A day on Makedonia Palace turns the Ionian Sea into 50 shades of blue. You’ll hit famous beaches and a WWII submarine hiding spot, with captain Costa running a lively show on the top deck. I like that the stops are varied and fast, so you see more than just one beach. I also like the included traditional lunch (gyros, Greek salad, bread) so you’re not hunting food all day. The big consideration is simple: this is a large boat, so crowding, limited shade, and slow boarding at swim stops can make the day feel long.

This is the kind of outing that works best if you’re flexible, bring patience for lines, and focus on what matters most—time in the water and those postcard views.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• Captain Costa’s onboard energy keeps the long day from feeling dull.
• Multiple standout swim stops across Lefkada, Kefalonia, and Ithaca.
• Skorpios + Jackie Kennedy Beach option if conditions allow.
• Included traditional lunch helps value, even if it isn’t perfect.
• A long day on a big boat means you should plan around crowds and shade.

Lefkada to Kefalonia and Back: What You’re Really Buying

This cruise is sold as a full-day circuit around parts of the Ionian—starting in Lefkada and moving through stops tied to some of the region’s best-known scenery. You’re out about 8 to 9 hours, with a 9:15 am start and returning to the meeting point at the end. It’s a mobile-ticket setup and runs in English.

At $60.46 per person, the main value is straightforward: you’re paying for transportation plus multiple major sights and swim time, and lunch is bundled in. Drinks are not included, so budget for that separately.

The feel of the day depends on your tolerance for crowds. The boat is described as enormous, and you can end up feeling packed, especially for seating and shade on the top deck. Still, when the itinerary hits—especially at the beach stops—the day can feel like a bargain.

The Route in Plain English: Six Stops, One Long Day

The schedule is built around short “arrive, photograph, swim, repeat” moments. Here’s how the day flows, stop by stop, and what to expect.

You start with a quick hit on a world-famous beach, then you move into a longer beach time for proper swimming. After that, you get a town break for exploring, then a fresh beach on Ithaca, then a WWII-themed cave, and finally Skorpios for island sightseeing and a swim option.

That’s a lot to fit into a single day. The upside is you collect big variety. The downside is that some stops can feel like a sprint rather than a hangout.

Porto Katsiki: Fast Photos at the Iconic Clifftop Beach

Time on stop: about 20 minutes

Porto Katsiki is the type of beach you recognize instantly from photos—famous for dramatic scenery and that strong “50 shades of blue” look. The stop is short, so this isn’t the day to come here for a full beach session. It’s more like: get your bearings fast, take the pictures, and decide if you want a deeper swim elsewhere.

If you’re the kind of traveler who loves snapping views and moving on, this stop hits the sweet spot. If you want more time on the sand, you’ll need to make peace with the fact that the itinerary prioritizes “see a lot” over “linger.”

Egremni Beach: The Best Bet for Real Swimming Time

Time on stop: about 1 hour

Egremni is where the cruise gives you enough time to actually get in the water and enjoy the beach vibe. You get off the boat right onto the beach via safe landings, and the plan is simple: swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the setting.

This is also where the day can feel a bit stressful if boarding and getting everyone off the boat slows down. One clear theme: getting off during beach stops can take longer than you’d like. So if you want maximum swim time, treat Egremni as your “commitment stop.” Don’t waste the first 10 minutes.

If you’re traveling with kids, keep in mind this kind of beach stop can be hit-or-miss depending on conditions. Wavy water and depth can make some beach swimming harder for younger swimmers.

Fiscardo Harbor (Kefalonia): Free Time in a Real Place

Time on stop: about 1 hour

Fiscardo at Kefalonia is a much more town-feeling stop. Instead of another “beach and back,” you get 1 hour free time to explore the harbor area. This is the portion of the day that often feels more relaxing, because you can walk around at your own pace rather than waiting for a boat rhythm.

Use this hour to do the basics that make a place feel real: quick stroll, photos with boats and waterfront, maybe a snack if you didn’t bring any. Just remember you’ll still be on a cruise schedule, so build in time to get back when it’s called.

One note from the vibe of this kind of day: if you’re hoping for a long town moment, 1 hour may feel short. But it’s also long enough to break up the beach-heavy parts of the itinerary.

Ithaca and Afales Beach: More Turquoise, More Swim Options

Time on stop: about 45 minutes

Then you shift again—this time to Ithaca, with a stop at Afales beach for swimming and sunbathing. Expect the water to look the part. This is another chance to enjoy that classic Ionian turquoise without mixing in town walking.

The stop is long enough for a solid dip and some lounging, but it’s not long enough to forget you’re on a timetable. If you’re trying to choose “best swim moment,” this and Egremni are your anchors. Porto Katsiki is more of a quick stop for visuals; Egremni and Afales are where you actually settle into the water.

Papanikolis Cave: WWII Submarine Story Meets Photo Stop

Time on stop: about 15 minutes

This is the shortest stop, but it adds context to the day. You visit Papanikolis Cave, tied to the story of a submarine and Captain Papanicolis hiding during World War II. You’ll stop for photos and information, which is enough time to understand the significance without turning the day into a museum visit.

Think of this as a pause point—proof that the cruise isn’t only about beaches. Even if you don’t care about WWII details, the setting can still be a memorable contrast to the open-water swimming stops.

Skorpios: Onassis Legacy, Island Touring, and Jackie Kennedy Beach

Time on stop: about 30 minutes

Skorpios is where the cruise gets the most “celebrity history” energy. The island is tied to Onassis and is currently associated with Ribilovlev as owner. Your time here includes a tour around the island and information, followed by a swim opportunity.

