A Love-Hate Relationship with Cruising: My Mykonos Experience

Let’s get real for a moment—I have a love-hate relationship with cruising.

I adore the convenience of unpacking just once, knowing that my cozy bed will be waiting for me each night. Room service with my morning coffee? Yes, please. Elegant teas and delicious dinners? Count me in.

But, honestly, I hate that I only get a few hours to explore each location. It’s like being teased with the promise of adventure, only to be whisked away before I can truly get a feel for the place.

This dilemma hit me hard when I visited Mykonos. I had always dreamed of cruising the Greek Isles, and Mykonos was one of the highlights. But how could I soak in everything this beautiful island offers in just one day? As it turns out, the answer was a combination of careful planning and a bit of local expertise.

From past trips, I’ve learned that to make the most of my time in port; I need to arrive at my embarkation city 2-3 days early and stay an extra few days after the cruise ends (especially if it’s a new destination for me). This way, I can explore at my own pace without feeling rushed. During the cruise, I try to see my time in port as a chance to get oriented—like a preview of what the place has to offer.

As a photographer, I’m always searching for the perfect shot. But with such limited time, I needed someone who knew the island inside and out. That’s why I hired Achim Eckhardt from Photo Tours Mykonos to guide me around. http://www.postcardme-mykonosgreece.com

He’s an incredible photographer and guide, and he knew exactly where to take us to maximize our short time on the island.

We met at the port early in the morning and immediately left the tourist crowds. Achim took us to the highest point in Mykonos, the weather tower with breathtaking views. From there, we visited a family church, a cemetery, a private beach, and even a goat farm. Later in the day, we returned to the village for lunch and explored the city, the shops, the cafes along the rocky waterfront, and the famous windmills.

By the end of the day, I was exhausted (I had to beg Achim to stop at one point!), but I wouldn’t change a thing. I didn’t get the marina photos or capture the pelicans I had hoped for, but I knew as I boarded the launch back to the ship that Mykonos was a place I would return to. This time, though, I want more time to slow down, meet the people, and immerse myself in the island’s unique charm.

So, here’s my advice: if you’re planning a cruise and feel conflicted about the limited time in each port, consider extending your stay on either end of the trip. Use your time in port as an opportunity to get a feel for the place, and if you can, hire a local guide or photographer who knows the best spots to visit. It’s a great way to make the most of your short time and capture the essence of the destination.

And if you find a place that speaks to you—as Mykonos did for me—don’t hesitate to put it on your list of places to return. After all, some destinations deserve more than just a fleeting visit.

(And if you’re ever in Mykonos, I highly recommend Achim Eckhardt as your guide. https://www.instagram.com/aeck_photography/?hl=en

Just be ready for a day full of adventure and more photo opportunities than you can imagine!)