Mediterranean Cruises

Eastern Mediterranean/Aegean Sea cruises visit ports in Turkey, Greece and islands such as Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos and Crete. Cruise ships traveling this itinerary on seven-day cruises often departing from Piraeus (Athens), Greece, or Istanbul, Turkey, though some longer voyages sail from ports farther west. Those looking for the most variety and more of a "local" atmosphere should definitely explore the Costa Cruise Line Italian and Mediterranean influenced offerings.

For a more traditional American-influenced cruise experience on generally larger vessels, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Celebrity and Princess all have ships in the region during the popular cruising season. Those looking for an even more upscale experience will find that sophisticated luxury vessels (Silversea, Crystal, Regent Seven Seas and Seabourn). You can opt for a yacht-style experience (SeaDream Yacht Club or Windstar) or sail on an all-masted ship (Star Clipper). Those on a budget can take advantage of great deals on cheap-and-cheerful older vessels (Costa and MSC Italian Cruises).

Western Mediterranean/Southern Europe cruises sail among the cities and villages of Southern Europe from the Adriatic to the Straits of Gibraltar, including Venice, Naples, Civitavecchia (Rome), and Genoa Italy; Monte Carlo and Monaco St.-Tropez, France; Barcelona, Spain; and a host of others, ranging from small villages to major cities. Eastern Mediterranean cruises sail among the cities such as Greece and her islands Rhodes, Corfu, Santorini, Mykonos and Crete.

There are a host of others, ranging from small villages to major cities. Some itineraries include Dubrovnik, Istanbul, Kusadasi sometimes combine with Black Sea cruises ports of call include Varna, Odessa and Yalta or longer cruises Cyprus island or holy land cruise ports may include itinerary. Southern Mediterranean cruises visit the more exotic ports of call along the coast of North Africa from Morocco to the Holy Lands, including Tunis, Tunisia; Tripoli, Libya; Alexandria, Egypt; Ashdod or Haifa, Israel, among others.

Southern Europe and the Mediterranean are home to some of the world's most advanced cultures. Experience fascinating and historic ports such as Lisbon Portugal, Gibraltar, Portofino Italy, Monaco, Barcelona Spain, Rome Italy, Mykonos Greece and many others. Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, Saint Paul, Marco Polo and many others from the dawn of civilization to present-day cruisers have explored the coastal cities and the islands of Southern Europe and the Mediterranean Sea.

These are, in fact, places linked mainly by the sea, with history, commerce and tradition. Whether you are a family looking for history or a couple looking for romance, this destination provides the both of best worlds. See the sights such as St Peters square, the Sistine Chapel in Rome, Gaudi's Church of the Holy Family in Barcelona, the Louvre in Paris or the Coliseum in Rome. The best time to visit is in the late spring/early summer or in the early fall. The weather is very pleasant and not too hot during these times. The most popular time to visit is in July and August though temperatures are extremely high. A cruise to Europe and the Mediterranean will give you a chance to experience culture, history, & the beauty of many different countries.

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