The short version: Scarlet Lady sails from the Port of Piraeus, the port for Athens, from May through October 2027 on Greek Isles sailings. Virgin usually uses Terminal B or C, confirmed before you sail. Piraeus is 45 to 60 minutes from the airport by taxi, and I recommend arriving at least a day early so you have time to see the Acropolis.
Athens is Virgin Voyages' gateway to the Greek Isles. Ships sail from the Port of Piraeus, just outside the city, and in 2027 Scarlet Lady sails from there from May through October. Here's everything you need to know: which terminal Virgin uses, getting there from the airport, where to stay, and how to see the Acropolis before you sail.
Resilient Lady docked at Piraeus, the port for Athens. In 2027, Scarlet Lady sails Greek Isles voyages from here, May through October.
Athens (Piraeus) Cruise Port at a Glance
Port: Port of Piraeus, about 30 to 40 minutes from central Athens
Terminals: Virgin usually uses Terminal B or C, confirmed before you sail
Ship: Scarlet Lady, May through October 2027
From the airport (ATH): About 45 to 60 minutes by taxi, roughly €50 to €60
Bag drop: Usually opens around 9:00 AM
Where Virgin Sails From Athens
Scarlet Lady spends summer and fall 2027 in Athens, sailing the Greek Isles and beyond:
Seven-night round trips to islands like Mykonos and Santorini, plus stops in Turkey and Croatia on some sailings
10- and 11-night round trips that add ports like Kotor, Dubrovnik, Corfu, and Crete
One-way sailings between Athens and Barcelona or Rome at the start and end of the season
Resilient Lady also sails one-way between Barcelona and Athens in June. See my Barcelona port guide and every Virgin departure port.
Which Terminal Does Virgin Use?
Piraeus is a huge port with several cruise terminals. Virgin usually uses Terminal B or Terminal C, and confirms which one before your sailing. Check the Virgin Voyages app, then tell your taxi driver. They'll take you to the right gate.
Getting to the Port
From Athens International Airport (ATH)
Taxi: The easiest option, about 45 to 60 minutes and roughly €50 to €60 during the day. Agree on the fare before you get in, or pre-book a transfer.
Pre-booked transfer: A fixed price from about €55
X96 express bus: About €5.50, but it can take 90 minutes or more
Metro: Line 3 to Monastiraki, then Line 1 to Piraeus. You'll still need a short taxi or walk to your terminal.
From central Athens
A taxi is about 30 to 40 minutes and roughly €25, depending on traffic. Metro Line 1 also runs to Piraeus, but it stops a walk away from the cruise terminals.
How Check-In Works
Complete Ready to Sail in the Virgin Voyages app and pick your Terminal Arrival Time.
Drop your bags with the porters. Bag drop usually opens around 9:00 AM.
Arrive at your time slot. Seating at the terminal is limited, so don't come early.
Pick up your Band and board. See Virgin Voyages' The Band.
Documents: You'll need a passport to sail from Athens. U.S. travelers should also check the latest entry requirements for Europe before you go. See Do You Need a Passport for a Cruise?
For a full walkthrough of your first day, see my embarkation day guide.
Arrive at Least a Day Early
Flights to Greece are long, so plan to arrive at least one day before you sail. Athens is worth a couple of days on its own.
Where to stay
Plaka and the area around the Acropolis: Walkable, historic, and full of tavernas
Syntagma and Monastiraki: Central, with easy metro access to Piraeus
Piraeus: The most convenient for sail day, but farther from the sights
The Athens Riviera: Seaside hotels south of the city, closer to the port than central Athens
Things to Do in Athens Before or After Your Cruise
The Acropolis and the Parthenon: Go early in the morning to beat the heat and crowds
The Acropolis Museum: The perfect follow-up to the Acropolis
Plaka: One of the oldest neighborhoods in Athens, with shops and tavernas
Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch
Monastiraki: Flea market, rooftop bars, and views of the Acropolis
Corinth Canal and Ancient Corinth: An easy day trip from the city
Virgin's pre- and post-voyage Shore Things
Virgin offers Shore Things built around embarkation and disembarkation days in Athens, like an Ancient Corinth tour with a canal crossing, a hop-on, hop-off city tour, and an Acropolis tour that ends with an airport drop-off. They're an easy way to see the highlights without dragging your bags around. See my Shore Things guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What terminal does Virgin Voyages use in Athens?
Virgin usually uses Terminal B or Terminal C at the Port of Piraeus, and confirms which one before you sail.
How far is Piraeus from the Athens airport?
About 45 to 60 minutes by taxi, and longer in heavy traffic. Plan on roughly €50 to €60 during the day.
Which Virgin ship sails from Athens?
Scarlet Lady sails from Athens from May through October 2027.
Can I see the Acropolis on embarkation day?
Yes, if you arrive early, but it's tight. A pre-voyage Shore Thing or an extra night in Athens makes it much easier.
Do I need a passport for a Virgin cruise from Athens?
Yes. You'll need a valid passport to fly to Greece and sail from Athens.
Sailing From Athens?
PTO Passport is an independent cruise travel agency and Gold Tier Virgin Voyages First Mate. I'll help you pick the right Greek Isles sailing, choose your exact cabin, and stack every offer you qualify for. Same price as booking direct.
