Best Mediterranean cruises in 2025 and 2026

The Mediterranean region has it all — amazing food and wine, famous historical and cultural landmarks, scenic seaside towns and gorgeous island beaches. You’d be hard-pressed to experience Spain, France, Italy and Greece on one land tour without transportation issues. A Mediterranean cruise, however, is the perfect way to get a taste of many coastal …

Feb 12, 2025 - 19:50

Best Mediterranean cruises in 2025 and 2026

The Mediterranean region has it all — amazing food and wine, famous historical and cultural landmarks, scenic seaside towns and gorgeous island beaches.

You’d be hard-pressed to experience Spain, France, Italy and Greece on one land tour without transportation issues. A Mediterranean cruise, however, is the perfect way to get a taste of many coastal countries with ease; you can transit between destinations while you sleep aboard your ship.

Most cruise lines operate trips in the Mediterranean over the summer, whether on tiny ships with a few hundred passengers or giant megaships with several thousand people. Some vessels even sail the region year-round.

Most Mediterranean cruises focus on one region (usually the eastern or western halves of the coastline), but longer itineraries might encompass more. While choosing a ship is important, so is picking which route to take and which countries you want to see.

Consider what’s on your bucket list. Cruise lines offer a variety of options, making it possible for culture vultures, beach lovers, history buffs and family travelers to prioritize different ports of call and onboard amenities.

Here are some of the best Mediterranean cruises departing in 2025 and 2026 to whet your appetite for a European adventure by sea.

Best cruise for romantics: Windstar Cruises in the Rivieras

Rows of blue and white striped umbrellas line a beach — FRASER HALL/GETTY IMAGES

For romance seekers, few experiences beat a cruise that lingers along the French and Italian Rivieras. France’s Cote d’Azur, with its coastal mountains and crystal blue sea, has inspired artists and romantics for centuries. The equally stunning Ligurian coast is perfect for a romantic stroll around secluded harbors and an indulgent, delectable lunch overlooking the ocean.

Another popular port of call on Riviera itineraries is Monaco, where you might visit the royal palace of the Grimaldi family and stop by the glamorous Monte Carlo Casino to pretend you’re James Bond enjoying a night on the town.

You’ll find these cruises on small and luxury ships. Our pick for romance is Windstar Cruises‘ seven-night “Yachtsman’s Harbors of the Rivieras” sailing between Rome (Civitavecchia) and Barcelona (or vice versa) on multiple spring, summer and fall dates in 2025 and 2026.

The five-masted Wind Surf is as picture-perfect as the ports you’ll visit, and the 342-passenger ship can follow all the luxury yachts into smaller harbors and off-the-beaten-track destinations. Your onboard meals, with many dishes created by James Beard-affiliated chefs, might even rival the fresh Mediterranean cuisine you’ll find in port.

Ports of call vary by sailing date but can include Port-Vendres, Sanary-sur-Mer and Cannes, France; Monte Carlo, Monaco; and Portofino and Portoferraio, Italy. For the ultimate Riviera experience, book one of Windstar’s Prix du Monde sailings with exclusive access to the Formula One racing events.

Best cruise for budget-conscious travelers: Celestyal Cruises in the Greek islands

An island inlet of crystal blue water filled with white sailboats and surrounded by green vegetation — DAVID C. TOMLINSON/GETTY IMAGES

Visiting the Greek islands is a magical experience. Lessons in ancient history and the development of Western civilization come to life surrounded by astounding natural beauty.

Your jaw might drop as your ship navigates the sunken caldera that leads to Santorini, where whitewashed villages dot the tops of steep cliffs. In Mykonos, you can head to one of the island’s famous beaches or catch a ferry to explore the ancient ruins of Delos, known as the birthplace of the god Apollo. Budget-conscious travelers can skip the tours and stroll the narrow streets and city walls of Rhodes’ Old Town.

For less pricey ways to see the Greek islands, consider Celestyal Cruises; the line sails three- and four-night minicruises in addition to affordable one-week sailings throughout 2025 and 2026. A four-night cruise packs a lot into a short sailing with visits to Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes, Heraklion and Santorini, as well as Kusadasi, Turkey. Don’t forget to spend time in Athens before or after your cruise.

Celestyal’s two ships carry between 1,200 and 1,700 passengers. You’ll enjoy all the amenities of a large cruise ship — such as multiple pools, restaurants and bars, and spa and fitness facilities — without feeling inundated with many thousands of fellow cruisers.

