Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Mediterranean cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

med cruise

From casual buffets to exquisite specialty restaurants, learn everything there is to know about dining on our ships. A wide variety of large, small and luxury lines cruise the romantic ports of the Mediterranean. These include Viking Ocean Cruises, Norwegian, MSC, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Holland America, Crystal and Azamara.

About Susan B. Barnes, Your Mediterranean Cruise Guide

But, rather than traversing these destinations by car, train, or plane, visitors can see and do more by taking to the water for a Mediterranean cruise. The following cruise ports are generally standouts, no matter your travel style. However, for vacationers who want all the attractions without the hassle, a cruise is an ideal way to explore the Mediterranean.

med cruise

Corfu Winery with Food & Wine Magazine

These lines offer a variety of itinerary choices, so you can find the Mediterranean ports you most want to visit. You'll also find lots of restaurant choices and evening entertainment options to keep you occupied at night when the ship is sailing. Most major cruise lines send at least one ship to the Mediterranean every year. Even Carnival Cruise Line, known for its affordable cruises out of U.S. home ports, offers some Mediterranean sailings, as does Disney Cruise Line, which typically bases its ships near its theme parks. You can find a variety of weeklong Mediterranean cruises, but if you've got the time, nine- to 14-night sailings are not uncommon. Seven-night cruises are best if you're short on time or want to tack on a few days in Barcelona, Rome or Athens before or after your cruise.

med cruise

Mediterranean

As one of the greenest islands in Greece, Corfu is an emerald treasure amidst the colorful Mediterranean landscape. From Paleokastritsa, hike to the mountaintop for unparalleled views of the Ionian Sea. Or get a taste of Corfu when you team up with a famous chef, and handpick local produce that they’ll use to prepare your lunch.

Sign up to receive updates from Viking

This 45-day roundtrip cruise takes you from NYC to the Mediterranean - USA TODAY

This 45-day roundtrip cruise takes you from NYC to the Mediterranean.

Posted: Tue, 23 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. Travelers looking to stretch their legs might want to sign up for cycling tours in city and country settings, hike around a volcano on Santorini or Sicily, or even take a kayak for a spin in Croatia or Greece. Read about health benefits, key ingredients, and dishes to try on Mediterranean cruises. Escape to the Canary Islands to relax on soft golden beaches, ride a cable car to the top of Mount Teide, or explore the colorful plazas and mansions of San Cristóbal de La Laguna. Admire iconic sights, visit the Acropolis, explore museums, stroll through Plaka and more.... For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices.

Iberian Explorer

Be sure to pack comfortable clothing -- and especially shoes -- for long days of sightseeing. However, Europeans tend to dress with a bit of panache; to fit in, pack a stylish scarf or hat, and maybe leave your lanyards and socks and sandals at home. Discover the best summer holiday activities in Scandinavia, including wild swimming in Stockholm and rooftop drinking in Oslo. Discover the best museums, restaurants, cafés, attractions and experiences in the Scandinavian country.

EXCURSIONS

Croatia offers some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere in the Mediterranean. Discover distinctive old towns paved with limestone and beautiful beaches fringed by turquoise seas. Cobbled streets and fascinating history, white sand and sparkling ocean, vibrant cities and spectacular cuisine - the Mediterranean truly has it all.

En route, stop at Santorini, with its striking caldera, and Mykonos, famed for its beaches and party scene. Sail on to lesser-visited locales like the sacred island of Patmos; medieval Monemvasia; and Nafplio, a pretty port town in the Peloponnese. Plus, Wind Star stops in Kuşadasi, Turkey, gateway to ancient Ephesus, where it puts on an exclusive white-glove dinner in an illuminated courtyard of the Celsus Library, complete with chamber orchestra accompaniment. The Mediterranean has a changeable climate, depending on the season, but dry, hot and sunny days are to be expected in the peak summer months and often during spring and into autumn. It's not out of the question for temperatures to exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in July or August while even September and October can herald warm and pleasant weather. If you're hoping to spend time relaxing on some of the Mediterranean's sandy beaches, it's best to avoid travel during November to March when temperatures are cooler and days can be fresh and rainy.

Discover Hidden Gems on your Mediterranean Cruise

Whether you're exploring ancient ruins, sampling delicious cuisine or simply relaxing on the beach, the Mediterranean's uplifting climate is sure to enhance your experience and fill you with joy. So why not plan your next Mediterranean cruise holiday at Cruise Nation and let the region's wonderful weather uplift your spirits. If island hopping in the Mediterranean is on your radar this year, we’ve selected the best cruises for every type of travel style, from families and couples to foodies and history buffs. Our top overall pick is Princess Cruises’ newly launched Sun Princess ship, which calls upon Montenegro, Corfu, Sicily and more. For foodies, we love the premium cuisine found onboard Silversea Cruise’s Silver Moon, and for couples, the romantic Viking Saturn is sure to be a hit. En route, stop off at Naples, Messina (Sicily), Crete, and Kuşadasi, with an overnight in Athens, for excursions that run to spots such as ancient Ephesus, the Minoan Palace of Knossos, Herculaneum and Pompeii, and the Acropolis.

