Eastern Mediterranean Cruise with Costa Cruises
Cruising the Mediterranean is becoming increasingly popular.
European cruise lines have upgraded and now offer spectacular ships, comparable to those of American companies, while American lines such as Royal Caribbean, Princess, and Norwegian also sail the region.
The Mediterranean offers a diverse selection of excellent ports, many of them very close to us—in the Greek Islands and the Turkish Riviera—making it easy and affordable to embark on a wonderful cruise.
This article describes a 3-night cruise from Heraklion, Crete to the Port of Haifa aboard the ship Costa Mediterranea, combined with a trip in Crete.
The Costa Mediterranea weighs around 85,000 tons, accommodates approximately 2,100 passengers, and was built in 2003.
About Costa Cruises
Costa is a very well-established company, founded back in 1854 as a cargo shipping company. In 1924, it began operating passenger ships.
In 2000, the company was acquired by Carnival Corporation, and today it is its largest subsidiary and essentially the main European arm of the company (Carnival itself has stopped sailing in Europe, with cruises operated exclusively by its regional subsidiaries—led by Costa, alongside other brands catering to specific markets such as German or Spanish travelers).
In fact, the company is the third largest in the world in terms of passenger capacity.
Today, the company operates ships sailing mainly in Europe, but also to many other destinations—the Caribbean, the Far East, South America, and the Middle East.
The company's ships are of high quality and closely resemble those of Carnival—well-designed and glamorous.
What makes the company unique is its lively Italian-Mediterranean atmosphere—offering a wide range of activities, music, and dancing throughout the day and well into the night.
The cruises are suitable both for couples, including young couples and honeymooners, and for families. The ships feature plenty of amenities for children and teens, including kids' pools, water slides, arcade games, playrooms, and organized activities.
All shipboard announcements are made in both Italian and English, and typically in additional languages as well—German, Spanish, and French—ensuring passengers of all languages can participate in activities and enjoy their time.
Cruise Itinerary
Departure from the port of Heraklion in Crete, following a trip across Crete. A stop the next day on the island of Santorini, followed by a sea day on the way to the Port of Haifa.
♦ Before the Cruise: Traveling in Crete
In recent years, especially following the decline of Israeli tourism to Turkey, Crete has become one of the preferred vacation destinations for Israelis. It has everything needed for a successful vacation—beaches, sunshine, family entertainment venues (such as water parks and an aquarium), great hotels, and nightlife.
The island offers high-end "all-inclusive" resorts ideal for family vacations, as well as budget-friendly hotels in the centers of resort towns suitable for young travelers. One of the most popular towns is Chersonissos, located half an hour east of Heraklion, offering a wide selection of accommodations of all kinds, a beautiful beach, and diverse entertainment options.
However, Crete also has plenty to see beyond resort life, and one can easily spend several days exploring without resting for a moment.
Booking Tours and Transfers in Heraklion via Viator:
♦ Private Transfer from Heraklion Airport to Port or Hotel - Transfer Service in Crete - Starts from Heraklion Prefecture
♦ Guided Safari Tour from Heraklion with Lunch -
5Hour Safari Tour in Crete(Heraklion)with Quad,Jeep,Buggy & Lunch
Includes hotel pickup and drop-off.
Some recommended places to visit on the island of Crete:
Knossos
Knossos is the most famous archaeological site on the island, having served as the capital of Crete during the Minoan period.
The area features numerous ruins dating back over 2,500 years, the primary one being the Palace of Knossos, which is open to visitors.
Substantial resources have been invested in restoring and making the ruins accessible, and the site is highly recommended even for those who are not archaeology enthusiasts just to take in the impression.
Admission is 6 Euros (half price for students) for a self-guided tour. Guided tours are available for an additional fee.
The site is located a few minutes' drive south of Heraklion. A convenient option is visiting right after arriving on the island from Heraklion Airport.
Knossos Archaeological Site:
Elounda, Agios Nikolaos, and the Leper Island
A wonderful day trip, located about an hour to an hour and a half drive east of Heraklion, is an excursion along the coastal towns combined with a boat trip to the leper island.
The northern resort towns in the area are Elounda and Plaka, located 11 and 16 km north of the regional capital, Agios Nikolaos, respectively.
Elounda is the island's upscale luxury tourism capital, boasting a variety of high-end hotels. The town features beautiful and calm beaches thanks to an almost entirely enclosed bay, and is bordered on the other side by mountains offering scenic viewpoints over the town and surrounding bays.
The resort town of Elounda:
The main attraction here is a boat trip to the island of Spinalonga, known as the Leper Island. The island features a Venetian fortress over 500 years old, which was once one of the strongest strongholds in the region. In the early 20th century, and until 1957, the island served as a leper colony for patients who were banished to the island and lived there in isolation.
The view from Spinalonga Leper Island:
Beyond its history and impressive fortress, the island offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. It is recommended to climb to the island's peak to view the fortress from above and enjoy the panoramic scenery.
