8 Reasons to Join a Cruise Critic Roll Call

Table Of Content

• Pros and Cons of Cruise Roll Calls
• Quiet Roll Calls
• Figure out pre-trip logistics.
• Sign up for a Meet & Mingle, or organize a sailaway party.
• Norwegian Cruise Line Roll Calls
• Here are some of the reasons that I enjoyed being part of the Facebook Group/Roll Call
• Share shore excursions.

Have you ever been anywhere or done something and wondered why everyone else seemed to know something you didn’t? Maybe you even thought, “Hmm, wish I’d known that before my cruise.” Well, social media has taught me quite a bit of little tidbits that have made cruising a breeze for me and my family. After booking a cruise, one of the first things to do is join a roll call. We get into the pros and cons of rolls so you can decide if you’d like to join one. He’s more interested in getting something to eat and going to the cabin.

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Pros and Cons of Cruise Roll Calls

A group countdown or "single digit dance" is far more fun than doing one on your own. Many of the passengers in these groups have sailed extensively in the past. They post information about past sailings and tips of things that have been a great idea and things they’d never do again.

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Quiet Roll Calls

Anyone who’s cruised more than few times, has likely been to some of the same ports numerous times. We all had fun laughing with each other and counting down the days to embarkation. Many times, amidst my hectic work day, I would find myself logging into my Facebook page to read what funny things were happening amongst the group members.

Figure out pre-trip logistics.

Prior to our cruise, I looked on both Cruise Critic and Shipmate to glean information about upcoming sailings. At Cruise Critic we aim to provide balanced, unbiased reporting and take our journalistic credibility seriously. Cruise Critic accepts advertising, but it remains strictly impartial from an editorial standpoint – something which is made clear to all advertisers.

Sign up for a Meet & Mingle, or organize a sailaway party.

With 20+ years of coordinating logistics and travel planning, I've taken that expertise to plan our cruise, food, and travel experiences. We hope this overview helps you consider joining your sailing’s roll call. It’s worth checking out its activity level and whether it appeals to you. If you’re not keen, there’s no obligation to participate or introduce yourself. Once you have located your ROLL CALL topic for your line, ship and sail date, you should either bookmark the URL, or follow the discussion so that you will receive e-mail notification of new posts.

Latest Posts

If you are sailing on a specific ship and departure date, you may post your share request on the specific Roll Call topic for your cruise. You are targeting the specific group of people who would be most inclined to share since they are already sailing with you. Please remember, do not start a new Roll Call topic on the Roll Call forum or any other message board forum with your share request. Use your existing Roll Call topic to post your share request.

Norwegian Cruise Line Roll Calls

Cruise passengers use rolls calls to chat online about their upcoming cruise with other cruisers, who are just as excited and eager to plan. While every roll call is different, often people will create small groups to share excursions, and may even hold a meet and greet or “meet and mingle” once on board. A cruise roll call is a way for cruise passengers to connect online with other passengers who will be sailing on the same cruise, often several months before their cruise.

Here are some of the reasons that I enjoyed being part of the Facebook Group/Roll Call

You will need to create and/or log in to your Cruise Critic member account to access the Roll Call for your cruise. I’d heard about it but never took the time to truly research it or look into it. On our page, there was a link to sign up with information about the beach, how to get to and from the beach, amenities and a copy of the all-inclusive menu. Here are our reasons why joining a Cruise Critic Roll Call is the best thing you can do after you book.

The Cruise Critic meet and greet is an organized event between a lead member from the sailing’s roll call and the cruise line itself. It is designed for Cruise Critic members to meet face-to-face. It typically takes place on the first sea day of the cruise, offering an informal setting for interaction. The cruise line supports the event by providing complimentary beverages such as coffee, juice, water, pastries, and other light snacks.

The leading authority and market leader for consumer cruise information; no other single resource covers the world of cruising as thoroughly as Cruise Critic. Since its inception in 1995, Cruise Critic has earned the status of being the most influential cruise site and an innovator of consumer cruise news. The site was acquired by Tripadvisor in 2007, and is part of the largest travel community in the world. If you can’t find an existing roll call for your cruise, you can take the initiative and start one on Facebook. If there isn’t a group already started, consider starting one!

