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Variety Cruises Galileo Deck Plans & Reviews

variety cruises galileo reviews

Variety Cruises Galileo

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Variety Cruises Review of Galileo in the Greek Isles by Jeff F.

Nov 16, 2022 | 0

Variety Cruises Review of Galileo in the Greek Isles by Jeff F.

Variety Cruises Review of Galileo.

Jeff Freelinger from USA.

CRUISE LINE

Destination.

Greece & the Greek Isles.

# OF NIGHTS,

Departure port.

Athens/Piraeus, Greece.

DATE OF CRUISE

October, 2022.

OVERALL EXPERIENCE RATING

5 out of 5 stars    (5=excellent, 4=very good, 3=good, 2=poor, 1=terrible).

-Food Rating: 3

-Cabin Rating: 3

-Service/Crew Rating: 5

-Itinerary Rating: 5

VARIETY CRUISES REVIEW

We wound up on this cruse because our original booking was cancelled on one weeks notice. This was the only one that fit with our nonrefundable plane tickets from Hawaii to Greece. It turned out better than we expected. Galileo is not a new ship. It shows its age. Everything was clean and more or less functional. Cabins are small. The beds are comfortable. There was always hot water. The food is fine, but not special. We took this cruise to see Greece and its interesting history. This was spectacular.

The guide was great, knowledgeable and friendly. The places visited were terrific. The small number of passengers (about 30) made a cozy and friendly group. The crew was helpful and friendly, and seemed to enjoy their jobs.

Don’t take this if you expect fancy food and entertainment. There is none. No casino, no nothing like that.

The ship is a way to get from place to place. The small size makes getting into paces that are not accessible for big ships possible.

I would sail with this ship and crew again.

NUMBER OF SMALL-SHIP CRUISES TAKEN UNDER 300 PAX

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Variety Cruises' Galileo: A boutique ship for exploring Greece's hidden islands

Sample the celebrity lifestyle with a yachting adventure on the gorgeous MS Galileo

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Sailing from island to island on a nautical adventure around the Cyclades – an archipelago of over two hundred islands in the Aegean Sea – is undoubtedly the stuff of holiday fantasies.

Variety Cruises' MS Galileo fits the bill perfectly. This extraordinary boutique sailing ship is thoroughly modern yet has features and flourishes that transport guests to a different era of ocean-faring with its gleaming navy hull, lofty masts, brass fixtures, plenty of wood-panelling, and cute traditional portholes. And with just 24 cabins, you’re one of a lucky few guests who make Galileo home for seven days on weekly departures from Athens.

A captain and crew do all the hard work while you’re effortlessly introduced to Mamma Mia isles in all their blue and white splendour without lifting a finger (except to pick up a glass of something chilled, perhaps). Here’s why else Galileo gets our vote for being the perfect boutique ship in Greece.

A sophisticated way to visit the Greek islands

best greek island cruises

There’s something satisfyingly carefree about a cruise that visits a new destination – if not two – every day. There’s time to feast on platters of meze in a waterside taverna in the evening before sleeping on the water, then sailing on to the next sun-splashed island. But all the hopping from island to island isn’t at the expense of relaxing, which is precisely what you’ll get on Galileo, where the sundeck is lined with comfy loungers to relax with the summer’s best novels as the ship sails on to the next island. With most of the sailing happening during the day under sunny Grecian skies, there’s plenty of time to gaze out over the sea, spotting rocky islands and eyeing mega-yachts that hide A-listers on their decks.

SEE GREECE ON GALILEO IN 2023

Drop anchor in tucked-away bays

best greek cruise

A cooling dip in the crystal waters of the Aegean Sea will likely prove irresistible. Thankfully, Galileo ’s crew know all the best spots to drop anchor, arriving at hidden bays where guests can leap from the deck into the water for swimming and snorkelling (or gently descend the wooden ladder if you prefer to dangle a toe first). After a swim stop near Poliegos, an uninhabited island, Galileo’s crew bring holiday vibes to the decks with a BBQ before sailing to the next island.

Visit Greece’s most-loved islands (and some hidden gems, too)

amazing evening view of santorini, greece with cruise ships at sunset

A Greek island cruise means you can check off the blockbuster islands of Santorini and Mykonos in one trip. Better still, Galileo stops for extended visits, with overnight moorings at both islands, meaning you can spend the whole day and evening on these jet-setter isles. You’ll understand why these islands are so lusted after and return to your cosy cabin on Galileo, ready for the next adventure.

Sail on a beautiful yacht

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Galileo is a design masterpiece with classic white sails that make her instantly appealing. Yet her primary method of getting from A to B is a motor, so you don’t rely on wind power. Equipped with all the modern maritime systems of today’s ships, but with the styling of something far more nostalgic and romantic, Galileo is a striking vision on the blue waters of the Aegean, holding her own in an impressive sea of elegant tall ships and sleek mega yachts.

