Wednesday, April 17, 2024

8 best Italy cruises for a Mediterranean vacation

best cruise lines mediterranean

Oceania also maximizes its time in port with extended stays, immersive “Go Local” and “Go Green” excursions, and small group sizes. There’s evening entertainment, shopping, and even a casino on board, so you’ll need a variety of outfits to transition from day to night. It’s obviously not all about Mickey when you’re exploring destinations with such a richness of culture as those in the Mediterranean.

Ancient Mediterranean Treasures

best cruise lines mediterranean

Now it’s widely recognized for its architectural masterpieces and spirited customs. On European cruises from Barcelona, leave enough time before you depart to visit Park Güell — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and feel inspired by the colors and unique artistry that lies in the park and throughout the entire city. On a Mediterranean cruise with Princess®, explore the homes of Greek gods, Italian artists and multicultural treasures. As you walk down bustling roads and beaches, cultures and history fill the air. Uncover divine legends at the Acropolis, admire religious relics at Dubrovnik’s Cathedral or climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa and soak up sweeping views of the emerald landscapes.

Top 11 Must-Try Mediterranean Foods

Our top overall pick is Princess Cruises’ newly launched Sun Princess ship, which calls upon Montenegro, Corfu, Sicily and more. For foodies, we love the premium cuisine found onboard Silversea Cruise’s Silver Moon, and for couples, the romantic Viking Saturn is sure to be a hit. To avoid any potential travel delays or complications, it is advisable to arrive at least a day before your cruise departure. This allows you to relax, adjust to the time zone, and explore the departure city before embarking on your Mediterranean adventure. Norwegian Cruise Line offers  Mediterranean itineraries that range from 3 to 14 days.

Mediterranean Cruises

BEST Norwegian (NCL) Cruises to the Eastern Mediterranean (with Prices) 2024 & 2025 on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic

BEST Norwegian (NCL) Cruises to the Eastern Mediterranean (with Prices) 2024 & 2025 on Cruise Critic.

Posted: Mon, 22 Apr 2024 09:57:48 GMT [source]

Take a stroll through historic Plaka, ascend to the Acropolis for stunning views over the city, explore world-class museums filled with ancient artifacts, or venture out to nearby islands like Hydra and Aegina. I am a travel advisor and cruise specialist with extensive experience in cruising multiple times. In this comprehensive guide, I will help you navigate the world of Mediterranean cruises and determine the best time to embark on this unforgettable adventure. Oceania caters to couples seeking an upscale cruise experience with a culinary focus. Onboard Vista, the atmosphere is sleek and polished, with interior decor awash in elegant neutrals of varying patterns and textures, all woven together into a soothing mosaic (in some cases, literally, as tiled vignettes are used throughout the ship).

If you're planning to visit one of the well-known museums or other attractions that require a ticket, buy your ticket online in advance to save time. From the canals of Venice to the Acropolis in Athens, experience the dolce vita in the Med. Discover the Holy Land, the Greek Islands, and Adriatic countries in the Eastern Mediterranean. In the Western Mediterranean, you’ll find Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and Monaco. With the lower price point of this cruise, you might be able to bring the whole family, and there’s plenty on board to keep everyone busy, from surf simulators and ice-skating shows to laser tag and a youth program. Finally, hear it straight from the expert — one of Celestyal’s seasoned captains shared his eight essential tips for cruising the Greek Islands with us.

SeaDream Yacht Club

Imagine life as a gladiator at the Colosseum, explore Greek mythology at the Parthenon and discover the archeological excavations of Pompeii — a lost city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Best for a British vibeAimed at British cruisers, Ambassador has two ships; the 1,400-passenger Ambience and Ambition, carrying 1,200 guests. Visit Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece, La Sagrada Família (one of the most unique churches on the planet) in Barcelona, see the slopes of Sicily, and witness the white mountainside villages of Spain. Plus, Land Programs offer tours, premium hotel stays, and airport transfers before and after your cruise.

The cruise line is also known for its spa, onboard entertainment, and comfy accommodations. TravelAwaits writer Rebecca Hall got the opportunity to sail aboard the Celebrity Apex for its Greek Islands and Cyprus cruise as a guest speaker for their onboard Enrichment Program. What you pack for the Western Mediterranean will be highly dependent on the time of year of your cruise, but comfortable walking shoes are always a must. Light layers are a good idea year-round and some warmer options are a good idea during the colder months. We also recommend bringing a reusable water bottle if you're visiting in the summer; crowded Mediterranean streets can become unbearably hot and dehydration can become an issue.

