Best Cruise For Beaches
Combine Spanish style with French sophistication and you have a cruise that defines cosmopolitan chic. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises nine-day voyage on luxurious small ship MS Europa 2 leaves Mallorca for a day in Barcelona, then returns to the Balearic Islands calling at Formentera during the day and arriving on Ibiza at 10pm in time to party. Theres also a day in Menorcas capital, Mahon. This is a particularly good cruise for golfers, with access to PGA-standard greens on the French island of Corsica, plus Marseille and Antibes, where you can spend the day before sailing round the corner for an overnight stay at the millionaires playground of Cannes.
*The Mallorca to Cannes cruise on MS Europa 2 departs 22 July, with prices from £5,100pp, based on two people sharing, on an all-inclusive cruise-only basis .
Choosing Your Mediterranean Small Ship
Choosing a small ship in the Mediterranean means experiencing this popular region in a small, like-minded group, with active options such as fishing and swimming along the way.
So, what are the best small cruise ships in the Mediterranean? Your best cruise ship for Mediterranean cruises depends on the type of ship you want.
AdventureSmiths Mediterranean ships are all small enough to slip into secluded bays and most offer swimming right from the boat. Elegant interiors are complemented by teak sundecks with panoramic views, inviting chaise loungers and common spaces optimized for indoor/outdoor living.
The best small cruise ships in the Mediterranean range from historic tall ships to sleek modern yachts. Here we detail the options for your best cruise ship for Mediterranean cruises:
When To Cruise The Mediterranean
A common question we answer is When is the best time to visit the Mediterranean? Spring and fall are both the best time for a Mediterranean cruise.
Most small ship Mediterranean cruises operate spring through fall, with departures as early as March and as late as November. The prime summer months are very hot and busy with travelers, especially August when many Europeans are on vacation.
The best way to see the Mediterranean is therefore during early- and late-season. At these times, departures often have more space and are less popular for family travel popular ports are also less busy.
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Best Mediterranean Cruise For Architecture
Emerald Waterways is building its own ocean cruise yacht for 2021, but meanwhile its coastal voyages along the Dalmatian coast offer the chance to explore Croatias gorgeous islands on a boutique-style yacht. The itinerary weaves a path from Split to Dubrovnik calling at UNESCO-listed Trogir with Romanesque churches and Renaissance buildings, as well as Sibenik with its UNESCO-listed St James Cathedral. You can swim under the waterfalls of Krka National Park and walk through vineyards and lavender fields near Hvar. The island of Korcula has sandy beaches and medieval architecture, while Slano and Ston on the Adriatic coast are known for their wine. The cruise, which includes breakfast and lunch but only two dinners so passengers can go local, finishes with an overnight stay in Dubrovnik.
*The Islands of Dalmatia cruise departs regularly, from 23 April, with prices from £1,745pp, based on two people sharing, including flights and transfers, excursions, tipping and gratuities
Greece & Turkey Cruises
Many cultural cruises in the Mediterranean focus on Greece, operating round-trip from Athens. Sailing the Greek isles in the Aegean Sea offers hidden coves with crystal blue waters, ancient history and rich cultures.
With over 200 islands, where are the best places to visit on a Mediterranean cruise in Greece? We recommend the Cyclades and the Peloponnese Peninsula.
The southeastern Cyclades islands feature iconic Greece with colorful fishing boats, azure waters and whitewashed villages cascading down scrabbled slopes. This classic region of Greece is definitely one of the best places to visit in the Mediterranean.
The Peloponnese Peninsula reveals gods, warriors, underground waterways, magnificent temples and impressive caves. Visit classic islands like Delos, Mykonos and Santorini while adding unique stops such as mystical Patmos and Turkeys Bodrum with its Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
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This Major Cruise Line Is Now Sailing In The Mediterranean With Guests
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At a time when the world seems more locked down than ever, many people had no idea that a major cruise ship line had already resumed service. For the second time since the start of the pandemic, MSC has taken the lead for the return of cruising, blazing the trail for other ships to follow.
