Mediterranean Cruises

Hop aboard a Mediterranean cruise today!

Mediterranean cruises provide the quintessential experience with calls on major metropolitan cities and important historical sites as well as tiny villages and beach hideaways. It is ideal for first-time cruisers, and you will also meet travellers who have fallen in love with the region and return year after year. You will find works by Baroque and Renaissance masters, churches and mosques that have stood the test of time, local markets selling regional arts and crafts and beaches with clear water. With so much to see and do, Mediterranean cruises are a great choice for those looking for an easy way to holiday. The Mediterranean spans many countries and several waterways, so read on to learn about your options for cruises in Europe.
Read on for practical information to help plan your Mediterranean cruise. When you are ready to compare embarkation options, start with our port guides and live availability pages to see current sailings and inclusions.

When to cruise the Mediterranean

People flock to the Med each summer for sunshine, fresh cuisine and a cultural escape. Any time of year can work, although some seasons suit certain travellers more. June to August is the busiest period and temperatures can be very hot in the Eastern Mediterranean. Many locals take annual leave in August, so a few restaurants and shops may close in both major cities and small towns. Spring and autumn bring cooler weather, lighter crowds and a wide choice of itineraries. No matter when you go, there will be a host of Mediterranean cruises to pick from.
If the idea of summer heat does not appeal, there are still plenty of options. Several lines run extended seasons or year-round programs in parts of the region. Always check your chosen itinerary for the latest schedule before you book.

Who sails the Mediterranean?

A simpler question is, “Who does not?” Nearly every major cruise line, plus smaller yacht companies and expedition vessels, offers Mediterranean cruises.

Cruise lines that sail the Mediterranean include:

• Carnival Cruises

• Costa Cruises

• MSC Cruises

• Norwegian Cruise Line

• Royal Caribbean

• Celebrity Cruises

• Cunard

• Holland America

• P&O Cruises UK

• Princess Cruises

Looking for something luxurious? Consider:

• Azamara

• Oceania Cruises

• Regent Seven Seas

• Seabourn

• Silversea

You can choose everything from budget-friendly ships to all-inclusive luxury, and from intimate yachts to megaships sailing the Med.

Cruise Guru tip

If you love Italian gelato, try Grom while you are in Venice. Travellers call it a highlight between museum visits and canal strolls.

Eastern Mediterranean cruises

Eastern Mediterranean cruises often include the Greek Islands, Istanbul and Kusadasi in Turkey, the Adriatic coasts of Italy and Croatia, and sometimes ports in Israel and Cyprus. A few itineraries add Egypt when conditions allow. The two main gateways are Piraeus for Athens and Venice. You will find one-week and longer voyages from early spring through late autumn, and some winter schedules run with lighter crowds.

The Greek Islands

Ferry hopping can be time-consuming, which is why many travellers choose a cruise that handles the logistics. Typical calls include Mykonos, Santorini and Corfu in Greece, and Kusadasi for Ephesus in Turkey. Longer voyages may add Naxos, Patmos and Rhodes. If you prefer to start in Greece, compare cruises from Athens.

The Dalmatian Coast and Adriatic Sea

A classic route traces Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, calling at Dubrovnik and Hvar, then crosses to Italy for Bari or Ravenna. Some itineraries also visit Montenegro and Bosnia. Many departures use Venice as a base, and you can explore cruises from Venice to see round trips and one-way sailings that connect other ports.

The Black Sea

If you have already seen Western Europe’s big hitters, consider a Black Sea voyage. Sailings may begin or end in Athens and include ports such as Sochi in Russia, plus calls in Bulgaria and Romania. Check individual itineraries for current operating plans before you commit.

Eastern Mediterranean port highlights

Piraeus for Athens, Greece: Most ships do not overnight, so consider staying before or after your cruise to see the Acropolis, Parthenon, Theatre of Dionysus and the Acropolis Museum. Explore neighbourhoods and the Central Market, then join your ship refreshed and ready.
Dubrovnik, Croatia: Known as the Pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik rewards walkers with medieval walls, monasteries and Baroque art at the Rector’s Palace. Banje or Lapad are good options if you want a beach day.
Istanbul, Turkey: Straddling Europe and Asia, Istanbul offers the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar. The sail away through the Bosporus is one of the great views in cruising.
Venice, Italy: With canals and palazzi at every turn, Venice remains a beloved embarkation point. Piazza San Marco, Basilica di San Marco and the Torre dell’Orologio draw queues, so plan for wait times or pre-book tickets. Look for Venetian glass and leather goods before you board.

