Best Things to Know Before Booking a Mediterranean Cruise, Travel Tips

best cruise lines to mediterranean

The three newest ships in the Silversea Cruises fleet — Silver Moon, Silver Dawn and 2023's first-in-class Silver Nova — all feature the cruise line's immersive culinary program known as S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste). When Silversea's next ship, the 728-passenger Silver Ray, debuts in 2024, it will also take its guests on culinary-focused journeys — among them an 11-day Rome to Venice itinerary in June 2024. From a balcony stateroom, marvel at breathtaking shorelines passing by before enjoying international cuisine in one of our many eateries during your Mediterranean cruise. Best for unexplored ports of callWindstar steers clear of large ports in favour of tiny harbours and hidden coves that bigger ships can’t reach. The line’s 312-passenger Star Pride can sail up the Guadalquivir, the only major navigable river in Spain, to reach Seville while other vessels have to moor a 90-minute drive away in Cadiz. Pristine turquoise waters and white pebble beaches welcome you to this small picturesque country.

Marella Cruises

These Are the Best Cruise Lines for Adults in 2024 Condé Nast Traveler - Condé Nast Traveler

These Are the Best Cruise Lines for Adults in 2024 Condé Nast Traveler.

Posted: Wed, 28 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

With its diverse itineraries, exceptional onboard amenities, family-friendly features, and attentive service, XYZ Cruise Line delivers a truly remarkable journey through the Mediterranean. For families, XYZ Cruise Line provides a range of activities and facilities designed to keep children entertained. From dedicated kids’ clubs and water parks to family-friendly shore excursions, there’s no shortage of fun for the whole family.

Best Mediterranean Cruise For Couples: Viking, Viking Saturn

Take the seven-night journey on Cunard’s Western Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona to Mallorca, Corsica, Rome, and Naples. Visit the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, shop and eat your way through Rome, walk in the footsteps of Napoleon Bonaparte in Corsica, and so much more. Stroll along the famous Croisette and shop designer boutiques for a truly luxurious experience. Visit the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès to witness stunning views of Cannes from above or take a dip at La Plage de la Croisette. Additionally, booking in advance can help secure better deals and ensure availability for your preferred itinerary. However, if you prefer milder temperatures and a more relaxed atmosphere, the shoulder season of autumn or spring may be more suitable.

Summer in the Mediterranean (June to August)

Learn from experts — like our staff or perhaps other guests nearby — and put your skills to the test. More casual players can pull up a seat at the slot machines for the same adrenaline at their own speed. For an afternoon full of games, join fellow travelers for Bingo, or compete in scheduled group tournaments. Our European cruises were crafted with every guest in mind — even the younger ones.

best cruise lines to mediterranean

Eating in Italy Local Food Traveling

It’s close enough to the UK to avoid long-haul travel, yet it covers a decidedly different array of cultures and experiences, from sun-kissed coastlines to cities steeped in history. The region is often divided in two, with western cruises visiting the likes of Gibraltar, Spain, France, Italy and Morocco, while eastern Mediterranean itineraries encompass the Greek islands, Turkey and Cyprus. With more ships sailing than ever before, the choice of vessels ranges from sleek superyachts to fun-filled megaships for all the family. In addition to the onboard amenities, DEF Cruise Line also offers a variety of exciting shore excursions that allow passengers to explore the vibrant Mediterranean destinations.

Night Mediterranean CruiseDetails

When it comes to exploring the Mediterranean, JKL Cruise Line offers diverse itineraries that encompass popular ports of call and hidden gems. From iconic cities like Barcelona and Venice to lesser-known islands and coastal towns, passengers have the opportunity to discover the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of the region. JKL Cruise Line also offers a range of onboard activities and entertainment for all ages. Enjoy live performances, music shows, and themed parties, or relax by the pool with a refreshing drink in hand. The cruise line also provides engaging enrichment programs, including guest lectures, cooking classes, and language lessons, allowing passengers to immerse themselves in the culture and history of the Mediterranean destinations. When it comes to pricing, ABC Cruise Line offers a range of options to suit different budgets.

