Mediterranean cruises are the most practical way to visit the coastal cities of Spain, France and Italy in a single trip: you stay on the ship each night and dock at a new port during the day. This page lists the Mediterranean cruise itineraries currently available.
Most Frequently Visited Ports
Almost all Mediterranean itineraries currently available include Barcelona; Marseille, Rome (Civitavecchia), Naples, Palma de Mallorca, Malaga, Savona and Palermo are other frequent port stops. Some itineraries continue along the Atlantic coast via Gibraltar, Cádiz and Lisbon.
Which Ships?
Costa Toscana and Costa Fascinosa, Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Dawn, MSC Magnifica and MSC Seaview are the ships most frequently featured in the Mediterranean.
Duration and Price
Most programs are 7 nights; there are also 10-night Mediterranean–Portugal programs and longer sailings of 14–21 nights. Prices per person start at around 1,047 euros.
How Long Do You Stay at the Port?
Ships usually dock in the morning and depart in the late afternoon, leaving 6–9 hours to explore the city. Ports such as Rome (Civitavecchia) and Barcelona are far from the city center, so organized shore excursions or train connections are the preferred options.
Visa
Most ports are in the Schengen Area (Greece, Italy, Spain, France, Malta); Turkish citizens need a multiple-entry Schengen visa covering the Schengen countries visited by the ship.
What Is Included on the Ship?
Mediterranean cruise programs include cabin accommodation, meals in the main restaurants and buffet, evening shows, pools, and kids’ clubs. Drinks packages, specialty restaurants, spa services, internet, and shore excursions at ports are charged separately. The onboard service charge is applied per night; each sailing’s page states whether it is included in the price.
How Do You Get to the Ship?
Most Mediterranean cruises depart from the ports of Barcelona, Rome (Civitavecchia), Genoa, Savona or Marseille. You fly from Türkiye to these cities and transfer to the port; whether flights are included in the package varies by tour. Flying in on the day the ship departs is risky: if your flight is delayed, you could miss the ship. That’s why arriving in the departure city a day early is recommended.
When to Go?
The Mediterranean cruise season runs from April to November; May–June and September–October are the most balanced periods. July and August are hot and crowded, with more tourists at ports. Western Mediterranean cruises also operate in winter; the weather is cool but comfortable for sightseeing.
Cabin Selection
An inside cabin is the most economical option; an ocean-view cabin and a balcony cabin offer more natural light and fresh air. Balcony cabins are a popular choice on longer voyages. Cabin types and prices are listed separately on each sailing’s page.
Who Is It Suitable For?
Mediterranean cruise itineraries are ideal for seeing several countries without changing hotels every night; you only have to unpack once.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I take a Mediterranean cruise?
The season runs from April to October; fewer services also operate during the winter months.
How many nights is a Mediterranean cruise?
Most itineraries are 7 nights; options range from 4 to 21 nights.
Which port does it depart from?
Depending on the itinerary, departures are from Barcelona, Rome (Civitavecchia), Savona or Marseille; Western Mediterranean sailings departing from Istanbul are also available.
Is a Visa Required?
Yes; a Schengen visa is required because Mediterranean ports are in the Schengen Area.