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Although I enjoy traveling in more style nowadays, those “wow” moments never fail to dazzle me every time I visit Italy, Croatia, Greece, or Spain. A better option is to plan to get to your port city at least a couple of days in advance so your body can catch up. Beyond the sleep benefits, the embarkation ports are fascinating places you don't want to miss.
Mediterranean Cruises
You’ll be rewarded with fewer crowds, lower prices, more temperate weather and an overall more enjoyable experience. First, because summer is the high season in Europe, you’ll often face premium cruise pricing due to the laws of supply and demand. What follows are my favorite cruises, based on my personal experience and expertise as a travel writer who has been on 18 cruises (and counting), as well as on user reviews and ratings. Families can enjoy the Colosseum in Rome, gondola rides in Venice, the old walls of Dubrovnik, and cable cars for stunning city views or off-road buggy experiences.
Best Mediterranean cruises in 2024 and 2025
Get a deep dive into the history of the region with Viking’s educational onboard lectures and discussions. Seabourn extends its emphasis on wellness to port via “Mindful Living” excursions. Expect all of the Disney Cruise Line signatures—Broadway-style shows, first-run Disney film screenings, lively deck parties, Disney character meet-and-greets, and top-notch kids clubs (plus, some dedicated adults-only spaces, too).
Carnival’s Europe from Civitavecchia (Rome) cruise
Virgin Voyages cruise destination guide: The line's 5 best itineraries - The Points Guy
Virgin Voyages cruise destination guide: The line's 5 best itineraries.
Posted: Wed, 08 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
But really, on my favorite visits to La Serenissima, I love to simply wander, losing myself in the narrow alleys and waterways, where cats doze on flower-filled windowsills and the dark, garlic-scented interiors of tiny trattorias beckon at lunchtime. For visitors, a voyage around the Mediterranean and beyond, all the way to the Black Sea, is a feast for every sense. Stepping into St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and feeling a rush of emotion at its sheer enormity. Clambering up to the ruined ramparts of tiny Monemvasia in the Peloponnese, insects humming and the scent of wild herbs in the air. Gliding along the canals of Venice in a gondola, gazing up at the crumbling ochre of a palazzo, the aroma of sizzling garlic wafting out of a restaurant window.
BEST Royal Caribbean Cruises to the Western Mediterranean (with Prices) 2024 & 2025 on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
BEST Royal Caribbean Cruises to the Western Mediterranean (with Prices) 2024 & 2025 on Cruise Critic.
Posted: Sun, 21 Apr 2024 04:30:16 GMT [source]
What Are The Best Mediterranean Cruise Itineraries?
For those looking to combine a visit to Istanbul with a trip to Constanta or Sevastopol, the Istanbul to Constanta and Istanbul to Sevastopol itineraries are perfect. Constanta is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Romania and offers a mix of ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, and a lively atmosphere. Sevastopol is known for its rich history and beautiful coastline, making it a fascinating destination to explore. Optional shore excursions include visits to archaeological sites, interactive farm-to-table cooking experiences, wine tastings and breakfast with locals. A highlight in Kusadasi, Turkey, is touring the ancient city of Ephesus (one of the best preserved in the world) and visiting the House of the Virgin Mary.
Curated excursions highlight the history of these ports of call, yet show them in a different light. For example, cruisers can opt to take a tuk-tuk ride through the historic city of Zadar on the Dalmatian Coast, go hiking in Ston, built in 1335 and considered one of Europe’s best-planned cities, or stroll through the medieval walls of Old Town Dubrovnik. In Italy, guests can travel to the ancient seaside resort town of Herculaneum to witness its archeological excavations and recovered ruins, wander the Renaissance city of Lucca, or watch an Italian opera at the Goldoni Theatre, which opened in 1847. Back onboard, cultural evenings featuring performances by locals will immerse you even further into each destination. The Mediterranean, with its beautiful beaches and welcoming breezes, is just what the doctor ordered for some rest and renewal. The holistic approach and teachings stem from Dr. Weil, known as the father of integrative medicine.
best Mediterranean cruises for a great seagoing getaway
An early booking is ideal if you're planning on using miles to book your flights or points for a pre-cruise hotel. The following cruise ports are generally standouts, no matter your travel style. A beach day is possible in the Greek Islands or along the French Riviera, and many ports will have sightseeing cruises. Because of the long flight, I always like to have at least two weeks when I travel to Europe, but you'll have to decide what your schedule and budget allow.
