Eastern Mediterranean Cruises

Explore the Wonders of the Eastern Mediterranean with CruiseAway

The **Eastern Mediterranean** is a captivating blend of sun-kissed landscapes, fascinating history, and vibrant cultures. This region promises an enchanting cruise experience, where you can hop between iconic destinations, explore ancient ruins, and indulge in mouth-watering cuisines. Whether you’re wandering through the bustling bazaars of Istanbul or relaxing on the stunning beaches of Greece, every moment is an adventure waiting to unfold. Fun fact: the Eastern Mediterranean boasts some of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, including Jerusalem and Athens! Exploring this part of the world on a cruise offers the luxury of convenient travel while allowing you to soak in the diverse charm of the region.

Must-Visit Harbours in the Eastern Mediterranean

As you sail through the Eastern Mediterranean, several harbours stand out for their beauty and cultural significance. Here are five top ports to consider on your cruise:

• Athens, Greece: As one of the most culturally rich cities in the world, Athens is a must-visit. The iconic **Acropolis** is a highlight, offering a glimpse into ancient Greek civilization. While you’re there, explore the **Plaka** neighborhood, which is filled with delightful shops and charming restaurants. Insider tip: Try to visit the Acropolis early in the day to avoid large crowds and the midday heat!
• Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy: This port serves as your gateway to the Eternal City. Visit the breathtaking **Colosseum**, stroll through the **Roman Forum**, or enjoy the impressive art collection at **Vatican City**. Pro tip: Book a guided tour to effectively maximise your time and skip the long lines at iconic attractions.
• Istanbul, Turkey: Where east meets west, Istanbul is a city brimming with history and charm. Don’t miss the stunning **Hagia Sophia** and the lively **Grand Bazaar** for an authentic shopping experience. Pro tip: Consider taking a Bosphorus cruise to enjoy the city from the water and experience its remarkable skyline.
• Dubrovnik, Croatia: Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik is famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture. Walk along the ancient city walls for stunning views and take time to explore the charming **Old Town**. Insider tip: Visit the **Belvedere** to capture the best panoramic photos of the city!
• Valletta, Malta: Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its baroque architecture and rich history. Explore **St. John’s Co-Cathedral** and take a stroll around the picturesque **Upper Barracca Gardens** for spectacular views of the Grand Harbour. Pro tip: Don’t miss the chance to try some local dishes, especially the famously delicious **Pastizzi**!

The Best Times to Cruise the Eastern Mediterranean

The ideal time to experience the Eastern Mediterranean is between **April and June** and then again from **September to October**. During these months, temperatures hover around **20°C to 28°C**, making it perfect for exploration without the oppressive summer heat. July and August witness a surge in temperature, reaching into the **30°Cs**, alongside increased tourist crowds. For those seeking to explore at a more leisurely pace and at a better price, the shoulder seasons are most favourable.

Cost of Cruising in the Eastern Mediterranean

When budgeting for your cruise, a one-week journey in the Eastern Mediterranean typically starts around **$1,700 and can go up to $4,000** depending on the cruise line and your chosen itinerary. A two-week cruise ranges from **$3,500 to $7,000**. For those preferring a luxury experience, expect prices starting around **$5,000** for a week. The most economical times to cruise are during the shoulder seasons, while **June to August** is generally the most expensive due to peak travel times. Dining out in the region typically costs around **$20 to $50** per meal, depending on your choice of venue.