She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert. In active roll calls, there’s excitement as members introduce themselves and start forming connections by the simple fact that they are going on a cruise vacation. Typically, one or two individuals lead in organizing group meet-ups and coordinating activities, helping bring everyone together. Cruise roll calls might feel overwhelming if you’re not fond of large group meet-ups or social events. As someone who leans towards introversion, I find these gatherings draining.

You’ll discover insider knowledge about the ship and destinations from experienced cruisers, offering tips beyond what’s found in brochures or on the cruise line’s website. I’ve joined several Cruise Critic roll calls and have learned so much from fellow cruisers. It was also fun for me to chat about often about what to do in ports and various things about the ship. There are times I joined the meet and mingle on the ship, and other times when it just didn’t work out.

The popular Cruise Critic forums are a place for people to post questions and share insights with other cruisers, and chat with others who share their love of cruising. The site also offer itinerary and pricing information, deals and money-saving tips. Cruise Critic is the leading cruise reviews site, which hosts the largest cruise community in the world. On occasion, as I’ve experienced, you might get invited to a follow-up meeting by a cruise ship officer after the official meet-up. This rare opportunity, often extended by the Hotel Director or another officer, allows you to share feedback directly about your cruise experience towards its conclusion. It’s a privileged forum to voice concerns and offer suggestions, contributing to enhancements for future passengers.

The content covers all aspects of a cruise, from cabins and dining options, to onboard ambiance. Cruise Critic meet-ups, a common outcome of cruise roll calls, present an excellent opportunity to meet many passengers and ship officers face-to-face. These events are a fantastic way to network and gain insider knowledge about your cruise, often revealing tips and upcoming attractions. Additionally, officers usually provide their extension numbers, ensuring you have direct contact for any queries or issues during your voyage, enhancing your cruising experience. A highlight of joining cruise roll calls is the wealth of information available. The community often has insights to share whether you have questions or need advice.

There can be a sense of pressure to participate in group activities. If group events aren’t your preference, remember it’s okay to skip them. Find your Ovation of the Seas Roll Call by choosing your sailing month from the drop down menu below. You can browse our list of Roll Calls, but you must be registered and logged in to read and post. To find the Roll Call for your sailing, visit Cruise Critic's Roll Calls.

Roll Calls are discussions where you can "meet up and chat with" other Cruise Critic members on the same cruise on-line before you sail! In this guest post, Adrienne from Grateful Getaways, explains the top benefits of using social media roll calls to get to know your fellow passengers (at least some of them) before the cruise. I loved reading about Adrienne’s personal story and experience and hope you will too. Cruise roll calls are online groups where cruisers can connect before their trip.

Santorini Cruise Port: What To Know Before You Go

Table Of Content

• ALL AVAILABLE FERRIES TO GREEK ISLANDS:
• Go On A Hike
• How Early to Arrive for Santorini Ferry Departures in Athinios port?
• Hike The Magnificent Caldera
• Santorini Town Cruise Port Guide (Oia and Fira)
• FAQs About Santorini For The Day

What many cruise visitors do is pair up with another couple and go 4 together in a cab straight from the port to Oia. Taxis are readily available at the port, or you might choose to arrange a private transfer in advance for convenience and comfort, especially if you are a group and/or if you want to see both Fira and Oia. Fira is the capital of Santorini and is a beautiful village with many narrow alleyways and streets with lots of interesting shops. Local buses run from most locations and car hire and bike hire are also widely available. Taxis can also be found across the island for those who wish to use them.

ALL AVAILABLE FERRIES TO GREEK ISLANDS:

That is why, before planning your itinerary, you should read our other posts to learn more about Santorini and its attractions. As the day winds down, finding a place to really embrace the cuisine of the island is a great way to spend the evening, especially if you can catch a famous Santorini sunset while you’re at it. Although this is a common feature of Greek townhouses, Oia’s je ne sais quoi turns it into something unique. Although a traditional and unique way to ascend from the Old Port to Fira, riding a donkey is just plain cruel. The best time to visit Santorini depends on your preferences and priorities.

