16 Top Mediterranean Cruises for Every Type of Traveler

The Mediterranean Sea spans 22 countries and features over 28,000 miles of rugged coastline. For more than two millennia, these stunning waters have served as a vital route for trade and exploration. Today, cruising between diverse destinations like the Greek islands, Egypt, and the Croatian coast offers a relaxed and enjoyable way to experience more.

From historical landmarks and regional delicacies to upscale shopping and breathtaking views, a wealth of experiences awaits aboard a cruise ship. Whether you’re traveling solo or with family, many cruise lines provide both adults-only and all-ages itineraries. Discover the best Mediterranean cruises suited for every traveler.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

For those who value convenience as the ultimate luxury, Scenic stands out among the best cruise lines. This Australian-based company offers all-inclusive voyages—no need for upgraded drink packages—on a 228-passenger, all-suite vessel for a personalized experience. Guests can indulge in six-star luxury, complete with a personal butler for each cabin, and explore destinations via helicopters or even a submersible for unique perspectives.

Recommended Trip: Mediterranean Escape: Spain & the French Riviera

This eight-day itinerary explores the Spanish coast and the French Riviera, featuring iconic ports like Barcelona, St. Tropez, and Monte Carlo, ensuring you won’t miss these famous spots. It also includes quieter, lesser-known ports such as Roses in Costa Brava and Villefranche-sur-Mer near Nice. Experience stunning aerial views of Sanary-sur-Mer aboard Scenic Eclipse's private helicopter. While in Corsica, visit the historic citadel and old town, liberated from Italian control by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1791. This journey combines the vibrancy of chic cities with the tranquility of luxurious beaches, offering travelers the best of both worlds.

Seabourn

Seabourn cruises cater to those who appreciate a touch of elegance. With all-inclusive packages, guests can unwind on board and simply enjoy the experience. Offering a variety of Mediterranean destinations and cruise durations ranging from seven to 30 days, there's something for everyone to find their perfect journey.

Recommended Trip: 7-Day Classic Greek Isles and Ephesus

This weeklong voyage aboard the Seabourn Encore showcases some of Greece’s most beautiful islands. Departing from Athens, the itinerary includes stops in Patmos, Agios, Mykonos, and Skiathos. It also features a few Turkish gems, such as Kusadasi and Bozcaada, before concluding in Istanbul. Excursions include guided tours of significant historical sites like the Grotto of St. John in Patmos and delightful wine tastings in Bozcaada.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

The Ritz-Carlton's superyachts embody luxury and comfort, reflecting the brand's hotel experience. Each of the three vessels accommodates around 400 guests, with the smallest ship, Evrima, hosting just 298. Onboard, fine dining is plentiful, featuring five restaurants and six lounges. Guests will find plush interiors and contemporary designs. All accommodations are terrace suites, including two-story lofts and owner's suites with expansive private terraces.

Recommended Trip: Evrima Barcelona to Barcelona

Embark on a six-night round-trip journey exploring the western Mediterranean from Barcelona. After departing this vibrant Spanish city, settle into your suite and indulge in the yacht's amenities during a full day at sea. In Gibraltar, explore Gorham's Cave, a site dating back to the Neanderthals. The voyage continues along the Spanish coast, with stops in Málaga (the birthplace of Picasso), Cartagena with its impressive Roman ruins, and the scenic island of Ibiza.

Viking Cruises 

For those seeking an adults-only experience, Viking Cruises offers the perfect solution. Catering exclusively to guests aged 18 and over, the cruise line ensures a sophisticated atmosphere. With itineraries spanning from Western Europe to the sacred sites of the Eastern Mediterranean, finding a cruise to match your travel preferences is effortless. Guests also enjoy complimentary shore excursions, allowing for an immersive exploration of each port.

Recommended Trip: Mediterranean and Adriatic Sojourn 

Embark on a 22-day adventure with Viking on the Mediterranean and Adriatic Sojourn. This journey takes travelers through seven countries, including Greece, Montenegro, and Monaco, with visits to both prominent and lesser-known ports. Enhance your experience by reserving additional excursions that focus on interests such as architecture or culinary delights. Consider booking pre- and post-trip stays to further explore each destination.

Explora Journeys

Founded by the Aponte family, who also established the MSC Group, Explora Journeys provides luxurious vacations featuring spacious, livable cruise cabins that resemble small apartments. With a maritime legacy dating back to the 17th century, the family has thoughtfully chosen ports that reflect their own travel experiences.

