Stories at Sea

Get inspired

Galileo returns to the sea after a full renovation

Galileo returns to the sea after a full renovation

May 16, 2025

She’s back — and she’s glowing!

The M/S Galileo, one of our most beloved small cruise ships in Greece, is officially back in action — and she’s never looked better. After an extensive winter renovation, the Galileo set sail again on March 21st, refreshed, refined, and ready to welcome guests aboard for a season of unforgettable boutique yacht cruises.

Whether you’re a returning guest or dreaming of your first Greek island cruise, here’s a closer look at the refreshed spaces and the thoughtful details that make this ship feel brand new — while keeping her warm, nautical soul fully intact.

The makeover highlights:

  • Full renovation of all cabin bathrooms
  • New wallpapers, fresh paint, and elegant décor updates
  • Varnished wooden finishes throughout cabins and public areas
  • New carpets from bow to stern

The result? A warm, contemporary, boutique-yacht vibe that stays true to the Galileo’s timeless charm.

📸 Check out the full renovation photo gallery

🌀 Take a spin through the 360° Virtual Reality tour

Sundeck & Outdoor Bar & Lounge Area

Why we love it:

Always a guest favorite for sunset views and cocktail hours, this open-air space now offers an even more inviting vibe. Refreshed teak decking, elegant varnished woodwork, and soft, coastal-toned cushions have transformed it into the ultimate relaxation zone. It’s the go-to spot for sail-away toasts, starry-night drinks, or simply soaking in the Aegean breeze.

What’s new:

  • Varnished teak and wooden finishes for yacht-style polish
  • Comfortable new lounge seating and neutral-toned décor
  • Enhanced layout for mingling or quiet relaxation
  • A redesigned outdoor bar for smoother service

This is outdoor living — small ship cruise style.

galileo_outdoor-area-5.jpg

 

galileo_sundeck-10.jpg

 

galileo_bar.jpg

Cabin Makeover

Why we love it:
Each cabin now feels like your own private floating retreat. Thoughtfully updated with new carpets, modern wallpapers, warm lighting, and a subtle nautical aesthetic, the cabins aboard the Galileo combine cozy comfort with classic charm. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a swim stop or wake up to new island views.

What’s new:

  • Soft new carpeting and elegant wallpaper
  • Refreshed wooden furniture and polished finishes
  • New lighting and functional upgrades
  • Warm, inviting color palette for a boutique hotel-at-sea feel

cabin-category-a_double-4.jpg

cabin-category-a_double.jpg

 

cabin-category-b_flex.jpg

Rebuilt Bathrooms

Why we love it:
We started from scratch here — literally!

What’s new:

  • Brand-new showers, tiling, and upgraded plumbing
  • Improved layout and ventilation
  • Sleek, modern fixtures that balance style with practicality
  • A crisp, fresh look that’s hard to beat

cabin-category-a_bathroom-1.jpg
 

cabin-category-b_bathroom.jpg
 

Indoor Lounge & Dining Area

Why we love it:
This is where conversations flow, meals are shared, and cruise stories are made. The updated space features renewed carpeting, fresh décor, and a more open layout — all while keeping the warm ambiance that defines our boutique yacht cruise experience.

What’s new:

  • Refinished floors and updated soft furnishings
  • New decorative details for a refined but relaxed look
  • Ambient lighting and artwork that reflects the destinations
  • Enhanced layout for smoother dining service and daily briefings

galileo_dining-area.jpg

galileo_dining-area-3.jpg
 

galileo_dining-area-3.jpg

Latest Posts

Image for Galileo returns to the sea after a full renovation
Galileo returns to the sea after a full renovation
May 16, 2025

She’s back — and she’s glowing!

