A Perfect Day in Paradise: Celebrity Ascent Visits Mykonos

Everything you need to know about visiting Mykonos on Celebrity Ascent including arrival times, tendering information, weather expectations, and the best ways to spend your day in this iconic Greek island paradise

A Perfect Day in Paradise: Celebrity Ascent Visits Mykonos
Whitewashed buildings in Mykonos

July 14, 2025

There’s something magical about waking up to the sight of Mykonos emerging from the deep blue Aegean Sea. Today marks one of the most anticipated stops on our Celebrity Ascent Mediterranean cruise.

Arrival and Tendering Information

Celebrity Ascent dropped anchor in Mykonos waters early this morning at approximately 8:00 AM. Since Mykonos doesn’t have a deep-water pier that can accommodate large cruise ships, we’ll be tendering to shore—a charming part of the Greek island experience that adds to the adventure. Although as travelling with a wheelchair user we weren’t sure how this was going to go. (Spoiler Alert: it was fine!)

Important Tendering Details:

  • First tender departs: 8:30 AM
  • Last tender returns: 7:30 PM (All aboard time: 8:00 PM)
  • Departure from Mykonos: 8:30 PM

The tender ride takes about 10-15 minutes each way, offering stunning views of Mykonos Town’s famous whitewashed buildings cascading down to the harbor. Celebrity Cruises operates efficient tender services, but I’d recommend getting a tender ticket early if you want to be one of the first ashore.

Pro Tip: Morning tenders (8:30-10:00 AM) tend to be less crowded and offer the calmest seas. The afternoon winds that Mykonos is famous for can make tendering a bit more adventurous later in the day!

Weather Expectations for July

July in Mykonos is stunning—this is peak Mediterranean summer at its finest. Today’s forecast promises:

  • Temperature: Highs around 85-90°F (29-32°C)
  • Sunshine: Brilliant blue skies with abundant sunshine
  • Sea conditions: Generally calm in the morning, with the famous Meltemi winds picking up in the afternoon
  • Rainfall: Virtually none expected (July is one of the driest months)

The weather is perfect for exploring the island’s beaches, wandering through Mykonos Town’s maze-like streets, or simply enjoying a leisurely lunch overlooking the Aegean. However, the afternoon winds can be quite strong—great for the island’s iconic windmills, but something to keep in mind if you’re planning beach time or outdoor dining later in the day. In fact it reached 60 knots by the time we set sail!

Making the Most of Our Mykonos Day

With nearly 12 hours in port, there’s plenty of time to experience the best of Mykonos. The tender drops us right in the heart of Mykonos Town (Chora), where the famous windmills, Little Venice, and labyrinthine streets filled with boutiques and cafes await.

Morning Plans (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
Start early while the weather is perfect and crowds are manageable. The morning light on the whitewashed buildings is absolutely magical for photos. This is the ideal time to explore the windmills and Little Venice without the afternoon heat and wind.

Midday Adventures (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM):
Perfect time for beach excursions or island tours. The famous beaches like Paradise, Platis Gialos, or Ornos are easily accessible by bus or taxi from the port area.

Evening Return (4:00 PM - 7:30 PM):
As the afternoon winds pick up, it’s a great time to retreat to the charming streets of Mykonos Town for shopping, dining, or simply people-watching with a refreshing frappe or local wine. The golden hour light creates perfect conditions for capturing those Instagram-worthy shots of the iconic Cycladic architecture.


What Not to Miss


The Famous Windmills: These 16th-century windmills are Mykonos’ most photographed landmarks. The short walk uphill from the harbour offers panoramic views of the town and sea.


Little Venice: This picturesque waterfront district with its colorful balconies hanging over the sea is perfect for sunset cocktails (though we’ll be back on board before sunset).


Matogianni Street: The main shopping thoroughfare in Mykonos Town, lined with boutiques, art galleries, and traditional Greek restaurants.


Beach Options: Paradise Beach and Platis Gialos are easily accessible and offer the classic Greek island beach experience with crystal-clear waters and organized beach clubs.


Tender Tips for Fellow Cruisers


• The tender area can get busy around lunch time (12-2 PM) and before the final departures
• Keep your ship’s ID card handy—you’ll need it for every tender ride and for boarding the ship


Final Thoughts


As we prepare to tender back to Celebrity Ascent this evening, I’m already planning my return! Mykonos has delivered everything promised—stunning architecture, crystal-clear waters, warm Greek hospitality, and that indefinable charm that makes the Greek islands so special.


The combination of Celebrity’s smooth tendering operation and Mykonos’ compact, walkable town center made for a perfect cruise port day. Whether you’re here for the beaches, the culture, the shopping, or simply to soak in the Mediterranean atmosphere, this jewel of the Cyclades delivers on every level.



Have you visited Mykonos on a cruise? Share your favorite memories and tips in the comments below!

tags:
• cruise-travel
• mykonos
• celebrity-cruises
• mediterranean-cruise
• greek-islands
• cruise-ports
• travel-guide
• aegean-sea
• cruise-tips
• cyclades