Sicily Cruises

Discover the Allure of Sicily with CruiseAway

Welcome to **Sicily**, an enchanting island that’s rich in history, stunning landscapes, and mouth-watering cuisine. A cruise to **Sicily** is an excellent option for travellers seeking both adventure and relaxation. This vibrant region is home to magnificent ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, and a blend of cultures that reflect Mediterranean influences. Highlights include visiting the imposing **Mount Etna**, the stunning Baroque architecture of **Noto**, and indulging in local delicacies like **arancini** and **cannoli**. Fun fact: Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and is known for its unique blend of diverse cultures, including Greek, Roman, and Arab influences!

Key Harbours to Visit in Sicily

As you cruise to Sicily, several iconic harbours await you. Here are five must-visit ports:

• Palermo: The capital of Sicily, Palermo is a bustling city renowned for its rich history and stunning architecture. Visitors should explore the **Palermo Cathedral**, the **Palazzo dei Normanni** and its stunning **Cappella Palatina**, and indulge in the vibrant street food scene. Insider tip: Take a food tour to discover delectable **Sicilian street food** like **pane con la milza** (spleen sandwich) as you explore.
• Messina: Positioned near the tip of the island, Messina offers stunning views of the **Strait of Messina**. While here, visit the iconic **Messina Cathedral** and the **Fountain of Orion**. If time allows, hop on a short ferry ride to explore the stunning coastline of Calabria on the mainland. Pro tip: Catch a glimpse of the astronomical clock at the cathedral that puts on a fascinating show every hour!
• Catania: Nestled at the foothills of **Mount Etna**, Catania is famous for the baroque architecture and bustling markets. Explore the impressive **Ursino Castle** and the vibrant **Fera o Luni** market for local produce. Don’t miss a visit to the **Piazza del Duomo**, where you can see the iconic elephant statue, **Liotru**. Insider tip: Pair your sightseeing with a meal of the region’s famous **pasta alla Norma**—a must-try!
• Trapani: Located on Sicily’s western coast, Trapani is the perfect springboard to visit the stunning **Egadi Islands**. While in Trapani, check out the **Salt Pans of Trapani** and the beautiful **Sanctuary of the Annunciation**. If you have extra time, take a day trip to the ancient city of **Erice** for breathtaking panoramic views. Pro tip: Try some local **couscous**, a dish that reflects the region’s North African influence!
• Siracusa (Syracuse): One of the most important cities in ancient Greece, Siracusa is renowned for its history and archaeological sites. When visiting here, explore the **Archaeological Park of Neapolis**, which includes the well-preserved **Greek Theatre**. Don’t forget to wander around the charming **Ortigia Island**, where you can explore local shops and enjoy the seaside promenade. Insider tip: Grab a gelato and take a leisurely walk along the water for incredible sunset views!

Best Times to Cruise to Sicily

The ideal time for your cruise to Sicily varies with the seasons. The best months for cruise travel are **April to June** and **September to October**, offering comfortable temperatures ranging from **20°C to 28°C**. This is perfect for indulging in everything Sicily has to offer without the summer crowds. In the peak of the summer season (July to August), temperatures can soar to **30°C or higher**. While you’ll enjoy vibrant festivals and events, be prepared for large crowds and higher prices during this time.

Cost Factors for Cruising in Sicily

When planning your budget, anticipate spending around **$1,800 to $3,500** for a typical one-week cruise to Sicily. A two-week cruise will range from **$3,500 to $6,500**. If you’re inclined towards a luxury experience, expect prices to start at **$5,000** for a one-week adventure. The best times for more economical cruising fall during the shoulder seasons. Conversely, the busy summer months, especially July and August, see inflated costs. Dining out in Sicily can be reasonable, typically costing you about **$20 to $50** per meal depending on where you choose to eat; local trattorias are often the best for authentic Sicilian fare!

