Costa Cruises was the first cruise operator to offer year-round Mediterranean cruises on a new ship, the Costa Magica. The company now has several ships that offer winter itineraries. Destinations include Italy, Spain, Greece, Egypt, Israel, Morocco, Madeira, Tunisia and the Canary Islands. The Costa Victoria even hosts a 20-day tour that includes stops in Spain, Morocco, Brazil and Argentina. Every Costa cruise includes accommodations, a range of dining options from light casual meals to 24-hour room service, on-board activities, children's programs and live entertainment. The ships are equipped with fitness centers, casinos and libraries, as well. For an additional fee, cruise guests can also access the on-board salon and spa facilities, Internet cafe, shopping, shore excursions and exercise classes.
Costa Cruises
200 S Park Road, Ste. 200,
Hollywood, FL 33021
877-88-COSTA
costacruise.com
P&O Cruises offers Mediterranean cruises into December, with ports of call in Italy, Spain, Egypt, Gibraltar, Malta, Greece and Croatia. For something really special, try the Christmas cruise of the Western Mediterranean on P&O Arcadia. This is a 17-night cruise that includes Christmas Day at Sea and New Year's Eve in Barcelona. Arcadia is a sophisticated ship geared toward adult travelers, with a large spa, several fine-dining options, live theatrical entertainment and several bars and lounges. For a family-friendly winter cruise, try the Eastern Mediterranean cruise on P&O Aurora, which includes stops in Spain, Egypt, Cyprus, Greece, Tunisia and Gibraltar. Aurora is equipped with children's clubs and a family pool--one of her three pools can even be covered with a skydome on chilly days.
P&O Cruises
Carnival House
100 Harbour Parade
Southampton SO15 1ST
England
011-44-84-5678-00-14
pocruises.com
The Norwegian Jade cruises the Mediterranean year-round. The ship cruises from Spain to Morocco, Italy to Greece and Egypt, and Majorca to Italy. Jade offers 10 on-board restaurants, serving everything from steak to sushi, plus 24-hour room service, as well as a selection of hot tubs, boutiques, on-board activities, basketball and tennis courts, a spa, salon, art gallery and movie theater. If you're traveling with kids, Jade has family staterooms, special activities for children and a Kid's Cafe with specially-sized tables and chairs.
Norwegian Cruise Line
7665 Corporate Center Dr.
Miami, FL 33126
866-625-1166
ncl.com/