The boat ride to the island from Elounda costs around 10 Euros. Entrance to the island itself is 2 Euros.
Agios Nikolaos is the main town of the region. It is a lovely town built around a picturesque bay, featuring a lake surrounded by numerous restaurants and shops. It is pleasant to stroll through town, spend time at one of the local beaches, and enjoy a delicious Greek lunch.
Lasithi Plateau
A distinct region in Crete is the Lasithi Plateau. This is a highland plain in the interior of the island, sitting at an elevation of about 1,000 meters, offering scenery very different from the coastal areas. The local villages appear as though they haven't changed in hundreds of years and remain rooted in the past. The region's iconic hallmark is its numerous ancient windmills.
The drive up to the plateau is scenic and winding, offering sweeping views of the coastline first and later of the plateau itself.
View of the island's interior at the Lasithi Plateau:
The primary attraction in the area is the Diktaean Stalactite Cave, also known as Psychro Cave since it is located near this village.
The cave is a small yet impressive stalactite cavern featuring diverse formations. To reach it, visitors must hike along an uphill path for about 20 minutes, either on foot or on donkey back.
Furthermore, according to Greek mythology and belief, this is the birthplace of Zeus. Ancient rituals were once held at the cave's entrance.
Chania
If you are visiting Crete for more than two or three days, a trip to the western part of the island and the city of Chania is highly recommended.
The city is somewhat distant from the popular resort areas, located about a two-hour drive west of Heraklion, but is widely considered the most beautiful city on the island.
Day 1: Heraklion and Boarding the Ship
The passenger port in Heraklion is situated right in the city center, about a fifteen-minute walk or a very short drive away. It is recommended to stay overnight in the city or arrive in the morning, tour around until midday, and then head to the port to board the ship.
Boarding generally begins at 13:00, and it is advisable to arrive at the port a bit earlier to embark promptly and start enjoying the ship on the very first day.
City Tour
Heraklion is the main and largest city in Crete, and the fifth largest in Greece, with around 170,000 residents. Nevertheless, the city center is compact and walkable, easily explored within two to three hours. It is therefore ideal to tour it on the morning of embarkation, saving excursions outside the city for previous touring days on the island.
If arriving by car, it is best to park in one of the city center parking lots and explore on foot.
The most scenic street in town is 25th of August Street, a pedestrian walkway lined with shops and restaurants running from the city center down to the old port. It is wonderful to walk along this street to the harbor, where the Venetian fortress of Koules—the city's symbol—stands at the entrance. You can continue walking past it along the breakwater wall to admire views of the harbor, the city, and the cruise ship you will soon board.
The primary square in the city is Eleftherias Square, home to the St. George Gate and the Archaeological Museum.
The Archaeological Museum ranks second in importance only to the one in Athens and is a must for history lovers. It houses an exceptional collection of Minoan civilization artifacts—sculptures, jewelry, sarcophagi, and frescoes. Several galleries cover a chronological span of roughly 5,000 years.
Another famous square is Eleftheriou Venizelou, known as Lions Square, which features a Venetian fountain adorned with lion sculptures. Heraklion city center walking route.
The Venetian fortress and the city from the breakwater:
On Board the Ship
Upon arrival, luggage is handed over to the ship's crew, who will deliver it to your cabin in the afternoon. Keep a change of clothes with you in a carry-on bag, as luggage is sometimes delivered after dinner time. Cabins are accessible upon boarding.
After embarking, you can enjoy lunch on the top deck at the extensive buffet, or at the main dining room on the lower decks, which operates until 13:30. The first day is usually quite busy, but this is typical only of day one when many passengers dine at the buffet simultaneously. After lunch is the best time to get familiar with the ship. It is worthwhile to take a self-guided tour of the various decks and discover the range of amenities. In the evening before sailing, a mandatory lifeboat drill is held for all passengers.
It is also a good idea to keep swimwear handy, as this is the day when pools and whirlpools are least crowded, making for a relaxing experience.
During the day, you can spend time at the café, fitness center and spa, various bars, sports courts, and ping pong tables, stroll along the open decks, try your luck at the casino (once underway), and more.
Every evening, it is recommended to catch the live show in the main theater at the forward part of the ship, presented twice nightly to align with dinner seatings. Afterward, starting from 23:00 every night, parties kick off in the lounges or poolside, alongside live music in diverse genres across several bars, creating a vibrant vacation ambiance.
Each day you will receive a daily newsletter detailing the schedule of all onboard activities—shows, parties, music, sports tournaments, and more—along with the operating hours of restaurants and bars. On port days, it also includes destination information and emergency contact numbers, so keeping this guide with you is highly recommended.
The Main Atrium:
Main Dining Room:
Day 2: Santorini
Santorini consists of a small circular group of islands, with the largest commonly referred to by the same name. The islands are the remains of the Santorini volcano, which collapsed in a massive caldera-forming eruption during the 17th or 16th century BCE, leading to the decline of the Minoan civilization locally and on Crete.
