Your Guide for the Best Mediterranean Cruises

The best Mediterranean cruises look different depending on your cruise style, so it's helpful to take a few things into account when planning your cruise. First off, think about which ports you want to visit. Cruises to the Mediterranean tend to focus on either the Eastern Mediterranean or the Western Mediterranean. The Western Mediterranean tends to be the most popular for first-time cruises and for first visits to Europe. This region includes port cities in Spain, France and Italy. The Eastern Mediterranean tends to appeal to more seasoned travelers. This region's ports include cities in Greece and Turkey as well as countries that border the Adriatic Sea, Croatia and Montenegro. Less frequent, but still available, are cruises that visit Israel and Egypt.

Next you should consider when to arrive for your cruise. You should plan to arrive at least one night in advance. Sometimes flight delays or other problems out of your control happen on even the most well-planned vacations. By arriving one night in advance, you create a buffer that helps ensure you won't miss your cruise embarkation. You can also purchase cruise insurance to protect yourself from unforeseen problems. If your budget allows, consider arriving a few days before your embarkation date. Many Mediterranean cruises start in cities like Barcelona and Rome, which have plenty of fun things to do.

Lastly, decide on cruise duration. Because of the long flight, I always like to have at least two weeks when I travel to Europe, but you'll have to decide what your schedule and budget allow. At a minimum, I recommend taking a Mediterranean cruise that's at least seven days to make the most of your journey.

Another thing to consider is accessibility. If you or a member of your party require accommodations for mobility limitations, research the available excursions. While cruise ships will typically have accommodations onboard, some European cities have cobblestone streets that are difficult to navigate in a wheelchair and multistory buildings that don't have elevators. Consider speaking to a travel agent who can help you plan.

Best time for Mediterranean cruises

The best time for Mediterranean cruises can be determined by a few factors — choice of ships and excursions, crowd volume and weather.

Peak season for Mediterranean cruises is summer from May to August. During this period, you’ll have the widest range of ships from most cruise lines, and the most varied options of excursions are offered. However, peak season also comes with the largest crowds in port and the most expensive cruise fares.

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 offseason for Mediterranean cruises is the winter months of November through February. During these months, travelers have the fewest options among cruise lines, ships, ports and excursions. While you might be able to find a cruise during this period, the number of ports options on itineraries decrease and options for shore excursion are limited. The tradeoff is not having crowds, with the exception of holiday markets in December, which are popular throughout much of Europe.

What to pack for a Mediterranean cruise

Packing for your Mediterranean cruise may be different based on the ports in your cruise itinerary and shore excursions, but here are some guidelines on what to pack.

Things you'll need for every Mediterranean cruise

• Clothes that can be mixed and matched, so they can be worn again. This will help keep your luggage lighter and more manageable when going on longer cruises.
• Clothing for dinner and onboard events. Check your ship’s dress code and your cruise itinerary for formal nights in case you want to participate.
• Comfortable walking shoes for touring port cities.
• Scarf or pashmina. Not only is a scarf nice to have on a chilly evening, but it also is handy if you are touring any churches on a hot day. Many churches that you may tour on a Mediterranean cruise require visitors to have their shoulders and knees covered before entering.
• Backpack or other bag for use as a daypack while in port.
• Prescription and over-the-counter medications. While ships have an on-site aid center, they do not dispense prescription drugs. Over-the-counter medication is easier to get, but it's simpler to have it on hand already if you start feeling seasick or get a headache.
• Phone, other electronics you want with you, their charging cables and a portable charger.
• Plug adapters for your hotel stay.

Pool and beachside

• Swimwear. Pack one swimsuit if you plan only to use the onboard pool or two to three if you are visiting beaches and doing water activities on your shore excursions.
• Swimsuit coverups for when you leave pool and beach areas.
• Waterproof phone case or pouch. While a near necessity on a Caribbean cruise, it’s an optional item for a Mediterranean cruise if you plan on doing water-based activities and want to keep your phone with you.

Traveling in Spring or Fall

• Pants, long-sleeved shirts, light sweaters and jackets for the cooler weather.
• Umbrella or rain jacket. I prefer a rain jacket because I’m less likely to lose it, but choose whichever works best for you as these times of year tend to see more rain than summer.

