A new and exclusive form of maritime tourism is rapidly gaining traction worldwide—and now, it's setting sail in Greece
Departing from the traditional model of large cruise liners, this emerging trend revolves around smaller, ultra-luxury vessels that offer a highly personalized experience to a select number of guests.
These ships, often likened more to superyachts than to conventional cruise ships, typically accommodate between 300 and 450 passengers. They are designed with privacy, comfort, and bespoke service at their core.
Unlike mass-market cruises, these vessels feature expansive suites, tailor-made itineraries, and private transportation options, creating an intimate and exclusive travel experience. Prices reflect the high-end nature of the offering, ranging from €10,000 to €25,000 per person for a week-long journey.
Despite the premium cost, demand is already outpacing supply, with bookings reaching exceptionally high occupancy rates.
In Greece, these cruises are making an especially strong impact on popular yet vulnerable destinations such as Mykonos and Santorini.
These islands, which often struggle with overcrowding and limited infrastructure, may benefit from the shift toward smaller-scale, high-spending tourism. By reducing the volume of passengers disembarking at once and increasing individual tourist spending, this model offers a more sustainable alternative to mass tourism.
The rapid growth of this niche market is also attracting interest from luxury hospitality brands and experienced tourism companies. Newly built vessels tailored to these specifications are already operating in the Aegean Sea.
Meanwhile, some hotel groups with a presence in Greece are beginning to integrate land and sea offerings, using shared marketing channels to provide fully packaged luxury vacation experiences.
This new generation of cruise guests is primarily composed of high-income travelers, especially from the United States, with increasing interest from Europe.
Their spending habits tend to contribute significantly more to local economies than those of traditional cruise tourists, making them a valuable demographic.
Industry experts argue that this model not only enhances the visitor experience but also helps mitigate the effects of overtourism in capacity-limited destinations, delivering greater long-term value to local communities.
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