Most people in the U.S. who have heard of Cannes probably know it from the Cannes Film Festival, but it’s also a popular Mediterranean cruise port. With a few villages close by, beautiful scenery, fancy shopping districts and rich history, it’s no wonder that cruisegoers enjoy this port of call. Fans of old Hollywood will love seeing sights featured in the 1955 Alfred Hitchcock film “To Catch a Thief” starring Grace Kelly and Cary Grant. For those who want to spend time shopping, be sure to book an excursion that gives you time to stroll the pedestrian-only zone on rue Meynadier that features boutiques and art galleries carrying luxury goods. If you wish to travel out from the port, book an excursion that visits villages such as Grasse and tour the perfume factory Fragonard Perfumery, or head to Fayence, Seillans or Anibes, or even the Principality of Monaco. It may be number 10 on the list, but Celestyal Cruises is number one in the hearts of passengers looking for an authentic Greek cruising experience.
Essential Tips for Mediterranean Cruising
In port, guests can sign up for special chef-guided market excursions for shopping local markets in locales such as Barcelona and Malaga, Spain, and Livorno and Sorrento, Italy. Choose from a series of 7- to 11-night Mediterranean Celebrity Edge voyages, running round-trip from Rome or between Rome and Barcelona. Know that you can't see everything in one Mediterranean cruise — even on sailings that run multiple weeks. Once you let go of your need to see and do it all and accept that you're on a sampler tour, you'll be better able to make your cruise selections and enjoy the ports your ship does visit. My favorite is April for the confluence of reasonable fares, pleasant weather, manageable crowds and an abundance of itinerary and ship choices, but I have loved sailings in other months as well. I've been to Santorini when four mid-sized ships (approximately 5,000 passengers) were in port and found it challenging to walk through the narrow maze of shops, restaurants and hotels.
10 Best Greece Cruises, According to Travel Experts - Travel + Leisure
10 Best Greece Cruises, According to Travel Experts.
Posted: Sat, 02 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Popular Mediterranean Cruise Ports
Unusually for an ocean line, complimentary shore excursions are included in every port — be it the highlights of Athens with a trip to the National Archaeological Museum or a tour of Barcelona with a stop at Gaudi’s famously unfinished Sagrada Familia. For a Mediterranean cruise on a completely inclusive cruise ship with all the pampering you could dream up, the cost of the lowest priced suites can be a surprisingly low $1,000 per person per night -- even with airfare included in some cases. The only things you’ll pay extra for on these ships are select specialty dining, high-end shore tours and spa treatments. Viking also offers complimentary shore excursions in every port, so you'll have access to knowledgeable guides who can explain the historical sites you're touring.
Cruises
You'll learn the basics of itineraries, cruise lines, destinations, when to go and when to book your European adventure at sea. For 12 glorious days, you can set sail through the Mediterranean with Holland America. The trip includes stops in Italy (including Venice, Sicily, Amalfi, and Rome), Greece (including Katakolon, Souda, and Mykonos), Albania, and Malta (including Valletta and Mgarr). When not exploring at port, make sure to take advantage of the ship’s luxurious spa, which comes with the bonus of the soft rocking of the waves to lull you into tranquility.
Princess’s Mediterranean with France and Italy cruise
Guests can also book pre- and post-trip stays in ports of call if they aren’t ready to go home after three weeks on the water. Those looking for an adults-only option will find exactly what they need with Viking Cruises. The company is strictly for guests ages 18 and up, providing a more mature cruising environment. The company stops in dozens of ports, making finding a cruise that fits your travel desires a snap.
Windstar Cruises
Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais for breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and take a dip in the crystal-clear waters. Tour some of Nice’s most beloved attractions like Castle Hill and Place Massena, or explore hidden gems like the Russian Cathedral and the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. Explore iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Vatican City, and immerse yourself in the city’s culinary delights and vibrant street life. Corfu is a stunningly beautiful island that effortlessly blends Venetian, French, and British history. Visit the Corfu Museum of Asian Art to explore a range of rare artifacts, take in the views from Achilleion Palace, or relax on one of its many idyllic beaches. However, if you prefer milder temperatures and a more relaxed atmosphere, the shoulder season of autumn or spring may be more suitable.
