I was in Santorini last October (Celebrity Reflection), and there were 4 (maybe 5) other ships in on the same day. They were staggered, but this didnt seem to do much,
We were first ship in and second tender ashore, got to Oia by local bus at about 08:30, it was lovely, stopped for a Coffee, and came out into the street at 09:30 - madness. 6 deep everywhere, people trying to hold back tens of others to get their perfect picture. Queue's for every restaurant.
We didn't know how soon to get back to the ship, and that's when the real fun began. Two hours queue for the cable car down (this at about 2pm, and with staggered departures) in the blazing sun, and as well as about a dozen observed verbal arguments, there was an actual fist fight in the queue. No organisaion, no attendants anywhere, they kust take your money and wash their hands.
People coming back later (*our ship didn't sail till 22:00, reported similar queue's and our reps had to walk back for fear of missing the ship/ Many people who had been to Santorini before didn't even bother going ashore, now we know why.
The best part of Santorini, is looking at photgraphes online. Its ruined.
Sheer greed on behalf of whoever Runs (or doesn't run) the islands tourism industry.
No way I'd set foot again on that island. RUINED.
