We (party of 4) are going to be in Santorini in October. Our cruise arrives at 2:00 p.m. and departs at 10:00 p.m. In researching the costs of shore excursions, private tours, taxis and buses, we have concluded that time-wise and cost-wise, it seems to make sense to rent a car in Santorini (total cost about $40 Euros). This way we could visit both Akrotiri and Oia and see sights in between on our own timetable and still be back in plenty of time to get back to ship. Does this make sense? Has anyone done anything similar?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32352 posts
Ken, If your ship doesn't arrive until 14:00, you may not actually disembark until 15:00 or later. If you have to be back prior to 22:00, that won't leave much time for touring. You may find it helpful to have a look at the RS Mediterranean Cruise Ports Guidebook, as there may be some good tips in there on how to maximize your touring time there. One important point to note is that EACH driver will require the compulsory International Driver's Permit for driving in Greece. Even if the rental agency doesn't ask for it, if you're ever involved in a traffic "incident" your day will become unpleasant in a big hurry if you can't produce one. As I recall, I was asked for an I.D.P. when renting on Santorini. In the same situation, I'd probably arrange the rental through either a Travel Agent in your area or one of the Greek Travel Agencies on Matt Barrett's excellent Greece Travel website. I'm not quite sure how you'd return the car, as the rental agencies will probably be closed at the time your ship departs. Good luck and happy travels!
Posted by
Sidney, BC, Canada
981 posts
Some things to bear in mind: Check opening times if you plan on visiting the archaeological site at Akrotiri, like many sites in Greece it is closed on Mondays. Also check opening hours - I have seen times ranging from 3.00 pm to 8 pm! It gets dark early in October - in Crete last year it was sunset was around 6.00 pm. If you are held up (i.e. flat tire) the boat won't wait for you - you need to be back at the ship at no later than half-an-hour hour before she sails. Otherwise she will sail without you and you will be responsible for getting yourself to her next port of call. I bet the people who book the ship's excursions get off-loaded first. Cruise ships do not dock in Santorini, they anchor in the caldera and passengers are tendered to the shore. Then you have to get yourself up the cliff (walk, cable car or mule ride). Also sometimes tenders won't run if there is a sea running. You will likely have a one or two tender wait to get back to the ship - and you have to take into account the time it takes to load the passengers into the tender, take them into shore and then back out again. If there is a delay for any reason, you could arrive an hour or so later than the itinerary says..... With such a short visit, I would bite the bullet and pay for the ship's excursion then if anything goes wrong its their problem - not yours. Or else just go up to the town, sit with drinks and enjoy the sunsets that Santorini is famous for, have a nice meal and return to the ship in good time and resolve to go back another time for a longer visit!