One day 3 islands cruise – Our experience
Update June 2021: Due to Covid-19 measures, Evermore Cruises are currently on hold.
One day 3 islands? It is possible if you pick a day cruise from Athens! My family was invited to COSMOS, cruise company Evermore Cruises’ new 70m long ship for sailing in the Saronic Gulf. She is the first luxurious yacht, operating as a day cruise boat sailing the Saronic Gulf. Cosmos is also one fastest day-cruisers of its category.
The boat
It has six bars, five luxurious lounges, and a new specially designed 5-star VIP area for 120 people as well as a VIP cabin. I found traveling in the VIP lounge the best part of this trip. It was comfortable, relaxing and enjoyable.
The top of the notch VIP lounge could only be entered with a VIP card. My children did not have such card and could not leave the lounge without it. I sat back in the elegant sitting corners of the lounge and relaxed with my friends knowing that my children were safe (and cold not ‘escape’ to dangerous parts of the ship) at all times.
Besides beautifully decorated sitting corners and a nice bar, the lounge has cozy corners with comfortable sofas. The children quickly started to play games at the large tables and enjoyed the view over the sea from the panorama windows.
A live orchestra playing Greek music and a multilingual guide completed our experience on Cosmos. The yacht leaves from Marina Kalitheas near Piraeus and the VIP package includes a transfer service from and to your hotel.
The food
There was a trendy bar in our VIP lounge with a large selection of champagnes, other wines and spirits. Coffee and soft drinks welcomed us on board. My children loved the large choice in juices. These welcome drinks are included in the VIP package. On a large table in our lounge, we were served elegant finger food such as spring rolls, smoked salmon, and other snacks.
A 5* lunch buffet was served after the first island visit. This was a choice of meat, fish or pasta accompanied by two salads. Fresh fruits and desserts were served after the second island visit. The food was suitable for the children and there was something for every taste.
The Greek islands
It was not my first time on the islands of today’s cruise. I have been often to all 3 Saronic islands with Hydra as my personal favourite. So luckily for me, the first stop during the cruise is on Hydra, the most remote of the 3. Hydra is a very picturesque Greek island with a history of sponge diving and shipping.
Here your family has about an hour to explore. Hydra is a car-free island and great for kids. You can take a walk in the port and the little streets around the port area. Kids will love the donkeys in the port and the cats of Hydra on every corner of the street. You can also join a guided walking tour with Evermore Cruises.
In my article Hydra island Greece holiday with kids, you can find more things to see and do with your family on this Saronic gem. The second island is Poros. In Poros, I recommend walking around the port to admire the view over the mainland Peloponnese. Older children can climb up the steps to the famous bell tower of Poros. The last island on this tour is Aegina. Evermore Cruises offers several tours on Aegina. If your children like mythology and (ancient) Greek history, I recommend that you take the bus tour to visit the ancient Temple of Aphaia and the monastery of Saint Nektarios.
Our VIP 3-islands-in-one-day-tour was good. The airconditioned VIP section of the ship was pleasant and comfortable. Although there is not enough time to get to really know the 3 islands, this tour is ideal for people who have not much time but want to explore Greek island life. It is a nice one-day adventure with kids as an alternative to the ancient monuments inside Athens.
It is also an affordable and practical way to see the most important historic attractions on the 3 Saronic Sea islands in limited time. I would recommend this day excursion to families who want to experience Greek islands in one day without the fuss of planning it all by themselves.
Have you been on a 3 island tour from Athens? They are very popular because they give you a chance to feel that Greek island life and experience 3 different islands. If you do not want to book an exclusive VIP Tour, consider this Full-Day Cruise to Aegina, Poros and Hydra.
The itinerary is rather similar with a cruise to the 3 beautiful islands of Hydra, Poros and Aegina, buffet-style lunch of Greek/Mediterranean cuisine onboard the boat with live music and entertainment by an orchestra and dancers, pick up transfers to the port from selected hotels in Athens city centre. (not included are shore excursions in Hydra and Aegina (extra fees apply).
For more information and prices, have a look at Full-Day Cruise to Aegina, Poros and Hydra
Combination Tickets for Acropolis and 3 Islands Cruise
Note that combo tickets are available too, giving you options to combine tickets to the Athens Acropolis Monument AND the 3 island cruise. These combos give you the 3 islands cruise together with a skip-the-queue Acropolis admission ticket to use on another day.
For more information and prices, have a look at this Athens combo ticket.
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I was a guest of a day cruise with Evermore Cruises. As always, all thoughts and opinions remain my own.