A cruise with the perfect itinerary

paros skyline at dusk blue hour

The careful selection of ports and optimum arrival and departure times can be the difference between a good cruise and a great cruise. Look for a blend of blockbuster locations (we’re looking at you, Santorini) and under-the-radar locales (you’ll fall for Folegandros). An itinerary that means you get to experience the evening atmosphere of island towns such as Syros and Paros means you get to know the culture far better, and you’ll feel you’re spending as much time off the ship as on.

FIND OUT MORE

The proximity of the islands to each other means you don’t spend hours (let alone days, as on some cruises) reaching your next destination. And thanks to mostly morning sailings, with quiet nights in port, watching the scenery passing from the ship’s sun deck is a special part of the cruise holiday.

Enjoy shared experiences with others

While the itinerary is ideal for leisurely dinners in tiny tavernas watching the sun melting behind the horizon, each day, either lunch or dinner is served on board. The meals are served in Galileo ’s restaurant, and guests can eat together on oversized family-style tables to swap stories and top tips over fresh Mediterranean dishes. Perhaps you’ll make friends for life, but if you’d rather spend the time with the partner or friends you’ve travelled with, that’s ok too. There’s ample time in ports to head off and explore on your own terms. Back on board, even when the ship is fully occupied, there’s still a wonderful sense of space.

It costs less than you might expect

At under £3,000 per person, a week on board Galileo is significantly less costly than chartering your own yacht. Plus, breakfast, and either lunch or dinner (complete with beer and wine), are included. It gives you a glimpse of what it might be like to sail the Aegean Sea with the carefree abandon of the billionaires and celebrities who also like to venture around these parts.

Like the sound of exploring the Greek islands by yacht? Visit our holiday website for more details on how to book.

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variety cruises galileo reviews

  • Shipyard Elthom
  • Length 46.00 m
  • Beam 10.00 m
  • Tons 480 gt
  • Passengers 50
  • Crew/Pax ratio 1 : 2.78
  • Currency EUR
  • Language English
  • Flag Greece

Galileo is a sailing ship that sails for Variety Cruises, offering exclusive itineraries and an intimate and relaxing cruising style. The Galileo can’t help but seduce its 49 guests with classic lines and wood-paneled rooms, redefining what past yachting must have been. A large lounge with welcoming spaces, dining areas decorated in warm colors, a full library and two decks for sunbathing, an outdoor bar and sun loungers are just some of the elements that characterize this Variety Cruises’ ship. The charm of sailing adds a magical touch to the atmosphere on board and the exclusive itineraries offered. Gabriele Bassi

  • Eastern Mediterranean

La bellezza della Grecia

Siamo salpati a bordo di Galileo alla volta della Grecia, nonostante il periodo il clima ci ha sorpresi, abbiamo vissuto una bellissima crociera. La nave è carina ed ogni giorno il cibo era delizioso e vario. La cabina era ben arredata e confortevole, il personale era sempre presente per soddisfare eventuali nostre richieste, insomma erano disponibili e cordiali. Consiglio vivamente questa crociera.

  • Embarkation
  • Comfort and design
  • Cleaning/Maintenance
  • Gym and Spa
  • Theater shows
  • Internet service / Wi-fi
  • Baby club / Teen club
  • Guest service
  • Entertainment
  • Bar service
  • Main restaurants quality
  • Buffet restaurants quality
  • Speciality restaurants quality
  • Would you cruise this ship again?
  • Do you recommend this ship?
  • Value for money
  • Language assistance

First time with Variety Cruises

I took this cruise because some friends had recommended Variety Cruises, and I truly had a great time! Our cabin was small but very comfortable and well-equipped. Onboard, we felt pampered thanks to the staff's super helpfulness in catering to all our desires. The lectures about the places we would visit, modern and ancient Greek culture and history, were very interesting. The excursions were excellent as well, with knowledgeable guides who were eager to satisfy our curiosity. The ship, in general, was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, and the captain was very amiable! The food was fresh and delicious, often featuring traditional dishes. We had a lot of fun experiencing Greece for the first time on this Variety cruise, which surpassed all our expectations, and we can't wait to do it again.

Galileo motorsailer with dark blue hull, teak sun deck & 3 masts sits at anchor in a cove flanked by bright pink flowers.

The 157-foot, 49-guest Galileo is a classic steel-hull motorsailer cruising the Greek Isles, offering the best of the Mediterranean: sun, sea, sand and history. This stunning vessel was built with the most stringent safety regulations. First launched in 1992, she was fully rebuilt in 2007 and most recently renovated in 2016. Significant upgrades to the guest accommodations, indoor and outdoor public areas make her a delightful motorsailer for cruising the Mediterranean.

Why Sail Aboard M/S Galileo

The Galileo is one of our most popular small ships cruising the Mediterranean, and for many reasons. Although she is a motorsailer, she has the charm of a historic Mediterranean sailing vessel. She primarily cruises under power, with sails raised occasionally when weather and route allow. Being Greek-owned and operated since 1992, she brings a lot of history and a connected, authentic crew. Her itineraries focus solely on the best of the Greek Islands. At only 157 feet, she can dock right downtown in small ports that are off limits to big cruise ships. And she’s small enough to visit authentic small ports like Folegandros, Paros and Syros that highlight Greece’s archeological treasures and fascinating culture.

