Plan the Perfect Mediterranean Cruise

From sun-soaked beaches that rival those of the Caribbean to historic cities steeped in culture, art, and vibrant nightlife, the Mediterranean offers a diverse array of experiences sure to capture the interest and enthusiasm of any cruiser. Whether you want to explore the ancient ruins of Greece, go on a shopping spree along the French Riviera, sample local delicacies in Italy, party in Spain, peruse the extensive markets of Turkey, or even hike in Tunisia, the one thing all these things have in common is you can do all of them on a Mediterranean cruise.

Gear up for your next Mediterranean cruise by exploring our top tips including which cruise line to take, when and where to go, and how much to budget for this vacation of a lifetime! 

Best Cruise Lines for the Mediterranean

Many cruise lines offer Mediterranean itineraries, but these cruise lines go above and beyond with immersive onshore experiences, excellent dining and entertainment, or simply great deals.

• Discover your dream MSC Mediterranean Cruise
• Find your next Mediterranean Cruise with Royal Caribbean
• Explore Princess Mediterranean Cruise options perfect for you
• Your next Celebrity Mediterranean Cruise is waiting for you
• Check out the best Disney Mediterranean Cruise available

Best Time of Year to Take a Mediterranean Cruise

As a cruise region, the Mediterranean is one of the best because it offers different experiences all year round. However, depending on what you want to experience, there are certain times of the year when taking a Mediterranean cruise makes more sense. 

Go in winter (Nov - Feb) for better fares

Pros: Cheaper fares, fewer crowds, excellent festivals (don’t miss Carnival in Venice in February!)

Cons: Rougher seas, lower temperatures

Best Destination: Canary Islands - temperatures rarely drop below 70F and rainfall is more manageable, even in winter

Go in the spring (Mar - May) for good weather

Pros: Gorgeous temperate weather, lots of festivals, fewer crowds, reasonable prices

Cons: Rough seas possible, festivals and holidays could mean closed attractions

Best Destination: Spain and Italy - these places can be sweltering in summer and chilly in winter, so if you plan to spend time outdoors, opt for a spring trip

Go in the summer (Jun - Aug) for sun & longer hours

Pros: Tons of sun, warm weather, smooth sailing, lots of onshore options

Cons: Sky-high prices, crowds, some attraction closures possible in August due to European holidays

Best Destination: Dubrovnik (Croatia) - cool off with a dip in some of the world’s clearest sea water before taking a tour of the fort featured on Game of Thrones

Go in the fall (Sep - Oct) for high value

Pros: Warm temperatures, fewer crowds, reasonable prices

Cons: Rougher seas and lower temperatures likely in late fall

Best Destination: Sardinia - warmer waters surround the island with an oasis of lingering summer heat

How Much Does a Mediterranean Cruise Cost?

The cost of a Mediterranean cruise varies based on different criteria. However, no matter when you go or on which cruise line, there are plenty of ways to save money on your cruise vacation. For one thing, you can activate free price alerts that will notify you as soon as prices change on your preferred sailing. We also provide accurate price predictions that will help you determine the best time to book with clear recommendations. All of these things can make saving money on your cruise easier.

Beyond that, here are some things to keep in mind when budgeting for your Mediterranean cruise:

When You Go

Chances are, if you book your cruise during the high season or peak season, which in the Mediterranean is the summer, you’ll pay more. Booking a cruise in the winter can save money, but you may trade off with rougher seas or fewer onshore excursion options.

Which Cruise Line You Choose

Mainstream cruise lines like Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and MSC Cruises tend to offer cheaper fares than luxury cruise lines like Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas, or Windstar.

How Far in Advance You Book

We’ve done a lot of research into when exactly to book your cruise in order to save the most (down to the day of the week!), and we’ve found that generally the best deals can be found either more than a year in advance, or within just 100 days before departure. You can read the whole study (which breaks the results down by cruise line) here. 

What Countries Do Mediterranean Cruises Visit?

Typically, Mediterranean cruises can be categorized into either Eastern Mediterranean cruises, Western Mediterranean cruises, or Southern Mediterranean Cruises. 

Eastern Mediterranean cruises can visit the following countries:

• Greece

• Croatia

• Turkey

• Cypress

• Bulgaria

Western Mediterranean cruises can visit these countries:

• Italy (including Sicily)

• France

• Spain (including the Canary Islands)

• Portugal

• Croatia

Southern Mediterranean cruises may visit:

• Tunisia

• Libya

• Egypt

• Morocco

Find Your Mediterranean Cruise

Discover your next cruise to the Mediterranean with our awesome search! Plus, be sure you’re getting the best possible deal on your Mediterranean cruise with our price alerts and peerless price prediction - all 100% free!