Where Ancient Cultures Meet Azure Seas

From the sun-drenched shores of Spain to the legendary Greek Islands, from the glamour of the French Riviera to the ancient wonders of Turkey, discover why the Mediterranean remains the world’s most captivating cruise destination.

Sail Away on a Mediterranean Cruise

The Mediterranean offers the ultimate cruise experience—thousands of years of history, world-renowned cuisine, stunning coastlines, and year-round sunshine combined in one extraordinary voyage. From Roman ruins and Renaissance masterpieces to whitewashed Greek villages and Moorish palaces, every port tells a story.

Ancient History & Culture

Walk through Roman ruins, Byzantine churches, Moorish palaces, and Renaissance masterpieces spanning millennia.

Stunning Coastlines

Azure waters, dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and charming coastal villages dot thousands of miles of shoreline.

World-Class Cuisine

From Spanish tapas to Italian pasta, Greek mezze to French cuisine—every port brings new culinary delights.

Explore the Mediterranean Regions

The Mediterranean offers distinct cruising regions, each with its own character and appeal. Our cruise advisors will help you find the perfect match for your dream vacation.

Western Mediterranean

Key Ports: Barcelona, Rome, Naples, Marseille, Monaco

Known For: Art cities, beaches, glamour, Roman ruins

Ideal For: First-time cruisers, art and history lovers

Duration: 7-12 nights

Eastern Mediterranean

Key Ports: Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Venice, Dubrovnik

Known For: Greek Islands, ancient ruins, Byzantine heritage

Ideal For: History enthusiasts, island lovers

Duration: 7-14 nights

Adriatic & Italian Riviera

Key Ports: Venice, Ravenna, Split, Kotor, Amalfi Coast

Known For: Renaissance cities, dramatic coastlines

Ideal For: Couples, culture seekers, foodies

Duration: 7-10 nights

Compare Mediterranean Cruise Regions

Feature Western Mediterranean Eastern Mediterranean Adriatic & Riviera
Typical Duration 7-12 nights 7-14 nights 7-10 nights
Main Departure Ports Barcelona, Rome Athens (Piraeus), Venice Venice, Rome
Best For Art lovers, beach seekers History buffs, island hoppers Romantics, foodies
Highlights Barcelona, French Riviera, Amalfi Greek Islands, ancient ruins, Dubrovnik Venice, Croatian coast

Our Mediterranean cruise travel advisors will guide you to perfection.

The Mediterranean spans three continents and dozens of countries—from Spain and Portugal in the west to Turkey and Israel in the east. With such diversity, choosing the perfect itinerary can feel overwhelming. That’s where our expert advisors come in, matching your interests with the ideal cruise experience.

Beyond the Mediterranean

Many Mediterranean itineraries combine seamlessly with nearby destinations for an even more memorable voyage.

  • Holy Land – Visit Israel and Jordan on extended Eastern Mediterranean cruises
  • Black Sea – Explore Romania, Bulgaria, and the Black Sea coast
  • Atlantic Islands – Combine with the Canary Islands or Madeira
  • Trans-Atlantic – Repositioning cruises connecting Europe and the Americas

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 the Mediterranean

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

Peak Season (June – August): Long sunny days with temperatures around 25-35°C, perfect for swimming 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 Mediterranean cruising.

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

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.

Mediterranean 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.

Barcelona is often recommended for first-time visitors as it offers iconic architecture, beautiful beaches, and excellent food. Rome (Civitavecchia) and Athens (Piraeus) are also popular starting points, providing easy access to world-famous ancient sites.

Mediterranean 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 Western and Eastern Mediterranean regions.

UK and US citizens generally do not need visas for tourist visits to most Mediterranean countries in the Schengen Area. However, requirements vary by nationality and destination. Always check current requirements before travel, especially for Turkey and non-EU countries.

Most Western Mediterranean countries use the Euro (€). Notable exceptions include the UK (British Pounds), Turkey (Turkish Lira), and Croatia (recently adopted Euro). Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas.

Popular excursions include exploring ancient Rome and the Vatican, visiting the Acropolis in Athens, touring the Alhambra in Granada, wine tasting in Provence, discovering the Greek Islands, and walking the ancient streets of Dubrovnik.

Most major cruise lines offer Mediterranean itineraries, 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. Our advisors can match you with the perfect line.

Yes! The Mediterranean offers excellent experiences for families, from exploring ancient ruins and castles to enjoying beautiful beaches and water sports. Many cruise lines offer family-friendly shore excursions designed to engage children while educating them about European history and culture.

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.