Mediterranean cruises are perfect for people wanting to explore Europe for the first time or those that have never been cruising before. Voyages around the Mediterranean come with a huge choice of itineraries and destinations. Many ocean going voyages around the Mediterranean explore either the east or west, with the most popular destinations including Rome, Barcelona, the French Riviera, and the Baltics. Mediterranean cruise destinations offer unrivalled culture, plenty of shopping opportunities, and some of the world's finest cuisine. For those traveling to Europe for the first time, a Mediterranean voyage lets you see numerous destinations that simply wouldn't be possible any other way.
Western Mediterranean cruises
The most popular Mediterranean cruises are those that explore the west. Western journeys around the Mediterranean take in Italy, France, and Spain, where popular stop off destinations include Rome, where the ancient architecture can be explored; Barcelona, with its many nightclubs, bars and restaurants; and the French Riviera, where you can relax on the beaches or go shopping in some of the most exclusive boutiques on Earth. Some cruise operators go even farther afield, stopping at Tangiers in Morocco, Lisbon in Portugal and in Monte Carlo home to some of the world's most famous casinos. Western voyages to the Mediterranean leave from many ports in Europe, with Southampton in the UK being one of the most popular.
Eastern Mediterranean cruises provide a slightly different experience to the more common western trips. These ocean going voyages visit the more exotic parts of the Med, including Greece, Turkey, Croatia and Egypt. Many of the stop off destinations are islands, where you'll be able to relax in relative solitude. Venice is also a common stop off for Eastern Mediterranean cruise, where you'll find culture on a grand scale, but some of the more exiting destinations include the Greek islands, such as Mykonos, Crete, Santorini and Rhodes, which have stunning beaches and fine local food. Some cruises to the Mediterranean venture out into the Black Sea, which is perhaps one of the world's best-kept secrets. Here you'll find a mix of beautiful beaches in places like Varna and ancient medieval cities, such as Nessebu, Odessa and Sevastopol. You'll also find the destinations in an Eastern Mediterranean cruise much cheaper than the west too.
Eastern Mediterranean
A cradle of civilisation and trade for centuries, the eastern Mediterranean – which extends from the southern reaches of the Adriatic through the Ionian Sea to the Aegean, the Turkish coast and, farther south, the shores of Israel and Lebanon – represents the greatest concentration of historical interest in the cruising world.
Mediterranean cruises are ideal for those who do not wish to spend too many days at sea (Alamy) Photo: ALAMY
Take a voyage through this fascinating region and it’s possible to check off Jerusalem, Athens, Istanbul. Olympia and Ephesus in one trip. More intricate journeys may take in the Corinth Canal, the Palace of Knossos on Crete, the castle of the Knights of St John on Rhodes, the vast monastery of St John on Patmos and the temples of Delos.