About the family
Crafted by tradition. Shared with heart.
The story of Princess Sailing Cruises — Long before Princess Sailing Cruises was created, the sea was already at the heart of the Makarounas family.
The founder
Built in Greece. Run by a family.
Every family has a story.
Ours has always been written by the sea.
Long before Princess Sailing Cruises was created, the sea was already at the heart of the Makarounas family.
Vasilis Makarounas was born and raised in Rhodes. His father came from the island of Kalymnos, famous for its generations of sponge divers, while his mother was born in Empona, a traditional mountain village surrounded by vineyards and rich local traditions. Growing up between these two worlds gave him a deep appreciation for both the sea and the values of family, honesty, and hard work.
From an early age, boats were simply part of everyday life. While other children played on the shore, Vasilis was learning how to read the wind, respect the sea, and understand that every journey begins with patience. Those early years shaped a lifelong connection with the water—one built on experience rather than expectation.
As time passed, he began building his own future, one boat at a time.
His first traditional wooden boat was followed by another, which still welcomes visitors outside the Medieval City of Rhodes. Filled with natural sea sponges and seashells, it has become a familiar sight for thousands of travellers looking for something authentic—a small reminder of the island's maritime heritage that continues to live on today.
His love for the sea naturally evolved into Makarounas Fishing Trip, where guests could experience Rhodes through the eyes of someone who had spent his entire life on its waters. Over the years, people from every corner of the world stepped aboard, leaving with unforgettable memories and hundreds of five-star reviews that reflected not only the beauty of the experience but also the warmth with which they were welcomed.
Those same values inspired the creation of Princess Sailing Cruises.
Built by hand in 2025, our traditional wooden boat reflects everything we believe in: craftsmanship, authenticity, safety, and genuine hospitality. While preserving its timeless character, it is powered by modern engines, allowing guests to enjoy Rhodes in complete comfort while staying true to the spirit of traditional Greek boating.
Today, we sail to some of the island's most spectacular locations, including Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Springs. Crystal-clear waters, freshly prepared food, unlimited drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere are all part of the journey—but what matters most to us is how our guests feel when they leave.
We don't measure success by the number of cruises we complete.
We measure it by the smiles on board, the friendships created during the day, and the moments that stay with our guests long after they return home.
For us, every departure from Mandraki Harbour carries something more than passengers.
It carries a family tradition that continues with every voyage.
We look forward to welcoming you aboard and sharing a small piece of our story with you.
Princess Sailing Cruises
Crafted by tradition. Shared with heart. ⚓💙
“The sea does not reward people who are in a hurry. It rewards the ones who slow down enough to notice.”
— Vasilis
The boat
Built by hand. Maintained by hand.
Our boat is a traditional wooden vessel — varnished mahogany, brass fittings, white sails. She was built by craftsmen who still work the way their fathers did, and she is maintained the same way.
She holds up to fifty guests, but on most days carries far fewer.
The table
Cooked the way our grandmothers taught us.
The food on board is family food — fish caught nearby, vegetables from the garden, bread, olives, white wine the families have always made. There is enough of everything, and almost nothing on the menu changes from one season to the next.
Sister brand
Makarounas Fishing Trip.
When Vasilis is not sailing the Princess, he is running half-day fishing trips on a smaller boat — the same hospitality, on a quieter scale.
Visit Makarounas Fishing Trip →