Go On A Hike

Here, you will have the opportunity to admire unique frescoes and artifacts from the Minoan Civilization era and discover the everyday life of its settlers. The guests with prebooked excursions from the cruise line may be tendering to Athinios ferry port, where there isn’t much besides a big parking space for the buses and a few coffee shops. The Old Port of Fira consists of a narrow dock with several souvenir stores, a few taverns, cafes, and tour booths. To get to Fira, you need to take a cable car that departs from the Old Port and connects the port to Fira town. The cable car ride takes only several minutes and offers fabulous views of the town and bay.

How Early to Arrive for Santorini Ferry Departures in Athinios port?

You’ll need approximately one hour to reach there and another hour to reach the port through the shuttle service. This is because you’ll need an hour to reach the cable car from the port and chances are that you’ll find a long queue of passengers waiting for the cable car. Please note that the last ship’s tender departs an hour before the cruise ship’s departure time. Cruise ships to Santorini Island dock (anchor) at Thira - port town on the western coast.

The Santorini cable car connects the port to the main town so you can arrive by ship and ascend the cliffs easily while admiring the spectacular views. Travel through the island hilltops and sweeping island vistas on your journey from the sea. As mentioned before, Santorini's cruise port is, in fact, its old port, also known as the port of Skala, in Fira, the capital of Santorini, which is not the main port of the island. One thing to keep in mind is that the old port doesn't boast a spacious cruise terminal. As a result, passengers need to be transported via small boats in order for passengers to reach the shore.

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For a more adventurous option, visitors can choose to climb the 588 steps known as the “Donkey Path” or hire a donkey to carry them up. This traditional path offers a unique experience and allows travelers to witness the traditional mode of transportation that has been used for centuries. From Fira, visitors can explore the charming streets lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes. The town offers beautiful panoramic views of the Aegean Sea, as well as easy access to other popular destinations such as Oia, Imerovigli, and the archaeological site of Akrotiri. Santorini is a breathtaking Greek island known for its stunning landscapes, picturesque villages, and unique volcanic formations.

In recent years, the island has been voted one of the most beautiful in the world. Santorini remains the home of a flourishing wine industry, which is based on the Assyrtiko grape variety. White varieties include Aidani and Athiri, whereas red ones include mandilaria and mavrotragano.

This hotel was once a winery and is popular for its unique architecture and design. This hike is about 6.5 miles in length and is considered to be moderately challenging with over 1,000 feet in elevation gain as you trek from the capital city of Fira to the charming village of Oia. Another one of the best places to visit when exploring Santorini is the Museum of Ancient Thera. This museum consists of various items found during different excavations throughout the island. The exhibits show artifacts ranging from sculptures to clay masterpieces to inscriptions and so much more. This museum is one of the most popular places to visit because of the artifacts found that help to teach us about the early lives that once lived and occupied the island of Santorini.

The Town Of Oia

You park even closer to the city center than the tour buses of the cruise lines. In addition to exploring the town of Fira, the Old Port provides convenient access to other parts of the island. There are regular bus services that connect Fira to popular destinations such as Oia, Kamari, and Perissa beach.

It contains letters, photos, paintings, and artifacts that reveal the history of this fairytale island. Be mindful of the crowds, especially on the way back to the ship (allow at least 1 hour to embark on the last tender). You can purchase the tickets on-site and both cash and credit cards are accepted. Alternatively, if you’re in good physical shape, you can climb 587 steep stairs to the top. The closest to the cruise port Thira/Fira international airport is approx 6 km from downtown. Santorini is the most active volcanic centre in South Aegean Volcanic Arc, but what remains today is mainly a water-filled caldera.

Amoudi Bay is a hidden gem located below the village of Oia in Santorini. While it is not a designated port for cruise ships, it is worth mentioning as it offers a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience for travelers. Moreover, the Old Port is also home to several boat tours and excursions that allow visitors to explore the island from a different perspective. Many of these tours offer the opportunity to visit the volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, where you can swim in the hot springs and witness the unique geological formations.

