Mediterranean Cruises

Mediterranean cruises

Mediterranean cruises offer visitors ancient cultural sights, iconic architectural masterpieces, stunning beaches and an assortment of delicious dishes at every corner. Browse our selection of cruises from Southampton for both 2023 and 2024 and start your cruise adventure today! 

History & culture

Mediterranean cruises are the best option for travellers who seek history and culture during their holidays. Offering iconic European landmarks and cultural monuments, such as the ancient historical site of Acropolis and the famous Sistine Chapel of Rome, a Mediterranean cruise will amaze and delight history aficionados. Be amazed by Gaudi’s architecture in Barcelona, marvel at classical Botticelli paintings in Florence or wander the romantic and beautiful streets of Seville – the choice is up to you. A cruise to the Mediterranean is truly a one-of-a-kind opportunity to see some of the most intriguing sights of the world. 

Food & drink

If food, fine cuisine, fantastic flavours and fresh ingredients are what you expect from your holiday, then look no further than a Mediterranean cruise. Amidst the bustling city streets, sample a steaming pan of Spanish Paella, rustic French Bouillabaisse, or a refreshing Panna Cotta gelato. Between delicious al fresco meals, make sure to stop and enjoy a freshly brewed espresso in one of the many charming cafés hidden below canopies of grape leaves. Whether you crave something savory or sweet, you’ll find authentic Mediterranean options around every corner that will satisfy any food lover.

Rome

Known as the Eternal City, Rome offers breathtaking historical sightseeing and an assortment of must-see places to visit for any tourist. With a seemingly endless list of options for visitors, cruise to Rome offers a unique itinerary that makes every visit to the city a new experience. For first-time visitors of the historic city, we recommend choosing from one of the many Roman districts and exploring the area for the entire day. See the iconic Vatican, explore the Sistine Chapel or visit the ancient ruins of the Colosseum – the choice is up to you! Whatever the choice, be sure to enjoy a lovely meal at one of the charming Roman trattorias found in along the captivating city streets.

Barcelona

Vibrant, authentic, energetic and unique - Barcelona is a one-of-a-kind Mediterranean destination, especially popular among cruise lovers. A city that needs little to no introduction, thanks to the stunning architecture of Antonio Gaudi, Barcelona is considered one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe. Famous not only for the architecture, the city offers incredible food, gorgeous beaches and lively nightlife. Whether you wish for a family-friendly holiday, a romantic getaway or a transformative solo experience, Barcelona has something amazing to offer you, day or night. 

If we’ve piqued your interest, don’t miss out on our selection of cruises to Barcelona. 

Santorini

Considered one of the most romantic destinations for a Mediterranean cruise, Santorini Island offers cruisers the best of the Greek Islands – perfect for rekindling the flame of love. Sophisticated and elegant, Santorini adds luxury and extravagance to the typical cruise holiday, while retaining the quiet charm of the Greek island. According to Greek myth, Santorini was once part of the mythical city of Atlántida. While the validity of the historical rumor is still in question, we can certainly say Santorini’s beauty mirrors that of the legendary city. Be sure to snap some photos in the heavenly white cave-like hotels that overlook the mesmerising Mediterranean Sea for a unique sunset unlike any other.  

Explore our dedicated Santorini cruises page to find out our latest deals for this destination.

Lisbon

The most western capital of Europe - Lisbon offers visitors delightful pastel-coloured buildings throughout enchanting streets decorated with a smattering of “azulejos” - a thin-glazed ceramic tile you’ll notice on every surface of the city. With cobbled alleys, ancient trams and funiculars along with modern art and vibrant nightlife, Lisbon is a perfect combination of historical charm and modern appeal. For visitors looking for a more historical experience, we recommend you consider a trip to Sintra, a charming Portuguese city not far from Lisbon, that has a World Heritage Site status by UNESCO.

