion for the main purpose to get us there via the shuttle bus.

There were 4 or 5 ships in port. 

We were the last to arrive, around Noon.

Around 1:45 they halted our tenders due to crowding at the pier.

Didn't start up again until 3:15.

Our excursion was cancelled. 

 

We are arriving  at 1.30m and leaving at 10.00pm  on the 12th September ...unless there are any changes to the itinerary .

 

Just checking the ships in port that day there are 7 ships in that day.

 

They are the Celestyl Discovery arrival ? depart 21.30 (1266pax)

Celestyl Journey arrive ? depart 0030(1260pax)

Costa Fortuna arrive 8.00am depart 18.00 (2688 pax)

Mien Schiff arrive 7.00 depart 19.00 (2534pax)

PEARL arrive 13.30 depart 22.00 (2394 pax) 

Star Clipper (170pax) 

Wind Spirit (Pax 148)    ....a total of 10,460 ON ONE DAY . 

 

I don't know what the Captain of the Pearl will do ...we will see .

[KKB]

4 hours ago, room with a view said:

We are arriving  at 1.30m and leaving at 10.00pm  on the 12th September ...unless there are any changes to the itinerary .

 

Just checking the ships in port that day there are 7 ships in that day.

 

They are the Celestyl Discovery arrival ? depart 21.30 (1266pax)

Celestyl Journey arrive ? depart 0030(1260pax)

Costa Fortuna arrive 8.00am depart 18.00 (2688 pax)

Mien Schiff arrive 7.00 depart 19.00 (2534pax)

PEARL arrive 13.30 depart 22.00 (2394 pax) 

Star Clipper (170pax) 

Wind Spirit (Pax 148)    ....a total of 10,460 ON ONE DAY . 

 

I don't know what the Captain of the Pearl will do ...we will see .

Sounds just like what we went thru.

Personally I would only do an excursion that goes away from Fira.

You will tender.

It was lovely a lovely view from the ship, and much less stressful.

But disappointing to not go (some did).

Santorini REALLY needs to be limiting the number of ships/day--or the ship lines need to step up. There should really be no more than 2 ships per day, one arriving in the morning, the other early afternoon, and departing several hours apart. 

Edited August 15 by KKB

[Alatraveler1]

We went early as possible with 20 minute cable car wait up.  City bus from Fira to Oia.  Took the blue dome photos.  Took bus back from Oia to Fira.  Quick souvenir and gyro while walking back to cable car.  35 minutes to get down.  Tender back to ship.  To me on a ship it is a once in a lifetime thing and we did it as quickly as possible.   Honestly, the bus ride overlooking the cliffs down to the sea on the other side of the island was a favorite and like an expensive tour to us but only about 2 euros each!  Those waiting till closer to all aboard time had the hottest, longest and most stressful waits for cable car or ended up walking worried about being left.  My advice, go early, take the photos and get back on the ship.

[zqvol]

3 hours ago, KKB said:

Sounds just like what we went thru.

Personally I would only do an excursion that goes away from Fira.

You will tender.

It was lovely a lovely view from the ship, and much less stressful.

But disappointing to not go (some did).

Santorini REALLY needs to be limiting the number of ships/day--or the ship lines need to step up. There should really be no more than 2 ships per day, one arriving in the morning, the other early afternoon, and departing several hours apart. 

Santorini doesn’t need to limit the number of ships, that is irrelevant. It needs to limit the number of passengers. I will happily be there with 15 ships each carrying 250 people versus there with one RCCL behemoth that carries 7000 passengers. 
 

Been there 4 times. Always on Sea Dream with 110 of our closest friends. Always the first ship there (around 7:00 a.m.) and the last to leave (after midnight) It is amazing how easy it is in those situations. 
 

You have to limit people NOT ships!!!!!!

Edited August 15 by zqvol

[room with a view]

1 hour ago, Alatraveler1 said:

We went early as possible with 20 minute cable car wait up.  City bus from Fira to Oia.  Took the blue dome photos.  Took bus back from Oia to Fira.  Quick souvenir and gyro while walking back to cable car.  35 minutes to get down.  Tender back to ship.  To me on a ship it is a once in a lifetime thing and we did it as quickly as possible.   Honestly, the bus ride overlooking the cliffs down to the sea on the other side of the island was a favorite and like an expensive tour to us but only about 2 euros each!  Those waiting till closer to all aboard time had the hottest, longest and most stressful waits for cable car or ended up walking worried about being left.  My advice, go early, take the photos and get back on the ship.