  • Full renovation of all cabin bathrooms
  • New wallpapers, fresh paint, and elegant décor updates
  • Varnished wooden finishes throughout cabins and public areas
  • New carpets from bow to stern

Sundeck & Outdoor Bar & Lounge Area

  • Varnished teak and wooden finishes for yacht-style polish
  • Comfortable new lounge seating and neutral-toned décor
  • Enhanced layout for mingling or quiet relaxation
  • A redesigned outdoor bar for smoother service

Cabin Makeover

  • Soft new carpeting and elegant wallpaper
  • Refreshed wooden furniture and polished finishes
  • New lighting and functional upgrades
  • Warm, inviting color palette for a boutique hotel-at-sea feel

Rebuilt Bathrooms

  • Brand-new showers, tiling, and upgraded plumbing
  • Improved layout and ventilation
  • Sleek, modern fixtures that balance style with practicality
  • A crisp, fresh look that’s hard to beat

Indoor Lounge & Dining Area

  • Refinished floors and updated soft furnishings
  • New decorative details for a refined but relaxed look
  • Ambient lighting and artwork that reflects the destinations
  • Enhanced layout for smoother dining service and daily briefings
Image for Join Variety Cruises at ITB Berlin 2025
Join Variety Cruises at ITB Berlin 2025
February 06, 2025

Variety Cruises will once again be present at ITB Berlin which will take place on March 4-6, 2025 and we look forward to meeting you at our Stand: 220 – Hall: 25.

Image for Fleet Renovations at Variety Cruises in 2025: Enhancing Your Onboard Experience
Fleet Renovations at Variety Cruises in 2025: Enhancing Your Onboard Experience
February 06, 2025

Exciting Renovations at Variety Cruises in 2025: Enhancing Your Onboard Experience

Image for Variety Cruises' Uncharted Cruise featured in VOGUE
Variety Cruises' Uncharted Cruise featured in VOGUE
January 07, 2025

We’re excited to share that our Uncharted Cruise, hosted by our CEO on August 23, 2024 has been featured in VOGUE! 

Image for Variety Cruises recognized as Passenger Line of the Year
Variety Cruises recognized as Passenger Line of the Year
December 16, 2024

We are deeply honored to receive the prestigious Passenger Line of the Year Award at the 2024 Greek Shipping Awards by Lloyd’s List, held on December 6th, 2024!

greek-shipping-awards-2024_3-640x427.jpg
greek-shipping-awards-2024_2-640x427.jpg
Image for Variety Cruises made the Condé Nast TOP TEN list of best small ship cruise lines
Variety Cruises made the Condé Nast TOP TEN list of best small ship cruise lines
October 10, 2024

We are beyond honored and excited to announce that, for yet another year, we are in the TOP 10 Small Ship Cruise Lines list in the 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards by Condé Nast Traveler.

Image for Join Variety Cruises at WTM 2024
Join Variety Cruises at WTM 2024
October 07, 2024

Variety Cruises will once again be present at the WTM London Exhibition which will take place on November 5-7, 2024 and we look forward to meeting you at our Stand: S12-430.

Image for Variety Cruises Celebrates 75th Diamond Anniversary
Variety Cruises Celebrates 75th Diamond Anniversary
September 24, 2024

Variety Cruises, the world’s leading small ship cruise company, marked its 75th Diamond Anniversary in spectacular fashion with an unforgettable unchartered mystery cruise. Led by CEO Filippos Venetopoulos, the cruise hosted some of the company’s most loyal repeat customers, preferred partners, and adventure-seeking guests, many of whom experienced their first-ever mystery cruise. This voyage explored the uncharted paths of Greece, steering clear of the popular, often overcrowded destinations, and instead, ventured into lesser-known gems that few have ever visited.

copy-of-copy-of-uncharted-cruise-3-640x351-1.jpg
copy-of-copy-of-uncharted-cruise-640x351.png
  • A 24-Hour Experience on Thimena Island: Guests enjoyed an authentic Greek night, complete with live music, traditional plate breaking, and dancing, reminiscent of old Greek traditions. This celebration brought to life the cultural heritage of Variety Cruises’ family roots.
  • The Grand Reunion of Five Variety Cruises Ships at Cape Sounion: Under the majestic Temple of Poseidon, a site sacred in nautical history and Greek mythology, five Variety Cruises vessels gathered for a farewell celebration. Guests were treated to a party under the stars, accompanied by an onboard DJ, creating an unforgettable final night.
  • Daily Wellness Sessions: Guests could start their day with yoga sessions led by our onboard wellness instructor, offering peaceful sunrise stretches on deck.
  • Exclusive Swim Stops: Unique destinations such as Antipsara and the hidden coves of Tinos provided our guests with secluded, pristine beaches away from the crowds.
copy-of-copy-of-uncharted-cruise-1-640x351-2-1.jpg
Image for A week in the Ionian Islands
A week in the Ionian Islands
August 29, 2024