• Barcelona
• Malta
• Rome
• Santorini
• Venice

The Acropolis & Parthenon in Athens

You can never say you’ve been to Athens if you haven’t seen the iconic Acropolis. A world-famous symbol of Greece, its rich history and mythology a definite must-see for anyone cruising the Mediterranean. A few pieces of advice for visiting: summer weather can often bring with it rising temperatures, so try and visit the Acropolis as early in the year as possible to avoid the heat and crowd. In addition, purchase online tickets in advance in order to avoid long queues for the ticket booth. Lastly, wear comfortable shoes and make sure to bring enough water as you’ll need to trek uphill to view the historical site. 

The Old City Walls Dubrovnik – Dubrovnik

Featured in HBO’s Game of Thrones series, the Old City Walls of Dubrovnik has certainly risen in popularity over recent years among tourists. To view the iconic walls, a complete walk around the walls will take 1 to 2 hours, depending on speed and pace. For a holistic experience, we recommend allotting the full 2 hours in order to admire the beautiful terracotta rooftops of the city and the pristine blue waters of Dubrovnik Marina. An essential destination for eastern Mediterranean cruises, Dubrovnik is definitely worth a trip!  

The Amalfi Coast – Naples

Most known for the hypnotic beauty of the plunging coastline, Italy’s Amalfi Coast offers visitors unbelievable views of cobalt blue sea, picturesque charming villages situated on high cliffs and idyllic terraces adorned with flourishing lemon trees. Without doubt, the Amalfi Coast is one of the most highly rated Italian destinations among cruisers, with many ships docking at Naples. After disembarking at Naples, make sure to grab a ferry boat to enjoy the beautiful nearby towns of Capri, Sorrento and Positano for other unique Italian views.

Currency considerations

Most Mediterranean cruises in route to countries such as Italy, Spain and France are in the Eurozone accepting only Euros. However, some Mediterranean countries, such as Croatia have their own currency - Croatian Kuna. After January 2023, all Mediterranean countries of Europe plan to accept the Euro along with their own currency. 

Customs & traditions 

The Mediterranean region consist of many countries with different customs and cultural traditions. Though these cultures and traditions vary between each country, it is important to dress appropriately when visiting churches, mosques or other places of worship. It is also crucial to consider opening and closing hours of restaurants, specifically in southern countries like Spain and Italy, as they often close during lunch time.  

Making the most use of short durations in port

Beware of overscheduling your day with activities and sightseeing in cities such as Rome, Barcelona, Athens or Naples. Though there may be numerous places you would like to visit, keep in mind the distance and popularity of certain attractions and sites. Be sure to keep your daily itinerary open between locations for plenty of time for commuting. It is also advisable to research and prepare your ideal itinerary beforehand to make the most of your time. 

Transport

Depending on the country you cruise to, the transportation options may vary. In Venice, for example, cars are not used as transportation due to the presence of canals, therefore travelling by boat, water taxi or gondola is common. In other Italian cities, trains, taxis and ferries are most commonly used by visitors. While in Barcelona, bike or scooter rental is more common in order to avoid the frequent traffic of the crowded city streets.  

All destinations

We have put together the following FAQs. We hope that you will be able to find an answer to your question below, but if you require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service team. 

• What is the best month for a Mediterranean cruise?

The best months for a Mediterranean cruise are May, June, September and October. It’s less crowded and the weather is not as hot.

• Does it ever get cold on a Mediterranean cruise?

Winter cruises in Mediterranean Sea are definitely not for swimming as the weather is cooler, but you still can enjoy beautiful sights and stunning natural landscapes.

• Are Mediterranean cruises ever rough?

In late Autumn and winter Mediterranean Sea can be pretty rough due to strong winds and currents.

• Do you need a passport to go on a Mediterranean cruise? 

Since many Mediterranean cruises depart in foreign countries, such as in Spain, Italy and Greece, flying is necessary, therefore a valid passport is needed.