Galileo Review

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Editor Rating
4.0
Very Good
Overall
Adam Coulter
U.K. Executive Editor

Galileo is not a cruise ship in the traditional sense. It's really more of a yacht, with three masts and three decks, so don't expect shows, entertainment or swimming pools. However, what you can expect is outstanding personal service, traditional Greek food and discovering some of the most stunningly beautiful islands in Greece.

You'll also need to be quite social; this is a small ship and you'll get to know your fellow passengers in no time at all. There's just one dining room, one bar and the sun deck. All cabins have a sea view, but there are no balcony cabins, though the top deck ones do have a shared promenade.

Galileo is getting on a bit now at almost 30 years old. Although it went through a significant refurb in 2007 when it was sliced in half and a section was added, adding cabins, there's no getting away from the fact it could do with a refresh in the cabins and shower rooms which look and feel rather dated. Public areas however are lovely, particularly the sun deck and dining, with bright modern carpets, cushions, fixtures and fittings.

Bear in mind too, that Galileo does not have modern tech such as stabilizers, so you can really feel the motion of the ocean, especially when the wind picks up in the Cyclades (which is often). If the wind is too strong in the Cyclades, the Captain chooses a different itinerary in more sheltered waters, for example, circling the Peloponnese, or combining a section of the Peloponnese with some different islands in the Cyclades. There will always be swimming stops, though, conditions permitting, and in summer, the half board dining arrangement is extremely popular, as you have dinner ashore most nights and stay in port until the early hours.

The ship is not luxurious, but nor does it pretend to be; the emphasis here is very much on destination. The beauty of a cruise on Galileo is finding a Greece you might never have known existed if you travel on a large ship: tiny islands, empty coves and tidal beaches and often just stopping somewhere for a sea swim. It's a magical, memorable and authentic experience.

Pros

Its small size allows Galileo to moor quayside and off tiny beaches that big ships cannot reach

Cons

Its size can make for rough crossings, especially when the wind is up

Bottom Line

The yacht-like size and atmosphere makes Galileo the perfect ship in which to explore the islands of Greece

Fellow Passengers

The passenger make up is primarily made up of English-speakers-- three-quarters US, also Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Brits. In July and August you'll find more Europeans, primarily French, German, Spanish and Italians. The average age is around 60, made up of groups of couples, groups of friends and full- or part-charter groups. Children are allowed to sail, but recommended minimum age is 13+ (there are no facilities for kids). All announcements are in English.

Variety Cruises Galileo Dress Code

Daytime: Casual, with shorts and tees most common inside the ship and bathing suits and cover-ups outside.

Evening: Mostly casual except on the "Captain's Night" dinner when men are asked to wear long pants and collared shirts and women are encouraged to dress up a bit, but it's not enforced.

Daytime: Swim suits in the dining room.

Galileo Inclusions

Two meals per day (except on a sea day, when it's three).

Two receptions, one at the beginning and one at the end of the cruise, with cocktails and canapes

A weekly theme night, typically ‘octopus and ouzo’, with live entertainment

Snorkels, fins, masks for the swim stops

Use of kayaks and paddleboard

Tea, coffee, water, select drinks in buffet

Not Included

Gratuities (Suggested 13.50 euros-15 euro/person/day)

All drinks beyond water, tea, coffee and select juices in the buffet

Shore excursions

Wi-Fi

Laundry

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Variety Cruises Galileo Cruiser Reviews

Fabulous experience on the Galileo around the Cyclades

We were the only Australian/ New Zealanders on the cruise, there was a huge variety of nationalities, couples and singles from America, Germany, Belgium, Holland, Spain, Argentina, England, Scotland, we met a few really fabulous people from the States who we hope to keep in touch with, a gorgeous Mother / Daughter couple from Germany who we also hope to stay in touch with.Friends recommended this cruise to us and it didn't disappoint.Read More
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MissdaisyMrHugo

couple2-5 Cruises

Age 50s

Ancient history and places put smiles on our faces

The boat was clean and comfortable and the Captain friendly and knowledgeable.And because we were the last scheduled boat this year the crowds were nonexistent.Read More
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cruiserdoc2

oneFirst Time Cruiser

Age 70s

Loved it!

We were the youngest couple on our cruise; however, the other passengers were so great to include us and we had a great time getting to know them.The crew was great about safety and getting us to and from shore.Read More
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swhipps26

oneFirst Time Cruiser

Age 40s

Take this Cruise!

The excursions are small groups and not too expensive so I recommend them if you don't know the islands or don't like to strike out on your own.Mostly you sail early am or late at night and so you get to spend a lot of quality time at each island.Read More
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empyrean

couple2-5 Cruises

Age 60s


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