Blue Zephyr Cruises Launches Small-Ship Greek Isles Sailings in 2026

Blue Zephyr Cruises plans to launch a boutique small-ship cruise program in the Greek Isles on April 30, 2026, introducing itineraries built around slower-paced island hopping and longer time ashore.

The Greece-based, Greek-American owned startup will operate Blue Zephyr, a 1991-built vessel formerly known as the Caledonian Sky that underwent a full renovation in 2025. The company is opening bookings for a maiden season centered on sailings from Lavrion, the port serving Athens.

Maiden season timing and itinerary format

Blue Zephyr Cruises said its first departures will operate from Lavrion beginning April 30, 2026, with voyages ranging from seven nights up to the 13-day Grand Aegean Journey. The company’s inaugural program is built around small-ship access to ports and coastal stops that are harder to reach for larger vessels, with itinerary designs that can target five to six destinations per week.

Across the program, the line is marketing both eight-day and 13-day options, with additional seven- to 12-night sailings in the Aegean during the season.

The ship and onboard scale

Blue Zephyr Cruises is positioning the operation around a small-ship experience with a published capacity of up to 114 guests across 57 cabins, supported by a crew complement listed at 65. In its marketing, the company has also described the product as a roughly 100-guest experience.

Blue Zephyr was acquired from APT by Greek owners in late 2025, following the vessel’s 2025 refurbishment.

Ports of call across Greece, plus a Turkey gateway to Ephesus

The first-season itineraries combine marquee islands with smaller or less-frequented calls, while also including Kusadasi, Turkey, as a gateway for excursions to the ancient ruins of Ephesus. Blue Zephyr Cruises has highlighted the ship’s ability to incorporate smaller locations and coastal hideaways; Ifigeneia Fanouraki, marketing and business development at Blue Zephyr Cruises, said the ship’s scale supports access to “secluded coves and boutique ports like Nafpaktos or Ithaca” for travelers seeking a different style of Greek-islands itinerary.

Ports listed for the 2026 season include:

• Astypalea
• Ikaria
• Kos
• Kusadasi (Turkey), for excursions to Ephesus
• Milos
• Mykonos
• Naxos
• Nisyros
• Paros
• Rhodes
• Samos
• Santorini
• Serifos
• Sifnos
• Symi
• Syros

Product positioning: yachting heritage, service, and Greek hospitality

The company traces its concept to yachting and hospitality experience, aiming to bring a yachting-style approach to boutique cruising. Fanouraki said, “Our goal is to bring the philosophy of private yachting to the world of boutique cruising.”

She also framed the positioning as a differentiator tied to long-running operational background: “What truly sets us apart is our 25-year heritage and deep expertise in the maritime and hospitality industry. This long-standing experience allows us to offer a refined yachting lifestyle that larger vessels cannot replicate.”

Blue Zephyr Cruises is promoting an onboard program inspired by Greek hospitality and Mediterranean dining, including what Fanouraki called “a gourmet, farm-to-table culinary experience.” The company has also described a service model designed around a small passenger count, with guests personally known by crew.

On targeting, Fanouraki said the company is not narrowing its audience to a single feeder market or age band: “We do not wish to limit ourselves to specific countries or strict age groups.”

Pricing, inclusions, and additional costs

Entry pricing for the 2026 program starts at €3,050 per person for eight-day itineraries, while the 13-day Grand Aegean Journey starts at €5,550 per person.

Blue Zephyr Cruises said its fare includes shore excursions with local guides and regional Greek wines and spirits. The company lists transfers, port charges, and tips as additional costs.

Sustainability and distribution approach

Blue Zephyr Cruises has positioned sustainability as a core element of its strategy, citing yachting-inspired operating practices and itinerary planning intended to reduce environmental impact. Fanouraki said, “Sustainability is a core pillar of our philosophy. We implement practices designed to reduce the environmental footprint of every voyage to ensure that the destinations we love remain pristine.”

Commercially, the company is also adopting a selective distribution model, partnering exclusively with distinguished travel agencies as it targets international markets aligned with its boutique positioning.

What the company has said about expansion beyond 2026

While the initial rollout is focused on an extended Mediterranean season in 2026, Blue Zephyr Cruises has signaled broader ambitions for off-season deployment and future growth. “For our inaugural stages, we are focusing on an extended Mediterranean season,” Fanouraki said, adding that the Blue Zephyr is “designed for global cruising.”

Fanouraki said the company is “actively exploring niche winter destinations” and expects to share more details in the coming months. Looking further ahead, she added: “Our goal is to expand our fleet in the near future and introduce new itineraries for 2027, including plans for the winter season.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When do the first Blue Zephyr Cruises sailings begin, and where do they depart from?

The maiden season is scheduled to begin April 30, 2026, with departures from Lavrion, the port serving Athens.

What ship will Blue Zephyr Cruises operate for its inaugural season?

The company will operate Blue Zephyr, a 1991-built vessel formerly known as the Caledonian Sky that underwent a full renovation in 2025 and was acquired from APT by Greek owners in late 2025.

What is the capacity of Blue Zephyr?

The ship is listed with 57 cabins and capacity for up to 114 guests, supported by a crew complement of 65. The company has also described the onboard product in marketing as a roughly 100-guest experience.

What is included in the fare, and what costs extra?

Blue Zephyr Cruises lists shore excursions with local guides and regional Greek wines and spirits as included. Transfers, port charges, and tips are listed as additional costs.

Are there plans for winter itineraries or expansion after 2026?

Yes. The company has said it is actively exploring niche winter destinations and expects to share details in the coming months, while also outlining goals to expand its fleet and introduce new itineraries for 2027, including plans for the winter season.