What Are Popular Regions Of The Mediterranean
Europes Mediterranean region can be broken down into two sub-regions: Eastern Mediterranean and Western Mediterranean. The Western Med offers a well-rounded mix of culture, history, beaches and shopping, featuring popular ports in Italy, Spain and France.
The Eastern Med is known more for its beaches and ancient historical sites, offering calls on ports in Turkey and Greece, as well as occasional visits to Croatia, Montenegro, Israel and Russia.
Best Mediterranean Cruises For 2021
Keen to see a much as Europe as possible in one trip? Whether you are keen to see the Greek Islands, discover ancient ruins in Turkey, explore vibrant cities like Barcelona or just relax and unwind, booking a cruise can help you to see as many destinations as possible.
If the idea of exploring more of Europe appeals to you, you really should consider a cruise. Cruises have long been considered a luxury experience for travellers with big budgets, but now there are lots of options and itineraries which have made cruising the Med affordable.
Check out our guide to the most highly rated Mediterranean cruises with information, top tips and recommendations for the best companies and itineraries.
Disney Cruise Line Fleet In The Mediterranean
Free room service and unlimited soft drinksOriginal Broadway-quality entertainmentMS Disney Magic kids cruise programs at Disney MagicSpacious staterooms even in standardAt least one or two formal night on a 7 day cruise
ConsMicky and Minni everywhere aroundExpensive excursionOnly Disney Magic sailing in Mediterranean
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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.
Best Short Cruise: Celesytal Cruises
Courtesy of Celesytal Cruises
- Ship Name: Celestyal Olympia
- Itinerary: Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes, Santorini, Piraeus Greece Kusadisi, Turkey
If you dont have time for a longer voyage but want a little taste of Greece, consider Celestyal Cruises which packs a punch with six ports of call on a four-night cruise. The Greek-based cruise line operates the 1,664-passenger Celestyal Olympia, and is all about immersing passengers in Greek culture. Onboard, the entire ship is Greek-themed from décor and food to music. Activities include yoga, dance competitions, Greek language classes, cooking lessons and more but dont expect the over-the-top amenities found on mainstream ships.
Gratuities, unlimited drinks and two excursions are also included in the pricing. For this itinerary, its an acropolis tour of Lindos, the Citadel of the Knights and an ancient Ephesus bus tour.
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Best Cruise Lines In The Mediterranean
Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean among mainstream cruise lines are:
- Viking Ocean Cruises
- Disney Cruise Line
- Royal Caribbean Cruises.
Vikings service especially appeals to couples. Princess has a lot of cruise experiences in the Mediterranean. If you are cruising with the family members, Disney and Royal Carribean are the best in the Mediterranean. Disney and Royal Caribbean wont get kids bored, and all the different generations can enjoy together.
Best Rated Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean are:
- MSC Cruises
- Costa Cruises
MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises are known as Italian theme cruise lines. MSC and Costa are particularly popular among European family cruisers. Cruise rates tend to be lower than other mainstream cruise lines. During a schools offseason, the families from Europe, particularly Italian, dominate the ship. Italian families are especially lively and friendly. They love to talk..! In Baltic Cruises, you will find a lot of German cruisers.
MSC Cruises offers Kids Sail Free promotion for a limited period of time. Find out further details by visiting 5 Cruise Lines Where Kids Sail Free.
If running and screaming children would ruin your vacation, it is not recommended to sail during school-vacation periods. Or book a luxury ship.
Best luxury cruise lines in the Mediterranean are:
- Seabourn Cruise Line
- Cunard Line
- Azamara
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:
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Where To Visit In The Mediterranean & How Long
How long is a Mediterranean cruise? Most small ship cruises in the Mediterranean last for 8 days, with longer itineraries either traveling farther than most or making more stops.
Since most itineraries last 8 days, the first step when choosing a Mediterranean small ship cruise is deciding where to visit in the Mediterranean.
Following is an overview of travel regions, with regional notes on the best places to visit in the Mediterranean. The Mediterranean can be separated into four broad categories based on where trips operate.
Extra Luxury Cruise Lines
Most of the fellow cruisers for extra luxury cruises are well-experienced with numerous cruises. They are seeking a new discovery of the world and do not mind to pay extra for luxury. While the first time cruisers tend to follow the worlds famous destinations, these well-travelled cruisers seek new discoveries and adventures. So which cruise lines would fulfil such grand travellers desires and expectations? Lets find out!
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The Best Time To Cruise The Mediterranean For Fine Weather And Fewer Crowds
If you would like to have both hot and sunny weather and yet still fewer crowds at ports, is the best to cruise the Mediterranean.
