Souda Port at Chania, Crete???

[ZeeKay]

Originally Posted by wantocruisemore

Thanks for the info! It certainly does seem like they are rolling out the welcome mat for the cruise passengers. It sounds like they are excited the ships are docking there. I imagine it really helps the economy.

But it does sound like the bus prices have increased. Earlier posts had indicated about 3 euros round trip. But I don't mind paying the extra for the extra perks and convenience.

Originally Posted by bonsai3s

Thanks for the post! It looks like they'll be providing the bus service for the remainder of the year...woohoo...we plan on getting rid of some calories by walking around Chania...thanka again.

Dear All, We're going to be on the 20 Sept sailing and have recently requested/received current bus info (as of 4 July 2011) from Chania's Antonis Konstantoudakis as follows: "The bus takes you from the cruise ship to terminal at Chania Central (very close to the old harbor) so you don’t need to worry about the bus stop at Souda or the departure time. The return is also very well organized. The departure point from Chania to Souda is outside the old market which is at Chania Central. The bus fare is 1.50 € Souda – Chania Central and 3,00€ including return. You can purchase tickets outside of the cruise ship from our kiosks".
Have a great time in Chania!
Regards, Zeke

[havcamwiltravel]

Originally Posted by ZeeKay

Dear All, We're going to be on the 20 Sept sailing and have recently requested/received current bus info (as of 4 July 2011) from Chania's Antonis Konstantoudakis as follows: "The bus takes you from the cruise ship to terminal at Chania Central (very close to the old harbor) so you don’t need to worry about the bus stop at Souda or the departure time. The return is also very well organized. The departure point from Chania to Souda is outside the old market which is at Chania Central. The bus fare is 1.50 € Souda – Chania Central and 3,00€ including return. You can purchase tickets outside of the cruise ship from our kiosks".
Have a great time in Chania!
Regards, Zeke

Hi everyone, my wife and I just returned from our cruise and Chania was a real highlight of the trip.

I couldn't get much information before leaving so I figured it would be our day at the beach on this cruise. When we got into Chania (the shuttle buses from Souda are frequent and very inexpensive) we were blown away by its beauty.

Chania harbour is breathtaking. It was a crystal clear, sunny day with a stiff breeze blowing. Despite being on a cruise, the Mediterranean was as we had never seen it all week: azure blue and turquoise - gorgeous! The Venetian harbour is a pleasure to stroll through and the town is thoroughly enchanting.

We had lunch at the Lithos restaurant - apparently the oldest building in the harbour (600 yrs old) - because the owner charmed us into coming in. It was a very good decision. The food was rustic and delightful, the restaurant authentically Greek. We sat with that gorgeous view in front of us, the sound of a bouzouki playing somewhere ... and made a dreamy memory.

At the end of our meal, the owner sent two very large ouzos our way and my wife, not the biggest drinker, surprised me with an "Opa" and downed it in one fell swoop.

As it turned out, Chania harbour was our favourite stop and the most beautiful sight we saw in the Mediterranean, on a cruise that included Rome, Sicily, Athens and Ephesus ... Oh, and we never did get to the beach ...

Have fun!

[texancruzer]

Originally Posted by havcamwiltravel

We had lunch at the Lithos restaurant - apparently the oldest building in the harbour (600 yrs old) - because the owner charmed us into coming in. It was a very good decision. The food was rustic and delightful, the restaurant authentically Greek. We sat with that gorgeous view in front of us, the sound of a bouzouki playing somewhere ... and made a dreamy memory.

Made a note of this in my travel binder for Crete. Will be there in Nov.

[Judge_Mental]

Anyone actually use the "funtrain" in Chania? We have a LONG day there (11 hours) and I am considering doing one of their trip. Website suggests it is not HOHO but wanted to see if anyone has actually used it and whether it was worthwhile.

Cheers,
Sue

[ZeeKay]

Originally Posted by ZeeKay

Dear All, We're going to be on the 20 Sept Mariner sailing and have recently requested/received current bus info (as of 4 July 2011) from Chania's Antonis Konstantoudakis as follows: "The bus takes you from the cruise ship to terminal at Chania Central (very close to the old harbor) so you don’t need to worry about the bus stop at Souda or the departure time. The return is also very well organized. The departure point from Chania to Souda is outside the old market which is at Chania Central. The bus fare is 1.50 € Souda – Chania Central and 3,00€ including return. You can purchase tickets outside of the cruise ship from our kiosks".
Have a great time in Chania!
Regards, Zeke

Bus appears to be both good and cost effective!

