Cruises to Heraklion, Crete, Greece

Cathedral of Saint Minas orthodox church in Heraklion, Crete

Minoan Palaces. Cretan Cuisine.

Although it's on the Greek Island of Crete, Heraklion offers a wealth of Venetian architecture from their rule in the 13th century, including magnificent fortified walls. Don't miss the Minoan Palace of Knosos Knossos, immortalized in Greek Mythology by the legend of the Minotaur. Explore more of Heraklion on a Greek Isles cruise!

Exciting Shore Excursions

Immerse yourself in authentic experiences with our Shore Excursions, expertly guided by locals.

Snapshots of Heraklion (Crete)

A visual preview of the amazing sites that await you.

Knossos Palace.

Church of Agios Titus.

Procession Fresco at Knossos Palace.

Traditional street scene in village, Crete, Greece.

Traditional street in Crete, Greece.

Panoramic aerial view from above of the city of Chania, Crete island.

Travel Tips & Interesting Info

Uncover Hidden Gems & Fun Facts

Old walls of Knossos near Heraklion. The ruins of the Minoan palaces is the largest archaeological site of all the palaces in Mediterranean island of Crete, UNESCO tentative list, Greece

Famous For

Visit the great Minoan ruins of the Palace of Knossos, famous in Greek mythology as the home of the labyrinth where the Minotaur roamed.

Dakos greece salad. Rusks with tomatoes and feta cheese.

Exquisite Flavors

Be sure to try dakos, a Cretan salad with juicy tomatoes and crisp barley rusk, and don't miss the fresh, creamy local cheeses.

Beautiful details of the Morosini Fountain in Heraklion, Crete

Fun Facts

Crete is the birthplace of actor John Aniston, star of the daytime soap opera Days of Our Lives, and father of actress Jennifer Aniston.

Port Name & Location

Port of Heraklion, Greece
Ship will DOCK at this port.

Language

The official language is Greek, but English is widely spoken.

Time Zone

Eastern European Time EET
UTC/GMT +3 hours

Currency & Shopping

Euro (EUR) Cash is often preferred. Shop for gold & silver jewellery, local embroidery, and handwoven rugs.

Featured Heraklion (Crete) Itineraries

See Itineraries

Learn More about Heraklion (Crete)

11 Cruise Shore Excursion Packing Tips

Are you planning a cruise but not sure what to bring along for shore excursions? Here's a list of our handiest tips for planning your excursion must-haves.

Observation Lounge couple strolling-Alaska.

Cruise Tips: What to Expect on Embarkation Day

If you're reading this article, then most likely your cruise vacation date with Norwegian is quickly sailing your way! Embarkation day is very exciting and involves a lot of moving parts as guests check in and board, luggage is delivered to staterooms, and you get settled in and explore the ship. One of the many great things about sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line is that they have worked hard to ensure that the embarkation process goes as smoothly as possible.

What to Pack for Your Cruise

What to Pack for your Cruise Vacation: Packing list and other considerations.

Discover Heraklion, Crete, Greece