This type of European cruise can be especially alluring to honeymooners, families and older couples. Whether you’re interested in a 7-day cruise or a long voyage, your dream port is where the adventure begins. With ancient wine cellars, medieval castles stacked on idyllic hillsides, and numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, Portugal satisfies every travel wish.

The Mediterranean’s temperate weather beckons active travelers to spend their days outside exploring and immersing themselves in the region. Whether on the water or solid ground, there are plenty of ways to keep active during Celebrity’s 9-night Italy, France & Spain itinerary, beginning in Rome and ending in Barcelona. Cruisers can opt for the kayak and walking adventure in Valletta, where they can meander through farms, woodlands, and even Neolithic tombs before setting out in a kayak to paddle along the rugged coastline.

Then sail to the black-sand beaches of Santorini before feasting your eyes on the culinary creations of Italy. Fill up on pizzas and pastas in Sicily and Naples before cruising into Barcelona. The Eternal City needs little in the way of an introduction, and with many of our Western Mediterranean cruises starting and finishing in Rome, you’ll have plenty of time to discover the city’s timeless appeal for yourself. One of the world’s most ancient cities, the appeal of heritage-listed historic sites, mythical gods and laid-back, Mediterranean lifestyle has kept travellers returning to Athens for hundreds of years. Book your Mediterranean Cruise holiday today and benefit from huge savings and exclusive extras like cabin free upgrades and drink packages. Furthermore budget-savvy travellers looking for a cheap Mediterranean cruise deal will also love our Smart Packages, allowing you to Cruise and Stay, at unbeatably low prices with your choice of flights and free hotel stays included.

Then saunter through the lavender fields of Provence when you cruise to Marseille. Or visit Il Campo dei Miracoli, also known as “The Field of Miracles,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of Pisa. Experience the thrill of cards, dice, roulette and blackjack at the casino onboard our European cruises. Learn from experts — like our staff or perhaps other guests nearby — and put your skills to the test.

Why you need to cruise the Mediterranean in winter with Royal Caribbean - Royal Caribbean Blog

Why you need to cruise the Mediterranean in winter with Royal Caribbean.

Posted: Mon, 08 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

We'll coordinate your roundtrip flights, and transportation between the airport and cruise port. Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. Our Princess fleet includes ships that range from small to large vessels. From a balcony stateroom, marvel at breathtaking shorelines passing by before enjoying international cuisine in one of our many eateries during your Mediterranean cruise. On a Mediterranean cruise to Livorno, travel to Florence or Pisa where artifacts abound.

Those cuisine offerings highlight fresh, regional dishes, including new dishes from Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, the cruise line’s Global Fresh Fish Ambassador. Sailing roundtrip from Piraeus, near Athens, the 7-Day Jewels of the Mediterranean itinerary calls upon Rhodes, Santorini and Mykonos, Greece, as well as ports in Turkey and Cyprus. The Mediterranean is world-renowned for its excellent cuisine, so it’s no wonder that foodies flock here to experience the region through its many flavors and native dishes. Silversea invites its guests to dive right in with its 21-day Fusina (Venice) to Barcelona itinerary aboard the Silver Moon, calling upon 21 ports in seven countries, beginning in Venice and ending in Barcelona. The cruise line’s all-new Sea And Land Taste (S.A.L.T.) culinary program was created to enable guests to travel deeper and learn about each destinations’ culinary heritage through curated gastronomic experiences, both at sea and in port. Back onboard the Silver Moon, step into the S.A.L.T. Lab to participate in cooking classes and workshops to learn more about regional dishes, including how to make them at home.

On a Greek cruise, dine on Montenegrin cuisine in the home of a local chef, appreciate 14th-century Venetian art at St. Tryphon’s Cathedral and taste regional wines along the riviera. Or see another side of the city when you kayak through the tunnels of Lipa Cave. Embark on a Mediterranean cruise through the Aegean Sea and stroll through highlights of Italy and Greece while also visiting hidden gems like Montenegro. Then cruise to Mykonos, where windmills and bright white architecture accent the turquoise sea. Continue indulging in dreamy landscapes in Athens where mythology comes to life. On a Mediterranean cruise with Princess®, explore the homes of Greek gods, Italian artists and multicultural treasures.

No comments:

Post a Comment

30 Beautiful Lace Nails Art Ideas + Video Tutorial

Table Of Content White lace nails Detroit Pistons Nail Designs and Ideas Floral Lace Patterns Simple Wedding Dresses + Expert Tips... Charac...