Tourists who cruise the Western Mediterranean will experience the world's finest art and architecture and stop in some of the most chic cities in the world. Most Western Mediterranean cruises depart from and return to either Barcelona or Rome. Other popular ports of call in Italy include Sicily; Naples (Pompeii and Capri); and Tuscany (Florence and Pisa). France has stops in Nice, Cannes and Monaco's Monte Carlo. Stops in Spain are often the Balearic Islands, Malaga and Barcelona.
Beach, history and culture lovers alike will find something they like on an Eastern Mediterranean cruise. Travelers looking solely for sun and relaxation might opt to cruise the Greek Islands, a mecca for sun lovers. Most Eastern Mediterranean itineraries include the best of both worlds. Standard ports of call for most Eastern Mediterranean cruises are Rome, Venice and Athens. According to Cruisecritic.com, other stops along the way might include Croatia's Dubrovnik and Hvar; Italy's Bari; Greece's Katakalon, for Olympia, along with Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Corfu and Rhodes. Malta's Valletta, south of Sicily, is another port that is increasingly popular on the Eastern Mediterranean itinerary.
You can cruise the Mediterranean at any time of the year, but Cruisecheap.com says the most departures will sail between May and October, with summer being peak season. Keep in mind that the summer months in the Mediterranean are hot (80 to 90 degrees and more) and due to demand, prices are higher. Winter cruises also are offered. They offer a more affordable price, less crowds and cooler temperatures (between 50 and 70 degrees).
Almost all of the major lines offer cruises during the peak season and some offer them all year long. Cruise lines that serve the area include Holland America, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Orient Line, Radisson Seven Seas, Oceania Cruises, Seabourn, Cunard Line, Silversea, Costa Cruises and Windstar.
You'll be visiting some of the greatest cities on Earth. From taking a gondola ride in the Grand Canal to trekking to see the ruins of Pompeii, there is so much to do that you may decide you need more than just a five-day sailing. Most Mediterranean sailings are seven to 14 days. Many cruises offer port hotel packages so you can enjoy the port city and have time to rest after and before long flights.
