Reviews

I was a bit leary about booking this cruise, since there were only a few reviews I could find online. I have previously cruised only on larger, six-star cruise ships (Crystal Cruises) so I was hesitant about being on such a small cruise, and worried it wouldn't be as luxurious of an experience as I was used to. It turned it to be more wonderful than I could have ever imagined for cruising the Greek Islands.

The benefits of being on a smaller yacht vs. a big cruise are endless.

-There is no waiting and lining up for tender boats. This maximizes your time on shore.

-You can find the cruise director to ask questions, get advice, help, etc. very easily.

-You can get to your room quickly and easily instead of having to walk 10+ minutes like you do on larger ships.

-You feel incredibly close to the sea, almost like a part of it, instead of feeling like you are on a moving skyscraper.

STAFF

The staff onboard was incredibly helpful, kind, knowledgeable, and friendly. They are willing to go above and beyond to make you happy and soon start to feel like friends because you truly can get to to know and talk to them (if you take the time to.)

MEALS

My other biggest worry was the food onboard - having come from six star cruises and being someone who very particular about food quality. Meals are served buffet style each night, so it makes dining very easy, and efficient. The food is not overly fancy, but everything was fresh, seasonal, very well cooked, and delicious! There was always a fish and meat, fresh vegetables, salad, some type of potato or pasta, a lovely display of fruits and cheese, and homemade dessert.

CABINS

The boat was in immaculate condition, so though each area is indeed small, it looks brand new and is nicely outfitted. The rooms are small, but that is a product on being on a yacht. They all face outward so you always get natural light. I was supposed to be in the mini suite (cabin 5) but through a mix-up ended up in Cabin 24. This was basically on top of the engine, so the room was very loud and almost vibrated at night when the ship was going full steam. I would not recommend booking this cabin. We were moved to cabin 14, closer to the front of the ship, which was a much less noisy room. But you need to be prepared that the rooms on the tween deck are a bit loud. It's just the nature of being on a boat. If you can spring for a main deck cabin, I recommend it.

ENTERTAINMENT

The boat is equipped with games, a screen for movies/karaoke. Since the boat is small, there is no entertainment brought on, but as long as you like talking to the person you are cruising with - this isn't a problem. The boat leaves port quite late each night, and we found after a dinner, and wine, we enjoyed just sitting on the top deck with a glass of wine, talking, watching the stars, and feeling the sea air. There is a speaker onboard for listening to music. I loved the lack of distraction and ability to just disconnect from the outside world. The boat has paddle boards, kayaks, and swimming platform for during the day. But this is of course all weather-permitting and the sea can be quite choppy because of the wind. Overall, I loved this experience. I often left like I was on my own private yacht, since you find yourself with many moments alone on board. I would come back again and again.

Source: CruiseCritic 

Anna Kloots Sunday, June 12, 2022

A spectacular trip on Running on Waves with Claudia and Robert as well as the rest of the crew, special mention to Malvin, Alexi, Nicholas, Richard, and Albert. They made our stay on the ship feel like we were home while enjoying the beautiful Aegean Sea and all the beauty each island has to share! There is no better way to enjoy the Greek islands. We would tour in the mornings but chose to dine on board each evening other than one because no other place could match the delicious dinners on board specially prepared by the on board chef Rosalito. If I make it back to Europe I hope to have the pleasure of traveling on ROW again. Side note to Robert, I am still waiting on that lamb Bolognese recipe!

Source: TrustPilot

Janet Monday, July 4, 2022

My experience with Running On Waves was a once in a lifetime experience in the summer of 2022. Throughout the time, we sailed to several Greek islands with a tremendous staff that was attentive and knowledgeable about each island we went to. Claudia was beyond cheerful, with a steady schedule that included all the details needed to maximize each day with. The crew was charming, helpful, easy to communicate with, and very present for anything the guests requested. To say that our stay on Running On Waves was enjoyed is an understatement. All of us as guests felt fortunate and lucky to be with such a magnificent ship. Not only did we each leave a piece of our hearts with Running On Waves and the staff, but we confidently look forward to returning.

Source: TrustPilot

Gunthar Fleck Tuesday, July 5, 2022

My sister and I just returned from an amazing trip with Running on Waves. From the start, they had the guests in mind. The itinerary was adjusted due to rough seas to avoid discomfort. Instead of going to Kos and Patmos, we adjusted to go to Poros and Nafpilon instead.

The crew was amazing and attentive. Claudia and Robert truly made the trip amazing with their attention to detail. At every stop, Claudia had ideas for adventures or would set up excursions for us if we chose. The crew did everything they could to ensure our comfort. I was having some back issues from being on the plane and they found extra padding to add to my bed. The only thing I would want more is some shade on the upper deck. It is the best seat in the house but you can't escape the sun. There is a great shady spot on the back of the boat but because of the configuration there isn't a view from there (I know I'm getting very picky LOL) The food was amazing. Every day we had a full buffet of salad, bread, olives, cheeses, and fruit. There was always a delicious soup and 2 hot options. They accommodated dietary restrictions very well (pescatarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free all had plentiful options). I am still trying to understand how they got every piece of meat cooked to perfection and so tender.

The captain recognized that many on the ship were avid sailors and made sure to give us extra sailing time which was so spectacular. We missed Mykonos due to confusion with the port authority but that just means we will have to go back again. I am actually really hoping they might add a Croatia itinerary for 2024. if they do, we will be back with friends and family for sure.

Source: TrustPilot

Julia D Tuesday, July 5, 2022

Just returned from Greece for a wonderful week on Running-on Waves. This was my 3rd Private Yacht Charter and also the best! The food was FANTASTIC and the service provided by the crew was impeccable! I am already in the process of rebooking this Yacht for another trip!

Source: TrustPilot

Bobby Wednesday, July 6, 2022

We had an amazing time on board this beautiful ship during the month of june. We were a big group, family of 15 (including teenage kids). The accommodations are superb, the food is delicious and the itinerary worked wonderful for us. Claudia and Robert were super attentive and flexible to our needs and they always found a way to make our experience incredible. From finding tours on the islands we visited, transportation and taking care of every little detail. Even though there were changes in our itinerary due to bad weather, Claudia, Robert and the crew found alternative islands we could visit that were equally charming and beautiful.
I would recommend this type of vacation in a heart beat and would love to come back! It would be great if Sicily or Croatia was included in the itinerary in the near future, we would definitely join in!

Source: TrustPilot

Cecilia Delpree Wednesday, August 10, 2022