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

Six Ionian Sea stops, one long day. The Makedonia Palace cruise packs Porto Katsiki, Egremni Beach, Fiscardo, Ithaca, Papanikolis Cave, and Skorpios into an 8 to 9-hour outing from Lefkada. I like the chance to swim from the boat at several striking beaches, and I like the mix of scenery, island time, history, and lively onboard entertainment. The main tradeoff is scale: this is a very large cruise, and busy conditions can mean crowded decks, long queues, and short visits.

At $60.46 per person, the trip offers a lot for the money, especially with lunch included. Still, you should arrive early if finding a seat matters to you, bring patience for the boarding and food lines, and remember that drinks cost extra. The captain, Costa, is often praised for keeping the mood playful, with singing and dancing on the upper deck during the afternoon.

The six things to know before you book

• Porto Katsiki and Egremni provide the strongest beach scenery, with photo time at the first and about an hour on the second.
• Fiscardo gives you 1 hour and 15 minutes ashore, enough for a quick look, but not a leisurely visit.
• Lunch is included, consisting of pork gyros, Greek salad, and two pieces of bread. Drinks are not included.
• The ship is very large, with capacity for up to 500 people. Crowding and finding a shaded seat can be a real concern.
• Captain Costa helps make the long day fun, using music, jokes, singing, and dancing to bring different age groups together.
• Skorpios swimming depends on the island owner’s presence, so the Jackie Kennedy beach stop is not guaranteed.

Why this cruise covers so much Ionian Sea

Lefkada is well placed for a full-day boat trip. From the island, the Makedonia Palace heads toward famous beaches on Lefkada, then crosses toward Kefalonia and Ithaca before returning past smaller islands and sea caves.

That route is the heart of the experience. You are not spending the day at one beach or on a short harbor ride. Instead, you get a fast introduction to several corners of the Ionian Sea, each with a different feel.

The trip begins at 9:15 a.m. and returns to the same meeting point. With an 8 to 9-hour schedule, this is a full day out, not a casual morning cruise. I would keep the evening afterward light. The ship, stops, swimming, sun, and time on deck add up.

The group can reach a maximum of 500 people. That number matters. A large vessel can provide a lively social atmosphere and enough room to move around, but it can also make boarding, meals, and beach transfers slower. If you prefer a quiet boat with personal attention, this is not the right style of excursion.

Porto Katsiki: a quick look at Lefkada’s famous shore

Porto Katsiki is the first stop, and the boat stays for about 20 minutes. This is mainly a photo stop rather than a beach visit.

The short pause works well because Porto Katsiki is famous for its dramatic coastal setting and clear water. From the ship, you can take pictures, enjoy the view, and get a first taste of the island’s famous shoreline without spending hours here.

Twenty minutes goes quickly. Have your camera ready before the boat reaches the stop, and do not expect time for a full swim or beach outing. If Porto Katsiki is your main reason for coming to Lefkada, this cruise will feel too brief. If you want to see it as one part of a larger day, the stop does its job.

Egremni Beach: the main swimming stop

Egremni receives about one hour, making it the most useful beach stop on the route. You get off the boat directly onto the beach using the boat’s landing arrangement, then have time to sunbathe or swim.

This is where the cruise feels most rewarding. Egremni is one of Lefkada’s best-known beaches, and arriving by boat lets you enjoy it without making the beach the sole focus of your day. The bright water and open shore make a strong contrast with the busy ship.

The transfer from ship to beach can take longer than expected when a large group is moving at once. Your actual beach time may therefore be less than a full hour. Be ready to move when the crew calls you back, and keep your belongings simple.

Swimming conditions can change. One account describes some beach stops as wavy and deep, so this is not automatically a perfect family swimming day. Children and weaker swimmers should be watched closely. The cruise is open to all ages, but the sea is still the sea.

Fiscardo: a taste of Kefalonia in 75 minutes

Fiscardo, on Kefalonia, is scheduled for 1 hour and 15 minutes. This is the longest time ashore, and it gives you a chance to walk around the harbor, look at the waterfront, and enjoy a little independent time away from the ship.

