Santorini is a tender port—your ship will anchor offshore, and reaching the top requires ascending steep cliffs. This unique setup means disembarkation is different from most ports. If you’re exploring independently, it can be confusing: the Old Port is accessible only by cable car. Knowing how many ships are in port on your day helps you plan disembarkation and avoid crowds.

If you already know your travel date, jump to the 2026 schedule and plan accordingly. Use it to see how many ships are in port on your day, which will help you decide how early to disembark and whether to explore independently or join a private tour.

• Search: Enter a ship name, cruise line, or date.
• Crowd gauge: Each date shows how many ships are in port (more ships = more queues).
• Tender times: Find the best window to get off the ship.
• Cable car waits: See estimated cable car wait times for your ship and date.

It depends on the number of ships in port. On quiet days, expect 10–20 minutes each way; on busy days, waits can be 60–90 minutes. Check the Crowd Level indicator for a daily estimate.

Disembark as early as possible, meet your guide near the cable car exit, and leave ample buffer time for your return before the last tender. On very busy days, a private tour can really help you skip bottlenecks.

You’ll find recommended tours for your cruise ship and date in Step 3. All options are cruise-timed, with a back-to-ship guarantee and tailored specifically to your cruise schedule.

No need to panic—that’s exactly why this guide was created. First, follow the suggested tendering times to get ashore efficiently. Then, book a private tour to beat the crowds and reach key highlights faster. Private tours also take you to places large cruise groups simply can’t access.