The old mosque and colorful waterfront buildings of the Venetian harbor in Chania, Crete.
Featured Cruises to Chania, Crete
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Cruises to Chania, Crete
Chania is the main city of western Crete, best known for its Venetian harbor, ringed by old buildings and cafes and marked by a lighthouse from 1864, and for the narrow lanes of the old town behind it. Built on the site of ancient Kydonia, the city was rebuilt by the Venetians in the 13th century, taken by the Ottomans in 1645 and made capital of the semi-autonomous Cretan State in 1898, and each era left its mark, from city walls to a mosque on the waterfront. It lies on the island's northwest coast, about 90 miles (145 km) west of Heraklion.
Do cruise ships dock in Chania? Not in the old harbor. Ships dock at Souda, the port of Chania, a few miles east at the head of Souda Bay, a long, deep natural harbor that is also home to a Greek and NATO naval base. How do you get from the cruise port to Chania old town? By shuttle bus or taxi; walking into town from the ship is not recommended.
Cruises to Chania are part of Eastern and Central Mediterranean itineraries, led by Princess, with Holland America, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean also calling, along with Viking, Azamara and Silversea. Heraklion, Crete's largest city, has its own page.
The old town wraps around the Venetian harbor, so the harbor is the natural place to start, with the Maritime Museum of Crete at the fortress on its western side. From there, the lanes of the Topanas and Splantzia quarters lead inland to Kasteli hill, lived on since the Neolithic Age.
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Destinations for Cruises to Chania, Crete
The following cruise destinations can be visited on a cruise that includes Chania, Crete. Select a destination to view the upcoming cruises that are available:
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Pricing listed above is per person, based on double occupancy in the least expensive accommodations available, is subject to change, and may not reflect the most recent pricing (as pricing gets updated throughout the day). Prices include Required Cruise Fees & Expenses, as well as Government Taxes & Fees. Prices may not reflect discounts and special promotions that you may qualify for. Go to the Category selection step of the online booking process to view the live pricing and latest offers.
Cruise Lines with Cruises to Chania, Crete
The following cruise lines offer cruises sailing to Chania, Crete. Select a cruise line to view the upcoming cruises that visit Chania, Crete:
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Luxury Cruise Lines
When the finest cruise vacation is your top priority, this is the place to start.
On a luxury cruise line, guests experience highly personalized service, a more intimate (and usually formal) onboard experience, gourmet cuisine, well-appointed accommodations, and fantastic amenities. Many of these brands have smaller ships, allowing them to reach ports of call that the larger ships can't, which results in unique itineraries.
All of these brands feature a version of all-inclusive pricing, and some of them have ships with all-suite accommodations. Although these cruise lines are usually more expensive than the rest, they also provide their guests with so much more, resulting in a fantastic value when considering all that's included.
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Specialty Cruise Lines
These cruise lines offer a truly unique vacation experience, with a wide range of possible amenities and itineraries. Some are expedition cruise lines, others have sailing yachts or are coastal ships.
On these types of cruise lines, there's usually a focus on a specific destination or theme. Itineraries are usually very destination intensive, aided by the fact that they're able to reach many ports of call that larger ships can't.
Expedition cruise lines are a great fit for adventure-seeking travelers, featuring exciting destinations like the Galapagos Islands, Antarctica, and the Norwegian coast. During the cruise, there will usually be plenty of interesting lectures given by experts on the destination being visited. Often, shore excursions are included in the cost of the cruise. In fact, some of these cruise lines have all-inclusive pricing. There's a definite focus on the ship's surrounding scenery, as well as opportunities to view wildlife in their natural habitat. Small, but comfortable, ships are commonplace here, with anywhere from basic to very luxurious public spaces, cuisine, and accommodations (depending on the cruise line and ship).
Sailing Yachts, sail-assisted motor ships, offer a really unique vacation experience. Accommodations and cuisine on these intimate vessels can be anywhere from good to fantastic, depending on the cruise line. Destinations offered by these cruise lines may include the Caribbean, Europe, Panama Canal, Tahiti, and Costa Rica.
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Deluxe Cruise Lines
These cruise lines fit (quality and, usually, price-wise) somewhere in between Premium and Luxury cruise lines.