In fact, the MSC Grandiosa has already been sailing through the Mediterranean for the past 6 days, full of happy guests on board.
The ship returns to its port in Genoa, Italy tomorrow where it will disembark passengers, undergo a deep cleaning process, and then head back out for another week-long sailing later that afternoon.
The Grandiosas next itinerary starting on February 1st, will include domestic stops in Rome, Naples, Palermo and even on to neighboring Malta, before returning again to Genoa port.
At each port stop, guests can still leave the ship and go on excursions, albeit in a different manner than normal. The MSC website states:
MSC Cruises rigorous health and safety protocol makes these voyages one of the safest holiday options thanks to the creation of a safe bubble within which guests and crew can spend their time.
Covid Testing Part of MSCs Success
A press release for the Grandiosas return outlines that:
More Cruises To Come
Watch: Fire Breaks Out On Cruise Ship With 288 Onboard
A fire broke out an Italian-flagged cruise ship sailing through the Mediterraneans Ionian Sea on Friday. As per Greek port police, the ship is carrying 237 passengers and 51 crew.
Secretary of State for the Merchant Navy, Kostas Katsafados, told Greek radio station Skai all passengers from the Euroferry Olympia are safe and on rescue boats.
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Dalmatian Coast Cruises: Croatia Albania Montenegro & Greece
The southernmost shoreline of Croatia, running from the island of Rab south to the Bay of Kotor, is a popular stretch of coastline. Almost all Croatia cruises visit this region, solidifying it as one of the best places to visit in the Mediterranean.
Historic hillside towns made of brick and terracotta drop down to the sea in dramatic fashion, with fortified castles standing guard at the waters edge This trendy region offers ancient Roman marble palaces, quiet beaches on small off-shore islands, cultural dances by engaging locals, world-renowned wine tasting and delectable dishes.
Featured Mediterranean Land Programs
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Sacred Treasures of Greece
From the ancient ruins of Delphi and the Acropolis to the magnificent Meteora Monasteries, you will experience some of Greeceâs most sacred treasures during this extensive 4-day program, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Nestled in the towering rocks of Mt. Parnassus, Delphi transports you to the 6th century BC, while 14th-century monasteries constructed on seemingly inaccessible clifftops have you climbing toward the heavens. Youâll also explore the Acropolis in Athens, arguably the greatest architectural contribution of ancient Greece. In between your tours of these top Greek attractions and monasteries, youâll have time to enjoy the colorful old quarter of Athens, savor delicious Greek cuisine and discover the traditional town of Kalambaka.
Program includes:
- Transfer from the airport to the hotel in Athens
- Deluxe coach for touring
- Accommodation in Athens at the Divani Caravel Hotel or similar
- Accommodation in Kalambaka at the Divani Meteora Hotel or similar
- 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners
- Entrance fees to all sites visited
- Applicable taxes
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No Casualties Passengers Evacuated
The passengers of the Euroferry Olympia were headed to Brindisi, Italy from the Greek city of Igoumenitsa.
No casualties have been reported and police said three tug boats and three patrol boats were sent to help passengers.
Officials said the captain of the Euroferry Olympia asked the passengers to leave the boat.
They were being transported to the nearby Greek island of Corfu, said the Greek coastguard, which was leading the rescue operation.
Best Cruise In The Med For Island
If youre hankering after the Greek islands but need a no-fly cruise, Saga Cruises has just the thing: a 22-night return-trip from Southampton to Athens. This voyage will be only the fourth outing for Sagas new boutique ship, Spirit of Adventure, which launches in late August, and along the way it will call at ports where history was made. Theres Malaga, founded by Phoenicians, where you can see Roman ruins and The Alcazaba a Moorish fortress Valletta, Maltas capital, which was built by the Knights of St John and still has buildings from that period Heraklion in Crete has a Venetian fortress, and during an overnight stay in Piraeus there are Greek ruins galore in Athens. The cruise also includes a spot of Greek-island hopping, calling at unspoilt Karpathos, UNESCO-listed Patmos and lovely Lesbos.
