La Dolce Vita Awaits

From the romantic canals of Venice to the dramatic Amalfi Coast, from the ancient ruins of Rome to the Renaissance treasures of Florence, discover why Italy remains one of the world’s most beloved cruise destinations.

Sail Away on an Italian Cruise

Italy captivates like no other destination—a feast for all the senses where ancient history, world-renowned art, extraordinary cuisine, and stunning coastal scenery combine to create unforgettable cruise experiences. Whether you’re savouring fresh pasta in a seaside trattoria, marvelling at Michelangelo’s masterpieces, or watching the sun set over the Mediterranean from your ship’s deck, Italy delivers la dolce vita at every turn.

Ancient History & Art

Walk through the Roman Colosseum, marvel at Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, and explore the ruins of Pompeii.

Stunning Coastlines

From the dramatic cliffs of the Amalfi Coast to the Cinque Terre’s colourful villages perched above the sea.

World-Class Cuisine

Savour authentic pasta, pizza, gelato, and regional wines in the land where these culinary treasures were born.

Explore Italy’s Cruise Regions

Italy offers diverse cruising experiences, from the glamorous Amalfi Coast to the historic ports of Sicily. Our cruise advisors will help you find the perfect Italian itinerary.

Amalfi Coast & Naples

Key Ports: Naples, Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, Capri

Known For: Dramatic clifftop villages, Pompeii ruins, limoncello, Mount Vesuvius

Ideal For: Romantics, history buffs, food lovers

Duration: 7-10 nights

Venice & the Adriatic

Key Ports: Venice, Ravenna, Trieste, Croatian coast

Known For: Grand canals, Byzantine mosaics, seafood, Venetian Gothic architecture

Ideal For: Art lovers, photographers, couples

Duration: 7-12 nights

Sicily & Southern Italy

Key Ports: Palermo, Messina, Catania, Taormina

Known For: Greek temples, Mount Etna, Sicilian cuisine, baroque architecture

Ideal For: History enthusiasts, adventure seekers, foodies

Duration: 7-14 nights

Compare Italian Cruise Regions

Feature Amalfi Coast Venice & Adriatic Sicily & South Cinque Terre
Typical Duration 7-10 nights 7-12 nights 7-14 nights 7-10 nights
Main Departure Ports Rome (Civitavecchia), Naples Venice, Ravenna Palermo, Rome Genoa, Livorno
Best For Romantics, foodies Art lovers, photographers History buffs, adventurers Hikers, photographers
Highlights Positano, Capri, Pompeii, limoncello Grand Canal, mosaics, Croatian coast Mt Etna, Greek temples, Sicilian cuisine Five colourful villages, coastal walks

Our Italian cruise travel advisors will guide you to perfection.

With its incredible variety of ports—from the romance of Venice to the rugged beauty of Sicily, from the Amalfi Coast’s clifftop villages to the Renaissance treasures of Tuscany—Italy offers something for every type of traveller. Whether you’re dreaming of a leisurely week exploring art and history or an adventure-packed voyage combining multiple regions, our advisors will craft the perfect Italian itinerary for you.

Beyond Italy

Many Italian itineraries combine seamlessly with other Mediterranean highlights for an even more memorable voyage.

  • Greek Islands – Ancient ruins, whitewashed villages, and crystal-clear waters
  • French Riviera – Glamorous Monte Carlo, Nice, and charming Provence
  • Croatian Coast – Medieval Dubrovnik and the stunning Dalmatian islands
  • Spanish Coastline – Barcelona’s architecture and Balearic Island beaches

Find your specialty cruise today!

We’ll help find the perfect specialty cruise—whether you’re crossing oceans, transiting canals, or exploring the ends of the Earth.

Our specialty cruise advisors will ensure your voyage is everything you dreamed.

Rarely will any of us make it to these extraordinary places more than once. So, if you’re going to do it at all, you should do it right. Let the experts at Extraordinary Adventures ensure that your voyage to these remote destinations is everything you dreamed it would be.

They don’t call us Extraordinary Adventures for nothing, you know.

Best Time to Cruise Italy

Italy offers an extended cruise season with each period bringing unique advantages.

Peak Season (June – August): Long sunny days with temperatures around 25-32°C, perfect for beach stops and outdoor sightseeing. Book early as demand is high.

Shoulder Season (April – May, September – October): Pleasant weather around 18-25°C, fewer crowds at major attractions, and excellent values. Many consider this the ideal time for Italian cruising.

Winter Season (November – March): Some ships reposition, but winter Mediterranean cruises offer cultural experiences without the crowds and exceptional rates.

Your cruise advisor can help determine the perfect timing based on your preferred ports and travel style.

Why Book with Extraordinary Adventures

Expert Advisors

Specialty cruise specialists who understand the unique requirements of expedition and world voyages.

Exclusive Perks

Access to special deals, onboard credits, and amenities not available when booking direct.

Personalised Planning

Custom recommendations for ships, itineraries, and cabin selection on complex voyages.

Full Support

Assistance from booking through disembarkation and beyond—we’re with you every step.

Italian Cruise FAQs

The Mediterranean cruise season runs from April to November, with peak season from June to August. For the best balance of good weather and fewer crowds, consider shoulder season (April-May or September-October) when temperatures are pleasant around 18-25°C and major attractions are less crowded. Your cruise advisor can recommend the ideal timing for your preferences.

Rome (Civitavecchia) is often recommended for first-time visitors as it provides access to the eternal city’s ancient ruins, Vatican City, and world-famous art. However, Venice offers a unique experience of sailing directly into the city, while Naples provides easy access to Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, and Capri.

Absolutely! Many Mediterranean itineraries visit multiple Italian ports, allowing you to experience different regions in one voyage. A typical Western Mediterranean cruise might include Rome, Naples, and Sicily, while an Eastern Mediterranean cruise could combine Venice with Greek Islands and Croatian ports.

Italian cruises typically range from 7 to 14 nights. A 7-night cruise allows you to sample several key ports, while 10-14 night itineraries provide more in-depth exploration and often combine Italy with other Mediterranean destinations like Spain, France, Greece, or Croatia.

UK and US citizens do not need a visa for tourist visits to Italy of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, a valid passport is required. EU citizens can travel freely with a valid passport or national ID card. Always check current requirements before travel.

Italy uses the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, but it’s helpful to carry some cash for smaller purchases, tips, and markets. ATMs are readily available at all cruise ports.

Popular Italian excursions include exploring ancient Rome and the Vatican, visiting Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius from Naples, touring the Amalfi Coast villages, taking a gondola ride in Venice, visiting Florence’s Uffizi Gallery from Livorno, and exploring Sicily’s Greek temples and Mount Etna.

Most major cruise lines sail to Italy, including luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, and Oceania; premium lines like Celebrity and Holland America; and contemporary lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and MSC. River cruise lines also offer Po River itineraries. Our advisors can match you with the perfect line for your preferences.

Yes! Italy offers excellent experiences for families, from exploring ancient ruins and learning about Roman gladiators to pizza-making classes and beach days on the Amalfi Coast. Many cruise lines offer family-friendly shore excursions designed to engage children while educating them about Italian history and culture.

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for warm days, comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets and archaeological sites, and a light jacket for air-conditioned spaces and cooler evenings. Don’t forget sun protection and modest attire for visiting churches (shoulders and knees covered). Your cruise advisor can provide a complete packing list tailored to your itinerary.

Not sure which specialty cruise is right for you?

Take our short quiz to discover the perfect specialty cruise for your travel style and bucket list.