Explore Ionian Sea with its 50 shades of blue on Makedonia Palace

Fifty shades of blue, all in one day. This Makedonia Palace cruise from Lefkada strings together famous beaches and island time across the Ionian Sea, with frequent chances to swim and take photos.

I like the beach-hopping route because you get variety fast: Lefkada beaches, a dose of Kefalonia, then Ithaca before you head back. I also like that traditional lunch is included, with gyros pork, Greek salad, and two pieces of bread (drinks are not included).

The main thing to plan for is crowds, since the boat can feel packed and lunch time can turn into a long line. Also note that some stops are short, so you will want to decide quickly where you spend your minutes.

Key things that make this cruise worth your time

• Makedonia Palace, big-boat energy with lots of people on a 8 to 9 hour run (bring patience for crowds)
• Multiple iconic swim stops across Lefkada, Kefalonia (Fiscardo), and Ithaca
• Captain Costa adds energy with lively interaction on board during the afternoon
• Lunch is included, but it is not a sit-down meal and queueing can be intense
• Skorpios time depends on who is there, with a chance to swim at Jackie Kennedy beach only if the owner is not present

A full Ionian day on Makedonia Palace

This is the kind of cruise day you book when you want scenery without spending half your trip in transit. You start at 9:15 am in Lefkada and spend most of the day bouncing between beaches and small scenic stops around the Ionian Sea. The total time is listed as 8 to 9 hours, and the pace is built around short, high-impact breaks rather than long, laid-back hangs.

The vibe on a large day boat can be a little chaotic, but it also means you see a lot. If you want one beach day with a slow dinner afterward, this is probably not your best match. If you want to hit several “wow” stops in a single day and make the water time count, it fits well.

I also like that the itinerary includes both famous photo beaches and places with practical swimming time. Porto Katsiki is for the pictures. Egremni and Afales are where the water time matters more.

Price and value, including what lunch really means

The price is $60.46 per person. For that, you get a full day on the water, multiple stops, and a lunch that is included in the price. It is traditional Greek gyros pork, Greek salad, and two pieces of bread. The key detail is what is not included: drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, are not included.

So here is how I think about value:

• If you would otherwise pay for a boat day plus lunch, this is fairly good value because lunch is already built into the ticket.
• If you are expecting the kind of meal where you can linger and relax, manage expectations. Lunch is included, but it is not described as a plated, leisurely service.
• If you are sensitive to crowds or long queues, the price might still feel worth it for the views, but your comfort depends on how you handle packed boats.

My practical advice: treat lunch as fuel, not a highlight. If you like having backups, bring a small snack or extra water so you are not waiting on the line to feel human again.

Timing strategy: make the most of short stops

This cruise is built from quick segments. Some stops are about 20 minutes. Others run close to an hour. That means you will get the best results if you think ahead about your priorities: photos, swimming, or exploring.

A smart mindset for this itinerary is:

• For photo beaches, arrive with your plan ready. Porto Katsiki is short, so you will not have time to wander far.
• For swim beaches, arrive ready to change fast and get in the water. Egremni and Afales are where you should prioritize swim gear and a quick route to the beach.
• For towns or viewpoints, use your time to walk the waterfront and grab a few snapshots, then come back before the boat time tightens.

Also, with a big group on a large boat, you will want to claim your spot early. Some people found it hard to find seating even when arriving 20 minutes early. If you care about a comfortable seat for the cruise, plan to arrive earlier than you think you need.

Stop 1: Porto Katsiki, a photo beach in 20 minutes

Porto Katsiki is famous on Lefkada for a reason. The stop is about 20 minutes, so this is not a “spread out on the sand all afternoon” situation. It is a quick photo-and-look session.

What to expect:

• A short window to get down to the viewpoint and capture the classic coastal angles.
• Fast decisions. If you want the beach itself, keep your pace tight and save your deeper exploring for later stops.