Shore Excursions

• Water shoes for water-based activities.
• Bike helmet. Helmets are typically provided on bike tours, but you may prefer to have your own helmet if you plan on doing any mountain biking or other such activities.
• Collapsible trekking poles. If you are an avid hiker and plan to do so on any of your shore excursions, consider packing your trekking poles.

Popular Mediterranean cruise ports

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is not only a stop on many Mediterranean cruise itineraries but also a frequent embarkation or disembarkation port. If you're excited about seeing Barcelona and the idea of spending the day there just doesn't seem like enough, consider starting or ending your cruise here, so you can spend a couple extra days visiting the Spanish city.

Top things to do in Barcelona on a shore excursion include tours to see Gaudi's art nouveau architecture, the Picasso Museum, culinary tours and cooking classes. You can also find tours where the highlight is visiting FC Barcelona's stadium, a bucket-list item for many soccer fans.

Cannes, France

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.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik is a historic walled city that is very walkable, so if this is a stop on your Mediterranean cruise, you can opt for touring the city on your own or booking a shore excursion. If traveling during the summer, the beach offers activities from lounging and swimming to kayaking. For those more interested in history, walking tours offer an insight into Dubrovnik's top sights.

Top things to see in Dubrovnik include the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries that date to the 14th century, the Pile Gate and Rectors Palace. Walking tours atop the city walls are also a popular activity. Fans of the TV show "Game of Thrones" will be delighted to find that there are tours focused on taking travelers to the TV show's film locations in Dubrovnik.

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is a city with beautiful architecture and culture. Many cruise excursions include a mix of the city’s top sites such as the Blue Mosque (aka Sultan Ahmed Mosque), an example of gorgeous architecture featuring spires and domes. Plan ahead if you visit the mosques, as women typically are required to cover their heads with a scarf, and everyone must have covered shoulders and take their shoes off before entering. In addition to the religious buildings, there are the museums — The Great Palace Mosaic Museum, Hagia Sophia, and the Turkish and Islamic Art Museum. Many excursions also include a visit to the Grand Bazaar, a shopping hub that contains thousands of stores. Purveyors sell spices, produce and other foods as well as clothing, rugs and more.

Rome, Italy

Rome is a popular destination with its mix of ancient and religious sites, including Vatican City, as well as delicious food and cultural offerings. You'll want to plan ahead because the actual city of Rome is about an 80- to 90-minute train ride from the port city of Civitavecchia. Budget-minded travelers may be inclined to book shore excursions on their own to save money, and if this is you, you may want to reconsider. With the heavy traffic in Rome that frequently causes long travel delays, even the best planners may arrive back at the ship late. Ships only delay embarkation for passengers on excursions booked through the cruise line.

If this is your first time, you’ll likely want to see some of the top things to do in Rome, and the cruise line excursions will not disappoint. Many include transportation and tickets to a variety of site like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain as well as the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Other excursions that may appeal to return visitors include tours of Civitavecchia or a pasta-making class.

Santorini, Greece

Santorini is a beautiful island in Greece, but it can get crowded when more than one cruise ship is in port. It’s best to plan ahead to ensure you can get up to the city of Oia and see the sights on your list if touring on your own. Shore excursions may include visits to wineries complete with wine tastings accompanied by an assortment of breads, meats and cheeses. There are also ouzo tastings as well as sightseeing in the villages on the island of Santorini. The picturesque, whitewashed buildings and the black sand beaches make this a favorite port for many visitors. If you wish to avoid the crowds or just spend more time in the water, catamaran tours sail around the island, offering a chance to swim (if traveling when temperatures allow) and view the beaches and caldera.

Mediterranean cruise lines

Part of booking the best Mediterranean cruise is selecting a cruise line that meets your needs and budget. Here's a rundown of Mediterranean cruise lines, when they offer sailings in the Mediterranean and some basic info like which country's ports they visit. If you still find yourself unsure, reach out to a AAA Travel Agent, a free service for AAA members, who can help you decide not only which cruise line but also can help you book excursions and be there for you every part of your vacation should the need arise.

Azamara

Sails in the Mediterranean: March-November

Cruise duration: 4-14 nights

Azamara is a luxury cruise line on which the ships hold a maximum of 700 passengers. In addition to Mediterranean cruises that are a tour of ports in different countries, the cruise line has country-specific itineraries for Croatia, France, Greece, Italy and Spain.

