2026

Pros: absolutely excellent staff. Could not be better!. Top-notch food, and lots of it. Fun activities, water, and on land. Attention to safety was excellent. Very comfortable and super clean state rooms. Lots of onboard space. Good air conditioning everywhere.
Knot tying classes/contest was immense fun.
Tenders available too and from sure at any time. Willingness to support clients needs and wants was outstanding.

Con: not any sailing/sails up time. Only for pictures. It

The crew was so warm and welcoming they made us feel at homefromthefirst moment. The food was incredible and plentiful and they were accommodating when we wanted to stay on shore longer. The ship is a beauty with plenty of outdoor spaces to relax after a shore excursion or in the evening to meet with other passengers. I would recommend this cruise to everyone.

Any journey is a discovery—but this cruise became a discovery on many levels: Greece, life at sea, and an unexpected sense of emotional comfort. I am truly grateful for the chance to experience this remarkable voyage aboard a ship named after Alexander Grin’s Running on Waves.

I haven’t participated in cruises like this before, and being a part of this journey was a completely unique experience for me.

From the very first moments on board, you feel an atmosphere of kindness, attentiveness, and genuine care. The crew kept us perfectly informed, guided us through the islands, and created a feeling as if we were all close friends. Each island had its own story and unique energy, turning every stop into a small adventure and exploration.

I would also like to mention the quality of the food and the professionalism of the chef. Every meal was exceptional: the presentation, the quality, the flavors—this alone deserves its own separate praise.

Watching the ship raise its sails is filling the entire journey with romance and a sense of freedom. For me, this cruise became a bright and unforgettable moment in my life.

My heartfelt thanks to the entire crew—the captain, the organizers, the ship’s owner—for giving me the opportunity to be part of such an unforgettable experience.

It’s incredibly difficult to describe all the emotions and impressions from holidays on this unique yacht. There are so many feelings that thoughts become mixed together. But I’ll try.

The moment you step on board, you immediately feel the power and grandeur of the ship. It feels as if you’ve become a character from a Jules Verne novel, ready to conquer seas and oceans. The cabins especially create this atmosphere. Every detail of the design is flawless, and it’s there that you truly feel like part of a real maritime adventure.

But here, all of this comes with the comfort and luxury service of a top-level hotel. I’m sure Jules Verne himself would never refuse such an experience.

The service and organization are simply outstanding. The itineraries are perfectly planned: there is always enough time to explore the islands, while those who prefer a more relaxed holiday can simply enjoy the silence and unwind in the jacuzzi. We definitely belonged to that second group))

In fact, the route itself almost becomes secondary, because all of Greece is beautiful. What we really wanted was to spend as much time as possible on board and absorb the unique energy of this incredible ship.

Special praise also goes to the chef. Everything was absolutely delicious! Dangerous for the figure, of course, but for one week you can allow yourself to indulge and enjoy his amazing dishes.

And perhaps the best part of this whole story is that the prices are surprisingly reasonable. Looking at this yacht, you almost become afraid to ask about the cost. Yet renting the entire yacht for a week is comparable to many yachts in the same category. But the real beauty is that you don’t need to charter the whole yacht — you can simply book a cabin or even just a berth in a shared cabin.

And honestly, every single cent is worth it.

So I highly recommend treating yourself and experiencing Running on Waves for yourself!

The Running on Waves is an extraordinary passenger sailing ship that combines the classical feeling of sailing with modern cruise technology. The onboard atmosphere can best be described as familiar, intimate, relaxed, and yacht-like.
Full board with three meals per day and snacks is especially remarkable, taste and presentation are impressive. Compliments to the Chef !
It was on of the most spectacular experiences on a boat I have ever had !

From start to finish, the entire journey was seamless and enchanting.

The Vessel & Crew
The ship itself is a stunning, well-maintained vessel that handles the water with grace. Even when we were at full steam, the sailing was remarkably smooth and steady, making it easy to relax and enjoy the views. What truly set the experience apart was the crew. Their professionalism was matched only by their genuine warmth; they didn't just provide a service, they made us feel truly welcome.

The Culinary Highlights
The dining was a standout part of the trip. Every morning began with the best eggs and bacon I’ve ever had—perfectly prepared and the ultimate way to fuel up for a day of exploring. I was also incredibly impressed by the quality of the produce; there were always fresh, vibrant fruits served with every single meal, which was such a refreshing touch.

The Itinerary
Our days followed a perfect, rhythmic pace. Every morning, we woke up to a breathtaking new horizon as we moved from island to island. The shore excursions were expertly curated, offering a fresh blend of stunning sights and immersive activities at every stop. There was never a dull moment, yet it never felt rushed.

The Experience
This is the rare kind of vacation that leaves you feeling rejuvenated rather than exhausted. Usually, by the end of a trip, you're ready for your own bed—but here, I found myself wishing the anchor would never be dropped for the last time. If you are looking for a getaway that combines luxury with a sense of wonder, this is it. It was a wonderful experience that I cannot recommend highly enough!

​My recent cruise on the "Running on Waves" was an absolute dream. From the moment we stepped on board, we were surrounded by an atmosphere of total relaxation and carefree joy.
​The highlight of the itinerary for me was definitely Hydra, but what truly made the trip special were the small, thoughtful details in the service. A perfect example was the tender service. Instead of just a quick transfer to the shore, the crew — and especially Alexey — turned every ride into a mini-excursion. They took scenic routes around small islets, showing us the ship from the most beautiful angles, all accompanied by wonderful music. It turned a simple commute into a magical experience.
​The dining experience also deserves a special mention. The food was consistently amazing, with incredible variety every single day. Every meal was a delight, and the quality was top-notch.
​Although I traveled with friends, the warm and welcoming attitude of the entire staff made us all feel like one close-knit group. There is a genuine sense of warmth from the crew that makes you feel completely at home.
​If you are looking for a place to truly unwind and feel pampered in a stunning setting, this is it. I don’t even have specific advice for future travelers — just book it, and the ship and its wonderful crew will take care of the rest!