[wantocruisemore]

Just wanted to give some recent feedback on our visit to Chania, Crete a few days ago.

It is extremely easy to take the bus to town. Do go ahead and purchase the round trip ticket so you will already have the return tickets. It was 1.5 euro each way (3 total) per person. I had read about Chania having a tent up with goodies like water and fruit etc. but either they have stopped that or we got off to late when we got off at 9:30am.

I had the initial impression that the shuttle from the port would stop in the old section of the town. It does not. It stops in a crowded bus area so it's easy to catch another, but the map we had was useless because there was no identification as to where we were dropped off. My daughter wanted to go to the beach first so we asked and were directed to Bus 21 a few blocks away. The ticket each way from town to bus was 1.2 euros. The beach was ok but we wished we had skipped it. We go to the beach and lake frequently back home so it's no big deal. After a few photos we waited and boarded the bus back to town.

The old town is very charming and full of shops and restaurants. We finally got to the waterfront by noon for lunch and had a nice lunch at one of the sidewalk cafes. But since we didn't have much time left and had to be on board by 2:30pm we split so I could shop more with my daughter and others could walk around. DD found a great shop with the wrap style dresses and bought a couple of outfits.

We walked back to the place to catch the bus (about 15 min. steady fast walking) and made the shuttle and got back on board right at 2:30pm.

Chania was charming and I wish we had more time there. If we go back I will definitely skip the beach unless we are there for several days.

[BklynBorn47]

Wantocruisemore and I are following each other around the boards just as we followed each other around the Mediterranean.

Just FYI for others who are researching Chania. This was our experience.

We docked at 6:30 am. We planned an easy beach day taking public buses (3 Euros roundtrip) into town followed by a walk to the beach. We caught a bus at 9:00 and 20 min later were in the town square. Following the map we were given along with our bus tickets, we walked to the nearest beach called Nea Chora. This took about 20 minutes. Although we were told this beach would be crowded, we found it almost empty at 10 am. We rented 4 “sunbeds” and 2 umbrellas for a total of 10 Euros. The water was clear and calm since the reef in the distance protected it from the waves of the Aegean Sea. The kids, Eddie & Joe built quite an extensive framework of sandcastles. We were the only ones doing this. It must not be a Greek thing.

We could see the forum recommended beach (Chrissi Akti) or Golden Beach a short distance away, but we were just fine where we were. Perhaps it’s more crowded on weekends or later in the afternoon, but by 12:15 when we left, there were still plenty of sunbeds available. Some people rented paddleboats or canoes and went out to the reef and some were even climbing up on the rocks. We live on a lake and have quite a "fleet" of watercraft so we didn't do this. The kids enjoyed swimming and playing in the beautiful blue water.

We walked back to the bus stop along the shore to view the old Venetian harbor, fort and lighthouse. Joe & I bought beach towels as souvenirs. The buses were crowded with people going back to the ship. We boarded at 1:00. I’m glad we didn’t delay. “All aboard” was 2:30 and the ship sailed promptly at 3:00.

Although no one missed the boat this time, we learned that a few weeks ago 2 crew members and 1 passenger didn’t make it.

[srqmary]

SWIFS,
Just read your post from June. Are you still sailing Sept. 19 on the Constellation ?

Mary

[Tulsa Cats]

I noticed that some of you said you were going in May and June. So, what did you do? How was it ? We're planning for November and would appreciate your feedback.

[choie01]

Just returned from trip on RCCL Navigator of the Seas which included stop at Chania. Replies on Cruise Critic very helpful.

As noted in previous posts, buses very efficient and prices as noted with 1.5Euro one way and 3.0 Euro roundtrip. Takes you directly to center of Chania.

We were a group of 9 and decided to take two taxis to the beach. Beach is easy walk around 15-20 minutes(Nea Hora) which is just west of town center. Nice beach. One way to beach was 15 Euro and they quoted us 11 Euro for one-way to city center. Trip took around 20 minutes.