Consult this page for a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Our expedition cruise experts have been aboard the Galileo firsthand. Read our  Galileo cruise ship review , or let us help you compare this ship with other small cruise ships  that offer  small ship Mediterranean cruises and Greek Island small ship cruises .

Common Areas Aboard Galileo

During the day, life on board centers around the indoor lounge area and dining room, as well as the outdoor areas at the Main, Upper and Sun Decks. Renovated in 2016, the Main Deck lounge area with an American bar leads into a warm and elegant dining room finished with wood and carpet flooring, and beautiful soft fabrics.

The indoor lounge is air conditioned for hot days and the outdoor lounge provides excellent views, especially when under sail. Guests on Galileo very much enjoy the shaded outdoor area with an outdoor bar where they can relax enjoying the most breathtaking sea views. In the evening, guests watch the sunset and enjoy a drink under the stars. 

Dining Aboard Galileo

The spacious dining room seats all passengers in a single, unassigned seating and allows for spectacular views while dining in an elegant environment. Food is served at the table or presented on the state-of-the-art hot & cold buffet, which also includes an “a la minute cooking” section. Menus are a mix of traditional Greek dishes and international fare. Expect offerings that include meat, chicken or fish, but special dietary requests can be accommodated with advance notice.

Special dining events include a captain’s dinner, deckside BBQ lunch and Greek Night featuring traditional recipes like moussaka, dolma, spanakopita and souvlaki. And most cruise routes are half-board, meaning you’ll dine on your own at port for half the meals.

Activities Aboard Galileo

The captain will drop anchor at secluded bays and beautiful uninhabited islands where, weather permitting, guests may enjoy swimming, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. The stern’s classic wooden ladder invites a dip at regular intervals. Back on the ship, board games help entertain between exciting activity stops.

The Greek crew of 16-18 ensure excellent customer service and insight. Aboard Galileo you’ll arrive early and stay late avoiding the big ship crowds. Optional tours are small and intimate with exceptional local guides. And your cruise director will customize each experience based on conditions and have access to skip the lines museums and archeological sites.

Cabins & Deck Plan Aboard Galileo

The M/S Galileo’s 24 outside guest cabins are located on Upper and Lower Decks, all with portholes. Elegantly decorated, they have either two twin or one double bed and bathrooms with showers en suite. All cabins are fully air-conditioned and offer storage space, mini safes, mini fridges, hair dryers, radio music controls and telephones (for internal use). Limited laundry service is available.

A large comfortable double bed with two portholes blue accent aboard the Galileo while cruising the Aegean sea Mediterranean

The 3 Category C cabins are located on the Lower Deck and have two smaller portholes. Choose from 1 double or 2 lower beds. Approximately 102.6-119 square feet.

Two portholes and two twin beds with blue accents and wood aboard the Galileo while cruising the Aegean sea Mediterranean

The 12 Category B cabins are located on the Lower Deck and have two smaller portholes. Choose from 1 double or 2 lower beds. Approximately 119-151 square feet.

Room featuring a plush double bed with beautiful wood accents aboard the Galileo while cruising the Aegean sea Mediterranean

The 9 Category A cabins are located on the Upper Deck and have one large porthole. Choose from 1 double or 2 lower beds. Triple occupancy available. Approximately 130-140.4 square feet.

Galileo Mediterreanean ship deck plan showing 4 decks.

Hear It from Our Passengers Aboard Galileo

We wanted to revisit the experience from our Greece honeymoon 21 years earlier. The run up to our departure was marked by informative emails, setting and managing expectations. No complaints, all very smooth.

The staff was wonderful! The children love them.

I liked the itinerary and the ship when I saw it in your promotional materials. It sounded unique, educational and fun. And it was!

40 people of different ages, from different parts of the world. We loved the diversity of the people on the ship. Everyone seemed to enjoy everyone. A small ship allowed us to meet and become friends with everyone on the boat. Truly a great experience.

It was exactly what I was hoping for. The crew were experienced, friendly, and safety conscience. Plus everyone had a great time. I would like to check out the other destinations that variety cruises offer. They have been in business since 1949, and they know what works and what does not work, Greece is a beautiful country with centuries of history.

My husband and I had never been on a cruise or to Greece and wanted to experience something very different. I am also interested in history...this trip exceeded our expectations.

We wanted to revisit the experience from our honeymoon 21 years earlier. The Galileo has been carefully refurbished since we sailed with her in 1997. The food was even better and the itinerary was fine tuned. The planned swims off the boat were also well-received. We enjoyed Paros and Folegandros, both for their small size and accessibility. Delos for the mind-boggling history. We least enjoyed Santorini and Mykonos, one and done. But they are each the 'brand name' islands and seemingly must be visited. 

Accommodations Review

The staterooms were clean, airy, cool and well-appointed.

Meals Review

The meal plan was very smart: breakfast each day, and either lunch or dinner each day. That left a very good blend of being able to explore on the islands. The fish was generally superb. I don't recall any dishes that were sub-par.