The islands encircle a central lagoon, which is essentially a submerged caldera formed after the eruption.
The landscape is breathtaking—soaring cliffs ringing the caldera, villages featuring distinctive Cycladic architecture with whitewashed cubic houses and blue domes, and boutique hotels nestled along the cliffside with infinity pools blending seamlessly into the Aegean Sea. Many consider it one of the most stunning islands in the world, making it a top destination in the Greek archipelago.
Because the island lacks a deep-water harbor for large cruise ships, vessels anchor in the middle of the caldera, and passengers are tendered ashore via small boats arriving at the port of Fira.
Booking a shore excursion via Viator tailored for cruise passengers - including port pickup and drop-off:
♦ Santorini Private Guided Tour -
Santorini Shore Excursion: Private Tour with Tender Port Pickup
Duration: approx.
3-6 hours.
The ship in Santorini en route to Fira:
Fira is the largest and principal town in Santorini. It is built atop high cliffs overlooking the caldera. At the base of the cliff lies the old port, where tender boats arrive. From the port, you can ascend to town via three routes—the most scenic being a short cable car ride, or alternatively by walking up the stepped path, or on donkey back.
The island offers rich variety with multiple options for exploration—hiking scenic trails, visiting archaeological sites, wandering through charming towns, or relaxing on distinct volcanic beaches.
For avid walkers, the scenic trail from Fira to Oia is exceptional. The path winds along the cliff edge with panoramic views over the caldera, connecting Fira to the island's iconic northern town of Oia. The hike takes about 3 hours, though it may take longer with stops for photography and rest. The route also weaves through villages, past cliffside hotels, whitewashed buildings, and blue-domed churches.
View of Oia from the trail:
Alternatively, you can explore Fira, take transportation to Oia, tour around, and return.
Note that the drive back from Oia to Fira takes roughly half an hour along winding roads, and public buses can run infrequently or experience delays. Be sure to plan your arrival back in Fira at least an hour before all-aboard time to avoid any unexpected issues.
Other recommended tour options include island 4x4 jeep safaris reaching the highest peak, visiting the renowned Akrotiri archaeological site displaying Minoan ruins, or exploring the island's unique beaches on the opposite coast. The most famous is Red Beach near the village of Akrotiri, nestled under towering red cliffs with distinctly reddish sand.
Tours can be booked in advance through the cruise line or arranged independently from Fira via public transport or local taxis.
Characteristic hotel view on the island:
View of the volcanic caldera from the Fira cable car:
Short Video: The View from the Peak of Santorini
Day 3: Day at Sea
A sea day is the perfect opportunity to unwind and enjoy the ship's full offerings. On sea days, the activity lineup expands with sports tournaments (volleyball, table tennis), entertainment programs, cooking demonstrations, food carving exhibitions (fruit, vegetable, and ice sculpting), alongside quiet relaxation by reading a book and enjoying the pools and waterslides.
Dinner on this evening is a formal gala night where guests dress up with jackets and ties. Dining on board is flavorful and varied, featuring a daily rotating menu alongside staple cruise classics. The cuisine emphasizes Italian traditions, structured into multiple courses:
appetizers (antipasti), soup, a selection of pasta dishes, meat main courses, salad, a cheese board, and dessert. Portions are refined and thoughtfully sized, allowing guests to savor a multi-course dinner without feeling overwhelmed.
For other meals, you can choose between seated dining room service and the casual buffet. In addition, complimentary in-room continental breakfast (room service) is available upon request.
Ice sculpting:
Onboard shopping promenade:
Day 4: Arrival at the Port of Haifa
In the early morning hours, the ship arrives at the Port of Haifa. Sailing into port offers magnificent sights, with views of Mount Carmel rising from the sea to lift the spirits.
Disembarkation takes place around 10:00 AM, following breakfast. Luggage can be placed outside the cabin by 8:00 AM for porters to transfer directly to the terminal where you will collect it, allowing you to dine and walk around comfortably until leaving the ship.
Haifa Port is centrally located in downtown Haifa, adjacent to the Haifa Center HaShmona railway station, providing easy access to public transit connections across the country.
Following Haifa, the ship typically continues onward to Cyprus, Alanya on the Turkish Riviera, Rhodes, and back to Crete.
On this 4-night itinerary, there are no sea days; instead, every day brings a new country and port of call to explore (along with picking up local treats, such as Turkish Delight in Cyprus), returning each evening to the comfort, dining, amenities, and entertainment of the ship.
Departing on a cruise from Haifa Port is a unique experience. Nothing compares to standing on the deck or private balcony watching the shimmering city lights recede into the distance, with the illuminated Bahá'í Terraces and Golden Dome shining brightly on Mount Carmel.
There is no need to travel to an airport or spend time and expense on a tiring flight. You simply arrive at Haifa's downtown harbor, step aboard, and immediately enter vacation mode abroad. While shops and the casino remain closed until reaching international waters, there is plenty to explore and enjoy from the moment you board.