A Cruise Companion guide

Mediterranean Cruises

A Mediterranean cruise is a moving history lesson — Rome, Barcelona and Athens in one trip, with a new ancient city at breakfast most mornings. The Western loop favors Spain, France and Italy; the Eastern loop leans into the Greek Isles, the Adriatic and Turkey.

Ports of Call

The stops that make up a typical Mediterranean sailing — tap any for things to do ashore.

Barcelona, Spain

Gaudí’s city and a top Western turnaround — arrive a day early for La Sagrada Família.

Things to do in port ›

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

The port for the Eternal City — the Colosseum, Vatican and Trevi within reach.

Things to do in port ›

Naples, Italy

Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast and the world’s original pizza.

Things to do in port ›

Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy

Renaissance Florence or the Leaning Tower from one Tuscan port.

Things to do in port ›

Santorini, Greece

Whitewashed cliffs and blue domes — the Aegean’s signature sunset.

Things to do in port ›

Mykonos, Greece

Windmills, whitewash and the Cyclades’ liveliest harbor.

Things to do in port ›

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The walled “Pearl of the Adriatic,” best walked on its ramparts.

Things to do in port ›

Athens (Piraeus), Greece

The Acropolis and 3,000 years of history from the Eastern gateway port.

Things to do in port ›

Best time to cruise

April to October, with the shoulders — May and September — the connoisseur’s pick: warm seas, thinner crowds and gentler prices. July and August are hot and busy but deliver the longest beach days.

Who sails here

Major lines cruising Mediterranean:

MSCRoyal CaribbeanNorwegianCelebrityPrincessOceania
See Mediterranean cruises on Trip.com →
📖 Part of The Cruise Companion — a book in the Guild Travel Library. Curated by our Explorers, kept current, and free to use.

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