Night Med, Israel & Egypt CruiseDetails
Then head to Marseille, a bustling city with a rich maritime history and charming old port area. Finally, visit Genoa, the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, and explore its narrow streets and historic landmarks. Finally, some Eastern Mediterranean Holy Land cruises spend time in Israel, Egypt and Cyprus. Plus, you may have a tough time getting into restaurants or major attractions if you didn’t book ahead. Spend seven nights visiting popular ports in Spain, France, and Italy, or longer voyages that include Greece and Turkey.
Best Mediterranean cruise ports
Regent Seven Seas offers itineraries with stops in Albania, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Israel, Monaco, Montenegro, Turkey and Spain. This luxury line sails small, elegant ships with capacities ranging from 500 to 750 guests, and the cruise fare includes most everything you need and want on a cruise, such as cocktails, dining in specialty restaurants, laundry service and excursions. Some optional upgrades on excursions and onboard programs are an additional charge. Best for adult-onlyThis adult-only line runs Mediterranean cruises that last from a week up to month or more, with a wide choice of departure points.
The ancient tangle of streets of Cádiz, meanwhile, pre-dates all of these, to the times of the Phoenicians in 1100 B.C. The Moors from North Africa were an influential presence on the Iberian Peninsula for some 800 years, finally departing in 1492. To this day, their influence is everywhere, from place names to food and architecture, and their legacy forms a backdrop to any itinerary here. You’ll see the mesmerising, dusky pink-hued Alhambra outside Granada; the intricate Alcázar Palace and Giralda Tower in Seville; and the elaborate Almudaina Royal Palace in Palma de Mallorca. Repeat visitors might consider a voyage that visits Monemvasia, a perfectly preserved fortress town clinging to the side of a towering rocky peninsula.
Check the weather before your sail date and pack for the predicted temperatures — with layers, in case the forecasters are wrong and it's unseasonably hot or cold. Travelers looking to stretch their legs might want to sign up for cycling tours in city and country settings, hike around a volcano on Santorini or Sicily, or even take a kayak for a spin in Croatia or Greece. Several repositioning cruises also link the Mediterranean to the Caribbean and Asia. Any voyage around the Iberian Peninsula is shaped by the dazzling legacy left by 800 years of Moorish rule, with Granada’s Alhambra and the Giralda Tower in Seville just two unforgettable highlights.
You can also experience Pompeii, the cave houses of Matera, and for soccer fans, Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona. Here, you’ll find some of the most beautiful stretches of sand in the world, wild dunes, craggy cliffs, rocky coves, and aquamarine shallows on others. The best time to cruise the Mediterranean will vary depending on your particular interests and schedule. The main Mediterranean cruise season runs from April through November each year, with June to September the peak months. 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.
Oceania Cruises has several itinerary options, offering stops in Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Albania, Croatia, Egypt, Israel, Morocco, Turkey and others. The ships are smaller with an emphasis on guest service, and dining in the specialty restaurants — not just the buffet and main dining hall — is included in the cruise fare, one of the perks of sailing with Oceania. Packing for your Mediterranean cruise may be different based on the ports in your cruise itinerary and shore excursions, but here are some guidelines on what to pack. Best for styleThis all-inclusive small-ship cruise line, with its Italian heritage, is the top choice for those who want to sail in style. The Grand Mediterranean itinerary from Lisbon to Athens on Silver Spirit ticks off 34 destinations and 13 countries in 43 days. You’ll wander along the gondola-filled canals of Venice, cruise through the striking Bay of Kotor and drop anchor in Malta with a full day ashore where you’ll hear the boom of the noon gun.
Choose from itineraries that range from five to 11 nights, all of which sail aboard the Disney Dream. Just like other Disney Cruise Line sailings around the world, its Mediterranean cruises feature spacious cabins with split bathrooms; kids clubs for ages three to 17; all meals, including snacks and room service; Broadway-quality shows; and more. Adults can find plenty of alone time on a Mediterranean Disney Cruise, too, with adult-exclusive dining, an adults-only pool and hot tub, a fitness center and a spa for ultimate relaxation. Shore excursions on the 9-night Mediterranean with Greek Isles Cruise include 4x4 adventures, sailing, fiestas, tasting tours, archeological expeditions and more.
Made popular as the backdrop of Game of Thrones, Croatia is not a country to miss when traveling the Mediterranean. From the walled city of Dubrovnik to the palace of Split to the ancient Roman ruins of Istria, there is so much history to discover here. Visit Krka to see cascading waterfalls, or travel to the Plitvice Lakes National Park to see towering mountains. Island-hop the Dalmatian Coast, making stops at the small, quaint villages and stunning beaches along the way. Start your journey in Istanbul and explore its iconic landmarks, such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Then head to Odessa, a charming city on the Black Sea known for its beautiful architecture and vibrant cultural scene.