Best cruise for explorers: Celebrity Cruises in the Holy Land

best cruise lines mediterranean

Disney’s meticulous service transitions seamlessly to its excursions offered on shore. Stories have been told of parents losing their children to the amazing, kids-only, onboard experiences day after day. While being a kid-at-heart always helps, Disney’s adults-only areas and attention to detail are what keep parents, and even travelers without children, coming back. Celebrity Cruises describes itself as a “relaxed luxury resort at sea.” The cruise line provides a modern, yet dignified experience on board. Experience distinguished cuisine and cocktails, Broadway-quality shows and live music, plus enrichment and educational options that satisfy even the most inquisitive passenger.

NEW! Mediterranean to Caribbean Sojourn

12 Best Mediterranean Cruise Destinations for 2024–2024 - Reader's Digest

12 Best Mediterranean Cruise Destinations for 2024–2024.

Posted: Mon, 20 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Here's everything you need to know about visiting Loch Ness on Scotland vacations, including its history, how to get there, and the best things to do. Stroll around Italy's enchanting small alleys, gracious palaces and photogenic squares. See Rome's impressive Colosseum and the rest of Italy's breathtaking capital. Marvel at the colorful buildings in Venice during a gondola ride through the canals and visit Florence's extraordinary Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Next, enjoy the best of Italy's cuisine, and wash it down with some tasty wine from a nearby vineyard, or follow it up with a delicious gelati (ice cream). Lightweight, comfortable clothing and a swimsuit are essentials in the Eastern Mediterranean, as are comfortable shoes -- sandals for the beach and sneakers for city sightseeing.

Embark on an unforgettable Mediterranean adventure and discover a region brimming with diversity. From the magnificent beaches and historic sites of Eastern Mediterranean ports to the vibrant and artistic cities of Western Mediterranean ports, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Immerse yourself in the stunning architecture of Spain and Italy, bask in the sun on Greece's beautiful shores, or marvel at the ancient treasures of Istanbul and Malta. Royal Caribbean is the line to choose for those traveling in groups with varied interests and age levels. Think, the kids who want to play all day, the adults who want to lounge by the pool, the friend who wants to explore a city’s history through tours, or the friend who wants to stay up all night enjoying the onboard entertainment.

The tours are usually led by locals, which means the guides can also give you some good recommendations if you have time before you need to return to the ship. If you're looking for a unique excursion that still gives you the highlights of a European city, I recommend booking a food tour. I've done tours in places like Amsterdam, Budapest, and Paris, and I've never been disappointed.

From The Sultan Ahmed Mosque tour in Istanbul to the ancient history combined with breathtaking nature tours in Rhodes. Here is our top 20 list of the best tours for a Eastern mediterranean cruise vacation. Pristine turquoise waters and white pebble beaches welcome you to this small picturesque country.

Take a moment to make the most of your Greek island hopping travels, reveal the best places to visit in Greece. Reveal the most romantic ideas for a couple’s weekend getaway while traveling on a Paris vacation. The best holiday destinations are those that allow you to forget your stresses back home and spend time with your closest loved ones.

However, if you enjoy a lively atmosphere, bustling markets, warmer water temperature, and vibrant nightlife, a summer Mediterranean cruise may be the perfect fit for you. Let’s delve into the details of each season to help you determine the perfect time to embark on your Mediterranean cruise. It manages to be intimate without feeling claustrophobic, although it is worth noting that none of its staterooms or suites has a balcony. There is, however, ample deck space for relaxation, with a pool and two hot tubs, as well as inviting alfresco bars and dining areas. From the treasures on land to the jewels within museums, the Mediterranean is a true work of art. On an Italian cruise, see portraits from the Renaissance period at the Uffizi Museum in Florence, and admire Michelangelo’s masterpieces at the Vatican Museum in Rome.

In the Eastern Mediterranean, you’ll find cruises that visit Greece and Turkey. Stops in the Adriatic Sea (the northernmost arm of the Mediterranean Sea and your access to Croatia and Venice) are often included in these sailings. July to September is the peak summer season in the Mediterranean, when most Europeans take their summer vacation. April, May, June, later in September, and October are all great months to visit, too. You can sail the Mediterranean with Celebrity right up to November, which is a wonderful time for sightseeing with fewer people around.

Finally, the weather can be downright miserable in the summer, with soaring temperatures and high humidity making even the most relaxing tours uncomfortable. And if that doesn’t convince you, know that many places in Europe don’t have air conditioning. Have your heart set on a Mediterranean cruise but don't know where to begin? Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. It’s educational, it brings history to life, the shopping is great, the ice cream unsurpassed, and the beaches superb.

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