MS Galileo

MS Galileo is a motor sailing yacht built in 1992 and operated by Variety Cruises. She carries a maximum of 50 passengers, making her a small ship, and underwent a major refit in 2007 that included the addition of a third mast, adding to her distinctive silhouette at sea.

The ship herself is built for intimacy. She has 25 cabins spread across two of her four decks, all outside-facing, with Lower Deck accommodations featuring portholes and Upper Deck cabins offering proper windows instead. Staterooms range in size from 90 to 140 square feet and come in three categories. All accommodations are air-conditioned and include televisions, mini fridges, safes, and bathrooms with showers. Cabins are fitted with either queen or twin beds, which are fixed, so guests specify their preference when booking.

What truly makes Galileo distinctive is her focus on outdoor living. Operating mainly on warm weather Greek itineraries, the ship leans into life on deck, with the Top Deck offering a spacious sun area filled with chairs and loungers, ideal for watching the coastline drift by. She was recently transformed through refurbishment, gaining new lounge furnishings, redecorated interiors, a redesigned alfresco bar, updated cabin furniture, and fully renovated bathrooms throughout, giving her a genuinely fresh feel while keeping her original character intact.

Life aboard leans social and unhurried, shaped by her small passenger count and the kind of destinations she visits. Meals are typically served with a focus on Greek and Mediterranean flavours, and the pace of each voyage allows time to properly settle into each port rather than rushing between stops. Her masts and sailing heritage also give her a character quite different from the average motor yacht, even though she operates primarily under engine power on most itineraries.

This is a ship for travellers who want to explore Greek islands and Mediterranean ports with a small group rather than a crowd. MS Galileo suits couples and independent travellers who value access to smaller harbours and a relaxed pace over big-ship amenities, and who appreciate a vessel with genuine sailing character.

Cruised aboard this Greek island gem? Log your MS Galileo voyage on The Cruise Globe to trace the precise route that your specific cruise took!