Crew & Guides Review

Joseph was very good. A cruise director is part guide, ombudsman, comedian, ring leader. Joseph blends all components very well. I particularly liked his admonition to not advise vendors or restaurants of our boat, so that he would not be spiffed for recommending one spot over another.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Very good preparatory materials. The run up to our departure was marked by informative emails, setting and managing expectations. A very nice touch was the reading suggestions, which I leveraged to immense enjoyment. Packing tips were well-received. No complaints, all very smooth.

Traveler Advice

Read a couple of the suggested books beforehand and en route, do the Delos tour and when landing at Myknos and Santorini, get as far away from that port as possible.

Featured in this Traveler Review

  • Jewels of the Cyclades

The Galileo was very clean and functional. The staff was wonderful! The children love them. The chef was able to accomodate dietary restrictions easily. The food was wonderful! We liked the swim stops. We enjoyed the tours of the islands. Least enjoyed: It rained and the long trip back to Athens on the rough sea was LONG. We were grateful that the weather was beautiful for the rest of the trip.

I liked the itinerary and the ship when I saw it in your promotional materials. It sounded unique, educational and fun. And it was! Weather conditions forced this trip to run in reverse. That did not seem to negatively affect the itinerary in any way. The group was international, well-traveled, congenial, curious and just like us!!! The crew was consistently pleasant and competent. Everyone tried hard to please. The itinerary was unique in that popular tourist sites were visited by ship. The pace was comfortable. We appreciated the opportunity to explore on our own at the end of each excursion.

[I  most enjoyed the] Ancient theater at Epidaurus, Olympia and Delphi. These are amazing ancient places that I'd heard about for a long time. They were beautiful in the springtime with blossoming trees and wildflowers all about. Sailing through the Corinth Canal was a nice experience too. [I least enjoyed] Monemvasia. This wasn't described on the original itinerary, so I wasn't prepared to know what to look for here. Apparently, the ship passes here in the night when the itinerary is followed the other way around the Peloponnese. Activities seemed to be shopping (never interesting for more than a few minutes) and hiking to the top of the rock. (This would probably have been fine, if I'd been prepared with hiking boots and a walking stick, but not knowing what to expect, I wasn't).

It was mostly an older crowd with a few younger couples thrown in. They came from a variety of English-speaking countries. One evening at dinner we noted that no two couples were from the same place. We had US, Scotland, Canada, England and Australia represented. We love that! They were well-traveled and used to being part of a group like this. Everyone was on time, enthusiastic, and congenial. We enjoyed them!

I don't think you would choose to travel on a motor sailor if you want absolutely luxurious accommodations. That being said, our cabin (on the top deck) was spacious enough with full bath. Everything was very clean and comfortable. We appreciated the small safe. Hair dryer, tissues, shampoo, soap and shower gel were provided along with plenty of clean towels.

There were only two negatives: 1) Since we were all on the same schedule, we tended to want to shower at the same time. There was never enough hot water to go around.  2) The boat does not have stabilizers. So, when it was rocky it was impossible to move about. We needed to wear our seasickness patches throughout the trip.

The food gets 5 stars! It was truly outstanding, especially for a group of this size. There were always choices; food was plentiful and varied. What was supposed to be hot was hot; what was supposed to be cold was cold. No one lost any weight on this trip! The only problem was a buffet meal served when the boat was underway in turbulent water. It was impossible to walk with food, even though the staff tried hard to help. Lots of people (not me!) skipped that meal.

Joseph was on the ball and had everything under control. He was personable and I think he really believes in this itinerary and wants it to succeed. Jenny was charming and knows her stuff. She gave some good lectures in addition to leading most excursions. She was not visible when she was not providing a scheduled presentation and she was not available to be introduced at our initial meeting. That caused me to take a little longer to warm to her and to appreciate her knowledge.

Andrew always does a great job for us. He is excited about travel and he is always prompt and responsive. I was worried about making connections after this tour and he contacted the ship's folks several times to allay my worries. And sure enough, as soon as I boarded the ship they knew exactly what I needed. It all worked out perfectly! We recommend you all the time.

At this season [April], be prepared for all kinds of weather. Bring layers, from short-sleeved shirts to a down jacket. And definitely don't forget the rain gear. Hiking boots were generally not necessary. Good walking/hiking shoes typically did the trick. Read some Greek mythology and history before you go. Spring is surprisingly beautiful. There are wildflowers everywhere and the trees are in bloom.

  • Antiquity to Byzantium

They were clean and well maintained.  But this isn’t a Class A boat with 5 star accommodations, so “excellent” doesn’t enter into the description.

Glad we were able to have a lunch or dinner on shore. This allowed us time to truly enjoy each place we visited. Breakfast buffets were very good. Lunch’s good. The “Greek night” dinner was very good, but the 2 others were just average.

Itinerary Review

We loved Folegandros & Paros. Both provided a more laid-back experience. Beautiful places with excellent shopping & restaurants. We loved the adjustment’s the captain made to allow us more time to swim and snorkel. This pleased everyone on the ship. We also loved the diversity of the people on the ship and the fact that everyone enjoyed everyone. The fact that this was a small ship allowed us to meet and become friends with everyone on the boat. Truly a great experience.

