A traditional wooden boat Halkidiki experience aboard Saint George offers passengers a rare connection to maritime heritage, combining classic craftsmanship with modern comfort. Built entirely of wood, Saint George stands apart from conventional cruise vessels, delivering an authentic and refined journey at sea.
Originally designed with a different purpose in mind, Saint George evolved into a vessel that today offers a luxury wooden cruise Halkidiki experience, accessible to a wide audience while preserving its original character.
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A traditional wooden boat Halkidiki with a unique identity
Saint George is a 27-meter wooden vessel with a beam of 7 meters and a draft of 3.20 meters. Cruising at a steady speed of 10 knots, the vessel prioritizes smooth navigation and relaxed travel, rather than speed.
With a total capacity of 160 passengers, Saint George allows guests to move freely across its decks, enjoying open spaces, sea views and a calm cruising rhythm typical of a luxury wooden cruise Halkidiki.
Deck layout and onboard experience
The onboard layout of Saint George enhances the experience of a traditional wooden boat Halkidiki by offering a mix of open-air spaces and intimate interior areas.
- Main deck:
Features extensive open spaces with table seating, ideal for social interaction, dining and enjoying the sea breeze. - Closed salon:
A small indoor salon allows passengers direct visual contact with the bridge, offering a rare opportunity to observe the captain during navigation — a feature that reinforces the authenticity of a luxury wooden cruise Halkidiki. - Upper deck:
Provides additional open seating and elevated views of the coastline. - Facilities:
The vessel is equipped with four onboard toilets and an organized mini bar.
Unlike vessels designed purely for relaxation, Saint George offers fewer large lounging surfaces, encouraging a social and engaging atmosphere typical of traditional wooden ships.
From private charters to refined mass tourism
Saint George was originally constructed to serve private charter requests, with a maximum capacity of 50 passengers. However, at the time of its launch, the region did not yet support this type of high-frequency private tourism.
As a result, the vessel gradually transitioned into mass tourism, while maintaining the aesthetics, materials and atmosphere of a premium wooden ship. This evolution allowed Saint George to introduce a sense of elegance and authenticity to a broader audience, transforming it into a luxury wooden cruise Halkidiki experience without exclusivity barriers.
Routes, departure point and the Blue Lagoon experience
Saint George primarily departs from the port of Ormos Panagias, located in Sithonia, offering easy access to some of the most scenic areas of Halkidiki.
One of the vessel’s main itineraries is cruise number 4, widely known as the Blue Lagoon cruise. This route combines multiple highlights into a single journey, allowing passengers to experience different aspects of the region during one cruise.
The itinerary typically includes a stop at the village of Ammouliani, where guests can explore the island or relax by the sea, followed by a visit to an organized beach for swimming and dining. The experience concludes with extended swimming stops in the turquoise waters of the Lagonisi bay, where passengers can dive directly from the vessel and enjoy crystal-clear waters surrounding the ship.
This route showcases Saint George as a traditional wooden boat that blends sightseeing, leisure and swimming, offering a complete and relaxed cruising experience in Sithonia and the wider Halkidiki area.
A different pace of cruising
A journey aboard Saint George is defined by rhythm rather than itinerary. As a traditional wooden boat Halkidiki, the vessel invites passengers to slow down, observe the coastline and enjoy the journey itself.
The wooden construction, steady cruising speed and open decks create an atmosphere that feels timeless — a characteristic that distinguishes Saint George from modern steel or fiberglass vessels offering a luxury wooden cruise Halkidiki.
Safety and professional operation
Despite its traditional construction, Saint George operates under full modern maritime safety standards. Every traditional wooden boat Halkidiki cruise aboard the vessel is professionally managed, ensuring passenger safety, stability and comfort throughout the journey.
The meaning behind the name “Saint George”
The vessel was named Saint George in honor of Saint George of the Orthodox faith, a symbol of courage, protection and strength.
At the same time, the name reflects the personal identity of Georgios Rodokalakis, who left his mark by constructing a vessel that carries both spiritual significance and personal meaning. Saint George celebrates on the same day as Georgios himself, making the vessel a living tribute that connects faith, tradition and individual legacy.
This dual symbolism reinforces the values upon which the fleet was built — respect, heritage and continuity.
Part of a family-built fleet
Saint George forms an essential link in the family fleet developed by Georgios Rodokalakis, alongside vessels such as Ioanna, Kapetan Fotis and Athos.
The vessel was constructed in 2014 at the Thessaloniki shipyards, under the direct supervision of Georgios Rodokalakis. From the earliest stages of construction, his involvement ensured that traditional wooden shipbuilding techniques were combined with modern safety standards and operational practicality.
Each vessel in the fleet reflects a different chapter of the family’s maritime journey. Saint George represents the point where craftsmanship, personal vision and accumulated experience came together, offering passengers an authentic wooden cruising experience shaped by hands-on involvement and long-term dedication to the sea.
Frequently Asked Questions – Saint George Wooden Cruise
What type of vessel is Saint George?
Saint George is a traditional wooden passenger vessel, offering an authentic cruising experience that focuses on craftsmanship, comfort and a relaxed pace at sea.
Is Saint George suitable for mass tourism?
Yes. Although it was originally designed for private charters, Saint George now operates in mass tourism while maintaining a refined atmosphere and a sense of elegance for all passengers.
How many passengers can Saint George accommodate?
The vessel has a total capacity of up to 160 passengers, allowing guests to move comfortably across its decks and enjoy open spaces without crowding.
Does the vessel offer indoor and outdoor seating?
Yes. Saint George features extensive open deck areas with table seating, as well as a small enclosed salon where passengers can observe the captain during navigation.
Is there a bar on board?
Yes. The vessel includes an organized mini bar offering drinks and refreshments throughout the cruise.
What makes Saint George different from modern cruise vessels?
Saint George stands out due to its wooden construction, traditional design and slower cruising pace, offering a more authentic and immersive maritime experience compared to modern steel or fiberglass vessels.
Is the cruise suitable for families?
Yes. Saint George is suitable for families and adult travelers who appreciate calm cruising, scenic views and a traditional onboard atmosphere.
Are there toilets on board?
Yes. The vessel is equipped with four onboard toilets, located on the main deck for passenger convenience.
Does Saint George follow safety regulations?
Absolutely. Despite its traditional design, Saint George operates under full modern maritime safety standards and is professionally crewed at all times.
Where does Saint George usually operate?
Saint George operates on selected routes in Halkidiki, offering coastal sightseeing and relaxed cruising experiences depending on the itinerary and weather conditions.
From where does Saint George usually depart?
Saint George mainly departs from the port of Ormos Panagias in Sithonia, a strategic location that allows easy access to Blue Lagoon routes and nearby destinations.
What destinations are included in the Blue Lagoon cruise?
The Blue Lagoon cruise typically includes a stop at Ammouliani village, a visit to an organized beach for swimming and dining, and extended swimming stops in the turquoise waters of Lagonisi bay, where passengers can dive directly from the vessel.
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