In June, the schools are still not closed. Family cruisers have not started a summer vacation yet. Fewer people cruise at the exact periods of time. The ship is less packed and fewer travellers in town.
Best Budget: Msc Cruises
- Ship Name: MSC Bellissima
- Itinerary: Genoa, Italy Barcelona, Spain
MSC is a mainstream cruise line that specializes in affordable cruises in the Mediterranean region with more than 14 of its vessels cruising there thats nearly the entire fleet. Its newest ship, the MSC Bellissima, sails a series of round-trip cruises from Naples that visits four countries in seven days: Malta, Italy, Spain and France. The Bellissima is also fully-loaded with new innovations, like the worlds first robot cruise assistant, a massive LED dome on the central promenade and digital technology that allows guests to connect with each other onboard. Entertainment ranges from dazzling Cirque du Soleil shows to a desert-themed water park plus, theres 12 different dining options and 20 bars.
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Finest Cruise Traces For The Cash
The 2022 rankings for finest valued cruises are:
Right here, common every day charges accounted for 60% of scores, whereas professional, traveler and well being scores accounted for the opposite 40%. Cruise traces with common every day charges of $300 or extra didnt qualify for this class.
The Superstar Edge cruise ship, the primary revenue-earning cruise to depart from the U.S. after a pandemic-induced hiatus, docks throughout a cease in Costa Maya, Mexico on Tuesday, June 29, 2021.
Eva Marie Uzcategui | Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Pictures
Superstar Cruises was named the most effective cruise for the cash. It is a part of the Royal Caribbean Group, which additionally operates Royal Caribbean Worldwide, which took residence a Silver Award on this class.
Wi-Fi, ideas and drinks like cocktails, wine and specialty coffees are included in most Superstar cruise bookings, nonetheless the most cost effective charges could be bought with out them. Proper now, a four-day cruise from Miami to the Bahamas is round $440 per individual, together with taxes, for an inside state room.
Additionally on the checklist: Princess Cruises , Costa Cruises and MSC Cruises .
Mediterranean Cruises With Costa Cruises
Designed for people of all ages and tastes, Costa Cruises offer a wide range of cruises all-year round, which is suitable for avid travellers, partygoers and families.
Costa Cruises are great value and there are so many amazing itineraries to choose from which makes them our top rated company to travel with.
These are some of the most popular Mediterranean trips Costa Cruises are currently offering:
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Best Months To Cruise The Mediterranean
The Mediterranean is an appealing region of about 20 countries in Southern Europe and North Africa that border the Mediterranean Sea. Its mix of cultural and religious sites, big cities and quiet islands make it an ideal itinerary for a cruise.
The Med, as it’s known, is a year-round destination, with seasonal wine festivals and bustling holiday markets. What time of year you’re looking to sail depends on if you want to soak up the coastal sun or save a little money and avoid the crowds in the process.
The best month to cruise the Mediterranean depends on what you’re looking for in a vacation. We took a look at factors like weather and sea conditions, festivals and, of course, pricing, to determine which travel dates are right for you.
Second Guest Flies Free Offer
Pay airfare for one guest, and you’ll automatically lock-in roundtrip flights for two. Secure these savings online by choosing your nearest airport in step one of your cruise booking, and enjoy air-to-sea made easy. We’ll coordinate your roundtrip flights, and transportation between the airport and cruise port.
Find this offer on 4+ Day Cruises to this destination and beyond.
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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.
What Is Mediterranean Garden Style
Inspired by the coastal areas of Spain, Italy and France, this style of garden combines relaxed materials and plants with formal accents and designs. The plant palette of a Mediterranean landscape is made of plants that provide texture, color and structure think lavender, cypress trees and ornamental grasses.
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Best Educational: Princess Cruises
- Ship Name: Emerald Princess
- Itinerary: Ketchikan, Alaska Juneau, Alaska Skagway, Alaska Sitka, Alaska Hubbard Glacier, Alaska Seward, Alaska
The 3,080-passenger Emerald Princess doesnt have as many over-the top amenities as other vessels do, but it does have a solid program for teens. The teens club on Emerald Princess is called The Beach House and has a modern, chilled-out vibe. The club hosts movies, hip-hop classes, video game competitions, and sports contests. Plus, teens have a separate sun area and hot tub. Princess also hosts the Voice of the Ocean, modeled after the popular talent show. The cruise line also has a partnership with Discovery, so inquisitive young minds can go stargazing or learn about the destinations from educational speakers. Outdoors, theres a nine-hole miniature putting course, a sports court with basketball hoop, and movies under the stars out on the pool deck.
