find your ideal island
side table at Phillosophies cafe in Fountain Square.
Downtime aboard: You’ll soon pick up the steps of Zorba’s Dance at the class led by the exuberant cruise director on deck. Then take a dip in the pool or have a siesta. SANTORINI SAILING into Santorini on cobaltblue water you’ll see why it is regularly voted the world’s most beautiful island. Surrounded by a dark, soaring rock face topped with a dusting of white houses, like salt crystals on the rim of a margarita glass, the circular bay is, in fact, the caldera of the volcano that blew the heart out of the island in about 1600 BC.
You’ll find black-sand beaches, thermal springs, sloping vineyards in rich volcanic soil, and the fascinating site of ancient Akrotiri.
This town was abandoned by its sophisticated inhabitants long before it was covered in volcanic ash, a mystery contributing to the theory that it must be the Lost City of Atlantis.
Don’t miss: Watching the sun set from Oia, the pretty, whitewashed village with famous blue-domed churches, clinging to Santorini’s northernmost cliff.
Gorgeous views of your ship anchored in the bay, Santorini’s crescent coast and inky outlines of islets against the peach, pink and mauve-streaked sky will take your breath away.
Taste this: A glass of crisp, local nykteri wine, complemented by a dish of green olives, on the terrace of Flora, a chic spot for drinks overlooking the caldera at Oia.
Downtime aboard: Watch a lively after- dinner show i nspired by Greek myths in the Muses Lounge on Deck 7, then join in the finale with the performers.