Recommended Trip: A Journey to UNESCO Malta & Balearic Bliss

Enjoy a 10-day cruise through the western Mediterranean on an all-suite ship featuring sleek, minimalist design. This voyage, starting and ending in Rome and Barcelona, includes visits to iconic Italian cities such as Naples, Sicily, and Sardinia. Unique to this itinerary are stops in Malta, Tunisia, and Menorca. Guests will experience Sicily's stunning beaches, historic fortifications, and charming whitewashed mosques. With floor-to-ceiling windows, the spacious suites, penthouses, ocean residences (up to 1,064 square feet), and multi-room owner's suites ensure a homely cruising experience.

Azamara 

Azamara offers a luxurious experience, but it goes beyond just opulence. The cruise line focuses on hyperlocal experiences that immerse passengers in the history, cuisine, and culture of each port, even if just for a day. With various destinations and trip durations available, including 10-, 12-, and 15-night cruises, some itineraries feature overnight stays to fully explore the essence of each location.

Recommended Trip: 11-night Egypt/Israel Intensive Voyage

Embark on an 11-night journey through four countries: Egypt, Israel, Cyprus, and Greece. This adventure focuses on the rich historical tapestry of the region, showcasing sites once ruled by legendary pharaohs, kings, and emperors. Shore excursions include visiting the iconic Acropolis of Athens, exploring the biblical landmarks of Nazareth and Galilee, and savoring a full day in Limassol, a charming city on Cyprus's southern coast.

Emerald Cruises

Cultural immersion is at the heart of Emerald Cruises. Guests can enjoy exclusive performances by local musicians or engage in active pursuits like hiking to ancient city walls. Onboard these elegant yachts, there's no need to worry about tipping, upgrading drink packages, or purchasing additional excursions; everything is included. Accommodations vary from spacious, minimalist ocean-view rooms to luxurious yacht suites with private terraces and lounge chairs.

Recommended Journey: Mediterranean Enchantment 

Embark on a seven-night adventure from Athens, the cradle of civilization and home to the Acropolis, to the famous walled city of Dubrovnik in Croatia. Notably, this itinerary includes Albania, with numerous stops along Greece's picturesque west coast and its nearby islands. The coastal town of Sarandë boasts stunning azure waters and serves as a gateway to the UNESCO-listed site of Butrint. Other highlights include the ancient ruins of Corfu and the formidable walls of Kotor.

Oceania Cruises 

Looking for tailored service at every moment? Consider booking an Oceania cruise. With a favorable guest-to-crew ratio, your desires are effortlessly catered to. Mediterranean voyages offer a range of durations from seven to 30 days, perfect for those eager to explore. With so many enticing itineraries available, you might find yourself planning both this year's and next year's adventures.

Recommended Journey: Monte Carlo to Athens

This 10-day journey invites travelers to explore luxurious ports, featuring stops at Monte Carlo, Saint-Tropez, Florence, Rome, Valletta, Rhodes, and Athens. Shore excursions abound, showcasing everything from charming villages to glittering casinos. Onboard, enjoy a variety of activities, including wine tastings, engaging guest lectures, and lively trivia nights with fellow passengers.

Celebrity Cruises

For families traveling together—encompassing everyone from kids to grandparents—Celebrity Cruises offers a fantastic experience with its fleet of 16 ships. With numerous options for all ages (from kids' clubs to casinos), diverse shore excursions, and reasonable pricing, these voyages are perfect for larger gatherings.

Recommended Trip: Best of Italy and Croatia

This 11-night journey takes travelers to 10 ports across Italy and Croatia, featuring diverse landscapes and numerous shore excursion choices. Explore charming coastal towns like Portofino, discover the impressive fortified walls of Dubrovnik, and make the most of the ship's amenities during leisurely days at sea.

Silversea

Silversea is designed for those who prefer a more intimate cruising experience with fewer passengers on board. The fleet includes ships with 51 to 364 suites, allowing for personalized service and upscale amenities. Additionally, the line provides packages to alleviate the hassle of pay-as-you-go travel.

Recommended Trip: Venice to Athens

This 11-day voyage visits 11 ports across four countries: Italy, Croatia, Montenegro, and Greece. Stroll along cobblestone streets, admire Santorini's iconic windmills, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife and hidden beaches on Hvar, Croatia. Onboard, savor a meal at one of the ship’s restaurants, take a refreshing dip in the pool, or relax in a communal area to share stories of the day’s adventures with fellow travelers.

