Desire Cruise Review: Greece & Turkey Itinerary (September 2024)

Set against the stunning backdrop of Greece and Turkey, the September 2024 Desire Cruise offered an upscale, sensual, and culturally rich experience for open-minded couples. Hosted aboard the Oceania Riviera, this seven-night, couples-only charter was the largest Desire Cruise to date, with 1,200 guests onboard.

Booking & Early Access

This sailing sold out quickly, and with good reason. Desire Cruises are known for their small ship sizes and unique itineraries, making them highly sought-after. Booking early is essential! Even the 2026 Asia sailing was already full by the time this cruise departed.

Who It’s For

While the majority of guests were lifestyle-friendly couples aged 45-60, the environment was inclusive to anyone looking for a sensual, open-minded vacation. Desire Cruise doesn’t require lifestyle participation, you’ll find everything from full-swap swingers to couples simply enjoying the freedom of a sexy, clothing-optional atmosphere.

Ship Size & Demographics

With 600 rooms and approximately 1,200 guests, the ship maintained a good balance between community and space. The majority of guests were from North America, despite the European itinerary, though many Europeans were also present. Most guests were couples, with only one triad spotted onboard.

Cruise Flow & Atmosphere

Each day followed a natural, easygoing rhythm:

• Morning excursions or relaxed breakfasts
• Afternoon pool time or spa visits
• Evening dinner, live shows, and socializing
• Late-night dancing and optional playroom visits

This steady flow helped guests find familiar faces and create stronger connections throughout the week.

Ship Amenities

Pools & Lounging

• One large pool with two hot tubs
• A luxurious, quieter pool area for upgraded rooms
• Abundant seating and plush loungers (though prime spots near the pool went quickly)

Wellness & Activities

• Fully-equipped gym with included electrolyte beverages
• Spacious men’s and women’s spa areas with saunas and showers
• Quiet lounges for relaxation
• Activities like golf, pickleball, shuffleboard, and bocce

Lounges & Bars

• Numerous bars across the ship, including a lively coffee bar that turned into a cocktail lounge at night
• Horizon’s Nightclub: Spacious, great lighting, excellent air conditioning, and plenty of comfortable seating

Unique Spaces

• The largest cruise ship library we’ve seen
• Onboard workspaces with strong-enough Wi-Fi (upgrade to Starlink available for high-speed access)

Playroom

The ship featured one central playroom with 30 mattresses, sheer curtains for ambiance, and basic amenities like towels and water. While clean and sensual, the floor-based beds and lack of privacy curtains were noted as opportunities for improvement given the ship’s otherwise upscale feel.

Theme Nights

Participation was strong (about 80%), and outfits leaned classy and sexy rather than rave or costume-y. Themes included:

• Nautical Night
• Dress to Impress (Formal Night)
• Greek Paradise (timed with the Greece stop)
• Mischievous Fantasy
• Fluorescent Night
• 80s Extravaganza
• Lingerie Masquerade
• Pineapple Pool Theme (during Istanbul overnight)

Food & Dining

Desire set a new bar for cruise food:

• Buffet: Fresh pastries, custom omelets, sushi, themed dinners, and Greek cuisine on port days.
• Main Dining Room: Elegant, seated meals with themed pairings and expert wine suggestions.
• Specialty Restaurants (all included):
  • Polo Grill: Steak & lobster mac and cheese
  • Toscana: Italian, olive oil tastings
  • Red Ginger: Asian-inspired (reservation required)
• Waves Café: Burgers, sandwiches, sweet potato fries, and late-night snacks like pizza.
• Smoothie/Immunity Bar: Healthy breakfast and lunch offerings.

Only note: the buffet closed a bit early (2:30 p.m.), limiting options for those returning late from excursions.

Accommodations

Rooms were stunning. Even standard cabins had floor-to-ceiling windows, spa-like bathrooms, rainfall showers (or bathtubs in some), luxury bedding, and ample storage. Everything across the ship, restaurants, lounges, lobbies, felt opulent and luxurious.

Activities & Entertainment

Daytime

• Hosted by energetic “Playmakers”
• Games, classes (belly dance, pole dance), and contests
• Nude live drawing class with take-home art
• Hands-on sensual workshops (free but limited spots)

Nighttime

• Daily Cabaret shows by Carrie Gold and her team
• Sexy themes, pole performances, burlesque, chair dances, and humor
• Shows aligned with theme nights, lasting ~40 minutes (perfect length)
• Parties in the club stayed busy until 12:30-1:00 a.m.

Music

A mix of danceable tunes from decades past to current hits: R&B, reggaeton, pop, light EDM. The variety allowed for sing-alongs and couple-friendly dancing.

Ports & Excursions

Itinerary highlights:

• Athens, Greece (embarkation)
• Bodrum & Kusadasi, Turkey
• Istanbul, Turkey (overnight stay)
• Mykonos & Santorini, Greece

Desire/Oceania handled all required port documentation seamlessly. Most ports were easily walkable from the ship, allowing spontaneous exploration. Excursions were available through both the cruise line and third parties.

This blend of cultural travel and sensuality is where Desire Cruises really stands out. Unlike many lifestyle cruises that focus on the Caribbean, Desire brings you to some of the world’s most beautiful destinations.

Clothing-Optional & Consent Culture

• Clothing optional in designated outdoor deck areas
• Nudity not allowed indoors or in dining/common areas
• Sexual activity restricted to cabins or the playroom

Consent and respect were emphasized throughout. Guests of all comfort levels felt safe and welcome.

Service & Staff

Desire and Oceania staff were exceptional. Attentive, friendly, and polished, they went above and beyond to ensure guests had a seamless and luxurious experience. Playmakers created a warm, high-energy vibe across the ship.

Final Thoughts

This Desire Cruise was everything we hoped it would be: elegant, exotic, inclusive, and unforgettable. It felt like the perfect balance of luxury travel, lifestyle-friendly space, and global adventure.

Whether you’re seasoned in the lifestyle or just curious about a sensual couples’ vacation, Desire Cruises delivers a top-tier experience. Book early, pack your theme night outfits, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!