A guide to cruising the Mediterranean

Quick insights

• Mediterranean cruises stop in cities like Barcelona, Naples, Athens and Istanbul.
• Cruising the Mediterranean allows you stop at historic sites the Parthenon, Hagia Sophia and Vatican City among other historic sites while cruising the Mediterranean.
• The Mediterranean cruising season lasts from April through November with a limited number of cruise lines operating during the winter offseason.

Spain, France, Italy and Greece—these countries are on many travelers’ bucket lists. Planning a trip with stops in these countries can take research and coordination, but what if you didn’t have to navigate logistics like traveling between cities or booking multiple hotels?

A Mediterranean cruise can help you tour Southern Europe without some of the hassles of travel coordination. On a cruise through this region, you can explore ancient ruins in between enjoying fresh seafood and views of stunning coastlines from the comfort of your ship.

Here’s our guide to cruising the Mediterranean.

Where you can go on a Mediterranean cruise

“The Mediterranean” refers to the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea.

You may find cruises—often those with longer itineraries—that travel widely throughout this region, but many cruise itineraries stick to one or two of these areas:

• Western Mediterranean: Cruises to the Western Mediterranean typically sail between Barcelona and Rome, allowing you to explore Spain, Italy, France and Monaco.  
• Turkey and Greece: Most cruises in this area sail out of Istanbul or Athens with stops in several historic locales in both Turkey and Greece. Your itinerary may also take you to the Greek Isles of Mykonos and Santorini.
• Adriatic Sea: Some Mediterranean cruises may spend several days in the Adriatic Sea, making stops in Croatia, Greece, Montenegro and Albania.

Regardless of where your cruise goes, you can visit a mix of historic sites, museums, restaurants, local markets and more.

Historic sites and attractions

For the Romans, Greeks and other ancient cultures, the Mediterranean Sea was important for trade, travel and cultural exchange. Cruises that traverse this body of water can put you close to several historic sites of classical antiquity.

Here are just a few popular historic sites and other attractions you could visit on a Mediterranean cruise:

• Sagrada Familia (designed by Antoni Gaudi) and Gothic Quarter in Barcelona, Spain
• The Colosseum and Vatican City in Rome, Italy
• The Acropolis (including the Parthenon) in Athens, Greece
• Oia Village in Santorini, Greece
• Old Town and City Walls in Dubrovnik, Croatia
• Hagia Sophia and Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey
• Promenade des Anglais (Nice) and Monte Carlo district (Monaco) in the French Riviera

Sightseeing can be fun, but experiencing the local way of life—from dining to shopping to hanging out—also has its appeal. 

While Mediterranean countries each have a distinct cuisine, you’ll likely find olive oil, pasta, bread and wine featured on many menus throughout this region. There’s also an emphasis on fresh, local seafood, especially along the coast.

Visitors can experience a leisurely café culture, bustling local markets and vibrant public squares in many Mediterranean countries.

The best itinerary for a Mediterranean cruise

The best cruise itinerary is the one that aligns with your preferences. Here are some considerations travelers may make when finding the right itinerary for them:

• Cruise port stops
• Cruise travel dates
• Mix of sea and port days
• Season/weather
• Personal schedule
• Budget

Most major cruise lines have at least one ship operating in the Mediterranean each year, potentially giving you many options to choose from.

For a traveler who wants to visit the Western Mediterranean and Greece, the following itinerary could be a good option:

• Day 1: Barcelona, Spain
• Days 2-3: Southern France
• Days 4-5: Italy
• Day 6: At sea
• Day 7: Greek Isles
• Days 8-9: Athens, Greece
• Day 10: Return to Barcelona

Timing a Mediterranean cruise

The time you book your Mediterranean cruise could impact everything from how packed the historic sites are to the weather to cabin availability. Most Mediterranean cruises last between 7 and 14 days. We’ve gathered some things to know that may help you better time your cruise.

Cruising season

You’ll find cruise lines operating in the Mediterranean nearly all year long, but most cruises set sail during the months of April through November.

The season reaches its peak from June to September. During these months, ship cabins are often fully booked, and many European cities are packed with tourists. Prices may be at their highest during this time.

The shoulder season takes place during the months of April, May, October and November. This can be an ideal time to cruise for some travelers. You might find lower prices, smaller crowds and milder temperatures during these months.

A limited number of ships operate during the cold winter months of the offseason.

When to book

Booking a Mediterranean cruise 9 to 12 months in advance could potentially allow you to book your preferred cabin or suite and access better pricing. Some cruise lines offer promotions at the end of the season or in January and February.

Tips for cruises to Europe

Your European cruise may go more smoothly with some preparation. Here are a few tips that could help streamline your cruise experience:

• Arrive a day or two early: When planning a cruise, travelers are typically given the advice to arrive a day in advance before their cruise’s departure date. Due to the unforeseen delays and jet lag that can occur, those who are traveling internationally may prefer to arrive two days in advance for a European cruise.
• Bring a passport: A European cruise can take you to several countries, so you will need to bring a passport. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. You’ll need to show the passport when traveling internationally to the departure port for your cruise, and you may need to show it at ports of call. Sometimes cruise ships can manage passengers’ passports to help facilitate a smooth entry process at every port. Depending on your situation, you may need additional travel documentation.
• Check how far inland destinations are: Cruise lines sometimes advertise that they travel to a certain location, but a closer look at the details may reveal that you need to travel inland. For example, cruise lines often list “Rome (Civitavecchia)” on their itineraries. That means the cruise stops at the Civitavecchia cruise port where travelers can travel by bus or train to Rome—usually a 45-minute trip at least. Some cruise lines provide a shuttle service (for a fee) that guarantees the ship will wait if the shuttle is delayed.
• Know what to pack: Packing for a cruise can be a challenge. Checking the forecast a day before travel may help you decide what to pack. If the temperature varies, you may be more comfortable dressing in layers. Good quality walking shoes can come in handy when you’re walking long distances or on medieval streets. If you think you’ll visit any religious sites, researching the customs or requirements for clothing before you pack can help you dress appropriately.
• Note that cruise employees usually speak English: English is often the main language used on many European cruises. Daily announcements are typically given in English, and most ship personnel speak English. Guest services may provide information in other languages if needed.

In summary

A Mediterranean cruise can be a convenient way to travel throughout Southern Europe. You can retreat to a comfortable cabin at the end of the day and leave much of the travel logistics up to the cruise line. Port stops often put you close to medieval cathedrals, historic sites of classical antiquity and other notable European architecture, and the ship may provide a good vantage point for seeing the picturesque coastlines of the Mediterranean.

The Mediterranean cruise season lasts from April through November, and it may be a good idea to book at least nine months in advance. You’ll need a passport to go on a European cruise. Keep in mind that announcements on the ship are usually in English.