A country club casual atmosphere can be expected on these lines, as can be elegant accommodations and gourmet cuisine. These cruise lines are a great option for adults looking for a upscale, yet laid back, vacation.
Unique itineraries are often available on these cruise lines, as their small-to-mid-sized ships can visit ports of call that large ones can't get to.
The pricing on Azamara Club Cruises includes select beverages and pre-paid gratuities, while the pricing of Viking Ocean Cruises includes shore excursions and select beverages.
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Mainstream Cruise Lines
Value is a key feature of these popular cruise lines, as they offer lots of activities, entertainment and dining options, along with a variety of stateroom types. Some of the cruise lines in this category have ships with unique innovations like water slides, rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rinks, surfing simulators, bowling alleys, and boardwalks.
Their ships are usually anywhere from mid-sized to very large "mega" ships, accommodating thousands of guests. These ships give the feel of being in a large resort.
Mainstream cruise lines are a great option for just about everyone (including multi-generation families, and first-time cruisers), and typically have great youth programs.
During the cruise, entertainment may include Broadway productions, Vegas-style shows, comedians, and music. Some of these lines have select formal nights during the cruise. Specialty restaurants are becoming more and more common (some which have a cover charge for this type enhanced dining experience). Buffets are usually available throughout the day, besides room service, and the main dining room(s).
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Premium Cruise Lines
These cruise lines enhance what mainstream cruise lines typically offer, by providing their guests with higher quality service and cuisine, along with more spacious public spaces and accommodations.
Depending on the cruise line, the ships in this class range in size from small to very large.
These cruise lines appeal to a more discerning traveler, and are typically more expensive than mainstream cruise lines, but more affordable than the luxury lines.
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River Cruise Lines
Becoming more and more popular, a river cruise is an immerse and destination-focused vacation experience, on a small and luxurious vessel.
River cruises sail through the inland waterways of some of the world's most interesting vacation destinations (i.e. Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America), and provide their guests with a greater opportunity to spend time visiting more unique ports of call than a traditional cruise typically would.
Because the destination is the star of a river cruise, (typically guided) shore excursions are included at no additional charge by many River cruise lines. There are usually many interesting lectures given during the cruise, by experts on the history and culture of the region being visited.
Among the famous rivers that one may take a river cruise on are the Rhine, Mississippi, Seine, Danube, Mekong, Nile, Yangtze, Amazon and Douro.
Atlas Ocean Voyages is a "luxe-adventure" cruise line with intimate yachts, offering bucket-list trips to the world's most sought-after and remote destinations inaccessible to larger ships. Aboard its well-constructed vessels designed to deliver the ideal excursion experience while optimizing fuel efficiency, guests can explore Iceland and Greenland, the Arctic and Norwegian Fjords, and Antarctica or focus on cultural expeditions to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the British Isles, and South America. The company's "Always Included" promise means you won't pay on board for dining, specialty drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and much more!
Azamara is a deluxe cruising experience that's geared towards discerning travelers yearning to travel, in luxury, to exotic and rare vacation destinations. On an Azamara cruise, you'll experience extremely high levels of service, gourmet cuisine, and fantastic accommodations. With a country club casual dress code and open dining format, this premium product is a fabulous choice for many travelers. Special amenities that all guests booked on an Azamara cruise benefit from include pre-paid gratuities, bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees, and teas. Select standard spirits, international beers, and wines are also included (available in the bars during regular opening hours, and not through room service). Guests who are booked in a suite get complimentary specialty dining, free internet, complimentary access to the Thalassotherapy pool and spa deck, and much more!
Carnival Cruise Line is one of the largest and most popular cruise lines in the world. Known for its festive yet casual atmosphere, Carnival offers a variety of on-board dining, entertainment, and activity options to suit any mood or taste. Carnival's WaterWorks is a fabulous water park found onboard many of their ships. Among the many cruise destinations offered by Carnival are Alaska, the Bahamas, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, and Mexico.