Discover Hidden Gems On Your Mediterranean Cruise
Whether it’s your first or fifth time in the Mediterranean, there is always something new and beautiful to discover in this stunning part of the world. In addition to more frequented ports, you will get to uncover gems like Split, Croatia. There, you can savour classic Dalmatian cuisine, known for its masterful use of seafood paired with aromatic herbs, olive oil and vegetables.
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Best Time For Beaches
It seems like the height of summer would be best for relaxing on one of the myriad beaches along the Mediterranean coast, and thats certainly true of many popular destinations. June and July are great times to soak up the sun on Croatias clear pebble beaches. Head for southern locales like Malta, Sardinia, and Corsica if you want to cruise in the spring.
Whens The Best Time Of Year To Visit The Mediterranean For Families With Kids
This region of Europe is one of the most fun places to go in the summer for families, and the best time of year to visit the Mediterranean is during the school summer break.
For most schools in the United States, summer break runs from the middle of June until the end of August or the beginning of September. Many families often prefer to travel to the Mediterranean in July or during the first half of August in order to enjoy a relaxing vacation while still leaving plenty of time to make it back home and buy school supplies for the new year.
However, if you want to take a family cruise to the Mediterranean while your kids are on summer break but want to avoid going during high season, try to travel during late June or right before the school year begins again in September.
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Italy Small Ship Cruises
Stretching along Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Greece and Italys west coast, the Adriatic Sea is host to most small ship cruises in the Mediterranean. A few Adriatic Sea itineraries include visits to Italy, with its own sites of antiquity, unspoiled clifftop towns, and infamous food and wine. Italy has long been one of the best places to visit in the Mediterranean, but the small ship experience provides unique insights and exclusive access to sites not often visited.
What Are The Best Months To Cruise The Mediterranean
The best time to take a Mediterranean cruise really depends on what type of experience you are looking for. June, July and August are the most popular months due to the warm weather, but this is also the most busy and expensive. Spring or autumn are still warm months with cheaper prices and fewer crowds.
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Whens The Best Time To Cruise To The Mediterranean
Rome can be crowded during the summer months. Photo by Shutterstock
Summer is a fantastic time to visit the Mediterranean because of the temperatures, but its also the most crowded. Many in-the-know cruisers prefer shoulder seasonApril/May and September/October, the time between high and low seasoninstead. If you do book a summertime cruise, note that much of Europe goes on vacation in August. That can mean certain tourist attractions, shops and restaurants will be closed during your visit. So, while August is a popular month to cruise the Med, it might not be the best option for you especially if youre a first-time visitor to these ports of call and you want to see and do it all. Also, if hot weather bothers you, consider a Mediterranean voyage during offseason from October through April. Dont be surprised if you see some rain in November and March.
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Crowne Plaza Hotel Quarto D’altino Italy
IMPORTANT NOTICE – The Crowne Plaza Hotel is located on the Italian mainland in the town of Quarto d’Altino – approximately 30 minutes by train from the island of Venice. The hotel is not located on the island of Venice. Train station is a one minute walk from hotel. The Crowne Plaza is an ideal hotel for the price conscious guest.
IMPORTANT NOTICE – The Crowne Plaza Hotel is located on the Italian mainland in the town of Quarto d’Altino – approximately 30 minutes by train from the island of Venice. The hotel is not located on the island of Venice. Train station is a one minute walk from hotel. The Crowne Plaza is an ideal hotel for the price conscious guest.
The Crowne Plaza Quarto d’Altino hotel, with its comfortable and fashionable rooms, is ideally located at just 30 minutes by train from the magic of Venice and provides easy access to Venice Marco Polo airport. All rooms offer high speed internet access and interactive TVs. For those leisure moments, clients can unwind in the Minigym & Sauna and enjoy the “Il Campiello” restaurant and bar where authentic cuisine blends perfectly with innovative and creative dishes.
The hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to the airport. You’re also walking distance to the rail station, where it’s only 20 minutes to Venice by train.
Distance/ Airport: 7 minutes
Transfers between Airport and Hotel Transfers between Hotel and Pier
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Europe’s Leading Cruise Line 13 Years In A Row
There is no better way to experience the warm and vibrant Mediterranean than on a Norwegian cruise. Explore the sights, sounds and flavours of different cultures – all on your own terms. Visit a wide variety of ports from glorious Rome, to glamorous Cannes, all while enjoying the freedom and flexibility Norwegian offers. Travel through the coast of Italy while indulging in traditional flavours and admiring iconic landmarks. Discover Barcelona’s unique Catalan identity while taking in its stunning architecture and delectable dining. Do all of this and more while enjoying spectacular onboard entertainment, luxurious spa services, and no set dining times.