Souda Bay: The Basics

Souda Bay, Greece, situated on the northwest coast of Crete, is a favored stop for many MSC mariners. Crete boasts natural beauty with clear blue waters, mild climate and snow-capped mountains. MSC ships, including T-AKEs, T-AOs, T-AOEs, ESBs, and EPFs, routinely visit this Mediterranean port. The NATO pier at Souda Bay is equipped for cargo operations and stands out for its efficient fueling capabilities when compared to the rest of the region. While MSC ships dock at the NATO pier, Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, positioned about 25 minutes away on a Greek Air Force Base, provides additional operational support. Once off the clock, the town of Chania (pronounced Han Ya) offers a range of shops, restaurants, and bars to explore, adding a touch of local charm to break up your day-to-day routine. During the summer months, Chania turns into a popular tourist destination for Europeans visitors. Continue reading to learn how you can get the most out of your Souda Bay port visit!

It’s all Greek to me! Some locals will speak accented English, but it is about 50/50. The closer to town you are, the more people will speak English.

Greece uses Euros. Conversion to US Dollars will vary. 

The climate is seasonal, and the temperature will vary from the low 40s to the low 90s depending on the season The summers are hot, and the winters can get cold. Overall, the climate is a bit milder than the United States East Coast. From June to September, Crete is a beach vacation destination. If you are going to Greece in the winter, you will need a jacket.

Overall, Crete is safe for Americans like a typical European city. General situational awareness and safety precautions are advised and always read the most up to date NCIS port brief. When in Chania, beggars are common. Many of the people asking for money are children. They are typically not aggressive, and you can walk by them, but some will be more persistent than others. Discretion is advised.