[We least enjoyed] Santorini & Mykonos. You can leave these 2 famous places for the large number of cruise ships that frequent the shores. Very crowded and not much fun...though we imagine they might be very nice when not overflowing with people. But we’re equally sure there are a lot more islands in the Cyclades that would be even more enjoyable to visit.

The cruise director, Viki, was very nice and professional. But sometimes our communication wasn’t great. The captain was a very nice man and seemed to go out of his way to accommodate the desires of the guests on his ship. We’d rate him as excellent and would definitely sail with him again. Local guides: we only did 1 on-shore guided tour on Santorini. We didn’t enjoy it, so chose to not do any others. Other fellow travelers felt the same, although those that did choose to do the guided tour of the heritage site of Delo’s found it very interesting and informative.

All information was great. The only item we weren’t expecting was the high temps (mid 90’s) of August. This was a last minute trip for us. We feel fortunate that everything worked as planned.

If possible, avoid traveling to this area in August. Very crowded and hot...We learned that August is not the time to do this trip. Way to many cruise ships. Way too hot this time of year (mid 90’s with high humidity). These 2 items did affect the overall enjoyment of the trip.

Very nice. I believe our cabins were cleaned twice a day. It was always clean. Actually the whole ship was spotless.

The ship had excellent food preparation and it was delicious. I like the variety of a buffet, with Greek cuisine, therefore, giving me the opportunity to try foods I would not normally eat. The welcome dinner and the captains dinner was excellent. Also enjoyed having the chance to try out the local restaurants, and local wine and beer.

I enjoyed enjoyed all of the islands, especially swimming, exploring off the ship and small coves. The water is so clear. I also enjoyed the tours, with knowledgeable tour guides, explaining the history of the islands and the many ruins. [We least enjoyed]...Mykonos. Too crowded, over priced restaurants, and poor service. Santorini was beautiful, and the captain made sure we arrived before the crowds of people. Three cruise ships arrived, with thousands of passengers, it was like Disney World. An hour wait, to take the cable car back down. We only had to experience that for a short time.

Most or maybe all the leaders of the tours, had local experience, education in their field of expertise, with multiple university degree's in Archeology, and related fields, and friendly. Some times it was difficult to understand. The use of whisperers was very helpful.

Fellow Passengers Review

 It was nice meeting people from all over world, with like minded interest.

Very good information, put together, regarding where I was going, about the ship, and what to expect.

Per fellow travelers, June and September are the best times to visit. The summers can get very hot, and very windy, We just happened to have rainy weather., in September, But it did not effect the overall trip.

  • Variety Cruises

The boat itself was wonderful...the cabin was very comfortable and well set up.

Enjoyed the meals on board and those arranged near attractions. The chef was excellent, everything was very fresh and they were very accommodating. Great mixture of local dishes and more global ones.

The places were all memorable and felt unique and personal to us: Delphi, Monvasa and Olympia were especially interesting. The visit to the caves was unexpected in its beauty.

It may be helpful to prepare by reading a little about the sites, pack a few snacks for those long to lunch time days and enjoy.

Very enthusiastic, professional and combined local love of places with facts. All of the crew worked well together and seemed to gel well. Even the simple things like carrying our bags up to where the taxis met us, explaining clearly the plans, adjusting for the weather worked very well. The crew seemed to enjoy what they did and working together.

Enjoyed meeting like minded people. This was not an objective but really enjoyed that aspect of it. We did benefit from the end of season in that it was not crowded and one group on the boat had their own guide but mingled very well.

AdventureSmith was excellent and very helpful.

Get Aboard this Greece Sailboat

Enjoy an 8-day cruise to all the Jewels of the Cyclades. Sail round-trip from Athens, Greece, stopping at Santorini, Delos, Mykonos, the old Greece atmosphere of Folegandros, and more. Swim in secluded bays right from your small ship.

On this 8-day Athens, Greece cruise, circumnavigate the Peloponnese Peninsula, discovering treasures such as the Amphitheater of Epidaurus, the ancient tombs at Mycenae, the birthplace of the Olympic Games and the spectacular Oracle of Delphi.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Learn More About Sailing Aboard Galileo & Other Greece Yachts

What’s it like aboard Galileo? This ship is among a greater fleet of Greece-flagged ships that sail worldwide under the Variety Cruises brand. These yachts will have similar amenities, cabin categories, meals and other services. Read on for our traveler insights about this ship and contact us to compare them all, browse other operators and get aboard. Galileo and her sister ships are perfect options to book solo, as a couple, family, group or even as a charter. Our experts are standing by with unbiased advice, personalized to you.

Contact Us - Galileo

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Galileo Review

variety cruises galileo reviews

Galileo is not a cruise ship in the traditional sense. It's really more of a yacht, with three masts and three decks, so don't expect shows, entertainment or swimming pools. However, what you can expect is outstanding personal service, traditional Greek food and discovering some of the most stunningly beautiful islands in Greece.

You'll also need to be quite social; this is a small ship and you'll get to know your fellow passengers in no time at all. There's just one dining room, one bar and the sun deck. All cabins have a sea view, but there are no balcony cabins, though the top deck ones do have a shared promenade.