Western Mediterranean cruises

When many people say they are going to the Med, they often mean the western side. Sailings typically link Spain, Italy and France, with occasional calls in Morocco, Gibraltar, Tunis and the Canary Islands. You can choose quick getaways under seven nights, classic one-week loops or longer journeys of 10 to 18 nights and beyond.
Barcelona and Rome are the most popular embarkation cities for Australian travellers. Compare cruises from Barcelona and cruises from Rome that depart from Civitavecchia. Ports of call include Toulon, St Tropez and Nice in France, Monaco and Monte Carlo, and Italian favourites such as Portofino, Livorno for Florence, Elba and Portoferraio. Corsica and Sardinia also appear on many Western Mediterranean cruises.

Western Mediterranean port highlights

Barcelona, Spain: Architecture lovers and food fans feel at home quickly. Many cruises start or end here, with Las Ramblas opposite the terminals. The Basilica de la Sagrada Família has been under construction since the 19th century, and the Gothic Quarter rewards aimless wandering.
Florence, Italy: Ships use Livorno, about two hours by bus or car. In Florence, see the Accademia and Uffizi, Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral and the Ponte Vecchio. If you are deciding how to divide time across Italy, explore our overview of Italy cruises.
Rome, Italy: The port is an hour away in Civitavecchia, so plan a long day in port. St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums are must for first-timers, as are the Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps.

Popular itinerary styles and trip length

Short breaks of three to five nights often focus on a single country or a pair of close ports. These are useful if you want a taste of ship life before committing to a longer voyage. Classic seven-night loops fit neatly into most holiday calendars and usually combine three or four ports with relaxing sea days. Ten to fourteen nights allow deeper exploration and fewer flights, which is helpful when you want to see both coasts of Italy or split time between Spain and the Greek Islands.
Port-intensive itineraries suit travellers who like early starts and full days ashore. If you prefer slower mornings and sunset sailaways, choose routes with an extra sea day. Families often like Western Mediterranean cruises that include Barcelona and Rome, since there are theme-rich shore tours and simple self-guided options. If your heart is set on the islands, review our overview of Greece cruises to see different island group combinations.

Cabins, dining and inclusions

Inside, oceanview, balcony and suite options are available on most ships across Europe. Balconies are popular in the Mediterranean because coastal sailing is scenic and evening temperatures are pleasant. Suite guests often receive priority embarkation, more dining choice and extra inclusions.
Look closely at what is included in your fare. Many lines now offer bundled packages that combine a beverage option, Wi-Fi and onboard credit into a clean headline price. If you prefer to manage costs over time, our Cruise Payment Plan explains scheduled instalments for eligible bookings.

For sale periods and limited-time offers, check our cruise deals before you lock in your date.

Getting around and planning days ashore

Decide early whether you want ship-run excursions or independent exploring. Ship tours are convenient and meet you at the pier, which is useful in ports with long transfer times such as Livorno for Florence. Independent travellers can use local trains and taxis, then rejoin the ship before all-aboard time. Keep identification, a credit card and a small day bag with water and a hat. Many ports use cobblestones, so rolling suitcases are impractical on walking tours. For extra peace of mind, review cruise insurance options before you travel.

How to pick the right Mediterranean cruise

Start with your must-see list, then choose a region that aligns. If Greek Islands, Ephesus and Adriatic walled towns appeal, the Eastern Mediterranean is a fit. If Gaudí, the Côte d’Azur and Italian Renaissance art are high on the list, consider the Western Mediterranean. For quieter ports and something different, look at Black Sea itineraries.
Next, choose the right ship style. If you want a familiar experience with strong dining and entertainment, explore Princess Cruises across Europe. Travellers who prioritise smaller ships and destination focus can compare Azamara and Oceania Cruises. Those who love all-ages entertainment might prefer a resort-style ship with waterslides and activity hubs.
Finally, compare dates, length and price in one view using the filters on each results page. If you are travelling with extended family or friends, our group bookings specialists can coordinate cabins and dining times.

Mediterranean cruise tips

• Mid-summer in Greece and parts of Turkey can be extremely hot. Pack a brimmed hat, sunscreen and a reusable water bottle for shore days.
  • These itineraries are rich with ports. Pick a few must-see highlights and plan downtime to avoid fatigue. A quiet hour on deck or a beach swim can reset the day.
  • City days involve walking. Comfortable shoes are essential. Save the fashion for dinner.
  • Popular museums in Barcelona and Rome are busy all year. Pre-book timed tickets if you plan to explore independently.
  • Livorno for Florence is a two-hour drive, and Civitavecchia for Rome is about one hour. Pace yourself, rest in the evening and enjoy a gelato to keep energy up.

Ready to plan your Mediterranean cruise?

Compare sailings and secure a fare with our Price Guarantee. When you are ready, start your search on this page and our team will help you set sail with everything organised. If you prefer to talk, call us on 13 13 03 or reach out via our Contact us page or request a call back. To hear about last-minute releases and limited offers, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X for the latest cruise deals.