Small Ship Line #: American Cruise Lines
American Cruise Lines has the unique distinction of operating not only old-school paddlewheelers in the United States, but also contemporary river ships. And they dont just sail on the Mississippiyou can also explore the Columbia and Snake Rivers in the Pacific Northwest, too. Beyond that, the 13-strong fleet also has oceangoing vessels that explore the coasts surrounding the entire country, from New England to Alaska to the Gulf of Mexico.
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Best Time To Cruise The Mediterranean
It may be surprising, especially if youre still new to cruising, but the best time to take a cruise is often different from the high season. This is certainly true of the Mediterranean. While the high season for the Med is in summer, usually from late June through August, the best time to visit is actually in the spring or fall. Here are some of our top recommendations for when to go for different experiences:
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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Mega Ship Line #: Royal Caribbean International
If you truly want to feel like youre living in a floating city, Royal Caribbean is the cruise line for you, given that it has the four largest cruise ships in the world. Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, and Oasis of the Seas top the lists in terms of passenger count , length , and gross tonnage . Given their size, these ships provide every amenity you can think ofand plenty you cant even imaginefrom waterparks to world-class musical productions to autonomous bars staffed by robots to double-decker suites with slides for the kids. Youll find these behemoths sailing the Caribbean and Mediterranean throughout the year, but with so many activities on board, you might not even want to leave the ship.
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Medium Ship Line #: Msc Cruises
Showing up for the third time on our list, MSC Cruises is clearly beloved by many! The Swiss cruise line has just four medium-size shipsthe Lirica classwhich accommodate between 2,000 and 2,600 passengers. Theyre also the oldest ships in the fleet, though they each underwent refurbishment as part of MSCs Renaissance program to modernize interiors and expand their size. The line is known for its Mediterranean inspirationthough its fleet sails far beyond the region, calling at ports all over the worldso youll find delicious Italian food on board no matter where your ship is taking you. MSC sailings are quite lively, especially at night, with many guests partying at nightclubs into the late hours.
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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.
Best For Culture Vultures
Cunards Queen Victoria sails from Southampton to the walled city of Kotor, in Montenegro, for its 19-night cruise in September. Backed by mountains and approached by a long bay resembling a fjord, Kotor is one of the most beautiful destinations in the Adriatic. Croatias Dubrovnik and Split come next, and while Croatias town walls and marble streets are famous, Splits third-century Palace of Diocletian is still an unknown treasure, which is full of temples, statues and sphinxes. But its Venice that is the main highlight, lined with Renaissance and Gothic palaces, alleys and piazzas. The ship then calls at the French island of Corsica before heading home via Portugals capital, Lisbon.
*The Venice and the Adriatic cruise on Queen Victoria departs 20 September, with prices from £3,549pp, based on two people sharing .
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Is It Worth Paying For A Balcony On A Cruise
On shorter sailings, where the amount of overall time you have on the cruise limited, you may find a balcony unnecessary since there is not much to enjoy it. However, if your cruise is 7-nights or longer, that provides significantly more time to relax and enjoy the private balcony area, especially on sea days.
Princess In The Mediterranean
Sky Princess
Rich and special dining optionsA lot of choices at a buffet restaurantGreat entertainment showsWatching a hit film on a big screen at an open deck Well organised and coordinated to make a formal night very special
ConsCrowed and ques at a diningLong ques for embarkation and disembarkationKids and adult passengers are not separatedAdditional costs for excursion, drink and internet
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Best Tall Ship Cruise: Windstar Cruises
Courtesy of Windstar Cruises
- Ship Name: Wind Surf
- Itinerary: Opatija, Croatia Zadar, Croatia Split, Croatia Dubrovnik, Croatia Kotor, Montenegro Piran, Slovenia Venice, Italy
Feel the power of the wind on a voyage through the Adriatic Sea with Windstar Cruises, a luxury tall-sailing ship cruise line. On the Quintessential Croatia cruise, travelers will explore parts of the Eastern Mediterranean region including sleepy seaside resort towns like Opatija as well as bustling cities like Split, home to Diocletians Palace a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As a partner to the James Beard Foundation, passengers experience exceptional cuisine onboard from award-winning chefs, plus themed voyages include live cooking demos, market tours and beverage pairings. The recently-renovated, 310-passenger ship also has an open-bridge policy, a water sports platform and several elegant viewing lounges.
Best Historical Cruise: Voyages To Antiquity
Courtesy of Voyages to Antiquity
- Ship Name: Aegean Odyssey
- Itinerary: Piraeus, Delos, Mykonos, Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, Karpathos, Nisyros, Rhodes, Santorini, Athens
History buffs who want to learn more about ancient cultures of the Mediterranean ports should consider a cruise with Voyages to Antiquity. The company operates a single ship, the Aegean Odyssey, on longer voyages throughout the Mediterranean region, including the Classical Greece voyage that explores the Greek Islands and comes with a two-night hotel stay in Athens before the cruise. The journey features educational excursions such as the UNESCO World Heritage site of Epidaurus, the deserted isle of Delos, the religious center of the Cyclades and the villages of Karpathos all bundled in the fare. Additionally, the 378-passenger ship has two dining venues, a small spa, library and several lounges.
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Best Overall: P& O Cruise
Courtesy of P& O Cruise
- Ship Name: Aurora
- Itinerary: Andalsnes, Norway Romsdalsfjord, Norway Tromso, Norway Alta, Norway Stavanger, Norway Southampton, UK
After undergoing a refurbishment in early 2019, the 1,874-passenger Aurora is now one of three adults-only vessels that sail under P& O cruises . Aurora is ideal for cruisers who enjoy ocean cruising on a mid-sized ship, with an array of dining options and several cabin choices ranging from interior to spacious suites. Dance classes, a full-service spa, a theater, movie cinema, casino, and a number of bars and lounges including the bustling, four-story central atrium are all available onboard the vessel. For a chance to see the northern lights, Aurora sails round-trip on a breathtaking voyage through Norwegian fjords and dramatic scenery.