Celebrity Cruises

Sails in the Mediterranean: January-December

Cruise duration: 6-12 nights

Celebrity Cruises is known for its entertainment with Broadway-style stage shows as well as exciting circus performances, so you'll never be bored on sea days or during the evenings on your Mediterranean cruise. They feature itineraries that offer a mix of stops at ports in Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Montenegro, Morocco and Spain.

Cunard Line

Sails in the Mediterranean: April-October

Cruise duration: 6-32 nights

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.

Disney Cruise Line

Sails in the Mediterranean: May-July

Cruise duration: 7-11 nights

Disney Cruise Line, one the best cruise lines for families, spends only a short time in the Mediterranean, and itineraries typically include European ports in Spain, France, Rome and Greece. Though Disney Cruise Line has many amenities that cater to children and families, they offer adult-only excursions (for parents who have arranged onboard care for the kiddos and adults traveling without children) in addition to their family-friendly offerings.

Holland America

Sails in the Mediterranean: April-November

Cruise duration: 7-28 nights

Holland America offers Mediterranean cruise itineraries with ports of call in Spain, Italy, France, Turkey, Greece, Croatia and Cyprus as well as ports in Montenegro, Egypt and Morocco. Holland America cruises typically cater to adults, and their ships have a passenger capacity of about 2,000 to 3,000 people. You'll find these cruises to be more destination-focused rather than the ship being the destination, though they do have lots of opportunities to listen to live music.

Oceania Cruises

Sails in the Mediterranean: April-November

Cruise duration: 7-14 nights

Oceania Cruises has several itinerary options, offering stops in Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Albania, Croatia, Egypt, Israel, Morocco, Turkey and others. The ships are smaller with an emphasis on guest service, and dining in the specialty restaurants — not just the buffet and main dining hall — is included in the cruise fare, one of the perks of sailing with Oceania.

Princess

Sails in the Mediterranean: March-November

Cruise duration: 7-23 nights

Princess’s Mediterranean cruise itineraries can include ports in Croatia, Cyprus, France, Gibraltar, Greece, Italy, Malta, Montenegro, Morocco, Turkey and Tunisia allowing you to visit some of the most popular spots in Europe and some of the lesser traveled ports that many seasoned travelers enjoy.

Regent Seven Seas

Sails in the Mediterranean: March-November

Cruise duration: 7-24 nights

Regent Seven Seas offers itineraries with stops in Albania, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Israel, Monaco, Montenegro, Turkey and Spain. This luxury line sails small, elegant ships with capacities ranging from 500 to 750 guests, and the cruise fare includes most everything you need and want on a cruise, such as cocktails, dining in specialty restaurants, laundry service and excursions. Some optional upgrades on excursions and onboard programs are an additional charge.

Royal Caribbean

Sails in the Mediterranean: April-October

Cruise duration: 3-14 nights

Royal Caribbean is known for its large ships that provide entertainment and activities onboard where the ship is a vacation destination in addition to all the wonderful ports the ships dock at. Their Mediterranean cruises have jam-packed itineraries that can include a mix of ports in Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, Morocco and Spain.

Seabourn Cruise Line

Sails in the Mediterranean: March-November

Cruise duration: 7-30 nights

Seabourn Cruise Line provides travelers with luxury, small-ship experiences that emphasize high-end food and wines as well as personalized customer service. On a Mediterranean cruise with Seabourn, travelers might stop in ports in Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Gibraltar, Greece, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Slovenia, Spain, Tunisia and Turkey.

Silversea Cruises

Sails in the Mediterranean: March-November

Cruise duration: 5-50 nights

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.

Viking Ocean Cruises

Sails in the Mediterranean: January-December

Cruise duration: 8-29 nights

Much like their river cruising counterpart, Viking Ocean Cruises offers a luxury cruise experience for ages 18 and older and is an excellent option for travelers seeking a curated trip that includes deep dives into the destinations visited versus being on a ship with a wide variety of entertainment options and options for shore excursions. Viking Ocean's Mediterranean cruises visit ports in Algeria, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Gibraltar, Greece, Israel, Italy, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Slovenia and Tunisia.

Plan your cruise with AAA

Get the most out of your cruise by booking with AAA. With your AAA membership, you can take advantage of member benefits that include things like onboard spending credit on select cruises. Don’t want to do all the planning on your own? Contact a AAA Travel Agent who can not only help you plan but also help you find the best deals.