I have never been a fan of the sea an often times I get very sea sick

Running on Waves was the biggest and the best exception from this rule.

The boat is enormous, but most importantly the people who operate it are detail-oriented and would never let you do anything besides enjoy your cruise.

Food was beyond delicious, activities tailored to our interests, the views left me speechless and SURPRISE SURPRISE not sea sick!

If I could do a 6/5 I would

It's like a childhood dream come true for an adult! Everything was wonderful! The sailing yacht looks amazing and technically thought out! The yacht is equipped with an anti-motion sickness system, and I and the sensitive child didn't get any discomfort during the entire trip. The cabin is comfortable, clean, everything is thought out, the best mattresses and pillows. Comfortable fast tenders that deliver to and from the shore. A friendly, amazing, care, best team of professionals is soul of the ship! The team's caring attitude is felt all the time. The food is delicious, fantastic, worthy of all Michelin stars! The people who choose this cruise are amazing, talented, intelligent, successful, interesting, and dreamers! This cruise made children and adults absolutely happy! Thank you, RUNNING ON WAVES! We miss you already and we wish you a fair wind and following sea!

When the Running on Waves finally unfurled her sails, I felt a massive wave of relief. This was our family’s first time on a tall ship, and I’d been privately bracing for the seasickness that had ruined a past trip to Mexico. But the captain’s careful navigation kept the water like glass; instead of discomfort, I felt a rare, total lightness.

The crew’s care was the soul of the journey. They looked after us with a quiet, genuine warmth that made us feel more like welcomed friends than passengers. Our cabin was refreshed twice a day with an unobtrusive touch that made the ship feel like a home. Even the meals felt personal; it was easy for me to try to stick to my keto lifestyle, while the children looked forward to the fresh delicious desserts the chef prepared for us each day.

The moment we truly became one team happened during our first stop in Vasiliki. Our family set off toward a beach we’d heard described as a little paradise, and as we hiked the dusty road, our group just... grew. Other passengers, just as curious and adventurous as we were, joined the trek until we were a cheerful, lively parade of children and adults. At one of the turns, someone suggested a group photo. We all lined up, laughing, and the moment we jumped into the air with our hands stretched toward the sun, I felt it clearly: we were already on the same wavelength. These were no longer strangers, but friends.

The highlight of the cruise was the sunset "photo safari." Watching from small boats as the barquentine spread her sails like giant wings was pure magic. The water erupted with delighted shouts and wide-eyed wonder. It was a moment of collective awe that I’ll carry with me forever, along with the shimmer of the waves, the new friendships, and that simple human warmth that turns a boat into a home, and strangers into one crew. Thank you!

Our journey around the Peloponnese in April marked the opening of the 2026 season.
The yacht is magnificent, both in terms of comfort and aesthetics. I admired it and enjoyed it 24/7. Over six full days on board, we visited six locations with shore landings—each of them beautiful and fascinating.

In addition, there were sightseeing trips on small boats without disembarking, various engaging workshops led by the crew, and we were even given the opportunity to climb the rigging up to the first platform on the mast!

The photo safari was a particular highlight, when we cruised around the yacht in small boats with its sails raised, admiring it from every angle.
The food in the restaurant was of such high quality that our journey could truly be considered a gastronomic one.
I would also like to highlight the exceptionally high level of service provided, and to extend special thanks to the entire team.

A week on the ship “Running on Waves” was an unforgettable experience! We traveled from Corfu to Athens, stopping in a new place every day and exploring the beautiful Greek islands. Everything was perfect: the colors and scents of spring, the warm sun, the blue sea, the stunning sails, and the care of the crew.

The cabins were comfortable, cleaned twice a day, and there was plenty of delicious food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There was also lots to do - games, movies, and interesting talks from the crew. We even learned how to climb the mast, tie knots, and understand how a yacht works. A jacuzzi on deck. A breathtaking photo safari of the yacht in all its beauty, with sails raised, seen from the sea; a sea trip into the caves on Milos Island, and much, much more. Non-stop action.
Everything was well organized, with good safety and constant care for passengers. We felt like part of a big sea family. We left with tears in our eyes, amazing memories, and a promise to come back.

We had an unforgettable vacation, probably one of the best in our lives. Even though we traveled with a child, there were plenty of impressions for everyone: incredible Greek islands and hidden bays. We swam a lot and dove from the platform at the stern of the boat. We climbed the masts and learned to tie sailing knots. I had never sailed on a ship of this size before. It is pure magic when a boat of this magnitude sails under wind power. Watching the crew manage so many masts and sails is incredibly interesting. And if you show a little curiosity, you can get a short lecture on sails from the boatswain, who, despite being busy, will gladly share the secrets of his craft with you.
Overall, the ship has a fantastic crew and a wonderful captain. We literally gave the cook a standing ovation on the last day of the cruise when he was introduced to us. The food he prepares is absolutely amazing. The sailors on the tenders might let your child steer, organize boat races for you, or take you into a sea cave to listen to the splashing waves in complete silence.
In short, if anyone has even the slightest doubt about whether to book this cruise, just allow yourself to experience a week of pure happiness, feeling like an ancient mariner on a large sailing ship, but with all the modern comforts.