Fiscardo is often called the diamond of the Ionian Sea, and its harbor stop adds welcome variety. After two coastal beach stops, you get a place-based experience with streets, boats, and a different island atmosphere.

The limitation is simple: 75 minutes is enough for an introduction, not a thorough visit. You will need to choose between a relaxed meal or drink, a walk, and shopping or photographs. Since lunch is provided on the cruise, I would use this time to explore rather than sit down for a full meal.

Several people would prefer more time here. That is a useful warning if Fiscardo is high on your list. The stop works best for someone who wants a quick taste of Kefalonia, not someone hoping to spend half a day in the harbor.

Ithaca’s Afales Beach: turquoise water and quiet swimming time

The cruise then reaches Afales Beach on Ithaca for about 45 minutes. The stop centers on swimming and sunbathing, with the beach’s clear turquoise water as the main attraction.

The shorter visit keeps the day moving, but it also means you need to get into the water quickly if swimming is your priority. There is no need to plan a long walk or complicated activity here. This is a simple, scenic pause.

Afales helps show why a boat is useful in the Ionian Sea. You can reach attractive coastal spots that would be difficult to combine by road in one day. The price of that convenience is limited time at each location.

As with Egremni, conditions may not suit every swimmer. If you want long, calm, shallow water for small children, do not assume every beach stop will provide it. This cruise is better for confident swimmers and people who are happy to enjoy the view from the shore or boat when the water feels rough.

Papanikolis Cave: a short stop with wartime history

Papanikolis Cave receives about 15 minutes. The boat stops for photographs and information about the cave, where a submarine associated with Captain Papanikolis hid during the Second World War.

This is the most educational stop on the route, though it is also the briefest. You will not have time for a long historical presentation. Instead, expect a quick explanation, photographs, and a look at the cave from the boat.

The stop breaks up the beach schedule nicely. It gives you a story connected to the coast, not just another swim. Keep your expectations in proportion to the timing, though. Fifteen minutes is enough to see and hear about the place, not to explore it at length.

Skorpios and the uncertain Jackie Kennedy beach stop

Skorpios is the final major point of interest. The ship circles the island and provides information about its former owner, Aristotle Onassis, and its current owner, Dmitry Rybolovlev.

The cruise may also stop for swimming at Jackie Kennedy Beach, but only if the current owner is not on the island. That condition is important. You should treat the beach swim as a possible extra, not a guaranteed part of the schedule.

The island tour adds a little celebrity and modern history to a day otherwise built around beaches and natural scenery. You stay on the boat, view the island from the water, and hear information while passing around it.

This is also a good reminder that parts of the program depend on conditions outside the crew’s control. The route can offer plenty without the extra swim, but anyone booking mainly for Jackie Kennedy Beach should understand the uncertainty.

Lunch, drinks, and the practical side of a big ship

Lunch is included in the ticket price. The stated meal is traditional Greek pork gyros, Greek salad, and two pieces of bread. Cold and hot drinks, including alcoholic drinks, are not included.

The meal adds value to a long day at sea. You do not need to budget for a separate restaurant lunch, and the food fits the setting. But I would not book this cruise expecting a carefully prepared meal or a wide menu.

The food service can become chaotic because many people are served at once. Lines may merge awkwardly, and getting through the queue can take patience. The vegetarian option has also been described as disappointing, while the standard pork meal is the clearly defined offering.

If you do not eat pork or need a vegetarian meal, check the arrangements before booking. Bringing extra snacks is sensible, particularly for children or anyone who gets hungry between stops. You should also bring money or a card for drinks, since they are not part of the ticket.

Smoking is allowed on the boat according to one account, which may bother non-smokers. The upper deck can also have limited shade, and seats may be hard to find once the ship fills. Arriving early is one of the simplest ways to improve your day.

Captain Costa brings the fun, but the boat remains crowded

The strongest human touch comes from Captain Costa. His jokes, interaction, and encouragement of singing and dancing help turn the long return journey into a party atmosphere. This seems to work especially well for mixed groups, with people ranging from teenagers to adults in their fifties enjoying the same music and mood.

