The Mediterranean is a captivating region woven from ancient civilizations, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes, no wonder it has long beckoned travelers seeking to unravel the secrets of a storied past.
Tagged as the European capital of cruise, the Mediterranean is the number one long-haul destination for Aussies to fly and cruise from. At least 16 of the world’s major cruise lines home-port ships here between April and October.
Moreover, there is an abundance of cruise ports in The Mediterranean, and some of the world’s most historic cities can be accessed by cruise ships. Some ports are within an hour or so from a major city or region: Civitavecchia for Rome, Livorno for Florence, Cadiz for Seville, Marseille for Provence and Malaga for Granada. And almost any time of year is good, although the weather is warmer from April to October in the Mediterranean.
Furthermore, a cruise in the Mediterranean is always fascinating, often jaw-dropping and never boring.
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Croatia
The spectacular coastline and beaches of Croatia are one reason why more than 12 million people visit Croatia every year. Most cruise lines explore the rugged Dalmatian coast and call at the ports of Dubrovnik, Split and Hvar.
Dubrovnik
Walk the walled medieval town, laze on Adriatic beaches, or the vibrant cafe scene. Take the cable car up Srd Hill for a view of the Old Town, or if you have the time, take a boat to an outlying island.
What is this destination best for?
- lovers of art, architecture and history – and sunshine
Which lines go there?
- APT
- Azamara Club Cruises
- Celebrity Cruises
- Crystal Cruises
- Cunard
- Holland America Line
- Katarina Line
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Oceania Cruises
- P&O Cruises UK
- Ponant, Princess Cruises
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises
- Royal Caribbean
- Seabourn
- Silversea
- Viking Oceans
France
With its fabled cities, spellbinding beauty and charming countryside, France is Europe’s cruising magnet. You will discover storybook towns behind medieval walls, fabulous markets and enchanting ports. Most ocean lines visit Marseille and Ajaccio is another popular port.
Marseille, Provence
The old port has glam super-yachts, a busy shore-front market, bouillabaisse restaurants and cafes capturing the essence of Provence. Visit Marseille Cathedral and the oldest neighbourhood, Le Panier, which is known for its narrow alleyways and Haussmannian buildings. Access to other Provencal areas is easy.
What is this destination best for?
- Couples
- Shoppers
- food lovers
- all ages.
Which lines go there?
- Celebrity Cruises
- Cunard
- Holland America Line
- MSC Cruises
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Oceania Cruises
- P&O Cruises UK
- Royal Caribbean
- Seabourn
- Silversea
- Viking Oceans
Ajaccio, Corsica
French with an Italian slant, Ajaccio was also Napoleon’s birthplace. Here you can visit the 16th-century Notre Dame Cathedral where he was baptised. In town, look for great bread and patisseries, and enjoy the relaxed Italian ambience.
What is this destination best for?
- All ages
- gourmets and history buffs
Which lines go there?
- APT
- Azamara Club Cruises
- Celebrity Cruises, Cunard
- Oceania Cruises
- P&O Cruises UK
- Ponant
- Princess Cruises
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises
- Royal Caribbean
- Seabourn
- Silversea
- Viking Oceans
Greece
The Greek islands were once the playground to the jet set, made famous by Jackie O. Now a cruise to the Greek islands is open to anyone, with options from big cruise ships to boutique sailing yachts. Large international lines tend to call on the higher-trafficked islands including Mykonos, Santorini and Crete. The smaller ships are more likely to call at off-the-beaten-track islands like Skiathos and Hydra.
Athens
History is everywhere, and just recalling the age of the Parthenon and Acropolis, Delphi (a day trip) and other ancient sites makes your head swim. Despite the Greek economy, the city’s facelift has added a new buzz.
What is this destination best for?
- History lovers
- explorers
Which lines go there?
- Azamara Club Cruises
- Celebrity Cruises
- Crystal Cruises
- Cunard
- Holland America Line
- MSC Cruises
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Oceania Cruises
- P&O Cruises UK
- Ponant
- Princess Cruises
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises
- Royal Caribbean
- Seaborn
- Silversea
- Viking Oceans
Mykonos
This is the island for celeb-spotting, glitzy venues and boutiques, along with art galleries and museums. Laze on golden beaches by day and enjoy the nightlife, wining and dining after sunset.
What is this destination best for?
- Those who like a party
- artists
- beach lovers
- adult
Which lines go there?