Best cruise for culture vultures: Norwegian Cruise Line in the Western Mediterranean
Best for a small-ship experienceRiver line CroisiEurope has two ships in its oceangoing fleet. The latest, the 130-passenger La Belle des Oceans, departs from ports such as Nice and will whisk you to the bone-white beaches of the Mediterranean’s fourth-biggest island, Corsica. It switches to sailing the Atlantic in winter, taking you to the sunshine of the Canary Islands on an in-depth itinerary covering six islands. By day, visit the lesser-known isle of La Gomera, home to Unesco-listed Garajonay National Park, and listen to the curious whistling language used by the islanders. By night, look up and discover celestial secrets in the clear skies above La Palma on a star-gazing trip. During this period, you’ll have the widest range of ships from most cruise lines, and the most varied options of excursions are offered.
For a different take on bustling Naples, birthplace of the pizza, search for clues on a guided treasure hunt through Italy’s third largest city. There’s also a dedicated coach tour for passengers in wheelchairs, plus another excursion along wheelchair paths at the ruins of Pompeii, the Roman city buried in ash and preserved after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD79. Cunard Line has ships that embark from Barcelona, Spain; Istanbul, Turkey; Rome and Triesta, Italy; South Hampton, England, for cruises to the Mediterranean, and itineraries include ports in Italy, Spain, Greece, France, Monaco and Croatia. Holland America is marking a major milestone this year celebrating its 150th Anniversary. In the late 1800s, Holland first sailed immigrants looking for a new start from Europe to America. In fact, 10 percent of all immigrants sailed over on what was then called the Netherlands-American Steamship Company.
Best for sailing on the newest ship
Cruise Critic provides comprehensive price and itinerary comparisons, ensuring a seamless planning experience. Take in the rich culture, history, and breathtaking scenery of the Mediterranean on board state-of-the-art ships equipped with world-class amenities. Unleash your sense of adventure and book your Mediterranean cruise today to discover the best that this remarkable region has to offer.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time cruiser, understanding the ideal timing for your Mediterranean voyage is crucial for a remarkable and memorable experience. But I only book with third-party operators if the ship docks right at the city I want to explore because I never want to miss the all-aboard time. Mediterranean cruises can last anywhere from seven days to two weeks, depending on the company and itinerary.
Do thoughts of sun, surf, and sand along the French or Italian Riviera, Spain, Croatia, or the Greek Isles have your swimsuits crawling out of the drawer to pack themselves? Well, consider hopping between the region’s very best beaches aboard a luxury sailing yacht (billionaire bankroll not required). Enjoy the exemplary service you have come to expect from The Ritz-Carlton Hotels when sailing the Mediterranean with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. We recommend the 10-night Venice to Rome itinerary, which explores Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast before calling upon Montenegro, the Amalfi Coast and Capri before arriving in Rome. Curated excursions in each port are designed to provide exceptional experiences that make the most of each destination. In true Ritz-Carlton fashion, the Concierge Ashore can also create a personalized outing tailor-made just for you.
You get all the plusses of cruising mainstream, like entertainment, casinos, water features, and family-friendly activities. Afterwards, you can retreat to your quiet suite enclave to enjoy your personal luxury. Azamara is well known for providing a choice of guest-pleasing cruise extensions and overnights in ports. Mediterranean cruises run between five and 14 nights on ships carrying only 700 guests.
25 BEST Mediterranean Cruises 2024 (Prices + Itineraries): Cruises to the Mediterranean on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
25 BEST Mediterranean Cruises 2024 (Prices + Itineraries): Cruises to the Mediterranean on Cruise Critic.
Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 14:35:23 GMT [source]
Peak season is during the summer, despite the fact that many restaurants, shops and attractions close for the entire month of August in a number of European cities. The shoulder seasons of early spring and late fall are great options for lighter crowds and more affordable cruise fares. Though the cruise ends in Trieste, the wonders of Venice are just 90 minutes away, so adding a few extra nights to explore its colorful, canal-laced islands is a must. Best for a British vibeAimed at British cruisers, Ambassador has two ships; the 1,400-passenger Ambience and Ambition, carrying 1,200 guests. Silversea Cruises is a line that offers small-ship luxury experiences, and they prioritize customer service providing butler service to guests in every suite. Their ships in the Mediterranean Sea visit ports in Croatia, France, Greece, Gibraltar, Italy, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Spain and Turkey.
Shoulder season is a favorite travel season for people who can be flexible with their travel times and don’t need to wait for spring break or summer break from school. (It can also be a more sustainable way to travel.) Shoulder season for cruises to the Mediterranean is spring and fall — March, April, September and October. These months will have fewer options for ships and excursions compared to the summer months, but the fares are reduced. Crowds are smaller, too, making shoulder season a boon for budget-conscious travelers. The ships have an exhaustive list of onboard experiences including nightly live entertainment, specialty dining options, areas to play sports like pickleball, pools, and everything from salsa dancing to jewelry-making classes.
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