Ponant

Established in 1988, Ponant is a luxurious French cruise line. Its intimate Ponant Explorers vessels offer just 92 suites for a maximum of 184 guests. Each ship features bright, airy spaces and comfortable cabins. Notably, they include Blue Eye, a unique lounge located below sea level, providing an underwater view of the surroundings. Whether it's polar adventures or Mediterranean getaways, Ponant is a great choice for travelers seeking immersive experiences.

Recommended Trip: Ancient Wonders and Culinary Delights: Cruising Southern Italy and Sicily

In collaboration with Smithsonian Journeys, Ponant presents a culinary adventure on this eight-day cruise tailored for food lovers. Starting in Valletta, Malta, the journey sails to Sicily and along the Italian coast to Livorno. Guests will savor volcanic wines in Taormina, indulge in authentic Neapolitan pizza in Naples, and witness the making of fresh mozzarella in Agropoli. Onboard, a guest chef crafts dishes inspired by the destinations visited. Alongside Italy's culinary wonders, travelers can explore iconic landmarks like the Vatican and the Trevi Fountain.

Holland America

While Holland America may not offer as many options as some other cruise lines, the sailings they provide are exceptional. Accommodations vary from cozy 151-square-foot interior staterooms to expansive 712-square-foot suites for added comfort.

Trip to Try: 14-Day Adriatic Dream

This 14-day journey features stops across Italy (including Venice, Sicily, Amalfi, and Rome), Greece (including Katakolon, Souda, and Mykonos), as well as Albania and Malta (including Valletta and Mgarr). Indulge in the ship’s luxurious spa during leisurely days at sea, with the soothing rhythm of the waves enhancing your relaxation.

Princess Cruises

While Princess Cruises may not offer a vast array of Mediterranean itineraries, it compensates with exceptional excursions, abundant onboard entertainment, and engaging programs for kids and teens. Enjoy restful nights in plush beds designed in collaboration with a sleep expert to ensure you wake up fully refreshed.

Trip to Try: 10-day Mediterranean and Israel

This 10-day voyage visits six ports across Italy, Greece, Israel, and Cyprus, providing numerous shore excursions such as historical tours, vineyard visits with wine tastings, and local market explorations. Accommodation choices range from cozy interior staterooms to spacious premium suites featuring large balconies.

Cunard Line

For those who prioritize elegance, Cunard Line is the ultimate choice. Its ships, such as the Queen Elizabeth, boast luxurious interiors inspired by art deco and comfortable sun deck furnishings. High-end dining options are, of course, included.

Trip to Try: Western Mediterranean

Embark on a seven-night adventure with Cunard's Western Mediterranean cruise, starting from England to Italy. Explore Seville from Cadiz, admire Gaudí's masterpieces in Barcelona, visit Napoleon Bonaparte's childhood home in Corsica, and indulge in shopping in Rome. With several days at sea, take full advantage of the onboard amenities.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages breaks the mold of traditional cruising. With luxurious cabins and a vibrant party vibe, the cruise line has moved away from many conventional elements. Guests can enjoy themed PJ parties, pop-up circus acts, and flexible seating for over 20 meals crafted by Michelin-starred chefs.

Trip to Try: The Irresistible Med

Set sail on The Irresistible Med from Barcelona to Ibiza, where you'll find abundant opportunities to explore beautiful beaches, museums, and historic landmarks. The French port of Toulon serves as an ideal access point for visiting the charming villages of Provence. Other highlights include Marina di Carrara, famous for its exquisite marble, and the enchanting island of Corsica. Relax aboard by enjoying the sauna or lounging by the pool on sea days, with Ibiza as your final destination, allowing ample time to soak up the lively atmosphere of the party capital.

Royal Caribbean 

Royal Caribbean is ideal for groups with diverse interests. Whether kids want to play all day, adults prefer lounging by the pool, friends seek historical tours, or anyone wishes to enjoy onboard entertainment, this cruise line caters to all. It also stands out by offering Mediterranean sailings for those pressed for time or looking to enhance a longer trip with a quick getaway.

Trip to Try: Three-Night Western Mediterranean

Experience three idyllic days cruising from Rome to Barcelona. This short getaway is an excellent way to enjoy a weekend at sea amid your land-based travels. Spend a day in Naples, with the option to explore Capri, and choose from various shore excursions or venture out on your own, all while having a cozy home on board to return to each evening.