That entertainment is a real part of the value. A nine-hour cruise could feel repetitive if it offered only scenery and announcements. Music and crowd participation keep the afternoon lively.

The same energy will not suit everyone. If you want soft conversation, quiet reading, or a peaceful sail, the top deck may feel too loud. Announcements may also be difficult to hear from every part of the ship, so stay alert for instructions about swimming and return times.

The crew is described as making passengers feel safe and secure, which matters on a day with repeated boarding and swimming stops. Still, the size of the operation creates practical weak points. Finding a seat, moving through food lines, and getting off at the beach may take longer than you expect.

Is $60.46 a fair price?

For $60.46, the cruise offers a strong amount of sightseeing. You receive transport by boat, several coastal stops, time at two Lefkada beaches, a visit to Fiscardo on Kefalonia, a look at Ithaca, a cave stop, a Skorpios cruise, and lunch.

That is good value if you want variety. Organizing all these places independently would be difficult in one day, and a private boat would cost far more. The cruise also suits people who would rather see many highlights than spend a whole day in one place.

The value drops if you dislike crowds or need generous time ashore. You are paying for access to a broad route, not for a quiet or flexible experience. Fiscardo receives only 75 minutes, Porto Katsiki only 20, and the beach transfers can reduce the time available for swimming.

The score of 4.7 from 1,518 ratings, with 94 percent recommending it, fits the basic picture: the scenery and fun onboard atmosphere are major strengths, while crowding, food service, shade, smoking, and short stops are the main concerns.

Who should book the Makedonia Palace?

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a big Ionian Sea sampler. It is particularly useful for a first visit to Lefkada, a short stay, or a holiday when you want to compare several beaches and islands in one day.

You will likely enjoy it most if you:

• Like lively group outings and music
• Want several swim opportunities
• Care more about variety than long visits
• Are comfortable on a large boat
• Can handle a full 8 to 9-hour day
• Appreciate a low price with lunch included

I would think twice if you want a small boat, quiet surroundings, long beach time, or a reliable vegetarian lunch. Families can participate, but beach conditions may include waves and deep water, so this is not automatically the easiest choice for young children.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the 9:15 a.m. start time. The trip also depends on good weather. If poor weather cancels it, you can receive a different date or a full refund.

Should you book this Lefkada cruise?

Book it if your priority is seeing a lot of the Ionian Sea for a reasonable price. The beach scenery is the star, and the combination of Egremni, Fiscardo, Afales Beach, Papanikolis Cave, and Skorpios gives the day plenty of variety. Captain Costa’s humor and music add energy that many long boat trips lack.

Skip it if you want solitude, precise timing, or a polished small-group service. Arrive early, expect crowds, bring snacks, plan to pay for drinks, and treat the Jackie Kennedy Beach stop as a bonus. With those expectations, the Makedonia Palace can be one of the more memorable full-day outings from Lefkada.

FAQ

Where does the Makedonia Palace cruise start?

The activity starts at the meeting point in Lefkada at 9:15 a.m. It returns to the same meeting point at the end of the day.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately 8 to 9 hours.

What beaches does the cruise visit?

The route includes Porto Katsiki, Egremni Beach, and Afales Beach on Ithaca. Porto Katsiki is mainly a 20-minute photo stop, while Egremni and Afales include time for swimming or sunbathing.

How much time do I get at Egremni Beach?

The boat stops at Egremni Beach for about one hour. You can get off the boat onto the beach to swim or sunbathe.

Is Fiscardo included?

Yes. The cruise stops at Fiscardo Harbor on Kefalonia for about 1 hour and 15 minutes of free time.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes pork gyros, Greek salad, and two pieces of bread. Drinks are not included.

Are drinks included in the ticket price?

No. Cold drinks, hot drinks, and alcoholic beverages cost extra.

Is swimming at Jackie Kennedy Beach guaranteed?

No. The swimming stop at Jackie Kennedy Beach depends on whether the island owner is present at Skorpios.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Poor weather cancellations offer a different date or a full refund.