Until you personally experience the five-star service for which Celebrity Cruises is acclaimed, you won't know what it means to be treated not simply as a passenger, but as an honored guest. Fabulous service, great food, and entertaining shows are all available onboard each Celebrity cruise ship. AquaClass accommodations, balcony staterooms with special spa amenities and access, are available on most Celebrity ships. The line also offers a state-of-the-art Spa with first-at-sea fitness programs aboard all vessels. Consistently rated as one of the best cruise lines in the world, you simply can't go wrong with Celebrity Cruises.
Crystal, previously known as Crystal Cruises, is one of the world's leaders in ultra-luxury cruising. Their all-inclusive fleet includes two renovated ocean-going ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony. Extraordinary service, abundant space, gourmet cuisine (comparable to the finest restaurants on land), and excellent itineraries are some highlights of an unforgettable Crystal cruise. Combining the included amenities (fine wine, premium spirits, gratuities, and much more) with their exceptional accommodations and service, Crystal is a fantastic value in the luxury cruising market.
Enjoy legendary Disney service and entertainment, incomparable dining, exciting ports of call, and day after day of wonder-filled adventure. Here, specially designed areas and activities let adults, families, teens, and children play together and separately, creating magical memories. There are seven ships in Disney's fleet, including the classic Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and upcoming Disney Destiny (expected to sail in 2025).
Founded in 2014, originally as Emerald Waterways, Emerald Cruises, is an award-winning deluxe cruise line well known for its great value and contemporary style, offering both river and yacht cruises. Included in an Emerald Cruises vacation is a wonderful selection of dining and beverage options, as well as a selection of shore excursions for when you are exploring on land. Wine, beer and soft drinks are included during lunch and dinner aboard their Star-Ships and their yacht, with complimentary tea and coffee all day long. Bottled water is provided in your room, and is replenished daily. Their onboard cuisine uses local, fresh ingredients, further immersing you into the destination being explored. WiFi is included standard and tipping is included, which are both otherwise significant expenses that you won't have to consider during your vacation.
Award-winning Holland America Line has been among the leaders in cruising for over 140 years. This premium cruise line has a fleet of modern yet classic ships that combine to offer over 500 cruises a year, sailing in all seven continents! While on a Holland America cruise, guests can count on world-class entertainment, a variety of onboard activities to choose from, remarkable service, tastefully appointed accommodations, and fantastic dining. Select ships have special venues such as Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King's Blues Club, as well as gourmet restaurants like the Pinnacle Grill and Tamarind (a Pan-Asian venue that has been praised by Condé Nast Traveler as having cuisine "that rivals the top restaurants on land."). Other onboard venues include several bars and lounges (serving masterfully crafted cocktails), the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, a fitness center, swimming pools, and a casino that offers a variety of games. The Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine® magazine offers cooking demon
Formed in 2002 by luxury cruise industry veterans Joe Watters and Frank Del Rio, Oceania Cruises is one of the the world’s leading deluxe cruise lines. The finest cuisine at sea, award-winning itineraries and outstanding value define Oceania Cruises’ five-star product and have positioned the company as the cruise line of choice for travelers seeking a truly refined and casually elegant travel experience.
Princess Cruises has taken cruising to a whole new level, with spacious and accommodating ships packed with amenities. You'll always find the freedom to chart your own course. The Princess fleet includes a variety ships, from mid-sized to large feature-filled vessels, and features a wonderful Personal Choice Dining® program where you can choose between Traditional (assigned) and Anytime (open) dining setups to enjoy their great service and cuisine.
The six small to mid-size ships in Regent Seven Seas' award-winning six-star fleet include the intimate all-suite Seven Seas Navigator, the all-suite, all-balcony sister ships Mariner and Voyager, the all-suite, all-balcony Explorer and Splendor, and the recently introduced Grandeur. Regardless of which ship you choose, you're going to be on a luxurious vessel that's staffed with an ultra-attentive staff and a gourmet all-inclusive setup, in which gratuities, as well as select wines and spirits, are included.
What type of traveler is Royal Caribbean right for? All types! Royal Caribbean is popular with families, seniors, couples, honeymooners, singles, and large groups (regardless of travel experience). Why? Because there's something for everyone on a Royal Caribbean cruise. The line has one of the largest fleets in the world, consisting of some of the most beautiful and modern ships in the cruising industry. Their ships are destinations within themselves! Possibilities aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship include Broadway-style shows, casinos that will make you think you're in Las Vegas, a variety of dining venues, great programs for children, as well as (depending on the ship), innovations like surfing simulators, sky-diving simulators, rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rinks, and much more.