Here’s the practical detail: swimming at Jackie Kennedy beach is an option if the owner Ribilovlev is not at the island. That means you should treat this as a best-case bonus, not a guaranteed swim.

Even with that uncertainty, Skorpios is a strong end-of-day stop because it changes the mood. It’s also a good moment to take photos from the right angles and enjoy the slower pace compared to the “get off, swim, get back” format.

The Boat Experience on Makedonia Palace: Big, Fun, and Crowded

This cruise runs on a big ship, with a maximum of 500 travelers. That matters. When a boat carries a lot of people, your day is shaped by seating and shade more than by itinerary wishes.

Here’s what I’d plan for:

• You may struggle to find a seat, especially if you arrive later in the boarding window.
• The top deck can have limited shade for parts of the afternoon.
• Smoking is allowed, which can be unpleasant if you’re sensitive to it.
• Some onboard announcements may be hard to catch depending on where you’re standing.

Now, the good news: the atmosphere can be genuinely upbeat. The captain and crew bring interaction to the whole experience. In the afternoon, there’s energy on the top deck—singing and dancing—so the boat isn’t just a floating waiting room.

The best way to enjoy a big group cruise is to set expectations. You aren’t going for quiet. You’re going for movement, scenery, and frequent resets.

Captain Costa and Crew Energy: Why the Day Feels Shorter

The name that comes up again and again is captain Costa. The day feels more like a party with purpose than a strict sightseeing bus.

The payoff is emotional, not just logistical. When the captain is witty and the crew keeps the group involved, you stop thinking about the long duration and start counting the next scenic moment. That’s exactly what can make an 8 to 9 hour itinerary feel like it “flies.”

This is one of the cruise’s most praised aspects. If you enjoy a guide who works the room and brings humor, you’ll likely find yourself in a better mood than you expected.

Food on Board: Gyros Lunch Included, Drinks Not Included

Lunch is included in the price, but drinks aren’t. What you get is:

• traditional Greek gyros pork
• Greek salad
• 2 pieces of bread

That’s solid for a cruise day because it reduces decision fatigue. You don’t have to find lunch in a foreign place mid-itinerary.

But there are two important cautions. First, the lunch quality isn’t consistent if you’re vegetarian—there’s been disappointment with the veggie option. Second, the biggest complaint is queuing. It can turn into organized chaos, with multiple lines trying to funnel into one service area.

My practical advice: if you’re sensitive to long lines, you’ll enjoy the day more if you either:

• eat when the crowd settles a bit, or
• bring small backup snacks for yourself so lunch doesn’t become the day’s stress point.

Cold and hot drinks are not included, so if you like coffee, water, or soft drinks, plan ahead.

Timing Reality Check: Stops Are Beautiful, But Some Are Short

This is one of those itineraries where the scenery is the main event, but the schedule limits how much you can do.

• Porto Katsiki at 20 minutes is a photo-and-feel stop.
• Egremni’s 1 hour is your main swim block.
• Fiscardo at 1 hour is good for a quick explore.
• Afales at 45 minutes is a strong swim-and-relax window.
• Papanikolis Cave at 15 minutes is for context and photos.
• Skorpios at 30 minutes includes touring and a swim option under certain conditions.

If you love short bursts of many places, you’ll probably like the structure. If you prefer slower travel—one beach for hours, one town for half a day—you may wish Fiscardo or Egremni had more time.

Who This Cruise Suits Best (and Who Might Want a Different Plan)

This is a cruise for all ages and nationalities, and it can work for most people. Service animals are allowed, and the tour operates in English, so it’s generally straightforward.

I’d point this itinerary toward travelers who:

• want a lot of variety in one day
• love swimming and want multiple chances
• don’t mind crowds on a big boat
• enjoy an energetic captain and crew vibe

I’d think twice if you:

• need lots of shade and quiet
• dislike smoking nearby
• want long beach lounging sessions
• are traveling with kids who need calm, shallow water (some beach conditions may not suit everyone)

Value Check: Is $60.46 a Good Deal?

At just over $60 per person, the math is mostly about what you avoid paying for. You get transport by boat, multiple stops, and lunch. For a destination like Lefkada—where you can easily spend that much and still be scrambling to arrange day trips—this price can feel fair.

That said, value is only real if the day fits your style. If you hate crowds and queues, the “cheap relative to alternatives” feeling can vanish fast.

If you’re the type who treats a cruise day as a scenic sampler—swim when you can, take the photos, enjoy the boat party energy—then you’ll likely feel like you got your money’s worth.

Should You Book Makedonia Palace for This Route?

Book it if you want a packed day that trades comfort for variety and payoff. You’ll be happiest if you show up ready for crowds, focus on swimming time, and enjoy the guide energy.

Don’t book it if you’re hoping for a calm, loungy, uncrowded day with lots of shade and long stops. This is a big-boat itinerary. The tradeoff is that you see more places, but you don’t stay long.

If you do book, I’d prioritize your own strategy: plan to arrive early to secure better seating if possible, treat Egremni and Afales as your swim priorities, and keep a little patience for the lunch line.

FAQ

How long is the Makedonia Palace Ionian Sea cruise?

The duration is approximately 8 to 9 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:15 am.

What stops are included on the itinerary?

Stops include Porto Katsiki, Egremni Beach, Fiscardo Harbor (Kefalonia), Afales beach in Ithaca, Papanikolis Cave, and Skorpios (with a Jackie Kennedy beach swim option if the owner is not at the island).

Is lunch included, and what does it include?

Lunch is included. It consists of traditional Greek pork gyros, Greek salad, and 2 pieces of bread. Drinks are not included.

Is the tour offered in English, and do I get a mobile ticket?

Yes, it’s offered in English, and you’ll receive a mobile ticket.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount you paid is not refunded.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.