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.
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What Is The Best Cruise Line For Mediterranean
4.9/5Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean
- #1. Seabourn CruiseLine. #1 in BestCruiseLines in the Mediterranean.
- #2. Crystal Cruises. #2 in BestCruiseLines in the Mediterranean.
- #3. Viking Ocean Cruises.
- #7. Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
- #8. Royal Caribbean International.
Regarding this, what are the best months to cruise the Mediterranean?
The best time to take a Mediterranean cruise, however, is in the spring or fall . Temperatures are comfortably warm, the sun is bright, and the crowds are far, far fewer than in July and August.
Similarly, what is the best cruise line? Best Cruise Lines for the Money
- #1. Royal Caribbean International. #1 in Best Cruise Lines for the Money.
- #2. Celebrity Cruises. #2 in Best Cruise Lines for the Money.
- #3. Norwegian Cruise Line. #3 in Best Cruise Lines for the Money.
- #4. Princess Cruises.
Besides, what is the average cost of a Mediterranean cruise?
Cheap Mediterranean Cruises
Which cruise line is the best for European cruises?
- #1. Seven Seas Explorer. Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
- #2. Viking Sun. Viking Ocean Cruises.
- #2. Seabourn Odyssey. Seabourn Cruise Line.
- #4. Celebrity Reflection. Celebrity Cruises.
- #4. Silver Spirit. Silversea Cruises.
- #4. Viking Sea. Viking Ocean Cruises.
- #4. Viking Star. Viking Ocean Cruises.
- #4. Viking Sky. Viking Ocean Cruises.
The Many Sides Of The Mediterranean
The Mediterranean Sea is so large965,300 square milesthat it can be broken down into regions, each with its own personality, cuisine, and scenery. The Eastern Mediterranean covers the Holy Land, the Greek Islands, and the countries of the Adriatic Sea. The Western Mediterranean is generally comprised of Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and Monaco. You can experience it all by booking back-to-back cruises in both regions.
Western Mediterranean
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What Is The Dirtiest Cruise Ship
Top 6 Dirtiest Cruise Ships-CDC Publishes Its List Oceania Insignia. Oceania Cruises Insignia is one of the ships that received a failing score, 80 out of 100, due to issues with maintaining proper pH and halogen levels in its drinking water. Silver Wind. Silver Spirit. Safari Endeavor. Norwegian Breakaway. Le Boreal.
Can You Sleep On The Balcony Of A Cruise Ship
Can You Sleep on a Cruise Ship Balcony? There are no rules that say that passengers on cruise ships cant sleep on their balconies. That said, cruise lines do generally advise against it. Despite this many people enjoy sleeping on their balconies and you wont have any problem doing so if you want to.
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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
Looking Back From Where You Came
Increasingly, ships are being squared off in the stern to create rear-facing balcony cabins.
The plus: Rear-facing staterooms are popular because they provide panoramic vistas and a nostalgic view of where youve beenwith the ships wake marking the path. On some of Royal Caribbeans big ships, a cabin near the stern can also give you a balcony view of the aqua shows.
The minus: Know where the engines are. Although propulsion systems tend now to be relatively quiet electric pods with small propeller blades rather than a big whirring drive shaft, there can be more vibration at the stern of the ship.
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What Are Popular Activities In The Mediterranean
With such a diverse lineup of countries on its itineraries, the Mediterranean offers everything from beaches and mountains to museums and shopping, but history and culture tend to be major draws. Visitors are likely to get the most out of a trip to the Med by sightseeing and taking in the regions many historic buildings and iconic points of interest before sampling local cuisine.
For example, a call on Civitavecchia is conducive to a trip to Rome for a tour of the Coliseum or Vatican City, followed by some gelato. During a port stop in Barcelona, you might enjoy exploring Gaudis iconic Sagrada Familia or browsing the Mercado de La Boqueria for some homemade meats and cheeses or churros and chocolate.
If a beach day is what you crave, choose an itinerary that includes calls on Greece particularly the port of Mykonos. Beachfront dining is ample in places like Santorini or Turkeys Kusadasi, just a stones throw from the ancient town of Ephesus, which is still an active archeological dig site.
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.
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Are Mediterranean Cruises Rough
Rough Waters: Cruise travelers might experience rough seas in several places in Europe. The biggest offender is the Mediterranean, which tends to be roughest in the fall and winter, due to winds and storms. However, avid cruisers have experienced rough seas in the spring and summer, so be prepared for anything.
Cruise Lines For Mediterranean Cruise
If you are planning to sail in the Mediterranean, deciding the right cruise lines is very important. How can you find the best cruise lines in the Mediterranean ?
One of the key decision you make for a fulfilling cruise vacation is finding the cruise line that truly meets your needs and expectations.
If you plan to sail with your loved one and expect an intimate and romantic time, you will be disappointed to sail with a family-oriented large ship.
On the other hand, if you sail with your family members or kids, it will be a mistake to pick up a fleet with fewer entertainment facilities and dining options.
In this article, you will find how different cruise lines offer their unique service and entertainment options. You can decide the best cruise lines for your Mediterranean cruises. Find the best-fit cruise lines for your needs.
Find the best cruise lines in the Mediterranean and make your cruise vacation absolutely special!
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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