Cruises to Mediterranean

Mediterranean, a culmination of the Mediterranean Sea and its surrounding regions. It is known for several foundational elements, natural attractions, and cultural and historical assets, and it is a hidden gem of natural wonders, rugged mountains, emerald tides, crystal-clear waters, ancient forests, and thriving wildlife. Cruising to the Mediterranean will take you on a journey of discovery, relaxation, and a feast for your senses. Home to world-famous attractions, like the Colosseum in Rome, the Acropolis & Parthenon of Athens, Pompeii & the Amalfi Coast in Italy, Santorini in Greece, the Blue Grotto of Capri in Italy, and Corsica in France, a journey to the Mediterranean will be unique and experiential. Embark on a cruise to the Mediterranean with top-tier cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise, Holland America, MSC Cruises, Carnival Cruises, Azamara, Silversea, and Virgin Voyages. The most popular ports for Mediterranean cruises are Barcelona, Rome, Athens, Marseille, Dubrovnik, Venice & Genoa, and Istanbul.

Most Popular Ports of The Mediterranean

Barcelona

Barcelona Cruise Port is the busiest and most famous port in Europe, known for its ancient maritime history and modern travel convenience. The port dates back to 2000BC, and is said to have been used by the Phoenicians and the Romans as a major maritime hub. It also played a significant role in Mediterranean trade and Catalonia’s industrial rise in the 19th century. Barcelona Cruise Port receives millions of travelers annually, and it serves as a popular embarkation point for cruises to Italy, France, and Greece. Within walking distance or a short shuttle, the port features famous attractions, restaurants, cafes, natural landscapes, and a beach perfect for travelers to explore. Stroll through the narrow medieval streets, explore the shops, visit tapas bars in the Gothic Quarter, and go to a unique and vibrant La Boqueria Market to savour delicious local flavours, or visit the Picasso Museum to watch artistic works of the famous painter, Pablo Piccaso.

Civitavecchia

Civitavecchia Port serves as the main gateway to Rome, and stands as the most historically rich cruise port in the Mediterranean. The port was built and founded in 106 AD by Emperor Trajan to support the growing maritime trade and military of Rome. Located about 49 miles northwest of the city, it serves as the major cruise hub for MSC, Costa, Disney, and AIDA, and serves approximately 3.4 million travelers annually. This cruise port features numerous famous attractions, medieval architecture, the famous Roman ruins, beaches, and restaurants for travelers, making it a port not just to stroll but to take a day or two to explore. Savour fresh seafood and pasta in the local restaurant, Ristorante II Boccone, enjoy traditional Roman dishes at the Taverna del Porto, go for a scenic waterfront walk at the Principe Tommaso Promenade, or explore the Renaissance fortress built under Pope Julius II and the St. Francis Cathedral, known for its neoclassical church.

Marseille

The Grand Port Maritime de Marseille (GPMM) is one of the oldest and largest cruise ports in the Mediterranean, serving as the vital gateway to southern France and the Provence region. The port's history dates back to 600 BC, but the present facility was developed in phases through time, making it the busiest port in France, featuring the Western Mediterranean itineraries. Serving more than a million cruise passengers annually, the port stands as a top embarkation and transit point in the Mediterranean, accommodating up to six large cruise ships simultaneously at MPCT. This dynamic port offers a mix of numerous famous attractions, restaurants, cafes, and activities to indulge in, which include boat tours, beaches, and local markets, all offering an exclusive maritime vibe. Visit the famous restaurant Le Marimar, known for serving authentic bouillabaisse and Marseille’s signature seafood stew. Travelers seeking great views and a good vibe can spend their time at La Caravelle, or hop into Les Halles de la Major, serving gourmet food and local flavours. A few of the famous attractions near the port include Notre-Dame de la Garde, Le Panier, MuCEM, and Fort Saint Jean.

Athens

The Athens Cruise Port, officially known as Port of Piraeus, serves as the main maritime gateway to Athens, the oldest city in the world. The Port of Piraeus blends ancient maritime legacy with modern cruise infrastructure and functions as the largest port in Greece. Featuring three cruise terminals, A, B, and C, the port is capable of docking 11 cruise ships, serving millions of cruise passengers annually.  Located on the Saronic Gulf, about 7.5 miles southwest of central Athens, the port is in an excellent proximity to numerous attractions, including the Acropolis & Parthenon, an iconic hilltop ruin; Plaka District, a charming old town with shops and tavernas, Temple of Olympian Zeus, and Monastiraki Flea Market. Travelers seeking something authentic and experiential can choose to stroll through the port and try local eats and restaurants such as Kuzina, Taverna tou Psirri, and Oineas Restaurant. In addition to this, cruise passengers can also go for a guided tour of the Acropolis and ancient Athens.

Naples

Nestled on the Bay of Naples, Porto di Napoli is the major cruise port in the Mediterranean. Naples Port serves as a regular stop for major cruise lines, including MSC, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line, featuring mainly Mediterranean itineraries. Offering a culmination of ancient historical sites, coastal beauty, and world-famous cuisines, the port is perfect for strolling and gaining top experiences. The port is packed with numerous major attractions, including Pompeii, an ancient Roman city ideal for shore excursions, a guided tour of the Amalfi Coast & Positano, taking travelers to cliffside villages, lemon groves, and breathtaking views. There are numerous other attractions such as the Naples National Archaeological Museum, Castel dell’Ovo, Mount Vesuvius, and Capri Island.