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours is a 5-star luxury cruise line, providing all-inclusive river and ocean journeys through Europe, Asia, Australia, and more. Scenic Luxury provides award-winning service and exceeds expectations of comfort and luxury with a small ship experience. Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has a diverse selection of dining and beverage options, as well as a selection of shore excursions for when you want to explore land. Wine, beer and soft drinks are included aboard their Space-Ships. Bottled water is provided in your room, and is replenished daily. Their onboard cuisine uses local, fresh ingredients, further immersing you into the destination being explored. WiFi and tipping is included, which are both otherwise significant expenses that you won't have to consider during your vacation.
Discover a new age of sailing, where the romantic traditions of the past are combined with the modern comforts and amenities of the present. Star Clippers' tall ships are perfect for cruising in casual elegance. On board you will enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, friendly crew, and international cuisine, all in pampered comfort. If you're a boating enthusiast, you can lend a hand hoisting the sails, learn to climb the mast, tie marine knots, or just lay back and let the crew do all the work.
Designed to combine the luxury lifestyle of The Ritz-Carlton® and the untethered freedom of a yachting vacation, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers all-inclusive voyages onboard custom-built yachts. Their cruises range from 3 to 13 nights and more, offering many overnight calls and uniquely curated experiences ashore at distinguished destinations. As with The Ritz-Carlton® on land, each yacht features personalized service, elevated dining, and luxury amenities. All of this is delivered in an intimate setting, with a heightened level of care and attention.
Virgin Voyages is a new cruise line by Sir Richard Branson, founder of The Virgin Group companies Virgin Records and Virgin Airlines. This adults-only (18+) cruise line sails to unique ports in the Caribbean, including Miami, Puerto Plata, Costa Maya, and Virgin's privately-owned beach club in Bimini, Bahamas, as well as Europe. Virgin Voyages showcases offbeat entertainment, high-tech environments, and inclusive fares that make vacationing easier than ever.
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Things to do in Chania, Crete
Venetian walls, Ottoman domes and a lighthouse over the old port set the scene in Chania. Here are the best things to do in Chania on a cruise day.
♦ The Venetian Harbor and Lighthouse
Chania's old harbor is the heart of the city, lined with historic buildings, cafes and restaurants. Its lighthouse dates from 1864, and on the waterfront stands the Kucuk Hasan Pasha Mosque, also called the Yali Mosque, built during the Ottoman era. Start here, then wander inland.
♦ The Old Town Quarters
Behind the harbor, the old town is still bordered in places by the Venetian walls begun in 1538. Its central hill of Kasteli has been lived on since the Neolithic Age, the Topanas district was the Christian quarter in Ottoman times, and Splantzia square is a favorite place for cafes and bars. Eleftherios Venizelos Square, at the west end of Kasteli, is the old town's main square.
♦ Maritime Museum of Crete
At the entrance to the Firkas Fortress on the western side of the harbor, this museum traces Crete's life at sea from the Bronze Age to modern times with ship models, nautical instruments, paintings and historical photographs. Highlights include a model of the Venetian-era port and a section on the German invasion of Crete, and its location makes it an easy add-on to a harbor walk.
♦ Archaeological Museum of Chania
Reopened in 2022 in a new building in the Halepa district, this museum holds Minoan and Roman finds from Chania and the surrounding region, including pieces from the ancient cities of Kydonia, Aptera and Polyrinia.
♦ Souda Bay War Cemetery
In Souda, the town where cruise ships dock, this cemetery is cared for by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. It is the principal Allied war cemetery on Crete, where most of the graves are those of British and Commonwealth soldiers who fell in the Battle of Crete in 1941.
Average Monthly Weather for Chania, Crete
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The information above is provided for informational purposes only. Monthly statistics are based on the most recent instance of that month. Weather is subject to change and cannot be guaranteed. The data is provided by a third-party and we accept no liability regarding its accuracy.
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