Drawback to consider: because it is so short, you might feel slightly rushed if you are traveling with kids or if you like slow, wandering beach time.

Stop 2: Egremni Beach, your main swimming and sun break

Egremni gets the longer beach break at about 1 hour. The boat stop description includes safe landing onto the beach, which matters because it is one thing to see a beach from the water and another to actually get time to enjoy it.

This is where the cruise shifts from sightseeing to beach time. You can swim, sunbathe, and generally relax more than at the first stop.

What makes this stop valuable:

• A full hour is long enough to get in the water, change, and still have time to sit and soak up the day.
• Egremni’s reputation for dramatic scenery pairs well with the cruise format. You are there long enough to feel like it is more than a drive-by.

Quick consideration: water conditions can vary. Some beaches on this itinerary are not ideal for young kids because of waves and depth. If you are traveling with little ones, Egremni might still be a better choice than others, but you should judge day-of conditions carefully.

Stop 3: Fiscardo Harbor (Kefalonia), an hour to wander

Fiscardo at Kefalonia is often treated as a highlight of Ionian cruises. You get about 1 hour of free time to explore the harbor area.

Here you should focus on:

• Waterfront walking. Fiscardo’s value is in its atmosphere and views, so use your hour for a simple stroll.
• Snacks or a quick drink if you want something outside the included lunch. Since drinks are not included on this cruise, this is a good place to decide whether you want to buy a refreshment locally.

Time reality check: it is easy to spend 20 minutes just taking photos. With only about an hour, you need to balance exploring with getting back to the boat on time.

Some people would have liked more time here. If you are the kind of traveler who likes wandering slowly, you might feel the stop is too short.

Stop 4: Ithaca and Afales beach, turquoise time for swimming

Next you head to Ithaca, with a stop at Afales beach for about 45 minutes. This is another swimming and sunbathing stop, and the water is described as mesmerizing and turquoise.

Why this stop fits the cruise well:

• 45 minutes is enough to swim without turning the day into a marathon.
• It adds variety after Kefalonia and keeps the “Ionian Sea color” theme going.

Practical tip: Afales is a beach stop, not a town stop. So bring what you need for sand time and water time, because there is no indication this is the kind of stop with plenty of built-in alternatives.

If you are traveling with kids, keep an eye on water conditions. The cruise includes beaches that can be wavy or deep, and this can reduce how enjoyable swimming is for younger travelers.

Stop 5: Papanikolis Cave, quick WWII context and photo time

Papanikolis Cave is short at about 15 minutes, but it adds an interesting layer beyond beach photos. It is associated with a submarine and Captain Papanicolis, who used the cave during World War II.

What this stop is good for:

• A quick break from swimming.
• Information and photo time that gives you a story to remember beyond sea views.

Limitation: 15 minutes is brief. Treat it as a stop for quick understanding, a couple photos, and then back to the boat.

Stop 6: Skorpios Island and Jackie Kennedy beach odds

Skorpios Island is tied to high-profile history. It is described as a former Onassis property, with the current owner named Ribilovlev. You get about 30 minutes for a tour around and information.

The big question is swimming. There is a mention of swimming at Jackie Kennedy beach if the owner Ribilovlev is not at the island. So the chance to swim here depends on conditions at the time of your visit.

How to plan your expectations:

• Think of Skorpios as a sightseeing stop with a possible extra swim bonus.
• If you really want the water time, you should already be relying on the earlier beach stops for the main swimming.

This stop is also a reminder that some parts of luxury island access do not follow a strict schedule you can control. Your best bet is to enjoy what you are able to do, not what you hope you can.

Lunch on board: tasty enough, but expect queueing

Lunch is included, but it is clearly the area where expectations and reality can clash. The lunch described is traditional Greek gyros pork, Greek salad, and two pieces of bread. Drinks are not included.

The most practical issue is organization at the food service moment. The experience can include intense queueing with multiple lines feeding into one service area. If you are easily stressed by lines, this is your moment to plan for it.