*The Tales from the Ancient Mediterranean cruise on the Spirit of Adventure departs 10 October, with prices from £5,928pp, based on two people sharing, and is all-inclusive with no on-board gratuities .
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Dine Like A Local On A Mediterranean Cruise
Moussaka
A Greek dish made with layers of sliced eggplant and potatoes baked in a spiced ground beef sauce and topped with a lush layer of béchamel sauce.
Paella
For a true taste of seaside Spain, enjoy this authentic saffron rice dish studded with chicken, chorizo, clams, shrimp and lobster. Pair with Sangria.
Gelato
Gelato is a mixture of custard, cream, and milk, without eggs, and it has 4-9 percent fat as opposed to ice creams 14-25 percent. So, go ahead. Indulge!
Mediterranean Cruise Advice: How To Choose Your Cruise
The Mediterranean has long welcomed travelers, resulting in a never-ending list of options for Mediterranean vacations. With its turquoise waters, spectacular beaches and quaint seaside towns, AdventureSmith believes the best way to see the Mediterranean is by shipsmall ship.
How to choose your small ship for the best way to see the Mediterranean? Start by reading our Mediterranean cruise advice below, then contact one of our Adventure Specialists for further customized Mediterranean cruise information.
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Best Mediterranean Cruises For Art Lovers
Viking has three-night French Riviera post-cruise stays available for its eight-day itineraries on the Saone and Rhone rivers. Starting with three days in Lyon, Frances third largest city and the ultimate in food destinations, the cruise takes you to the wine regions of Burgundy and Beaujolais around the Roman town of Vienne. There are more vineyards around Tournon, but Avignon is an architectural revelation with its Gothic Papal residence, fortress, church and palace. The Roman city of Arles, an inspiration to countless artists, is also on the itinerary, but you can add on a three-night hotel break in Nice, on the Cote dAzur with tours of the Old Town, English and Russian quarters as well as walks along the beach.
*The Lyon & Provence river cruise, with regular departures between March and November, starts from £2,295pp, based on two people sharing, including return flights, excursions, drinks with meals, gratuities and wifi, plus £599pp, two sharing, for three-night extensions .
Mediterranean Cruise Travel Guides
Having a travel itinerary is important, but it doesnt mean you need to stick to the script. Use our Mediterranean cruise travel guides and suggested itineraries to get inspired, maximize your trip, prioritize attractions, explore charter options and help you plan your journey.
We are here to provide you with a seamless experience, and these travel guides written by our Adventure Specialists are a great place to start.
The best way to see the Mediterranean is by small ship, but the many options can be overwhelming. Use our Mediterranean cruise advice to help narrow your focus, with considerations including where to go, choosing your ship and travel tips.
Our experts call out 3 distinct Mediterranean itineraries, from the Adriatic Sea to the Aegean, that cover both the region’s hotspots and lesser-known gems.
Love is in the air as our experts highlight the hottest romantic small ship cruises. Whether you are looking for a honeymoon cruise, anniversary cruise or just a romantic getaway, lovers of all kinds will appreciate these small ships cruises worldwide.
Tips every savvy traveler should know when researching how to charter a yacht. This 7-step guide gives you insight from AdventureSmith’s many years of arranging charter cruises to exotic destinations worldwide.
Small ships position to take advantage of the best sailing seasons. Here’s a calendar look at what’s in season, where, for expedition cruising.
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Journey To One Of Our Favorite Places On Earth
We dont want it to seem like were cheating on all the other incredible destinations we sail to, but we really love sailing the Mediterranean. Its the dolce vita. Its the joie de vivre. No matter how you say it, its a region thats best experienced by sea.