Major Cruise Lines Offering Adventures to Sicily

• Princess Cruises: With a fleet of **17 ships**, **nine** travel to Sicily, featuring the **Sun Princess** and **Majestic Princess**. They typically depart from **Civitavecchia (Rome)** or **Athens**. Princess Cruises are known for their engaging onboard experiences and well-curated excursions, making them an excellent choice for families and cultural enthusiasts alike.
• Cunard: This luxurious line includes **four ships**, with **two** focused on Sicily itineraries, such as **Queen Victoria** and **Queen Anne**. Departing from ports like **Civitavecchia** or **Barcelona**, Cunard is celebrated for its elegance at sea, offering refined dining options and unique cultural enrichment programs during voyages.
• MSC Cruises: With a fleet size of **23 ships**, **six** of them regularly sail to Sicily, including the **MSC Seaside** and **MSC World Europa**. Departing from **Genoa** or **Marseille**, MSC offers a family-friendly experience, with an array of onboard activities and diverse culinary offerings influenced by Mediterranean cuisine.
• Holland America Line: This line features **11 ships**, two of which cruise to Sicily—namely **Oosterdam** and **Nieuw Statendam**. Most cruises depart from **Athens** or **Barcelona**. Holland America is known for its cultural immersion programs and detailed port excursions that engage guests with local traditions and history.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: The line features **20 ships**, with **nine** venturing to Sicily, including the **Norwegian Epic** and **Norwegian Viva**. Departing from **Civitavecchia** or **Barcelona**, Norwegian embraces a flexible cruising experience with plenty of dining options and onboard activities tailored for guests of every age.

Luxury and Small Ship Options

• Viking Ocean Cruises: With **11 ships**, **seven** set out to Sicily, featuring the **Viking Sea** and **Viking Star**. Departing mainly from **Barcelona** or **Civitavecchia**, Viking Ocean Cruises is renowned for its culturally immersive itineraries and meticulously designed ships that offer elegant, understated luxury at sea.
• Oceania Cruises: With a fleet size of **eight ships**, **six** venture to Sicily, such as the **Nautica** and **Vista**. Most cruises depart from **Civitavecchia** or **Athens**. Oceania is celebrated for its gourmet dining options, pairing local flavours and international influences that make your culinary experience onboard as exciting as your travels on land.
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises: This luxury cruise line comprises **six ships**, with **five** sailing to Sicily. Popular choices include the **Seven Seas Splendor** and **Seven Seas Grandeur**. Departing primarily from **Civitavecchia** or **Athens**, Regent Seven Seas is noted for its all-inclusive luxury offering, where everything from excursions to fine dining is included in your fare.
• Silversea: Boasting a fleet of **13 ships**, **six** visit Sicily, including the **Silver Spirit** and **Silver Ray**. Departures often take place from **Athens** or **Civitavecchia**. Silversea is defined by its intimate luxury, where personalised service and enriching shore excursions keep guests engaged and pampered throughout their voyage.
• Explora Journeys: This boutique cruise line has **two ships**, both of which include Sicily on their itineraries. The **EXPLORA II** and **EXPLORA I** frequently depart from **Civitavecchia** or **Barcelona**, focusing on sustainable luxury travel and immersion into local cultures, providing unique onboard experiences catered to every guest’s taste.

Explore Alternative Regions

If you’re considering a cruise to Sicily but would like to explore other incredible destinations, here are five alternative regions worth considering:

• Southern Italy: With its stunning coastlines, rich history, and delectable cuisine, Southern Italy offers much to discover beyond Sicily.
• The Mediterranean: A diverse region with a remarkable variety of cultures, landscapes, and cuisines, the Mediterranean offers various delightful experiences waiting to be explored.
• Western Mediterranean: Renowned for its beautiful beach towns and vibrant cities, this area is perfect for those looking to soak up sun and culture alike.
• Greece: Known for its beautiful islands and ancient history, Greece offers rich experiences akin to those in Sicily, along with stunning coastlines and delicious local food.
• Caribbean: If you’re drawn to beautiful beaches and a laid-back vibe, cruising to the Caribbean could provide the sun-soaked relaxation you’re after.

Sicily enthrals visitors with its captivating culture, stunning landscapes, and delectable cuisine. Don’t wait—book your unforgettable cruise adventure to **Sicily** with **CruiseAway** today, and immerse yourself in the magic of this remarkable island!