Earlier this morning, I disembarked Variety Cruises‘ Harmony G in Marina Zeas (Piraeus/Athens), Greece. Like the other boats of Variety, Harmony G is more private yacht than cruise ship. She sails with only 44-guests who are graciously and attentively served by 17 crew. Our 7-day sailing visited the islands of the Ionian Sea– a different direction than the typical Greek Island Cruises which visit the islands of the Aegean. And as it turns out, not only a different direction, but a completely different experience too! But I’m getting ahead of myself!

Greece isn’t only about historic temples and ruins and there’s a great way to experience the Greek islands away from the crowds!

photo-aug-09-2024-8-01-33-pm-360x480.jpg
photo-aug-10-2024-11-02-38-am-1-640x480.jpg
photo-aug-12-2024-11-12-29-am-360x480.jpg
aegina-420x480.jpg
Image for A week with Us in Tahiti and French Polynesia
A week with Us in Tahiti and French Polynesia
August 06, 2024

Tahiti and French Polynesia are undoubtedly listed among the most enchanting destinations, and they literally offer an escape to paradise – a dream voyage for everyone. Each island stop reveals the breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and luxurious relaxation that define this region. At Variety Cruises, we make this dream come true with carefully planned itineraries of 7, 10 or 11 nights and exclusive excursions. Aboard our Panorama II, our full-board cruises to Tahiti and French Polynesia are designed to make the most of these beautiful destinations and offer you a full experience that will captivate all your senses.

Image for Variety Cruises among "World's Best Awards" by Travel + Leisure readers
Variety Cruises among "World's Best Awards" by Travel + Leisure readers
August 05, 2024

We are proud to announce that we have been listed among “Travel + Leisure Readers’ 10 Favorite Intimate-Ship Ocean Cruise Lines” for 2024. This recognition comes from the annual “World’s Best Awards” survey, which was completed by 186,000 readers who evaluated ships with 150 or fewer cabins based on the following criteria:

  • Cabins/facilities
  • Food
  • Service
  • Itineraries/destinations
  • Excursions/activities
  • Value
Image for 6 Reasons to Cruise Italy and Malta with Us
6 Reasons to Cruise Italy and Malta with Us
August 05, 2024

When it comes to exploring the captivating coastlines of Italy and Malta, bigger isn’t always better. Opting for a small-ship cruise offers a unique and intimate way to discover these Mediterranean gems. Imagine docking in secluded bays, visiting picturesque villages, and enjoying a level of personalized service that large cruise liners simply can’t match. With fewer passengers, a closer connection to the destinations, and a more relaxed atmosphere, small-ship cruising provides an unparalleled travel experience. Here’s why sailing to Italy and Malta on a small ship is the ultimate way to immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of these iconic destinations:

  • Lightweight tops and shorts/Sundresses
  • Swimsuits and cover-ups
  • Light sweater or jacket
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sunglasses/Sun hat
  • Daypack or tote
Creating a

Better World At Sea

since 1949

At Variety Cruises, we care deeply about the world around us and believe in travelling with a purpose. We are dedicated to making a positive impact on the world we explore. Every one of our voyages is part of sustainable tourism and supports the local communities.

Dummy image
Dummy image
Dummy image
Clean Oceans 4ALL
Our ocean is the natural playground that keeps us alive and allows us to experience the world at its most beautiful pace. We owe it our love.
Gender Equality 4ALL
Gender equality means human equality; from women empowerment to accepting our gender spectrum differences we create a stronger world for all.
Education 4ALL
The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page. Join us as we share our love for education with youth worldwide lacking access to such.
Newsletter image
Join our Mailing List
Travel inspiration
Exclusive offers
News & updates