Ruby Princess – Santorini
On our 10th day of cruising aboard the Ruby Princess we dropped anchor off Santorini. Approaching from the sea, it is one of the most beautiful Greek islands. We arrived in early morning trailed by a few other cruise ships. The depth of the caldera, at 400 meters, makes it possible for all but the largest ships to anchor here. Santorini has been ranked world’s top island by many travel sites, including the Travel+Leisure Magazine.
There’s no dock where the cruise ships drop anchor so we were tendered into the island, arriving below the cliffs and the principal city of Fira (Phira). From where the cruise ship tenders dock, you can get to the top of the cliffs by cable-car, by riding a donkey, or simply walking. With a 1.5 hour waiting line at the cable car – three cruise ships in port – we took off walking. And it’s a hike!
It is a beautiful island, but do plan your shore excursion in advance as this was perhaps the most popular island for the passengers on our ship. As we were off the ship the previous two days, we choose to spend only a half-day on Santorini… This is a spot we’ll come back to explore!
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