The Ultimate Guide to Mediterranean Cruising

Map of Mediterranean Sea. Image: Google Maps

A Mediterranean cruise offers the perfect mix of stunning coastlines, rich history, delicious cuisine, and cultural experiences. From the sun-soaked Greek Isles to the architectural wonders of Spain and Italy, the Mediterranean is a bucket-list destination for travelers. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your Mediterranean adventure.

Why Choose To Cruise the Mediterranean?

A Mediterranean cruise offers an unparalleled mix of history, culture, and scenic beauty. Whether you’re sipping wine in Tuscany, swimming in the Aegean, or wandering ancient ruins, this region delivers unforgettable memories. With so many itineraries and experiences to choose from, the Mediterranean is a destination that has something for everyone.

Top Mediterranean Cruise Destinations

Gaudi’s Park Güell, Barcelona, Spain. Photo: Photo by D Jonez on Unsplash

1. Western Mediterranean Highlights

Barcelona, Spain: Stroll along Las Ramblas, admire Gaudí’s masterpieces, and savour authentic tapas.
Rome, Italy: Visit the Colosseum, Vatican City, and the Sistine Chapel.
Monaco: Experience the glamour of Monte Carlo and its famous casino.
Marseille, France: Explore the Old Port, charming markets, and nearby Provence.

2. Eastern Mediterranean Gems

Windmill in Mykonos, Greece. Photo: Kathy Taylor, Cruise Lowdown

Santorini, Greece: Famous for whitewashed buildings, stunning sunsets, and volcanic beaches.
Mykonos, Greece: Famous for sophisticated retail therapy and windmills.
Dubrovnik, Croatia: Walk the ancient city walls and explore its Game of Thrones filming locations.
Athens, Greece: Discover the Acropolis, Parthenon, and rich Greek heritage.
Istanbul, Turkey: A unique blend of East and West, with iconic sites like the Hagia Sophia and Grand Bazaar.

3. Southern Mediterranean & Islands

Positano, Italy. Photo: Kathy Taylor, Cruise Lowdown

Valletta, Malta: A UNESCO World Heritage City with stunning baroque architecture.
The Amalfi Coast, Italy: iconic driving and picturesque villages tumbling towards the sea.
Palermo, Sicily: Famous for its vibrant markets, cathedrals, and rich culinary traditions.
Cyprus: Known for its archaeological sites and sunny beaches.

When to Cruise the Mediterranean

Best Time: April to October, with warm weather and calm seas.
Peak Season: June to August, offering lively port cities but higher prices and crowds.
Shoulder Season: May and September to October, ideal for pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and better deals.
Winter Season: Some cruise lines, such as Windstar, offer winter cruises to the Mediterranean. If you are lucky you may see some winter sun, but the main attraction is the lack of crowds.

Choosing Your Cruise

Santorini, Cyclades Islands, Greece. Photo: Photo by Heidi Kaden on Unsplash

Cruise Length

Short cruises (5–7 days) focus on specific regions, such as the Greek Isles or Western Med.
Longer itineraries (10–14+ days) combine multiple regions or include unique destinations like the Canary Islands.

Cruise Lines

Luxury: Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, or Seabourn offer intimate ships and all-inclusive perks.
Premium Cruise Lines: Saga Cruises, Azamara, Princess Cruises, Windstar and Celebrity all visit the Mediterranean.
British favourites: Cruise-only and fly-cruises are offered by P&O Cruises, Fred. Olsen Cruise Line and Ambassador Cruise Line. For an all-inclusive option, Marella Cruises offer several Mediterranean itineraries.
Family-Friendly: Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean are great for travellers with kids.
Budget-Friendly: MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises provide affordable yet memorable experiences.

Cost of a Mediterranean Cruise

The cost of a cruise to the Mediterranean, of course depends on many things such as your starting point, whether you require flights, time of year etc. From the UK you can expect to pay from around £1000 for a 14 night Western Mediterranean cruise-only voyage, or £1400 for a fly-cruise with a standard cruis3 line such as P&O Cruises or Royal Caribbean. If you need to add flights from across the pond, this will be considerably more.

Departure Ports

Civitavecchia is the Port closest to Rome. Photo: Port of Civitavecchia

Popular departure ports include Barcelona, Venice, Athens (Piraeus), and Rome (Civitavecchia), making it easy to extend your trip pre- or post-cruise.

Must-Do Experiences

Cultural Excursions

Visit iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, the Acropolis, or Pompeii, or enjoy guided tours through historic city center’s.

Cuisine and Wine Tasting

Savour authentic Mediterranean flavours with fresh seafood, pasta, tapas, and local wines in every port.

Outdoor Adventures

Kayaking around Dubrovnik’s city walls.
Hiking Santorini’s caldera trail from Fira to Oia.
Exploring Amalfi Coast cliffs via Vespa.

Tips for First-Time Mediterranean Cruisers

Pack for Variety: Include comfortable walking shoes for exploring historic sites and chic outfits for shipboard evenings.
Book Excursions Early: Iconic sites like the Vatican and Alhambra often sell out quickly.
Embrace the Culture: Learn a few phrases in local languages and try regional dishes in each port.
Plan for Port-Intensive Itineraries: Mediterranean cruises often involve multiple stops, so be prepared for active days.

Set sail for the Mediterranean, and let the journey of a lifetime begin!