Major Cruise Lines Operating in the Eastern Mediterranean

• Princess Cruises: With a fleet of **17 ships**, **eight** sail to the Eastern Mediterranean, including the **Sun Princess** and **Majestic Princess**. Departing from **Civitavecchia** or **Athens**, Princess Cruises is known for their extensive itineraries, offering a great balance of leisure and exploration, along with recognition for their superb onboard service dedicated to enhancing the cruise experience.
• MSC Cruises: Operating a fleet of **23 ships**, with **eight** cruising in the Eastern Mediterranean, including the **MSC Sinfonia** and **MSC Opera**. Departures often take place from **Venice** or **Bari**. MSC is celebrated for its family-friendly environment, offering diverse dining options and entertainment onboard, catering to every age group.
• Cunard: With a fleet of **four ships**, **three** travel to the Eastern Mediterranean. The **Queen Victoria** and **Queen Anne** frequently set sail from **Sydney** or **Civitavecchia**. Cunard’s emphasis on elegance, tradition, and luxury service ensure a memorable experience marked by refined dining and sophisticated entertainment onboard.
• Holland America Line: This prominent cruise line includes **11 ships**, of which **four** travel to the Eastern Mediterranean. The **Oosterdam** and **Nieuw Statendam** are featured vessels. Departing primarily from **Athens** or **Barcelona**, Holland America focuses on immersive experiences, providing tailored excursions that allow cruisers to delve deep into local cultures.
• P&O Cruises: With a fleet size of **seven ships**, **four** offer itineraries to the Eastern Mediterranean, including **Azura** and **Arcadia**. Departures typically occur from **Valletta** or **Southampton**. P&O is well-regarded for its British heritage and friendly service, often providing themed excursions related to local cultures that enhance the cruising experience.

Luxury and Small Ship Options

• Viking Ocean Cruises: Featuring **11 ships**, with **seven** venturing to the Eastern Mediterranean, including **Viking Star** and **Viking Saturn**. Departures are mainly from **Athens** or **Barcelona**. Viking is renowned for its immersive travel experiences and destination-focused itineraries, offering guests the chance to explore local customs and histories at each port of call.
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises: With a fleet of **six ships**, **five** cruise to the Eastern Mediterranean, such as the **Seven Seas Voyager** and **Seven Seas Splendor**. Most sailings depart from **Athens** or **Istanbul**. Regent is celebrated for its all-inclusive luxury experience, offering exceptional service, gourmet fine dining, and unlimited shore excursions included in the cruise fare.
• Explora Journeys: This modern luxury cruise line includes **two ships**, both of which offer itineraries in the Eastern Mediterranean, notably **EXPLORA I** and **EXPLORA II**. Departures typically occur from **Athens** or **Istanbul**, focusing on sustainable travel practices while providing an indulgent onboard experience customized to the guests’ preferences.
• Silversea: With a collection of **13 ships**, **five** navigate the Eastern Mediterranean. The **Silver Muse** and **Silver Spirit** are among the top choices, generally departing from **Athens** or **Civitavecchia**. Silversea prides itself on its luxury offerings, including personalized butler service and curated local excursions enhancing the overall travel experience.
• Oceania Cruises: Featuring **eight ships**, with **five** sailing to the Eastern Mediterranean, including **Nautica** and **Marina**. Departures generally take place from **Athens** or **Civitavecchia**. Oceania focuses on culinary excellence with its dining options, ensuring guests enjoy meals crafted from local and seasonal ingredients for a true taste of the Mediterranean.

Explore Alternative Regions

If the Eastern Mediterranean has sparked your interest but you’re also considering other destinations, here are five enticing alternatives:

• Western Mediterranean: Perfect for sun seekers, this region offers fantastic beach destinations combined with rich culinary experiences and historical landmarks.
• Southern Europe: With its gorgeous coastlines and vibrant culture, Southern Europe provides diversely captivating experiences that mirror those of the Eastern Mediterranean.
• Caribbean: Famous for its crystal-clear waters and relaxed island vibe, the Caribbean promises stunning scenery and plenty of opportunities for relaxation.
• Greek Islands: Renowned for their beauty and each with unique charms, the Greek Islands are an ideal choice for cruising with rich history and stunning natural landscapes.
• North Africa: Explore the charming markets, historical sites, and rich culture that awaits you in North Africa, offering a completely different flavour to any cruise experience.

The Eastern Mediterranean awaits with its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and diverse cultures. Embark on a remarkable cruising journey with **CruiseAway**, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!