Split is the second-largest city in Croatia and is known for its beautiful Roman architecture, including Emperor Diocletian’s Palace. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and take in some of Split’s best sights, such as the Port of Split and Marjan Hill. Take a romantic gondola ride through the Grand Canal, explore St. Mark’s Square, or take in some of Venice’s impressive art galleries and churches.

Night Italian SojournDetails

Uncover divine legends at the Acropolis, admire religious relics at Dubrovnik’s Cathedral or climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa and soak up sweeping views of the emerald landscapes. Best for familiesFrom Ajaccio in Corsica to Zadar in Croatia, this line’s encyclopaedic list of ports of call reads like an A to Z. MSC covers the whole of the Med on its big, blingy ships that are family-friendly and come with a staggering choice of embarkation ports. MSC Virtuosa had a starring role in the Channel 5 drama series Good Ship Murder, which was filmed on board the ship that sails from Southampton for the Mediterranean. Best for the Greek islandsThis line comes to the fore for an authentic taste of the Greek islands. The fleet of small Greek-owned ships carry 34 to 72 guests and visit the smaller, untouched islands that only local fishing boats usually reach.

best cruise lines to mediterranean

Peak-season cruises tend to be more expensive, so if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, consider traveling during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn). The tours are usually led by locals, which means the guides can also give you some good recommendations if you have time before you need to return to the ship. If you're looking for a unique excursion that still gives you the highlights of a European city, I recommend booking a food tour. I've done tours in places like Amsterdam, Budapest, and Paris, and I've never been disappointed.

Royal Caribbean is the line to choose for those traveling in groups with varied interests and age levels. Think, the kids who want to play all day, the adults who want to lounge by the pool, the friend who wants to explore a city’s history through tours, or the friend who wants to stay up all night enjoying the onboard entertainment. And, best of all, it’s one of the few in the Med to offer options for those who are short on time or want to tack on a quick sailing to a longer trip.

It’s also crucial to consider the cruise line’s reputation for service, reliability, and overall customer satisfaction. Norwegian Cruise Line offers  Mediterranean itineraries that range from 3 to 14 days. Enjoy onboard amenities like poolside movies, gaming tournaments, and interactive theatre performances while taking in the stunning sights of the Mediterranean. Royal Caribbean International offers a wide range of Mediterranean itineraries with luxurious amenities and entertainment options.

The city features a centuries-old town center with narrow cobblestone streets that are lined with quaint shops and cafes. Livorno also has incredible natural beauty with its beaches, rolling hillsides, and breathtaking views of the sea. It’s important to know that not every cruise line offers year-round itineraries in the Mediterranean. If you have a favorite line, you’ll need to plan your trip around their schedule. Research the specific destinations and ports of call you’d like to visit during your cruise. If so, check out Viking's 15-night Italy, the Adriatic and Greece itinerary, which sails from Athens to Rome and visits six Italian ports — Venice/Chioggia, Bari, Crotone, Messina, Naples and Rome — with three days spent in Venice.

What you pack for the Western Mediterranean will be highly dependent on the time of year of your cruise, but comfortable walking shoes are always a must. Light layers are a good idea year-round and some warmer options are a good idea during the colder months. We also recommend bringing a reusable water bottle if you're visiting in the summer; crowded Mediterranean streets can become unbearably hot and dehydration can become an issue. Here are some of the best Mediterranean cruises departing in 2024 and 2025 to whet your appetite for a European adventure by sea. Lowest pricing is based on our 3rd party pricing supplier and valid as of April 23rd, 2024. The cruise line’s all-new Sea And Land Taste (S.A.L.T.) culinary program was created to enable guests to travel deeper and learn about destinations’ culinary heritage.

Are you looking for a relaxed and indulgent journey, or are you more interested in an active and adventurous vacation? Additionally, consider the destinations you wish to visit and the duration of your cruise. Check the visa requirements for the countries you’ll be visiting during your cruise. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date and that you have any necessary visas or travel documentation well in advance.

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