At beach, multiple areas where you can just rent a pair of beach chairs and umbrella for 5 Euro. They have porta-poties which are what they are but with the rental our vendor said we could use the bathroom at the restaurant across the street. Plenty of restaurants and shops along the beach which is about 1/3-1/2 mile long.

Had lunch at the bay which is very picturesque. Multiple dining and shopping options at the bay. Didn't really have much time in Chania after spending about 2 hours at the beach.

[wildbird1275]

Thanks for great info! Am going there in Nov. of this year - and will do on my own thanks to you!

[moorerf]

hey wildbird, we are on the equinox nov 18 also...looks like we will be doing our own thing also...sounds easy...hope the buses are still so reg in nov since we may be the only ship in port...

[bpret]

Originally Posted by swifs

SRQMary- we are also taking the Celebrity cruise in September. And it appears we are from the same hometown. So if you want to get together onboard, or to figure out something to do in Chania (we had wanted to go to Knossos but this doesn't look practical), let us know.

Hello: Swifs and SRQ Mary

Two more from Sarasota, will be on the Constellation on September 19th. Is that the ship you will be traveling with?

Linda

[Mxmom242]

DH and I will be visiting Chania in October (Navigator of the Seas). Would love some advise from those that have been there. Were planning a DIY excursion there, hoping to see the Venecian Harbor, Maritime Museum, and Chania town for lunch. Does this sound feasable for a day trip (Ship will be at port for about 8 hours?
Thanks in advance,
Randi

[wantocruisemore]

Originally Posted by Mxmom242

DH and I will be visiting Chania in October (Navigator of the Seas). Would love some advise from those that have been there. Were planning a DIY excursion there, hoping to see the Venecian Harbor, Maritime Museum, and Chania town for lunch. Does this sound feasable for a day trip (Ship will be at port for about 8 hours?
Thanks in advance,
Randi

Easy to do that in the port stop. Just take the bus from the port to town and then walk a few blocks to the waterfront old section. If you look back in this thread you will find several reviews.

[srqmary]

Originally Posted by bpret

Hello: Swifs and SRQ Mary

Two more from Sarasota, will be on the Constellation on September 19th. Is that the ship you will be traveling with?

Linda

Linda,
We are on the Connie on Sept.19.We are traveling with two more Sarasotans-Barbara and Bob.
Hope to see you at the Connections party.

Mary

[ALadyNCal]

Originally Posted by Judge_Mental

Anyone actually use the "funtrain" in Chania? We have a LONG day there (11 hours) and I am considering doing one of their trip.

Ditto -- looks like a cute tour to try! Hopefully someone will do it and 'report back'

[Member]

Originally Posted by ALadyNCal

Ditto -- looks like a cute tour to try! Hopefully someone will do it and 'report back'

These 2-3 hr. "train" rides all started at the fishing villages west of Chania. Not too feasible for the cruise passengers, right?

[rpv2sail]

Originally Posted by Arlendius

I have never been on a _cruise_ to Crete, but I have traveled to Chania 5-6 times for vacations, and I have driven past Souda Bay on several occasions. It is NOT a walking distance to anything but one of the allied cemetery from world world 2 (wich is in self really worth a visit, it is beautifully kept and there is a memorial for all the fallen there).

The old town of Chania is really worth a visit, as it is beautifully kept. I have a few favourite places we always visit when we are there. One of them is a cooperative for Cretan artist, where they have thousands of paintings at more than resonable prices (the price is usually €100, or can be "negotiated" to that price). It is situated in a small basement of a stone house in a back alley in the old town. There are also a couple of really nice restaurants, in buldings dating back to the 17th century with a ton of history. One of them (Tamarind) is in a old Turkish Bath house, and really worth a visit.

I have marked of a few spots on a map here: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UT...58443&t=k&z=13

Thanks for the information and the map!

[Marysunshine]

Read the thread and loved the idea of Taormina and Castlemola. However in checking the prices they were very high for our budget. Does anyone know of a way to do it on a budget. It sounded great and I checked with the Astone brothers and a guide on the frommers's tour. both were very high.