Ports in Greece
 

We are cruising in May, with stops in Piraeus (Athens), Rhodes & Crete. The ship offers tours to these ports, but we are wondering if anyone can suggest any other ways to tour on our own, or if there are private companies that are recommended/safe/etc. for us to use.

Crete isn't a port. It's an island over 150 miles long with several ports.
At any port, the best way of seeing the sights depends on which sights you want to see.

Crete has at least 2 cruise ship ports - which one are you stopping at? Over on Cruisecritic there is alot more info in the port section that shoudl be helpful. Athens is doable on your own but not particularly easy - you can take the metro / train from the port into the city and get to the major sights from there. Information about what you are interested in would be helpful. Both Rhodes and Chaina Crete have old cities pleasant to explore on foot around the port or you can find an excursion so you see more of the island.

The ship will dock in Chania (Souda) Crete, Greece. We will only be there until 2:00pm.

CHANIA -- YOu don't say WHEN you dock, but I'm assuming during the night. You will only have 4-5 hours probably for sighseeing. You'd need to taxi from Souda to Old Town, just stroll around & enjoy the quaint views etc, then at 1pm taxi back to boat. Share taxi to cut costs. Why not do a little research on the internet and prepare yourself???

Here's a slide-show by a Fodorite of the charms of Chania http://travel.webshots.com/slideshow/571195659jPcKjK

... the best all-in-one site is Explore Crete, it gives you a detaled "tour of Chania" which you can print out & use with a map. http://www.explorecrete.com/chania/EN-Chania.html Here's a map to print (do it in color on horizontal) http://www.explorecrete.com/crete-ma...a-city-map.gif

When you are willing to do a bit of prep, you get much more out of your trip. Enjoy!

Thank you so much! Great sites.