Coming up from the Old Port of Fira

Now that you've got a good grasp of the basics of disembarkation in Santorini —where is needed to sign up for a tender to make your way to the old port of Fira —let's take a closer look at some important details you should be aware of, as well as the various alternative options besides the cable car that our travelers often inquire about.

Signing Up for a Tender

This is by far the most crucial part of your trip to Santorini, and we're here to make sure it goes smoothly for you. As at Santorini port, tendering is required, you'll need to get tender tickets or going ashore tickets. Υou can obtain this ticket from the help desk or concierge. With your ticket, you'll be assigned to a group number for a tender, ensuring an organized process. Generally, it's a first-come, first-serve system, with exceptions for those with handicaps or having priority. If you're a gold or above latitude member, simply show your card, and you'll be assigned a tender right away. 

These tender "tickets" will indicate your designated tender number—the higher the number, the later the departure from the ship. No ticket is needed for the return tender back to the ship.  One member can also pick up all the tickets for their entire party or family, making it convenient for everyone.

How to secure an early tender?

The following recommendations come directly from the experiences of previous travelers who joined our tours this year, and of course they are not usually shared by cruise ship line staff. Although you may hear that priority is given to ship excursions, knowing that these excursions depart from a different port, you understand now that your disembarkation at the old port will remain unaffected.

It's best to secure early tendering before your trip or as soon as you step on board. To avoid the crowds on the island or long lines at the cable car, especially if your cruise has more than 2,000 people, being among the first to disembark is the key. Previous feedback highlights for example that Norwegian Cruise Lines offers an online platform for handling this procedure before their trip. If that option isn't available, don't worry at all. Your first step should be to ask at the help desk on board about the tender sign-up process to make sure you get an early ticket.

Most cruise lines, like Celebrity or Royal Caribbean, distribute the tickets early in the morning on the same day, usually around 7:00. This means you'll want to be in line before that time to secure the earliest tickets possible. Meanwhile, it is said that Norwegian Cruise Line gives out tickets as soon as they set sail and also offers the convenient option to sign up for a tender via your in-cabin TV or on the app, once that service becomes available during your trip.

If your ticket already includes priority, please reach out to the concierge to find out when the first tender is available. If you have this benefit, we encourage you to take the first tender off the ship without hesitation.

Additionally, consider looking into a "key" or "pass" that offers multiple amenities, such as internet access, and sometimes includes priority tendering. From past feedback, we've learned that some Royal Caribbean travelers purchased an internet package for €25, and for an additional €5, they received priority tendering, allowing them to get off with the first tender.

To make the most of your Santorini adventure, aim to be among the first five groups disembarking individually at the old port of Fira. This way, you can get ahead of the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful and relaxing experience.

If you need more information about how to sign up for your cruise ship, or if there's something you'd like to add to this list, please don't hesitate to contact us. 

Avoiding the Cable Car

We understand that you might be looking for different ways to bypass the cable car, so if you don’t manage to get off with the first five groups, we've carefully put together some alternative options for you to consider.

1. Stairway: Climbing the 600-steps stairway will take about 40 minutes. The main challenge, besides keeping your stamina, is avoiding the donkeys that use the path.
2. Donkeys: While donkeys can be hired to take you up the hill, we strongly advise against using donkeys for safety reasons, first and foremost. Furthermore, we deeply believe in promoting fair treatment for these animals, and we oppose any form of animal exploitation.
3. Water Taxi: At Fira's old port, you can join a water taxi excursion to Ammoudi Bay in Oia for around 30€ per person, with tickets available on the spot. The fare includes a shuttle from the bay up to Oia and a return trip to Fira.  Once at Ammoudi, you can climb 300 steps to the village or walk 500 meters to catch the shuttle bus to Oia (there is no cable car service). Note that the water taxi can accomodate approximately 200 people.
4. Private Water Taxi: If you'd like to arrange a water taxi especially for your group, it's good to know the fee is approximately 300€. Typically, this water taxi is a small tender boat that will comfortably transport you from the cruise terminal to the new port.

If you decide to use one of these options, we’re more than happy to adjust your meeting point to ensure a smooth pick up. For instance, if you decide to take the stairs or the donkeys, we’ll meet you at McDonald’s, which is the nearest point. Should you prefer a water taxi to Oia, we’ll be there at the main square of Oia waiting for your arrival. Similarly, if you opt for a private taxi to Athinios port, we’ll drive to meet you there. Just let us know in advance, and we’ll make all the necessary arrangements.

If you're able to book a ticket for this shuttle service, we highly recommend it for a stress-free experience in Santorini.

If you don't manage to get into the first groups for tendering, don't worry; just keep an eye out in case any spots open up from others not showing up. This way, you might still get an earlier slot and be on your way sooner than expected. 

During disembarkation, it's helpful to stay alert to avoid any delays and congestion. You might even need to pick up the pace a bit to avoid the rush at the cable car station. Especially when you get off the tender boat, try to be the first in your group to line up for the cable car.

It's worth mentioning that the long lines at the cable car from the old port to Fira town have been alleviated with the new regulations that took effect on 1/6/2024. These regulations allow only 500 people to be at the pier simultaneously. As a result, the tender boat service pauses its operation until the pier is clear, which might mean a longer wait on the boat.

Additionally, please don't worry about any potential delays. We exclusively offer private tours, especially for cruise ship passengers, so both our staff and your tour guide are well-versed in the process and will be waiting for you.

We suggest getting a data package and using WhatsApp during your time in Greece and Europe to help you stay easily connected with your guides and keep them informed about your status throughout your short visit.

You can also check The Ultimate Guide for Cruise Ship Travelers in Santorini, which includes valuable tips, must-see attractions, and more information for a one day itinerary in Santorini.