The best cruises around the Mediterranean

Sun-drenched coastlines, ancient cities, and more gelato than you could ever eat. Cruising the Mediterranean is one of those bucket list trips that lives up to expectations. Whether you’re weaving through the Greek Islands, docking near the French Riviera, or strolling cobblestone streets in southern Italy, there’s a kind of magic here that only a cruise can pull off. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from the best time to cruise to which ports you won’t want to miss. 

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What Is the Best Month to Cruise to the Mediterranean

The time you choose to go on a cruise depends on what kind of trip you’re after. The Mediterranean cruising season runs from April to November, and each part of it has its own charm.

If you’re not a fan of crowds and like your weather warm-but-not-wilting, April and May are a great time to go. The landscapes are green, flowers are out, and you can explore ruins and city streets without feeling like you’ve stepped into a furnace. It’s perfect for sightseeing types and anyone who likes a bit of peace with their port visits.

June through August is peak season, and it shows. Expect sunshine, packed beaches, busy ports, and families making the most of school holidays. It’s vibrant, lively, and made for people who want to soak up the buzz (and don’t mind paying a bit extra for it). 

September and October are what many seasoned cruisers call the “golden months.” The weather’s still lovely, the water’s warm, and things are a lot more relaxed. You’ve dodged the chaos of summer, and if you’re into wine, food, or local festivals, you’ll hit harvest season in places like Italy and Greece.

From November to March, things get quieter. Most cruise lines wind things down, but a few keep sailing. You won’t be swimming, but you also won’t be queuing behind twenty tour buses to see the Colosseum. If you’re more about museums, cathedrals, and long lunches, it might just suit you fine.

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Which Cruise Lines Go to the Mediterranean

The Mediterranean is one of those classic cruise regions that never goes out of style, and the 2025/26 season is shaping up to be full of big names, small ships, and everything in between.

1. Ponant

If you’re after something more exclusive and intimate, Ponant offers a completely different kind of Mediterranean experience. Their small, yacht-style ships sail to lesser-known ports alongside the big hitters, all while serving French cuisine, fine wines, and a premium onboard atmosphere. For 2025 and 2026, they’re offering a mix of Western and Eastern Mediterranean itineraries, from coastal Spain to the Greek islands, all with a strong focus on culture, nature, and comfort.

2. Royal Caribbean

One of the biggest names in cruising, Royal Caribbean, will be back in the Mediterranean for 2025 and 2026 with a full lineup of sailings from Barcelona, Rome, and other major hubs. Their focus is on high-energy holidays packed with onboard entertainment: think climbing walls, surf simulators, and Broadway-style shows. While the destinations are impressive, the ship is just as much a part of the adventure, making it a hit with families, groups, and cruisers who like a bit of buzz with their sightseeing.

3. Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity is all about modern luxury with stylish ships, contemporary design, and a more refined, grown-up vibe. For 2025/26, they’re offering a strong Mediterranean program that leans into cultural experiences, wellness, and fine dining. You’ll find a mix of seven to twelve-night sailings visiting places like the French Riviera, the Greek Isles, and the Amalfi Coast. It’s a great choice if you want to feel a bit pampered without going full white-glove service.

4. Princess Cruises

Princess has a strong presence in the Mediterranean and is known for its classic, well-rounded approach. Their itineraries cover both East and West (from Spain and France to Greece and Turkey), and they’re great at balancing onboard comfort with destination-focused shore time. You’ll get solid food, friendly service, and plenty of enrichment options, without things feeling too formal. Ideal if you want a “just right” kind of cruise: not too flashy, not too basic.

5. Cunard

Cunard brings a sense of occasion to Mediterranean cruising. Their itineraries are fewer in number compared to mainstream lines, but they’re packed with charm and elegance: traditional afternoon tea, black-tie gala nights, and grand staircases included. In 2025/26, they’ll be returning to key Mediterranean ports with sailings that blend formality with stunning scenery. If you like your cruise with a bit of British polish, this is one to consider.

6. Holland America Line

Holland America appeals to travellers who enjoy deeper cultural experiences and longer stays in port. Their Mediterranean itineraries in 2025 and 2026 are designed to let you explore beyond the postcard spots, with excursions focused on food, history, and local stories. On board, it’s all about laid-back sophistication: live music, curated menus, and enrichment programs that don’t feel forced. A great fit for curious travellers who want more than just a highlights reel.

7. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

NCL brings flexibility and freedom to the Med with its signature “Freestyle Cruising” model: no set dining times, no dress codes, just a relaxed, do-your-own-thing approach. Their itineraries cover popular ports across Spain, Italy, Greece, and beyond. In 2025 and 2026, they’ll be offering plenty of mid-length sailings ideal for first-timers and seasoned cruisers alike. It’s casual, comfortable, and easygoing. It’s the kind of cruise where you really can holiday your own way.

