Christmas & New Year 2023 - 19 Nights

Celebrate the festive season in every way you can imagine. Joining us on a Christmas odyssey across Europe, Africa and Asia, you’ll explore waterfalls near the birthplace of Santa Claus, trace the story of Mary and Joseph on Christmas Day, and watch New Year’s Eve fireworks in Istanbul. Because why shouldn’t Christmas last 19 days?

View the excursions available on this cruise

Map image
1 Athens (Pireaus)
2 Thessaloniki
3 Izmir
4 Crete (Agios Nikolaus)
5 Antalya
6 Limassol
7 Alexandria
8 Haifa
9 At Sea
10 Athens
11 Crete (Heraklion)
12 Rhodes
13 Kusadasi
14 Istanbul
15 At Sea
16 Volos
17 Athens (Pireaus)

Cruise itinerary

At-a-Glance Itinerary
Day 1
15:00

Athens

(Pireaus)

Your idyllic Aegean escape begins in the majestic city of Athens. As one of the oldest cities in the world, the vibrant modern metropolis boasts an intriguing and contrasting mix of old and modern architecture in perfect harmony and balance. Explore the city and soak up the atmosphere by the harbour’s edge as you wait to embark for your exciting adventure.

Day 2
Depart 15:00

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a gorgeous and cosmopolitan seaside city and the largest in Greece after Athens. Centuries of cultural commingling has also made Thessaloniki a culinary nirvana, with almost too many great restaurants and little eateries to count.

Day 3
Depart 15:30

Izmir

We enter from the azure-blue Bay of Izmir, watching the lively city approach with its distinctly Turkish skyline. The Pearl of the Aegean, Izmir has a rich heritage of multicultural influences, so the cuisine and communities are endlessly inviting. Even in winter, the laidback and vivacious atmosphere can make it feel like summer never left

Day 4
Depart 15:00

Crete

(Agios

Along the spectacular Cretan coast east of Heraklion you’ll find the energetic resort towns of Hersonissos and Malia and also the capital of the Lassithi region, Agios Nikolaos. The charming resort town, whose name (Saint Nicholas, in English) refers to Greece’s patron saint of sailors, fronts the wide blue Bay of Mirabello. The town’s landmark round Lake Voulismeni—where the goddess Athena is said to have bathed—connects to the sea.

Day 5
Depart 17:00

Antalya

An extra special stop on our festive cruise brings you within 100 miles of the birthplace of St Nicholas, the original Santa Claus. Here in Antalya you’ll follow the footsteps of a Roman emperor at Hadrian’s Gate. You’ll discover Ottoman-era houses and gardens in the old town of Kaleici. And you’ll even meet the founder of Turkey, Kemal Ataturk, at his striking monument in Republic Square.

Day 6
Depart 12:30

Limassol

Bustling Limassol is Cyprus’ cultural hub and tourist centre. Its streets are lined with colourful cafes, bars and restaurants. To complement the modern attractions, the lively city also has the historic monument of Limassol Castle and a collection of ancient treasures on show in the Cyprus Medieval Museum. Unveil the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of Pafos, and the legend of Aphrodite’s Rock.

Days 7-8

Alexandria

One of the greatest cities in human history, known for its legend, mystique and iconic history. Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great, became the seat of power for the Ptolemaic Kingdom, and has stories to tell about everyone from Cleopatra to Napoleon. With a full day, night and morning to explore, it’s hard not to fall in love with the ‘Bride of the Mediterranean’.

Days 9-10
Depart 16:00

Haifa

Your Christmas story leads you down the same path as the Three Wise Men on their journey to Palestine’s Bethlehem. Here in Haifa in what is now Israel, you will spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day bringing scenes from the holy story to life for yourself. Wander through ever-changing neighbourhoods and witness the blend of modernity with ancient culture.

Day 11

At

Sea

A day at sea gives you the opportunity to explore the ship’s array of amenities, take full advantage of the onboard activities and indulge in our chef’s exquisite cuisine. Kick back and soak up the sun as we treat you to complimentary drinks from the bar. Alternatively, why not participate in handicrafts, language lessons, traditional dancing, games or exercise. There’s plenty to do.

Day 12
Depart 17:00

Athens

When we arrive back in Athens for a day of festivities, Greek-style, you can choose how to spend our day together. Visit the monuments you know from legends and history? Marvel at the view of the city from the Acropolis? Shop for last-minute gifts to share your voyage with loved ones at home? It’s all up to you. This is our home city, and we can’t wait to show you around.

Day 13
Depart 17:00

Crete

(Heraklion)

As we pull into Heraklion, you have the chance to snap the imposing 16th-Century walls of Koules Fortress. Here you can enjoy the calm of the stunning waterfront, explore the Cretan countryside or discover the Palace of Knossos. This spellbinding tour invites you to listen to tales of intrigue and learn about Europe’s first civilisation in the Knossos museum. Was the Minotaur half-man or myth? You’re about to find out!

Day 14
Depart 18:00

Rhodes

The picturesque island of Rhodes is well known for its beautiful beaches, majestic fortified ruins, and its glorious year-round sunshine. Perched high on the clifftop that dramatically rises up from the crystalline waters is the island’s crowning glory – the Acropolis at Lindos. Your complimentary guided tour here also includes the chance to discover the island’s enchanting Old Town.

Day 15
Depart 14:00

Kusadasi

The dynamic beach resort of Kusadasi welcomes you with its warm and friendly ambience. From here you will be whisked away for a guided tour round ancient Ephesus, one of the highlights of this iconic Aegean cruise. Before rebounding the ship, take time to enjoy the scenic seafront promenade and the town’s impressive Grand Bazaar.

Day 16-17
Depart 23:30

Istanbul

The enchanting capital city of Istanbul is split between the continents of Europe and Asia, and offers a truly unique experience. The city’s skyline is embellished with the silhouetted minarets of the lavish Byzantine and imperial mosques that line the Bosphorus Strait. Our complimentary cruise along the Bosphorus or visit to the spice market to experience the sights, smells and sounds of this enigmatic city.

Day 18

At

Sea

A day at sea gives you the opportunity to explore the ship’s array of amenities, take full advantage of the onboard activities and indulge in our chef’s exquisite cuisine. Kick back and soak up the sun as we treat you to complimentary drinks from the bar. Alternatively, why not participate in handicrafts, language lessons, traditional dancing, games or exercise. There’s plenty to do.

Day 19
Depart 17:00

Volos

The attractive and picturesque coastal port city of Volos is associated with many captivating tales of Greek mythology. It’s the mythical home of Jason and the Argonauts, and the birthplace of the Centaur. The island’s most popular attraction, however, are the six spectacular monasteries that are perched high on the magnificent vertical rock formations collectively known as Meteora. You have to see it to believe it.

Day 20
Arrive 08:00

Athens

(Pireaus)

While your cruise may be drawing to an end, the tantalising city of Athens still lies ahead. Delve deep into the city’s sidestreets, bursting with life and culture. Or, clamber up high to the Acropolis for a stunning view of this thriving, cosmopolitan city. As the sun sets, take in the Athens skyline by night and wonder at the dancing Aegean. There’s no better place to end your cruise than here.

Amazing excursions carefully curated

excursion
Full Day

Classic Cairo

PSD-01 Learn More
excursion
Half Day

Ancient Ephesus through the ages Hellenistic and Roman

KUS-02 Learn More
excursion
Half Day

Minoan Palace of Knossos – 1st European Civilisation

HER-02 Learn More