Galileo is getting on a bit now at almost 30 years old. Although it went through a significant refurb in 2007 when it was sliced in half and a section was added, adding cabins, there's no getting away from the fact it could do with a refresh in the cabins and shower rooms which look and feel rather dated. Public areas however are lovely, particularly the sun deck and dining, with bright modern carpets, cushions, fixtures and fittings.

Bear in mind too, that Galileo does not have modern tech such as stabilizers, so you can really feel the motion of the ocean, especially when the wind picks up in the Cyclades (which is often). If the wind is too strong in the Cyclades, the Captain chooses a different itinerary in more sheltered waters, for example, circling the Peloponnese, or combining a section of the Peloponnese with some different islands in the Cyclades. There will always be swimming stops, though, conditions permitting, and in summer, the half board dining arrangement is extremely popular, as you have dinner ashore most nights and stay in port until the early hours.

The ship is not luxurious, but nor does it pretend to be; the emphasis here is very much on destination. The beauty of a cruise on Galileo is finding a Greece you might never have known existed if you travel on a large ship: tiny islands, empty coves and tidal beaches and often just stopping somewhere for a sea swim. It's a magical, memorable and authentic experience.

Bottom Line

Fellow passengers.

The passenger make up is primarily made up of English-speakers-- three-quarters US, also Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Brits. In July and August you'll find more Europeans, primarily French, German, Spanish and Italians. The average age is around 60, made up of groups of couples, groups of friends and full- or part-charter groups. Children are allowed to sail, but recommended minimum age is 13+ (there are no facilities for kids). All announcements are in English.

Variety Cruises Galileo Dress Code

Daytime: Casual, with shorts and tees most common inside the ship and bathing suits and cover-ups outside.

Evening: Mostly casual except on the "Captain's Night" dinner when men are asked to wear long pants and collared shirts and women are encouraged to dress up a bit, but it's not enforced.

Daytime: Swim suits in the dining room.

Galileo Inclusions

Two meals per day (except on a sea day, when it's three).

Two receptions, one at the beginning and one at the end of the cruise, with cocktails and canapes

A weekly theme night, typically ‘octopus and ouzo’, with live entertainment

Snorkels, fins, masks for the swim stops

Use of kayaks and paddleboard

Tea, coffee, water, select drinks in buffet

Not Included

Gratuities (Suggested 13.50 euros-15 euro/person/day)

All drinks beyond water, tea, coffee and select juices in the buffet

Shore excursions

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Fabulous experience on the Galileo around the Cyclades

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couple 2-5 Cruises

Ancient history and places put smiles on our faces

one First Time Cruiser

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Variety Cruises Galileo

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variety cruises galileo reviews

I keep seeing mentions that this is a route but no times or prices seem to be available yet for August? Is anyone able to give me any information? Thanks

' class=

Expect the schedules and prices for August to be the same as in May.

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variety cruises galileo reviews

Variety Cruises Reviews for Holiday to Greece

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1 - 10 of 27 Variety Cruises Reviews for Holiday to Greece

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Response from ElisavetM, Marketing Assistant

Dear guest, thank you so much for your kind words. We are very pleased to have exceeded your expectations. Sea you soon!... Read more

Sail Date: May 2022

Review for a Greece Cruise on Galileo

variety cruises galileo reviews

We bought this cruise in a benefit auction for Aces In Motion, a non-profit in Gainesville, Florida which teaches tennis to help develop life skills and character in teenagers who want a better life!. We were delayed 3 times by covid and once by Variety but the timing of the trip 3 Nov 2022 couldn't have been more perfect. The weather did reroute us to Messalinghi which turned out to be an amazing ... Read More

Dear guest, thank you so much for your kind words. Sea you soon!... Read more

Sail Date: February 2022

We absolutely loved our cruise. It was our very first cruise experience and it was perfect. The staff was amazing. They went above an beyond. They remembered every preference and were so helpful and enthusiastic. We really enjoyed the swim stops. Seeing only the sea and a remote, uninhabited island was so fun. The crew was great about safety and getting us to and from shore. The ... Read More

Sail Date: June 2021

variety cruises galileo reviews

Let me list the points: 1) Accommodation - we paid for a cat A cabin and on arrival were shown to a cabin with twin beds. We argued that we booked a double but manager just shrugged shoulders and said boat was full which turned out to be a complete lie. Met the couple opposite us and they had been booked into cat B and then decided they didn't like the cabin and were given an upgrade (at a ... Read More

Sail Date: August 2019

variety cruises galileo reviews

Greece was my bucket list destination. Because we wanted to see a variety of islands and only had a short time we chose the Jewels of the Cyclades Cruise with Variety. I am glad we did. First off. The ship is charming and because of its size you spend a lot of time at port instead of getting to the port. Our Cabin was necessarily small ( its a small ship!) but well appointed. I chose Cat A ... Read More

Sail Date: July 2018

We normally prefer small ship cruises but this was easily the worst. We made the booking on condition that we would be allocated a cabin with a double bed,at the front of the ship. The request was acknowledged by Variety Cruises. On arrival, we were shown to a cabin with two single beds at the back of the ship ! I queried their error and they argued that there are no cabins with double ... Read More

