My husband and I are contemplating a cruise to the Greek Islands and need your advice. We'd like a cruise line that has small ships and is less "stuffy" than Butterfield and Robinson, but a lot nicer than Carnival. Cruise West is our favorite line, but doesn't sail in Greece. Can you recommend anything?

Alternatively, should we just book accommodations on the islands we want to visit and arrange our own transportation? Please keep in mind that we haven't been to Greece and don't speak the language. Our interest is primarily history, arts, scenery and plain old relaxation!

Thanks for your help.

If speaking the language is your biggest concern, you will be fine. Although the Greeks use a different alphabet, most signs have our lettering also. Most Greeks in the tourist industry speak at least some English, and even if they don't, you'll be surprised how well you can communicate with sign language. I've been to Greece a couple of times. I don't speak Greek nor can I read the Greek alphabet, but I got around with no trouble at all. If you love history, arts, and scenery, I think you will love Greece.

Have you considered Windstar Cruises? Windstar has 7 day Greek Islands cruises on smaller ships and have a style of casual elegance with teak decks, open seating, sails. The ships have undergone a major remodel and upgrades. Windstar falls more into the luxury category, whereas Cruise West is active/adventure, but they are most similar with a casual style. Windstar is casual, but still elegant and adventurous. More Backroads than Butterfield and Robinson....

Windstar doesn't have the naturalists and experts on the ship like Cruise West. However, Windstar is less expensive than Cruise West. With the savings, you can easily arrange for private guided shore excursions in each port to learn about the history and arts as well as the gorgeous scenery.

Best Regards,
Julia

I'm not sure just how small a ship you're looking for but We are signed up for the Oct. 6, 2007 Regent Voyager (holds 700 passengers) trip from Istanbul to Athens with the 2 night pre-cruise in Istanbul. The price is right! It also includes free air or $1,000 off the price.
http://www.bkrssc.com/07_VOY071006.htm

It is an all balcony ship, all inclusive cruiseline.

We were not able to find a cruise that satified our desires reagrding itinerary and time ahore. We flew to the first island and then took the large Greek ferries from island to island, flying back to Athens from the last island. The ferries were beautiful and easy to use. We spent three or four days on each island and were glad that we did.

Have you looked at Lindblad?www.expedition.com

I suggest looking at Sea Dreams.

http://www.seadreamyachtclub.com/