Mediterranean Cruises In 2024, 2025 & 2026

Best Mediterranean Cruise Destinations

Even when you get to discover several new destinations on a cruise in the Mediterranean, there are so many incredible places to see that it can be a nightmare to decide where to go. We always find it's perfect to have a combination of places you've been (so that you can go off and do your own thing, or go back to somewhere you love) and places you've never been (so that you can book onto a shore excursion and discover somewhere completely new). Here are a few of our favourites:

Italy

Ah, bella Italia! Such an amazing country and culture. From the ancient streets of Rome, to the vineyards of Tuscany, the tours and excursions you can enjoy here are so varied. We love the Amalfi Coast, but any opportunity for a bit of a hike and spectacular views and we are there! And with certain cruises, you start and end in Italy, so why not book a cruise and stay holiday, and enjoy a few days in Rome, Venice, Portofino or another Italian city?

Greece

With so many beautiful Greek Islands, you'll be hard pressed not to visit at least one on a cruise in the Eastern Mediterranean. While capturing those iconic views from Santorini might be on your bucketlist, islands like Corfu, Katakolon and Kefalonia offer some great trips. You can also have a fly-cruise from Athens and stay on for a few days in the city once you've disembarked.

Croatia

Croatia is another destination that has become a popular spot for Brits. If you've never been a stop in Split or Dubrovnik is a great opportunity to have a little taste of this fantastic country.

South Of France

The French Riviera has long been the place to people watch and be seen, and of course cruise ships stop here too. With Marseille being a key port, guests can visit local towns and head inland to visit some of the famous French vineyards.

Spanish Costas

Most Western European cruises will stop in Spain somewhere and most likely the Balearic Islands like Palma in Majorca, or on the sunny Spanish Costas. Along with places like Barcelona, Malaga and Alicante, ships often stop in Gibraltar.

Activities & Shore Excursions

With all these amazing ports to visit, there are some matching shore excursions (shorex) to enjoy too. From relaxing walking tours around the local area, to adventurous hiking and biking options, here's what we love.

Sightseeing Tours

Pretty much every port itinerary will have at least one sightseeing tour. These organised coach tours can showcase a certain region within a short space of time, and get you back to the ship before you set sail. This is great for those with reduced mobility or if you want to find out more about the local area and culture.

History

History fanatics will love a cruise around the Med. With stops in historic cities like Rome, Athens and Venice, there is always an excursion that can take you around the ancient ruins of these coastal cities.

Sports & Adventure

If staying active is more your thing, then you might like some of the adventure activities available on land. With everything from Via Ferrata and hiking, to surfing lessons and sea kayaking, you'll love the sports on offer.

Departure Ports

Southampton

No fly cruises from the UK to the Mediterranean mean you can get on board, settle in and not have to worry about packing again until 2 weeks later. These cruises depart big ports like Southampton, Portsmouth and Tilbury, and head down the Bay of Biscay, along the Atlantic coast of Portugal before heading into the Mediterranean Sea near Gibraltar. They will often stop at places along the way like Lisbon, Cadiz and Vigo to help break up the journey.

Palma de Mallorca

Cruise lines like Virgin cruises and Marella use Palma in Majorca as a regular embarkation point. With so many flights to Majorca from across the UK, it means that whether you're travelling from London, Newcastle, Manchester, Glasgow or Belfast, there are plenty of flight options to get you to your cruise. What's more, you can extend before or after your cruise in Majorca, with companies like Cruise Nation being able to add on extra nights at a hotel of your choice.

Malta

Malta is less known as a starting point for a cruise but can be just as easy as other ports in the Med. Being a smaller port can also mean a better boarding experience, but why not cruise and stay a little longer afterwards.

Rome (Civitavecchia)

Located to the west of Rome, Civitavecchia is a very popular port for joining a ship, particularly for MSC who have a lot of Italy cruises and Italian guests. With Rome being so easily accessible from the UK, it's another great starting point for Brits.

Cruise Types In The Med

Mediterranean Fly Cruises

The biggest reason why people choose Mediterranean fly cruises is simply because they can skip the days before and after, and get straight to the sunshine. These cruises start in the Med and you don't have to worry so much about sea sickness on the rougher Atlantic Ocean before you get there. Along with the usual suspects, you'll also find brands like Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruises and Princess Cruises offering these types of cruise. Jet2 cruises are also available in Croatia on small boats that sail around the Adriatic islands.

Adults Only

Once upon a time, cruises were known as being a grown up holiday. Nowadays, ships have everything from kids' clubs to escape rooms, but you can still enjoy a grown up experience on an adults only cruise. With dedicated ships now being child free, like P&O's Aurora, TUI's Marella Explorer 2 and all of the Virgin Voyages ships, you can certainly escape the kids and relax without any little ones running around screaming. Other brands offer adult only sailings include Ambassador Cruise Line, Saga Cruises and Fred Olsen who all focus on the over 50s.

All Inclusive

With many companies, there are often a lot of additions to your cruise fare. Things like drinks packages, tips, port transfers and more can all add up. So if you usually prefer an all inclusive holiday, then try an all inclusive cruise. Brands like Marella offer these and include your flights, cruise, food, standard drinks (most alcoholic drinks and soft drinks), tips and coach transfers between the airport and the cruise terminal.

Free Child Places

Very few operators offer free child place cruises but there are still some great offers out there. Take a look at NCL (Norwegian Cruise Line) and MSC who both regularly have a 3rd guest goes free, while others like Royal Caribbean have discounts for children.