Celebrity Cruises Confirms Popular Port Visit But With Challenges
A Greek Isles cruise can be an amazing, bucket-list itinerary for many travelers, and there is no more iconic destination in the Grecian archipelago than Santorini.
Unfortunately, port visits to Santorini have been questionable in recent months, following an earthquake swarm that peaked in early February 2025.
Guests aboard Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Equinox were welcomed with the happy news that their visit to Santorini would go ahead on the current sailing, but with some new challenges.
“As you may know, Santorini experienced several earthquakes last winter, which have prompted some necessary repairs. As a result, we have been advised that the Cable Car will not be available until the Port of Thira reopens which is not until after May 15th, based on the latest advisory we have received,” the notification read.
Celebrity Equinox is currently sailing a 10-night itinerary from Barcelona to Rome, with multiple port visits in Greece and Turkey. The ship is due to visit Santorini on Saturday, May 10.
“The good news is that our visit to Santorini is still on!” the letter confirmed. “However, there will be some changes in how we’ll go ashore.”
Because the Cable Car is not available and it is not advisable for hundreds or thousands of cruise guests to attempt the very steep and challenging trail to the clifftop, tender boats will transfer guests to Athinios Port. This is approximately a 20-minute ride on the small boats.
“This tender will give you a unique perspective of the turquoise waters and steep volcanic cliffs that shape Santorini, a perfect backdrop to a fabulous selfie or atmospheric landscape shot,” the letter describes.
From Athinios Port, Celebrity Cruises has arranged for complimentary shuttles to drive guests to Fira for time ashore. A one-way drive is approximately 30 minutes.
Together, this means it will take guests roughly an hour from the time they leave the ship until they can begin enjoying time ashore for shopping or tours. Any shore excursions booked through Celebrity Cruises will be automatically adjusted for the tendering and shuttle operations as needed.
Some guests will experience even more challenges, however. Because of the need for tenders, travelers who must use a wheelchair or mobility scooter and cannot manage a few steps may be unable to go ashore.
Read Also: Cruise Ship Tendering – 6 Pro Tips
Furthermore, tender boats will not be able to run from 2:30-4 p.m. so local ferry services can operate as scheduled. This 90-minute gap can be inconvenient for guests who may wish to return to the ship during that time frame.
Celebrity Equinox is scheduled to be visiting Santorini from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., so even after 4 p.m. guests will still have ample time to return to the ship.
It is possible – though not yet announced or confirmed – that Celebrity Equinox may extend her stay slightly to ensure guests have as much time ashore as they were hoping according to the original schedule.
Will All Cruises Call to Santorini This Summer?
Because of the risk of rockslides and other potential quakes, many cruise guests with upcoming voyages to Greece have been concerned about whether or not their visits would actually happen.
In fact, Viking Cruises immediately cancelled visits to Santorini in February. Winter is the slow season for the cruise destination, but as summer approaches and dozens of vessels are due to call on the picturesque port, travelers are eager to learn if they will be able to visit.
Other cruise lines have not yet made announcements on individual ports visits for different sailings. Without question, booked guests will be alerted to any adjustments as soon as possible.
Depending on how repairs progress, it is possible that smaller ships may be able to make planned visits while larger ships could choose to divert to alternative destinations due to the challenges of tendering operations.
The Solstice-class Celebrity Equinox, for example, can welcome 2,850 travelers at double occupancy. Much larger ships are scheduled to visit Santorini in the coming months, which could have more difficulty accommodating all guests.
Larger ships with Santorini on their itineraries before May 15, when the Cable Car is expected to reopen, include the 3,502-guest MSC Divina on May 11 and the 4,198-guest Odyssey of the Seas on May 13.
Guests booked on any sailings that include Santorini in the next few weeks should stay in close contact with their cruise line in case of port changes or tendering plans as necessary.
Celebrity Cruises Confirms Popular Port Visit But With Challenges