Sail Date: June 2018

variety cruises galileo reviews

I have always cringed at the thought of going on a cruise on one of the larger ships so it was with trepidation that I even agreed to go on this one. Boy was I glad I did. From the minute we stepped aboard to the moment we left the ship I cant speak higher of the service from the staff on board. The ship was beautifully clean throughout with ample areas to relax in the shade or on the sundeck. ... Read More

variety cruises galileo reviews

We loved everything about this cruise! It was our first time in Greece, and after the cruise we were heading out for two weeks of home exchange and our own adventures, so we really appreciated the introduction this cruise gave us. We toured the Cyclades. The ship is delightful, the crew was extraordinarily cheerful, capable and kind. I had an eating challenge that made my diet really complex, and ... Read More

Sail Date: May 2018

variety cruises galileo reviews

My husband and I decided to finally take our honeymoon trip (almost 3 years later) as we were saving it for something big. We have always wanted to visit Greece (was on our bucket list) but also craved the adventure part, so we decided to go on a cruise. As we were browsing cruise lines in internet we agreed that we didn't want a big cruise, we were looking for something more personal and ... Read More

variety cruises galileo reviews

We were two couples traveling together interested in exploring historic and cultural sites around the Peloponnese including ancient and Homeric sites and modern costal towns. The cruise met and exceeded our expectations. We particularly wanted a small ship cruise. The Galileo was comfortable, clean, and well managed. The crew was wonderful. Food on board was excellent and plentiful. And we ... Read More

Sail Date: October 2017

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Cruise Reviews

A fantastic way to do a UK to New York cruise crossing the Artic circle and visiting countries that straddle the circle.

variety cruises galileo reviews

MSC Virtuosa, UK and Ireland

We boarded this almost new ship at Greenock. The Covid mitigations were carried out smoothly and all vaccination paperwork viewed and lateral flow test done with no problem. It is a very imp...

variety cruises galileo reviews

Seven Seas Voyager

Fantastic trip , flew club class to Singapore and back from Sydney was part of the holiday as stayed pre cruise and post cruise . Well organised ship , excellent service from all the st...

CMV was an excellent cruise line and although on this particular cruise we couldn't get into one port because of the weather the crew made sure we were well entertained and had the best time...

variety cruises galileo reviews

Embarkation was smooth, testing at port very organised, cabin, Balcony suite well appointed, bath and shower, balcony furniture very dated and needs replacing. Food was good however I feel F...

Celebrity Silhouette, UK and Ireland

A UK cruise with no single supplement departing from Southampton. The ship is refurbed and colours are now muted, verging on dull. However, she is very clean looking and the balcony cabin ...

Sky Princess, UK and Ireland

Went on a 3 night Seacation 3rd to 6th September. Thought we'd give Princess a try after hearing many recommendations. Not sailed with them before but this was our 12th cruise. The Medallion...

variety cruises galileo reviews

Queen Victoria

We enjoyed a cruise up the Amazon river.

variety cruises galileo reviews

IMAGES

  1. M/S Galileo

    variety cruises galileo reviews

  2. Variety Cruises Galileo Cruise

    variety cruises galileo reviews

  3. Galileo

    variety cruises galileo reviews

  4. Galileo

    variety cruises galileo reviews

  5. Galileo

    variety cruises galileo reviews

  6. Unexplored Greece with Variety Cruises

    variety cruises galileo reviews

VIDEO

  1. A Cruise Virgin’s Review of Virgin Voyage

  2. 240212 Variety Cruises : Athens

  3. 231201 Variety Cruises : Athens

  4. I Have Gained Profits From Trading With Galileo FX

  5. Galileo FX: My Experience and Final Verdict #galileofx #tradingbot

  6. VARIETY CRUISES FRENCH POLYNESIA PROMO

COMMENTS

  1. Variety Cruises Galileo Cruise: Expert Review (2023)

    Variety Cruises Galileo Cruiser Reviews. Fabulous experience on the Galileo around the Cyclades. We were the only Australian/ New Zealanders on the cruise, there was a huge variety of ...

  2. Variety Cruises Galileo

    Outstanding in every way. We just returned from a 7-day cruise of the Cyclades aboard Galileo - Variety Cruises. Cannot say enough positive about the experience. The perfect group size - about 40 people from 8 countries who really got to know one another. A wonderful itinerary, modified on-the-fly to….

  3. Galileo Cruise Ship Review

    Expert Aboard: Galileo Cruise Ship Review. November 7, 2023 • Lisa Exley-Smith. In this Galileo cruise ship review, learn what makes this ship so special that our travelers ask for it by name. Get insight from AdventureSmith expert Lisa, as well as ratings from our other travelers who've also sailed on this ship.

  4. Variety Cruises Review of Galileo in the Greek Isles by Jeff F

    5 out of 5 stars (5=excellent, 4=very good, 3=good, 2=poor, 1=terrible) -Food Rating: 3. -Cabin Rating: 3. -Service/Crew Rating: 5. -Itinerary Rating: 5. VARIETY CRUISES REVIEW. We wound up on this cruse because our original booking was cancelled on one weeks notice. This was the only one that fit with our nonrefundable plane tickets from ...