Its easy to fall in love with the Mediterranean, and it starts from the ground up. Literally. Its in every detail of the cobblestone alleyways, elegant esplanades, cliff-side footpaths, waterfront promenades, and roads made of marble. Whether you walk, bike, or drive, youll find that rich history, welcoming locals, and delicious cuisine are only ever a stones throw away.
But beyond stone surfaces, theres so much more to the Medand our curated shore excursions reveal it all. Get a more intimate look at local life when you make a meal at a home in Mykonos, get more steps in as you uncover the secrets of Venice, and get more music with an evening orchestra performance in an ancient amphitheater.
Trust us on this: even if youve been before, youll find something new to love about the Mediterranean when you sail it with Azamara®.
Featured Mediterranean Voyages
Msc Cruises Offers 190 Destinations Across 21 Ships In The Winter Season
There will be 21 MSC Cruises ships sailing to more than 190 destinations across 85 countries during the 2022-23 Winter season.
MSC Cruises has released the details for its Winter 2022-2023 season, and safe to say, the company is undoubtedly offering an itinerary for everyone. The Switzerland-based family-owned cruise line plans to provide itineraries with a staggering 190 destinations in 85 different countries on board 21 ships.
Those 21 ships include two new cruise liners MSC will be launching this year. MSC World Europa will be sailing the Gulf region, and MSC Seascape will be cruising the Caribbean.
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Summer Cruises: Sail To Alaska Hawaii The Caribbean And More
It’s not too early to start planning your next summer vacation. Do you have a destination in mind yet? Why not consider a 2022 summer cruise vacation with Norwegian Cruise Line. You could walk on a glacier in Alaska, relax on Norwegian’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay, in the Bahamas, visit Roman ruins in Italy, go island hopping in Hawaii, and more. If you’re considering a summer vacation in 2022, now is the time to book.
Let us help you get your summer cruise vacation planning started. Here’s a look at some of the exciting destinations you can visit on a 2022 summer cruise with Norwegian.
Ready to start planning? Explore all 2022 summer cruises.
Iberian Peninsula Cruises: Spain & Portugal
Cruises along Spain and Portugals southern coasts reveal colorful seaside ports, cobblestone streets, Moorish castles, flavorful food and wine, and brilliant artwork. With its mix of art, food and history, the Iberian Peninsula is top pick for cultural cruises in the Mediterranean.
On the Glories of Spain & Portugal itinerary, take advantage of optional visits to historically rich sites like the Alhambra in Granada and the birthplace of bullfighting. A bonus is adding a UK stamp to your passport while passing through the tiny British territory of Gibraltar.
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The Uk And Northern Europe In 2022
The cruise line will have its entire fleet back sailing in summer 2022 as details have been released on more ships that will return to service in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and the UK. There will be 500 departures to choose from across the continent as MSC makes a comeback with all ships in service.
One of the biggest highlights for the summer season will be the new MSC Virtuousa, which was just recently christened at an event in Dubai, and no sailing a season in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
The Merviglia-Plus cruise ship will return to begin cruises from Southampton, UK, in summer 2022. MSC Virtuosa will sail 7- to 14-night itineraries to the Norwegian Fjords, St. Petersburg , via Sweden and Denmark. The ship will also offer longer cruises to the Canary Islands , the Mediterranean, and Norways North Cape, plus some 3-4 nights mini-cruises.
MSC Magnifica will spend the summer in Northern Europe and take on the cruises previously announced for MSC Orchestra, offering the exact same itineraries out of Hamburg with 10-,11- and 14-night cruises.
Wellness Discovery Tours By Aquamar
Mind, Body & Soul
Our exclusive collection of Wellness Discovery Tours by Aquamar invite you to nourish your mind, body and spirit in hand-picked locales across Europe, Asia, South America, Australia and beyond. Unique and innovative excursions unify culture, alluring destinations and healthy living into memorable and rejuvenating travel experiences. These immersive well-being explorations ashore bring you everything from tai chi in tranquil French gardens to an afternoon at a traditional Vietnamese tea-house.
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