Our ship doesn't arrive till 1.30pm ...I will guess that the other ships would have all their passengers ashore by then  .

[KKB]

54 minutes ago, zqvol said:

Santorini doesn’t need to limit the number of ships, that is irrelevant. It needs to limit the number of passengers. I will happily be there with 15 ships each carrying 250 people versus there with one RCCL behemoth that carries 7000 passengers. 
 

Been there 4 times. Always on Sea Dream with 110 of our closest friends. Always the first ship there (around 7:00 a.m.) and the last to leave (after midnight) It is amazing how easy it is in those situations. 
 

You have to limit people NOT ships!!!!!!

True. My meaning was the same, but your vocabulary is correct.

[zqvol]

31 minutes ago, room with a view said:

Our ship doesn't arrive till 1.30pm ...I will guess that the other ships would have all their passengers ashore by then  .

Without seeing the port schedule there is no way to guess what will be going on. 

[room with a view]

32 minutes ago, zqvol said:

Without seeing the port schedule there is no way to guess what will be going on. 

12th September 2024 ...7 ship's...possible total 10,460 passengers.

Nothing we can do ...the Ncl Pearl is one of the ships visiting that day .

[zqvol]

56 minutes ago, room with a view said:

12th September 2024 ...7 ship's...possible total 10,460 passengers.

Nothing we can do ...the Ncl Pearl is one of the ships visiting that day .

You need to pay attention to the schedule of arrival and departure times. Those can make a huge difference about crowding. What you don’t want to be is one of the ships that arrives and departs in the middle. 

[Travelling2Some]

I think the cruise lines need to consider visiting other islands.  There are lots of lovely Greek islands so maybe spread the wealth (assuming other places want the tourism). 

[Anoynmous Phoenix]

A few years ago we did the following.   Unfortunately it was with a different cruise line.   However if you could arrange a similar one I would highly recommend it.

 

Ultimate Santorini – A Discovery Exclusive 

Santorini, the lustrous "Black Pearl of the Aegean," is considered one of the most beautiful islands in the world. See all of its legendary highlights on a Discovery Exclusive full-day tour that takes you on a panoramic whirlwind adventure featuring all the sights, sounds and tastes of its charms.

Board your motorcoach and relax during a scenic drive through the island's quaint villages set against a backdrop of azure sea and sky.

Begin with a visit to the remnants of a Bronze Age civilization, the ancient site of Akrotiri. Unearthed in 1967 after being shrouded for over 3,000 years, Akrotiri is remarkably preserved and offers great insight into the island's ancient history. Your knowledgeable guide will escort you through this unveiled city, considered one of the most important prehistoric settlements in the Mediterranean and often referred to as the Minoan Pompeii. Archaeologists have discovered sophisticated multilevel buildings with elaborate plumbing systems and an array of pottery, clay vessels, furniture and home furnishings from this once prosperous seaside village.

Continue to the picturesque village of Oia. Pronounced "Eee-ah," the village is perched high atop the cliffs of Santorini's northern terminus. Stroll through the narrow cobblestone lanes on a guided tour, and view the brilliantly whitewashed buildings, shops, sun-bathed cafés and blue-domed churches. The natural beauty and tranquility of Oia's landscape has inspired artists from around the world, and numerous galleries can be found in the area.

Next, visit the neighboring village of Kamari for an opportunity to sample the fruit of the local vine. Learn the history of wine production on the island, which dates back as far as 1700 B.C. Enjoy a tasting served with meze – typical Greek snacks. 

Then take in the dramatic views of Mt. Prophet Elias, the highest point on the island, 2,000 feet above sea level.

Pause for a traditional Greek lunch, then travel to the famed black-sand shores of Perissa Beach. Put your toes in the sand (careful, it can be hot!) and capture this stunning phenomenon in photographs.

Conclude at Fira, the capital of Santorini. Perched on the edge of a dramatic cliff, Fira boasts a stunning combination of Cycladic and Venetian architecture and outstanding views of the submerged volcano. The cultural and commercial center of Santorini, the city is well suited for tourists and has a number of galleries, museums and cultural attractions as well as a large shopping center and a variety of dining venues all lining the cobbled streets that ribbon their way through town. The main square of Fira is "Plateia 
Theotokopoulou," a colorful meeting place. At the end of your day, take a steep walk to the upper portion of town and meet the aerial cable car for the ride back to port.

[mskaufman]

We took the Charming Oia Village excursion.  No cable car up.  Oia was very crowded but was able to see the views.  Amazing there was no wait for the cable car going back.  Many have different experiences.