  5. Variety Cruises' Galileo: A boutique ship for exploring Greece

    Variety Cruises' MS Galileo fits the bill perfectly. This extraordinary boutique sailing ship is thoroughly modern yet has features and flourishes that transport guests to a different era of ocean ...

  6. Galileo

    Galileo is a sailing ship that sails for Variety Cruises, offering exclusive itineraries and an intimate and relaxing cruising style. The Galileo can't help but seduce its 49 guests with classic lines and wood-paneled rooms, redefining what past yachting must have been.

  7. Galileo

    The 157-foot, 49-guest Galileo is a classic steel-hull motorsailer cruising the Greek Isles, offering the best of the Mediterranean: sun, sea, sand and history. This stunning vessel was built with the most stringent safety regulations. First launched in 1992, she was fully rebuilt in 2007 and most recently renovated in 2016.

  8. Galileo

    Galileo's experienced crew of 18 is trained with hospitality at heart to pamper her guests and guarantee the ultimate home away from home experience. MENU. ... VARIETY CRUISES USA 545 8TH AVENUE, SUITE 1030 NEW YORK, NY 10018 TOLL FREE 800-319-7776 [email protected]

  9. Variety Cruises Galileo Cruise: Expert Review (2023)

    Our expert Variety Cruises Variety Cruises Galileo review breaks down deck plans, the best rooms, dining, and more. Check out the best Variety Cruises Galileo cruise ship tips now.

  10. Variety Cruises Galileo Ship Information

    Plan your Variety Cruises Galileo cruise with our cruise schedules, prices, and sail dates

  11. Variety Cruises

    Cruise Destinations. Variety Cruisesis rated 4.86stars by Reviews.co.uk based on 143merchant reviews. 4.86 / 5 Rating. 143 Reviews. We cruised the Galileo August 17, 2018 and it was fantastic! I absolutely loved the ship! The entire crew went out of their way to make it a wonderful experience. The rooms are nice and the food is very good.

  12. Variety Cruises Galileo First-Time Cruisers Cruise Reviews

    Variety Cruises Galileo First-Time Cruisers Cruises: Read 29 Variety Cruises Galileo First-Time Cruisers cruise reviews. Find great deals, tips and tricks on Cruise Critic to help plan your cruise.

  13. Variety Cruises on the Galileo

    Answered: We are in Greece for 10 days and want to cruise some of the islands aboard a small ship for approx 7 days. We arrive on the 20th August in Athens and depart from Athens on 1st September. The only option that seems to fit our dates is the Galileo for...

  14. Variety Cruises Galileo

    PauanuiLady wrote a review July 2023. Auckland 34 contributions 15 helpful votes. Great time on Cyclades Cruise. Just returned from 7 day "Jewels of the Cyclades" cruise on Galileo. The ship is a little tired, so this is not a "luxury" cruise, but our upper deck cabin was clean and comfortable, and serviced twice daily. Your fare includes 2 ...

  15. Greece Cruises

    VARIETY CRUISES GREECE. 214-216 SYNGROU AVENUE. 17672 - ATHENS GREECE. +30 210 6919191. [email protected] VARIETY CRUISES USA. 545 8TH AVENUE, SUITE 1030. NEW YORK, NY 10018. TOLL FREE 800-319-7776.

  16. Kea to syros

    Variety Cruises - MS Galileo 6 replies; Harmony V (Variety Cruises) 5 replies; 2-week Honeymoon in Cyclades mid-May 2012 12 replies; Snakes in Milos, Naxos, Santorini, Folegandros, Amorgos 31 replies; Advice re Greek Islands Honeymoon itinerary July 2009 5 replies; Best Greek Island Guide Book? 6 replies; Variety cruises, Jewels of the Cyclades ...

  17. Variety Cruises Cruise Reviews for Holiday Cruises to Greece (2022

    Variety Cruises Cruise Reviews for Holiday Cruises to Greece: Read 27 cruise reviews of Variety Cruises Holiday Cruises to Greece. Find great deals, tips and tricks on Cruise Critic to help plan your cruise. ... The cruise met and exceeded our expectations. We particularly wanted a small ship cruise. The Galileo was comfortable, clean, and well ...

  18. Cruise Reviews

    Cruise Reviews. Cruise Line All Cruise Lines Cancel. A-ROSA AE Expeditions Amadeus River Cruises ... Galileo Ganges Voyager II Georgy Chicherin Glen Etive Glen Massan Glen Tarsan Grand Celebration ... Variety Voyager Varuna Vasco da Gama Ventura Ventus Australis Victoria Anna Victoria Lianna

  19. Is Carnival Jubilee worth the hype? My honest review

    Glitz and glam aside, brand-new cruise ships can also bring about disappointment when the bar is set high. I just returned from a 7-night cruise onboard Carnival Jubilee - the newest vessel from Carnival Cruise Line. The cruise was lively and borderline wild for a spring break itinerary with plenty of families and college kids.