Options are bus, taxi, private car or shuttle service, and private transfer arranged via your hotel. Santorini is often described as paradise and is among the world’s most breathtaking places. The towns on the island are situated atop of high cliffs and are looking over the caldera of an ancient volcano. The volcanic eruptions created impressive underwater scenery making for plenty of diving opportunities. Diving tours offer trips to shipwrecks, volcanic caverns, and coastal reefs. Snorkeling locations also abound for those wanting to look below the waves with a bit less equipment.

One Day In Santorini Itinerary Santorini Cruise Port

Table Of Content

• What port do cruise ships use in Santorini?
• Santorini takes stand against cruise ships to preserve idyllic beauty amidst overtourism concerns
• Amorgos, Greece
• Go On A Hike
• Do I Need to Book a Tour With the Cruise Line for Santorini?
• The Transfer from Skala to Amoudi

The Cable Car offers spectacular views of the island and is thrilling for some. If you have a limited time and want to visit a place that combines local cuisine and culture, then visiting Santorini’s wineries might be a great idea. During your visit to wineries, you can taste the flavourful samples of local wines and learn about the island’s history of winemaking and the unique techniques to grow and harvest the grapes.

What port do cruise ships use in Santorini?

Less known, divulged and rarely mentioned onboard most cruise ships, there is also the Editor's Favorite way of exploring Santorini. Obviously, if the cruise traveler encounters too long a line there is always the alternative of walking down the 'donkeys' zig-zag path. The Editors' advice is to get in line at least 1 hour prior to the last tender and enjoy the amenities around the dock/pier, be it for a relaxed refreshment or last-minute souvenir shopping. Many a cruise traveler cannot resist the temptation of this adventure and the thrill has become a typical attraction when visiting Santorini. The cobblestone path for the donkeys is also accessible for all that prefer to walk up but, if you choose to do so, be aware that the paved steps will at times need to be negotiated with riders. I am the creator of an e-book “Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide“, the most comprehensive guide to 45 Mediterranean cruise ports, & YouTube channel @AdventourBegins.

Santorini takes stand against cruise ships to preserve idyllic beauty amidst overtourism concerns

Another iconic landmark of Fira is St. John the Baptist Cathedral, the only Catholic cathedral in Santorini, known for its colorful exterior, located a stone’s throw from the cable car upper station. Following the COVID crisis, in 2022 Santorini handled a total of 686 cruise ship calls, which number in 2023 increased to 753 (112 in June alone). The many famous beaches are along the eastern coast, each with its own unique characteristics. After being covered by lava from a volcano eruption in the 15th century, it has now been partially excavated.

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Amorgos, Greece

We can arrange accommodation to pick up and drop you off at Old Port of Fira where the cruise ship departs. Tenders shuttle passengers right to the base of Fira; you must ride the funicular (or a donkey) up to the town itself. Private ferry services may run from Fira port to Oia for approximately €20 for a return trip. Oia is renowned for its awe-inspiring panoramic vistas of the Aegean Sea and the caldera, particularly during the mesmerizing sunset—a must-see for all visitors. Cruise ships are usually too big to dock in Santorini so the chances are that you will be using a tender. A lot of cruise visitors though often prioritize Oia for its iconic beauty and its sunsets.

However, the local operators/guides tend to have fewer excursionists in their groups, which in itself can be much nicer. At the Port of Skala, there is also an excellent transfer to the bay of Amoudi that deserves to be highlighted - more about this below. If you need to change money, a Exchange Office in Skala has the best rates in the Eastern Mediterranean - take advantage as you will not get better anywhere else. Next, to the Exchange Office, there is a Tourist Information office with good maps. For those that would like to get on a scooter or a car to drive around the island - be it to the beaches or to secluded hidden gems that shore excursions do not cover - there are excellent offers.