- Azamara Club Cruises
- Celebrity Cruises
- Cunard
- Holland America Line
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Oceania Cruises
- P&O Cruises UK
- Ponant
- Princess Cruises
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises
- Royal Caribbean
- Seaborn
- Silversea
- Viking Oceans
Santorini
The beauty, the colours, the non-stop sunny days, the views from the caldera cliffs, this volcanic island is Greece at its picture-postcard best. Browse the boutiques of Fira and Oia, visit the ruins of Akrotiri, or dine on fresh seafood with a glass of local wine.
What is this destination best for?
- Everyone.
Which lines go there?
- Azamara Club Cruises
- Celebrity Cruises
- Cunard
- Holland America Line
- MSC Cruises
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Oceania Cruises
- P&O Cruises UK
- Princess Cruises
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises
- Royal Caribbean
- Seabourn
- Silversea
- Viking Oceans
Italy
While it may have more iconic works of art than any other country in the Mediterranean, Italy is more than painting and sculpture. You can immerse yourself in the beauty of Rome and Venice, which are also the country’s major cruise ports, or you can cruise along the stunning Amalfi coast, the rugged Cinque Terre or to Sicily and Sardinia.
Florence (Livorno)
Crammed with galleries, palaces, museums and churches, the well-preserved 15th-century city is also brimming in style. There’s too much to fit into a day, so visit one or two places in-depth. The port of Livorno is an hour from Florence.
What is this destination best for?
- All ages,
- Families
- couples
- history and art lovers
Which lines go there?
- Azamara Club Cruises
- Celebrity Cruises
- Cunard
- Holland America Line
- MSC Cruises
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Oceania Cruises
- Ponant
- Princess Cruises
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises
- Royal Caribbean
- Seabourn
- Silversea
- Viking Oceans
Naples
This rough-and-tumble city has an incredibly mixed heritage. The Greeks, Romans, Normans, Germans and French all had a hand in it, and there is the architecture and ruins to prove it. Pompeii, Capri and the Amalfi Coast are nearby.
What is this destination best for?
- Couples
- history lovers
- pizza fans
Which lines go there?
- APT
- Cunard
- Holland America Line
- MSC Cruises
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Oceania Cruises
- Ponant
- Princess Cruises
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises
- Royal Caribbean
- Seabourn
- Silversea
- Viking Oceans
Rome (Civitavecchia)
Rome, the Eternal City, offers so many ancient treasures: the Colosseum, Vatican City, St Peter’s Basilica and the Pantheon. Then there is the shopping (think, shoes and handbags, ladies!) and the whole spectacle that is Rome.
What is this destination best for?
- All ages
- families
- couples
- honeymooners
- singles
Which lines go there?
- APT
- Azamara Club Cruises
- Celebrity Cruises
- Cunard
- Holland America Line
- MSC Cruises
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Oceania Cruises
- P&O Cruises UK
- Ponant
- Princess Cruises
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises
- Royal Caribbean
- Seabourn
- Silversea
Spain
Think Spain and images of tapas bars, wine, art and flamenco dance immediately come to mind. Most international cruise lines call at Barcelona, Malaga and Seville (Cadiz).
Barcelona
Barcelona has many neighbourhoods ranging from hip to historic, Gothic to modern, and plain tourist-driven. From the port terminal, Las Ramblas leads to the old centre and huge plaza, and Gaudi’s Basilica is unmissable.
What is this destination best for?
- Photographers
- foodies
- architecture buffs.
Which lines go there?
- Celebrity Cruises
- Cunard
- Holland America Line
- MSC Cruises
- Norwegian
- Oceania Cruises
- P&O Cruises UK
- Princess Cruises
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises
- Royal Caribbean
- Seabourn
- Silversea
- Viking Oceans
Malaga (Granada)
A sweeping bay, beaches, winding lanes in the old town and plenty of tapas places make Malaga on southern Spain’s Costa del Sol a popular port of call. Granada and its 14th-century palace-fortress The Alhambra is about two hours away.
What is this destination best for?
- Families
- couples
Which lines go there?
- APT
- Celebrity Cruises
- Cunard
- Holland America Line
- MSC Cruises
- Norwegian
- Oceania Cruises
- P&O Cruises UK
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises
- Royal Caribbean
- Seabourn
- Silversea
- Viking Oceans
