A One-Day Escape With Athens Day Cruise
- by XpatAthens
- Monday, 22 September 2025
Once inside, we made our way to the deck. For those choosing the VIP option, there’s the comfort of the business-class lounge, but we decided to enjoy the open air outside. Soon enough, a waiter stopped by, warmly cracking a couple of jokes as he took our order. The coffee was tastefully good; not your usual bland “ship coffee,” but a rich and tasty brew that paired perfectly with the morning sea breeze. The menu offered everything from mocktails and cocktails to sandwiches, wraps, and light snacks. In short: plenty of options to keep you nurished and happy during the voyage.
With music accompanying us along the way, the three-hour trip to Hydra didn’t feel long at all. Just before arrival, we got to enjoy live music on deck: a talented bouzouki player filled the air with the sounds of Ta Paidia tou Peiraia. It was one of those moments: the sea, the music, and the undeniable spirit of Greece coming alive around us. Announcements were made in Greek, English, Spanish, and French, making sure everyone felt included.
And then…Hydra. That postcard-perfect port appeared, framed by stone mansions and a fortress-like charm that transports you back in time. A car-free paradise where donkeys replace taxis and cobblestone streets invite you to wander. With almost 2 hours of free time, we were ready to dive into this little slice of heaven.
Enjoy 22% off your Athens Day Cruise (from €141)! Head to the Athens Day Cruise site and use promo code XPAT10 at checkout.
For those in the VIP lounge, Athens Day Cruise offers the option to join a guided walking tour of Hydra, a wonderful opportunity to learn about the island’s history, hidden corners, and stories that make it so special.
Back on Cosmos, it was already lunchtime, and the crew had prepared a feast. The buffet, designed by the ship’s chef, was a true “chef’s kiss.” There were plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans, all traditional Greek favorites. We couldn’t resist trying everything: tender chickpeas (revithia), flavorful briam, tender fish kokkinisto, oven-baked potatoes, roasted chicken legs, fusilli with sauce, fresh salad. Each dish was cooked with care and tasted authentically good.
And then came dessert: a melomakarono cookie. It may not have been Christmas, but honestly, who wouldn’t want a taste of one of Greece’s most iconic sweets? Sweet, aromatic — the scent of orange filled the air — with its melt-in-the-mouth texture, it was the perfect ending to the meal.
The one-hour journey to Poros passed quickly, especially after such a lunch. The staff were attentive throughout, clearing plates, checking in with a smile, and making sure everyone felt cared for. It was really impressive how personal the service felt despite the number of people onboard. Music, as always, filled the atmosphere: Greek melodies accompanied our meal, and in the VIP lounge, a pianist entertained guests with Greek tunes.
Poros soon appeared on the horizon, a green island with lush pine trees and calm waters. We had about 50 minutes to explore, just enough time to stroll the waterfront, snap some photos, or pick up a small souvenir.
Next, we headed toward Aegina, a one-hour-and-twenty-minute journey, just enough time to explore Cosmos’ boutique. The 2025 summer collection was stunning: elegant swimsuits, breezy cover-ups, and airy outfits perfect for a Greek vacation (or any vacation, really). The sales attendant was knowledgeable and eager to help. VIP lounge guests also enjoyed special discounts.
We arrived in Aegina with 2 hours to explore, and the timelines for each stop had been clearly explained, repeated many times so everyone was on the same page. This attention to detail from the Athens Day Cruise allowed us to fully relax and be completely present in the moment. Aegina itself was lively and fun, a pistachio lover’s dream. Tens of kiosks sold pistachio in every form imaginable: pasteli, bars, yogurt, ice cream — heavenly for anyone who loves this iconic Greek nut. The two-hour visit was perfectly paced to wander a bit, snap photos, or simply soak in the island vibes.
With only an hour and a half remaining until we got back to Athens, the ship readied for the finale: Greek party time! As the sun dipped toward the horizon and fairy lights flickered, dancers in traditional attire guided us through dances from all over Greece, from the Kalamatiano and Milo mou Kokkino, to Kotsaris, Pentozali, and, of course, the grand finale with Zorbas and sirtaki. Guests were even invited for a short dance lesson to show off their moves!
The DJ, a true crowd-pleaser, kept the energy sky-high, so much so that a visiting Mexican group even jumped in with their traditional beats, for a truly international party! Dancing spilled out across the ship, and even folks strolling along the Kallithea marina joined in the fun. The combination of music, lights, and the Aegean breeze made it feel like a floating festival.
By the time we docked, we were buzzing with joy, laughter, and memories of a day perfectly spent between breathtaking islands, good food, and the Greek spirit that’s impossible not to fall in love with.
Enjoy 22% off your Athens Day Cruise (from €141)! Head to the Athens Day Cruise site and use promo code XPAT10 at checkout.
Do We Recommend Athens One Day Cruise? Yes!
This cruise is a unique way for someone who wants to catch a glimpse of 3 Greek islands, all within a day’s journey from Athens. From Hydra, voted one of the most beautiful islands in the world, to Poros, to Aegina, each stop offers its own unique charm. For us, what truly made the day memorable were the people and the energy aboard Cosmos.
The staff’s warmth and attention to detail were remarkable - true to their roots of Greek hospitality. The combination of food, music, and culture created an experience that was far more than a cruise. It was a taste of Greek culture. Dancing to traditional music, savoring authentic flavors, enjoying live performances, and sharing laughter with fellow travelers all blended together to form a day full of joy.
LIFE & CULTURE