It is a perfect place to unwind, savor delicious seafood, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Santorini away from the crowds. Fira is the bustling capital of Santorini and is known for its vibrant atmosphere, white-washed buildings, and narrow, winding streets. It offers a plethora of activities and attractions, including boutique shopping, traditional Greek tavernas, and stunning views of the caldera.

Do I Need to Book a Tour With the Cruise Line for Santorini?

With its steep cliffs rising up from the sea and providing panoramic views of the surrounding islands and the blue waters of the Aegean, the Caldera offers a breathtaking sight. Visitors can explore the Caldera on foot via a myriad of hiking trails winding their way along the cliffs. Santorini, the whitewashed heaven of the Cyclades Islands, is one of the major tourist destinations on the Aegean Sea. The island is famous for its picturesque settlements and magnificent beaches; with its rich history and natural wonders, Santorini offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience to its visitors. Skala Port is a truly unique docking location, offering a more tranquil and picturesque setting compared to other ports on the island.

What to See and Do in Fira, Santorini

While more expensive than buses, taxis will make it far easier to see both Oia and Fira if you want to do both. A tender is a little boat that you get into and then transports you from the cruise ship to the port and in Santorini this is about a 10-minute boat ride and it is usually not charged for. You can then walk around the quaint and beautiful village of Fira and you might find this enough to enjoy Santorini, after enjoying the views and relaxing in the town with a coffee and exploring the shops. You do not need to book a tour as you can easily get the cable car or walk up the hill to the capital Fira, or catch a bus to Oia. The facilities at the port of Santorini include a duty-free shop, gift stalls, and free Wi-Fi. The cable car takes three minutes to reach the center of Fira town where a wider variety of facilities are available.

The Transfer from Skala to Amoudi

Local wineries, fine restaurants, and traditional taverns lead your palatable journey through Santorini. Assyrtiko, a popular white wine produced on the island is for sure a tipple to try. With a fruity taste and a hint of citrus, you will find this wine across the island. Oia is a coastal town on the tip of the island, where you will see true Greek architecture carved into rugged clifftops. A must-see for guests traveling to the Greek island, this picturesque village is the perfect place to capture colorful laneways, world-class food, and local adventures.

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Obviously, exploring these towns is an absolute must as is a visit to the extraordinary archaeological site of Akrotiri, which dates back to 900 BC. Several religious sites, a handful of museums, and a taste of Santo wine should not be missed. If you like to collect beach memories, the black, red, and multicolored sand beaches of Santorini are truly unforgettable. From Amoudi Bay, visitors can also embark on a hike to the famous Santorini sunset spot, known as the Oia Castle. The hike offers stunning views of the Caldera and the neighboring islands along the way. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a dip in the refreshing waters of the bay or even try cliff jumping from the rocky outcrops.

The reason behind this unusual color is the very volcanic activity that created the island itself. It’s important to note that the color causes the sand to absorb heat, so make sure you have a towel to rest on and shoes to wear. Santorini is known for its distinct while buildings and famous blue domes. Be sure to visit the Famous Blue Dome Church while venturing around the beautiful village of Oia. Not only is this a great photo opportunity but its a fabulous place to visit so that you can truly appreciate Greek architecture.

Here’s our guide on everything you need to know about exploring the popular port island of Santorini. For that reason, it is often referred to as the Santorini cruise port, while you can come upon several boat rental agencies around the area. Excursion boats also start from the port to the islands of Nea and Palia Kameni, Thirasia, and Oia. It is connected to the port of Piraeus daily and throughout the year, as well as to the surrounding islands with numerous passenger ferries.

As in most ports in the world, there are car rentals available in Athinios port in Santorini island, where you can rent any pretty much vehicle of your choice -provided you have a driver’s license. The schedule for the bus from Fira to Athinios Port is dependent on ferry schedules. If you haven't booked an excursion onboard, you can still get on a tour with local and independent tour operators right at the Port of Skala. Besides souvenir shopping and a few good places to have a quick bite or lunch, Skala is also the place to find most service and amenities for cruise travelers to Santorini. No strenuous activities are included, all you need to be able to do is board the sailing boat.

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