If you are planning a day on the water with maRea Cruises, this is the page to check before you book or head down to the quay. I have spent years working these waters out of Stavros, and a good FAQ saves a lot of back-and-forth and a few avoidable suprises.
111111111111maRea Cruises runs from Stavros on the edge of the Strymonikos Gulf, east of Thessaloniki and close to the wider coast that looks towards Ancient Stageira. For local port conditions and practical area info, it also helps to check the official pages for Visit Greece.
What to know before boarding
Booking and confirmation
How do I book?
You can start from the relevant trip page and then confirm directly with the operator. For the standard shared trips, see Morning Escape, Sunset Delight and Private Cruises. If you are unsure which one fits, use the contact section below.
Will I get a confirmation?
Yes, you should receive confirmation after booking is accepted. If anything about departure time, meeting point or weather changes, that should be confirmed again before sailing. If you do not receive details, ask before the day, not when you are already at the port. Saves stress, realy.
Where do trips depart from?
Departures are from Stavros Port, in Stavros, east of Thessaloniki. If you are driving from Thessaloniki, allow roughly an hour and a half depending on traffic and season. Summer weekends can be slower on the final approach.
Departure and timing
How long is Morning Escape?
The current human source says Morning Escape lasts about four hours and includes two stops. For the latest operational wording and availability, check the canonical Morning Escape page before booking.
How long is Sunset Delight?
The source says Sunset Delight is about three and a half hours and includes drinks. There is still an unresolved source conflict on whether this trip has one swim stop or two, so that point should be confirmed by the operator on the product page before publication and before guests rely on it. Better to be clear than clever here.
Do routes always stay the same?
No. Sea conditions, wind and comfort on board matter more than a pretty plan on paper. Around Stavros and the Strymonikos Gulf, summer is often calm in the morning, while afternoon breeze can freshen and change the best anchorage. Routes may be adjusted for safety, shelter and water clarity.
Weather and route changes
Do trips run in all weather?
No. Sailings are weather permitting. If the wind builds, swell turns uncomfortable or visibility drops, the captain may delay, amend or cancel the trip. That is normal seamanship, not bad luck.
Should I check the forecast myself?
It helps. The crew will make the operational decision, but guests can get a sensible picture from official marine or national weather sources before travelling. Conditions on this coast can look calm ashore and feel different once you clear the harbour mouth, thats common enough.
Children and families
Are children allowed?
Yes, children are welcome, but the exact age bands in the source material should be followed on the booking page and confirmed by the operator. If you are travelling with a baby or very young child, ask in advance so there is no confusion on the quay.
Is it suitable for families?
Usually yes, especially on calmer days. Morning trips tend to suit families best because the sea is often flatter, the heat is easier and little ones are fresher. Sunset trips are lovely for couples and mixed groups too.
Swimming and snorkelling
Can we swim during the trip?
Yes, swimming is part of the experience when conditions allow. Water in this area is usually clearest on settled days with light wind, especially away from the busiest beach stretches.
Is snorkelling included?
Swimming and snorkelling are mentioned in the source material, but any included gear still needs operator confirmation. If masks or other equipment matter to your day, check the current Maroula or trip page first rather than assuming it is on board.
Food and drinks
What is included to drink?
The source material mentions water, watermelon, wine or juice depending on the trip. Sunset Delight specifically includes drinks. Exact inclusions can change by product and season, so the final word should always be the relevant booking page.
Is food served?
Do not assume a full meal unless the product page says so. For short coastal cruises from Stavros, light refreshments are common, but proper meal service is a different thing altogther. If you have allergies or dietary needs, ask directly before booking.
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send us an email at booking@cruisesmarea.com
call us: +306972123272
send a message via WhatsApp
call or text us on Viber
Don't forget to mention:
- Number of persons, possible dates
- The hotel you'll be staying at
Private cruises
Can I book the boat privately?
Yes. Private trips are available, with source material indicating durations from about three to six hours. That gives enough time for a relaxed swim stop, a longer coastal run, or a slower family outing without rushing every minute.
Who are private trips best for?
Couples, families, small groups and anyone who wants a quieter pace. They work well for birthdays, simple celebrations and guests who prefer choosing the mood of the day. Around Stavros, private outings are also useful when you want to avoid the busiest beach hours.
Fishing trips
Do you offer fishing trips?
There is a Fishing Trip section in the site structure, but the operational details are still awaiting confirmation. That means gear, target species, licences, trip length and what guests should bring must be checked with the operator before this answer becomes more specific.
Should I book a fishing trip without asking first?
Best not. Fishing is one of those activities where details matter, and local rules can change. Ask first and get the current setup in writing if possible.
Boat facilities and accessibility
Is there shade, a toilet, lifejackets or easy access for older guests?
These points need direct operator confirmation and should stay on one canonical page so they do not drift into contradictions. The same applies to pets, smoking policy, seasickness advice and accessibility for wheelchairs or reduced mobility guests.
What can be said safely for now?
Boarding at a small Greek port usually means stepping carefully from quay to boat, sometimes with a little movement. Non-slip shoes help, and older travellers should mention mobility concerns in advance. If easy boarding is essential, ask before the day, not after you park the car.
What to bring
What should I pack?
Keep it simple:
- Swimwear and a towel
- Sun cream and a hat
- Light cover-up for the breeze later on
- Phone in a dry pouch if you have one
- Any personal medication
- Flat sandals or deck-friendly shoes
Anything people forget?
Yes. A spare T-shirt, sunglasses strap, and water for the drive back. In high summer the quay can be very hot underfoot and parking areas fill up quickly, so arrive with a few minutes in hand.
Cancellations and payments
What is the cancellation policy?
Please check the current policy page before paying, because this can change and should not be guessed on an FAQ page. The same goes for payment methods, deposits and refund timing. Use the official policies page once published or ask directly.
What happens if weather stops the trip?
That depends on the current policy and whether an alternative date is available. Always check the latest written terms before you travel from Thessaloniki or farther afield.
Contact
I still have a specific question. What should I do?
Use the Contact page and ask directly. That is the right place for questions about minimum ages, facilities, gear, route details, accessibility and anything else that still needs operator confirmation.
Last reviewed: June 2026
Content owner: maRea Cruises editorial team with local operational input from Stavros
send us an email at booking@cruisesmarea.com
call us: +306972123272
send a message via WhatsApp
call or text us on Viber
Don't forget to mention:
- Number of persons, possible dates
- The hotel you'll be staying at
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