8. Oceania Cruises

Oceania is a favourite among food lovers and travellers who appreciate attention to detail. Their mid-sized ships head to both marquee ports and smaller towns, with Mediterranean itineraries that spotlight the region’s culinary and cultural richness. In 2025, they’ll launch the brand-new Allura, designed specifically for refined, immersive voyages. Expect world-class dining (including cooking classes), generous time in port, and a quieter, more elegant onboard experience.

9. Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival isn’t the first name people think of for the Mediterranean, but they do have sailings in the region for 2025/26. Their cruises bring a high-energy, value-driven style with a focus on fun. It’s ideal for younger cruisers, families, or anyone who wants a party at sea. The destinations are still spectacular, but the onboard vibe is more about dancing, poolside cocktails, and late-night laughs than historical walking tours. It’s a more casual take on the classic Mediterranean route.

10. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

If you want to go all-in on luxury, Regent is one of the top-tier lines sailing the Med in 2025 and 2026. Their voyages are all-inclusive, so prepare to enjoy fine dining, business class flights, unlimited shore excursions, and even pre-cruise hotel stays. They visit both major ports and off-the-beaten-path spots, with longer stays and occasional overnights, so you can experience each destination properly. Perfect for travellers who want everything handled for them, down to the last glass of Champagne.

11. Silversea

Silversea offers small-ship luxury with a serious focus on destination immersion. Their Mediterranean itineraries in 2025/26 lean toward curated experiences and intimate shore excursions, with all-suite accommodation, butler service, and fine dining as the norm. It’s tailored for guests who want a high-end cruise without the crowd: quiet, elegant, and effortlessly smooth from port to port.

12. Scenic

Scenic’s ultra-luxury discovery yachts (including Scenic Eclipse)  are sailing the Med again in 2025 and 2026. These all-inclusive voyages offer a unique blend of exploration and indulgence, with onboard helicopters, submarines, and a strong focus on wellness. The itineraries are boutique, the service is five-star, and the experience is designed to feel more like a private expedition than a traditional cruise. If you want to do the Mediterranean in style (and with a touch of adventure), this is it.

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Popular Ships Visiting the Mediterranean

The Mediterranean is a popular destination this upcoming season. Whether you’re into mega ships or something a bit more cosy, there’s a ship with your name on it.

• Allure of the Seas – Royal Caribbean
  After a multi-million dollar glow-up, Allure’s back and it’s got waterslides, tiki bars, and more stuff to do than your average holiday resort. The ship is cruising the Western Mediterranean, with stops in spots like Palma, Rome, and Provence. 

• MSC World Europa – MSC Cruises
  This one’s a head-turner and MSC’s flagship for a reason. It has a sleek design, is eco-friendly, and is packed with restaurants, entertainment, and bold Mediterranean flair. Cruises mainly out of Barcelona and hit all the classics like Marseille, Naples, and Sicily.

• Costa Smeralda – Costa Cruises
  If you want your cruise to feel like a chic Italian holiday from start to finish, Costa Smeralda’s your best bet. It’s stylish, modern, and serves up that dolce vita vibe as it floats between Italy, France, and Spain.

• Mein Schiff Relax – TUI Cruises
  Launched in early 2025, this one is for people who value relaxation above all else. The ship has wellness zones, quiet corners, and coastal views that make you forget what stress even is. A great pick if you’re not into the party scene and just want to cruise in peace.

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Popular Ports in the Mediterranean

The Mediterranean is home to some of the most iconic cruise ports in the world. These ports continue to draw cruisers back year after year with their history, food, or stunning coastal views.

• Barcelona is a favourite embarkation point, and for good reason. It’s a city that balances architectural marvels, beach culture, and lively food markets. If you have the time, arriving a day or two early is well worth it.

• Rome is accessed via the port of Civitavecchia, around 90 minutes from the city. While it’s a bit of a commute, the payoff is huge. From the Colosseum and Roman Forum to the Vatican, it’s one of the most historically rich stops in the Mediterranean.

• Athens, reached through Piraeus, is a gateway to ancient Greece. The Acropolis dominates the skyline, while the streets below are filled with traditional tavernas and vibrant local life. It’s ideal for those looking to mix history with a more laid-back urban atmosphere.

• Dubrovnik in Croatia continues to impress with its walled old town and striking views over the Adriatic. It’s compact, easy to explore on foot, and has a timeless feel that makes it one of the Mediterranean’s standout stops.

• Valletta, Malta’s capital, is smaller but packed with history and architecture. With the cruise terminal located right in town, it’s easy to make the most of your time, whether that’s visiting museums, wandering through narrow streets, or enjoying local food.

• Marseille is France’s largest port and a jumping-off point for the Provence region. While the city itself has plenty to offer (from its historic old port to modern cultural sites), many cruisers also opt for day trips to nearby villages and coastal towns.

And then there’s Venice. While cruise access has shifted in recent years, it remains an iconic destination. Whether you dock nearby or tender in, visiting this canal-filled city is still a highlight of many Mediterranean itineraries.

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Frequently Asked Questions