For an Exhilarating Cruise Adventure, Reserve a Voyage Through This Overlooked Canal in Greece

While some travelers prefer cabins perched high above the water, I enjoy being in the middle of the ship. It tends to be steadier and offers a unique view. I was fortunate that my suite on Windstar Cruises’ 312-passenger Star Legend is located on Deck 4, just high enough that the windows give the sensation of being right on the ocean rather than above it. On the last morning of an eight-night journey in early May from Istanbul to Athens, I wake up, draw back the blackout curtains, and gaze at the ocean, which is almost at eye level.

Today promises to be especially thrilling.

I feel a mix of excitement and a bit of nerves about our passage through the narrow Corinth Canal, which connects the Ionian and Aegean Seas. Our yacht measures about 63 feet wide, preparing to navigate through the world's narrowest man-made canal. The Corinth Canal is approximately 69 feet wide at the seabed and around 79 feet at the surface—tight, but manageable for smaller vessels.

The concept of a canal cutting through the Isthmus of Corinth dates back to the ancient Greeks and was also considered by the Romans. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that French engineers finally carved through the limestone, completing the project in 1893 after much trial and error. This canal reduces the distance between the Aegean and Ionian Seas by hundreds of miles, making our journey to Athens significantly faster; it saves passengers between 20 to 28 hours at sea.

Sailing through the Corinth Canal is a unique experience. Only a select few small-ship cruise lines, such as Windstar, Emerald Cruises, and the French line Ponant, offer limited cruises through the canal each year, primarily for repositioning purposes, like moving vessels from the Mediterranean to the Greek Isles. What many travelers may not know is that traversing the Corinth Canal provides a chance to witness an engineering marvel and navigate a waterway that is not only narrower but arguably more exhilarating than the more famous Panama or Suez Canals. Additionally, it opens up itineraries that include the lesser-known port of Itea in Greece, granting access to ancient Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the second millennium B.C.

The canal was closed for two years due to repairs following a landslide in 2021. It reopened last year but then closed again for further work. I was fortunate to be aboard the first passenger cruise ship to pass through in 2024.

On our journey, our itinerary included Türkiye’s ancient Roman ruins at Ephesus, where we enjoyed a complimentary white-tablecloth dinner party hosted by Windstar among the ruins. We also visited Mykonos and Santorini in Greece, Bodrum in Türkiye, and the charming, tranquil Myrina on the Greek island of Lemnos—the kind of idyllic spot you dream of discovering in Greece (when I shared a photo on social media, a Greek friend playfully scolded me for revealing his 'secret' island).

In the ancient Delphi of Greece, I stopped at the sanctuary of Apollo, hoping to feel that mystical aura where ancient Greeks sought the wisdom of oracles. Unfortunately, I didn't experience that, but I did relish the stunning views of olive groves and the countryside from Mount Parnassus.

The all-suite Star Legend enhances the onboard experience with local dishes like moussaka and spicy baked feta, and even features a belly dancer who entertained us in the ship’s theater one evening. This small ship fosters easy friendships, as most passengers are couples in their forties and older. The atmosphere is relaxed and yacht-like, with little need to dress up for dinner. It truly feels like a home where you can be yourself.

On canal day, I stick to my routine, sinking into a nautical-blue couch in the Yacht Club at the bow while sipping an excellent latte and enjoying a perfectly crunchy almond croissant, all while gazing through expansive windows that offer the same views as the officers on the deck below. My husband, David, prefers the aft, where he enjoys his eggs outdoors at the café with views of the ship’s wake. Afterward, we regroup with new friends.

With no port stops today, David and I decide to teach our favorite card game, Up and Down the River. A spirited tournament unfolds, with one of our students, a government contractor from Virginia, emerging as the champion.

Windstar proudly holds the title of the official cruise line for the James Beard Foundation, and its cuisine certainly reflects that prestige. I've managed to navigate through seven days of indulgence without stepping foot in the gym (though I did treat myself to an amazing massage at the spa). On this sea day, with no chance to stroll ashore, I take to the deck, circling past guests lounging by the small pool and others absorbed in their books on sunbeds.

As we approach the canal, a flurry of excitement erupts, with everyone eager to find the best vantage point for this remarkable experience. A tugboat arrives to guide us through, and local pilots board our ship—required by local regulations for safe navigation. They are accompanied by a Windstar-hired guide who enriches our journey with historical insights.

David and I step outside near the Yacht Club, while another great viewing spot awaits just one deck below by the ship’s hot tub.

Our initial glimpse reveals a narrow cut through the land, making the waterway resemble a small river. However, the barriers indicating the entrance hint that this is no ordinary natural passage. As we wait for clearance to proceed, the crew serves us delightful snacks.

Upon entering, the almost four-mile-long canal appears quite manageable. But soon it tightens dramatically, with sheer, sand-colored limestone walls looming just feet from the ship's sides. It continues to narrow as the captain and pilot position themselves on the bridge wings—outdoor step-out areas used for docking—gaining a better perspective to ensure we avoid scraping against the solid rock. A moment of apprehension strikes me as I realize they could easily reach out and touch the branches of bushes growing on the limestone cliffs.

As we glide beneath rail and road bridges, tourists crowd the overpasses, some having traveled by bus from Athens to catch a glimpse of ships navigating the canal. Approaching the final bridge, less than an hour after our entry, bungee jumpers thrill themselves by bouncing just above us. I feel a rush of excitement, too, and take a deep breath, marveling at the fact that we've successfully traversed this incredible engineering marvel.