How I would handle it:

• Try to eat during the earlier part of the lunch window if there is flexibility.
• Bring patience. This is a large-boat day with lots of people trying to eat at once.
• Consider bringing your own extra snack if you know you do not enjoy waiting.

One more thing: the lunch is included, but it is not described as a full buffet with endless options. If you have dietary preferences beyond what is provided, plan ahead with your own backup food.

Comfort on a big boat: seats, shade, and smoking

Makedonia Palace is big, and that is a plus for logistics, but it can also feel crowded. Some people reported trouble finding a place to sit for part of the cruise and noted limited shade on large parts of the top deck.

Also, smoking is allowed on board, according to at least some of the feedback you have. If you are sensitive to smoke, choose your seat area with that in mind.

My best comfort advice:

• Arrive early to grab a seat.
• Bring sun protection. Shade can be limited.
• If you are sensitive to smoke, move away from the most crowded smoker areas when you can.

Even with these downsides, some people also say the day can feel like it goes fast because the stops keep arriving and the crew energy builds during the afternoon.

The crew and captain vibe, especially in the afternoon

One of the biggest reasons people enjoy this cruise is the onboard personality. The captain is named Costa, and the style is playful and interactive. There are mentions of witty commentary and crew participation that can include singing and dancing on the top deck in the afternoon.

This matters because when you are on a large boat with many stops, you can either feel stuck in a sea of strangers or you can enjoy the social energy. Captain Costa’s approach seems to lean toward fun, and it can work well for mixed age groups.

If you want a quiet, minimalist experience, this might feel too lively. If you are open to a social vibe and a few spontaneous moments, this is a major strength.

Is this cruise family-friendly?

It is for all ages, and you will see a mix of people onboard. But not every beach stop is automatically kid-friendly. Some beaches can be wavy and deep, which makes swimming less safe or less fun for children who need calmer water.

If you are bringing kids, think like a parent, not like a brochure:

• Focus your swimming on the safest-feeling sections you can find.
• Keep an eye on water conditions before letting kids go in.
• Use the shorter stops for photos and scenery, not for extended beach play.

If you have a stroller, mobility limitations, or a strong preference for calm water, you might find the beach breaks challenging. The good news is that many stops do include straightforward access from the boat to the beach, but there is still the reality of waves and depth at some locations.

Should you book this Makedonia Palace cruise?

Book it if:

• You want multiple Ionian highlights in one day, including beach time and a town stop.
• You like a lively atmosphere and do not mind crowds.
• You want lunch included and you are okay treating it as a simple onboard meal.

Consider skipping or choosing a different tour if:

• You prefer a calm, uncrowded day with long beach breaks.
• You are very sensitive to queues, crowd density, and limited seating.
• You are traveling with small kids and you need consistently shallow, calm swimming water at every stop.
• You are expecting a relaxed lunch experience. The food moment can get hectic.

My bottom line: this cruise is built for maximum “see and swim” per hour. When the boat feels full, you are trading comfort for variety. If you go in with the right expectations, this can be a fun, great-value day in the Ionian Sea, with genuinely memorable water stops.

FAQ

FAQ

What is the duration of the Lefkada cruise on Makedonia Palace?

The tour duration is listed as about 8 to 9 hours.

What time does the cruise start?

The start time is 9:15 am.

How much does the tour cost per person?

The price is $60.46 per person.

What stops are included during the cruise?

The itinerary includes Porto Katsiki, Egremni Beach, Fiscardo Harbor, Ithaca (Afales beach), Papanikolis Cave, and Skorpios.

Is lunch included, and what does it include?

Lunch is included. It is traditional Greek gyros pork, Greek salad, and 2 pieces of bread. Drinks are not included.

Are drinks included on the cruise?

No. Cold and hot drinks are not included in the price, and alcoholic beverages are also not included.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

Is there a limit on group size?

Yes, the cruise has a maximum of 500 travelers.

Is the tour dependent on weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.