Mediterranean Cruises

About the Destination

Over 400 million people live in the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Ports of the Mediterranean are across Asia, Europe and Africa, making the region a very diverse one of different cultures, people, languages and culinary selections.

English is understood in popular tourist areas, but if you’re planning on heading to the less popular destinations then try learn a few words in the relevant foreign language before getting there – whether it be Spanish, Greek, French, Portuguese or Italian!

Mild winters and warm to hot summers are the typical Mediterranean climate. It gets hotter towards the south, with cooler weather in Spain compared to Greece.

As the Euro is the main currency of the Mediterranean, there is no need to exchange money Spain, Portugal, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy or Malta. Other countries use their own currencies, but it is always easy to exchange euros or US dollars wherever you are.  Credit cards are widely accepted everywhere.

Main attractions

There are a large number of beautiful sights lining the Mediterranean shores, here are some of the top ones not to be missed: 

• Move between historic mosques and spice markets, trendy cafes and nightclubs in Istanbul, Turkey – the city that is located across Europe and Asia. Be sure to visit the Blue Mosque is the city’s premier sight, the Blue Mosque as well as the Hagia Sophiaand the Topkapi Palace.

• A charming spot to sail to is the town of Kusadasion Turkey’s Aegean coast, not that far from the Greek Islands. Here you can relax and enjoy the views of the Greek island of Samos from the beaches and waterfront cafes or spend time shopping in the maze of pedestrian shopping streets.
• Stop over in Barcelona and spend time at one of the world’s top urban beaches, Barcoloneta. Visit the art museums exhibiting the works of Picasso, Daliand Miro. Enjoy the vibrant nightlife and seaside clubs and bars.
• North of Barcelona is Valencia, a city in Spain and an excellent spot to visit on any Mediterranean cruise. You have to try the paella combination of seafood and rice, the city’s trademark dish. 

• Spend some time in Venice before cruising onto the Adriatic coastline. Enjoy gondola rides down the historic canals and explore the Piazza San Marco, enjoy fine arts and top dining.
• Rome is not on the sea but is served by the nearby port of Civitavecchia. If you want to explore Rome then there are trains and cruise-ship shuttles available to take you there to visit the ruins of the Forum and the Colosseum.
• Make time to visit Croatia and the town of Dubrovnik. It is so beautiful that most cruise ships sailing in the eastern Mediterranean stop in its port. Its old city dates back to the 13th century and has an impressive collection of forts, churches and palaces within its city walls. 
• The Greek island of Santorini must not be left off your list! Consisting of remanants of ancient volcanic caldera and the traditional white buildings, hugging the steep cliffside. 
• There is a cable car all the way to the main town of Fira – alternatively get there the traditional way by taking a donkey or mule up the 588 steps.

Cruise lines that sail there

The most popular cruise regions in the world are the Mediterranean and Iberian Peninsula. As a result, many local and international cruise lines operate routes aimed at attracting travellers of all ages and backgrounds from all over the world.

Luxury liners of Silversea and Crystal Cruises give you the opportunity of travelling in style, alternatively experience true Italian hospitality with MSC Cruises and Swan Hellenic. Oceania Cruises offers long distance cruises from Istanbul to Dubai, Barcelona to Miami, as well as other routes and tours of the region.

When to go

Cruises are throughout the year around the Mediterranean and Iberian Peninsula. Summer months from May to September are high season and the most popular time to travel. Highest rainfall periods are during March and November. Staying warn throughout the winter months of October to April are Greece, Morocco and the Canary Islands.