3 Top Mediterranean Cruises for Summer
Explore historic ports, ancient ruins, cosmopolitan cities, and fabulous beaches on a Mediterranean cruise this summer. Here we review three itineraries that include some of the Med’s most iconic destinations.
The Mediterranean is the largest enclosed sea on the planet, with some 46,000 km of coastline edging 25 countries. Countless empires and civilisations have risen and fallen along these shores, leaving its ports and cities with a dizzying array of historic attractions.
Little wonder it’s one of the best summer cruise areas anywhere.
The sheer variety of a Med cruise can be truly astonishing. One day you might be gazing up at the sun-washed grandeur of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the next you could be lounging on the beaches of Majorca.
Other legendary cities and ports you can visit include Rome, Naples, Toulon (Cote d'Azur), Cartagena, and Gibraltar - depending on the itinerary.
Western and Eastern Mediterranean Cruises
Many cruise companies offer seaborne adventures around the Mediterranean. These are typically divided into either Western or Eastern Mediterranean cruises.
Western Mediterranean cruises often include destinations in Spain, such as Cadiz, Palma (Majorca), Almeria, Alicante, Barcelona, and Ajaccio. Popular French ports include Toulon (for the Cote d'Azur) and Villefranche (for Monaco and Nice).
Cruises that venture into Italian waters typically stop off at Livorno (for Florence and Pisa), Naples (for Pompeii & Capri), and Civitavecchia (for Rome).
The Eastern Mediterranean is generally considered to include the Greek islands, the Balkans, Cyprus, Egypt, and Anatolian Turkey.
Which cruise should I choose?
Summer 2024 presents cruise lovers with an almost overwhelming selection of Mediterranean cruises.
It sounds obvious, but it’s important to think about where you want to visit on a cruise. Do you long to hop between sun-kissed Greek islands? Is exploring Rome or Barcelona a must? Or are you more concerned with the onboard experience - in which case the cruise ship facilities, food and service will be a priority?
Here's a selection of Mediterranean cruises scheduled for 2024.
Information correct at time of writing. Intended as a rough guide only.
1. "Highlights of the Mediterranean" - 7 nights (TUI)
Barcelona, Rome & Florence
Runs until September 2024
From £1,143 per person
This TUI cruise includes four of the most popular destinations on (or near) the Mediterranean: Barcelona, Rome (via Civitavecchia), Florence and Pisa (via Livorno port). It also includes Palma, Ajaccio, and Toulon (for the French Cote d'Azur).
You'll be travelling on the Marella Discovery 2, which has 918 cabins, 8 restaurants, 7 bars and 2 pools - according to the TUI website. A cinema, mini golf course, and rock climbing wall are also found onboard.
It's all-inclusive (and includes tips).
2. “Mediterranean” - 7 nights (MSC Cruises)
Venice, Split & Mykonos
Runs into October
From £679 per person (interior cabin)
With stops in Venice, Split (Croatia), Brindisi, Mykonos and Athens (where it starts and ends), this MSC Cruises trip takes in some of the most exciting destinations on the Mediterranean.
The MSC Sinfonia boasts 975 cabins, 224 of which have step-out balconies. It also has facilities for young children and teens, as well as numerous restaurants and bars, a casino, discos, and a spa (with Balinese massage). The ship also has two luxury pools.
The price is "inclusive of port taxes and service charges/gratuities," according to the MSC Cruises website.
Credit: K I Photography - stock.adobe.com
3. “Monte Carlo To Rome (Civitavecchia)” (Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection) - 7 nights
Monte Carlo, Cannes, St Tropez & Rome
Runs into September
From £8,900 per person
If luxurious onboard surroundings and elegant destinations are your priority, then a trip on the Ilma, from the Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection, could be perfect.
This undeniably pricey trip takes you from Monte Carlo to Saint Tropez, Cannes, Livorno, Corsica and Sardinia, before disembarking in Rome.
According to the firm’s website, the ship features "spacious suites with private terraces, open-air lounges," and even an on-the-water marina, making it easy to zip from the yacht to the casinos and beach clubs of the French Riviera.
With two pools (including an infinity pool), a spa, fitness studio, onboard entertainment and children's facilities, plus a variety of excursion options, there's plenty to do on this upmarket floating hotel.
Top Mediterranean cruise destinations
Not sure where to go? Here are some of the most popular destinations on the Med, and why people love them.
- Barcelona, Spain: A beguiling cosmopolitan city with its own beach, best known as the home of Gaudi (and his Sagrada Familia cathedral).
- Rome, Italy: The Italian capital is a treasure trove of Roman ruins, from the Colosseum to the Trevi Fountain.
- St Tropez, France: The quintessential French Riviera destination, where the well-heeled relax in chic beach clubs.
- Kotor, Montenegro: A stunning and underrated Balkans port city, enclosed by dramatic mountains and steeped in history.
- Zakynthos, Greece: Live out your Mamma Mia dreams on the sunblessed Greek island of Zakynthos (Zante), perpetually lapped by cobalt blue waters.
- Pisa & Florence, Italy (via Livorno or Carrara ports): Visit the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa and/or the Renaissance wonderland of Florence, both of which are a relatively short trip from the ports of Livorno or Carrara (the former being the most commonly used port).