Best cruise for history lovers: Viking in the Eastern Mediterranean

A view of a boat harbor from above near a tree with flowers — BOB KRIST/GETTY IMAGES

Eastern Mediterranean cruises of a week or more immerse you in multiple ancient civilizations. They take you to the historical places you have traveled to see, including several UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Extraordinary itineraries visit Athens for the Acropolis, Istanbul for the Blue Mosque and the Topkapi Palace, and Kusadasi for the impressive ancient city of Ephesus and sites associated with the Virgin Mary. The medieval Old Town in Dubrovnik, Croatia (a filming location for HBO’s “Game of Thrones”), will wow you. From Naples, Italy, you can explore the ancient city of Pompeii.

Cruises that start or end in Civitavecchia will treat you to such sights as the Colosseum and the Vatican in nearby Rome.

Of course, true history lovers will not be satisfied with only a week in this rich landscape. Look for longer itineraries, such as Viking’s 15-day “Ancient Mediterranean Antiquities,” sailing throughout 2025 and 2026. The one-way sailing between Rome (Civitavecchia) and Istanbul hits most of the ancient civilization highlights: Naples and Sicily, Italy; Rhodes, Crete and Athens, Greece; and Ephesus, Troy (Canakkale) and Istanbul, Turkey.

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. On board, you’ll find a comfortable home base on Viking’s 930-passenger ships, with multiple dining venues, inviting Scandinavian-inspired lounges, and comfortable cabins with thoughtful details, such as quiet-closing drawers and heated bathroom floors.

Best cruise for culture vultures: Norwegian Cruise Line in the Western Mediterranean

Arco de Rua Augusta, Baixa, Lisbon, Portugal — MATTEO COLOMBO/GETTY IMAGES

For foodies, fashionistas and art lovers, it’s hard to top a Western Mediterranean cruise to the renowned resort towns and famed coastal cities of Italy, France and Spain.

This is your opportunity to see Antoni Gaudi’s fantastical Sagrada Familia church and other creations in Barcelona; visit Michelangelo’s David sculpture and other Renaissance treasures in Florence, Italy; learn about the iconic film festival in dreamy Cannes; and stroll through the beautiful walled city of Dubrovnik.

You can shop for designer fashion when you’re not dining on the best Italian pasta and gelato, French bouillabaisse and escargot, and Spanish paella you’ve ever tasted (all accompanied by local wine, of course).

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a variety of Western Mediterranean cruises to key ports in Spain, Italy and France. Norwegian Breakaway sails the Mediterranean in the spring, summer and fall of 2025. It offers a variety of nine-, 10- and 11-night cruises that call on a variety of major ports. (Norwegian Viva offers similar routes for 2026.)

For example, 11-night Norwegian Breakaway cruises on select dates in 2025 sail from Barcelona to Trieste, Italy. They visit Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Cannes; Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Rome (Civitavecchia), Naples and Messina, Italy; Valletta, Malta; Corfu, Greece; and Dubrovnik and Split, Croatia.

It’s a shame that the itinerary has no sea days, because the ship offers plenty to keep cruisers busy on board. There’s a wealth of dining options, a water park, a ropes course, tons of music venues for phenomenal live performances and an expansive spa.

Best cruise for families: Royal Caribbean in the Mediterranean

When looking for a cruise with children, you’ll want to have a mix of time exploring on land and play time on the ship. Many ships offer kids clubs, as well as attractions like video arcades and waterslides. Look for an itinerary that includes one or more fun-filled days at sea.

Kids might enjoy such sights as the Colosseum, where they might pretend that they are gladiators; the flower market in Nice, France; and the Leaning Tower of Pisa (on a shore excursion from Livorno, Italy). They’ll also enjoy visiting the beaches in the Greek islands and eating pizza in Naples. If you can find a cruise that includes the Italian seaside villages of Cinque Terre (accessible from Genoa, Livorno and Portofino), fans of Disney’s animated feature “Luca” will be ecstatic.

Family favorite Royal Caribbean has a variety of ships and itineraries sailing around Europe, but a top option for 2025 is a seven-night Western Mediterranean cruise aboard Allure of the Seas. The round-trip itinerary departs from Rome (Civitavecchia). Additional ports of call include Naples and Florence/Pisa (La Spezia), Italy; Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca, Spain; and Marseille, France.

Family-friendly entertainment on board is plentiful. On sea days, you can access three main pool areas, a kiddie splash zone, surfing simulators, a miniature golf course and even a zip line.

For 2026, similar week-long voyages will be offered on Harmony of the Seas, round-trip from Barcelona.

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