CRUISES
Mediterranean cruises: western, eastern, seasons and ports
Compare western and eastern Mediterranean cruises, the best months, the main ports and who each route suits, and plan flights and a hotel around your sailing.
A Mediterranean cruise lets you see several countries and cities without packing and unpacking. Each morning you can wake in a new port, and the ship is your hotel. It is one of the most popular routes for travellers who want old cities and coastline in one trip.
Western and eastern routes
| Route | Typical stops | Usually starts in |
|---|---|---|
| Western Mediterranean | Spain, the French Riviera and Italy, including Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Naples and Rome (Civitavecchia) | Barcelona, Rome or Genoa |
| Eastern Mediterranean | Italy, Greece and Croatia, including Venice, Dubrovnik, Athens, Santorini and Mykonos | Venice, Athens (Piraeus) or Rome |
Many itineraries combine the two. Check exactly which ports are on the route, and how much time you have in each. A port day is often only six to nine hours.
When to go
Spring and autumn are popular because the weather is warm and the crowds are smaller. July and August are hot and busy, with the highest prices. Winter has few sailings and cooler weather. If you want to avoid heat in Rome, Athens and the islands, think of late spring or early autumn.
Getting there
- Flights. Compare flights to your departure city on our flight search. Arrive a day early. See layovers explained.
- Pre-cruise nights. A night or two in Barcelona, Rome or Venice makes the trip richer. See our Rome guide.
- Transfers. Cruise ports can be far from the city. Rome's port is about an hour by road. See airport transfers.
- Phone data. A travel eSIM with Europe coverage helps in port.
Choosing a ship and a line
Large mainstream ships offer the lowest prices and many activities. Smaller ships reach smaller ports. CruiseDirect lists many lines on its cruise lines page, and its MSC page shows Mediterranean sailings. For wider ideas, it also has pages for European cruises, Norway and transatlantic crossings, which are a common way to reach Europe by ship.
Plan the days in port
Decide which ports you want to see in depth, and book those tours in advance if they are popular. Ports with a lot to see, such as Rome, Athens and Santorini, sometimes need a full day. Read our Santorini guide and tours and tickets guide.
For deals and budget, see cruise deals and how much a cruise costs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month for a Mediterranean cruise?
May, June, September and October are popular for good weather and smaller crowds. July and August are hotter and more expensive.
Western or eastern Mediterranean?
Western routes suit travellers who want Spain, France and Italy. Eastern routes suit those who want Greece and Croatia. Many sailings combine both.
How many days do I need?
A week is the most common length. Ten to fourteen nights allows more ports.
Do I need a visa?
Entry rules depend on your nationality and on which countries you visit. Check the requirements for each, including any new entry systems, before you travel.
Should I stay extra nights before the cruise?
Yes, if you can. It reduces the risk of missing the ship and gives you time in a city you may not return to.
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