Southern Europe Cruises

Discover the Allure of Southern Europe with CruiseAway

Are you dreaming of a cruise that whisks you away to sun-soaked shores, rich history, and charming towns? **Southern Europe** is the perfect destination that combines stunning landscapes with vibrant culture. Exploring this region via cruise offers a unique angle, allowing you to hop from one iconic port to another without the hassle of packing and unpacking. With highlights including the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, ancient ruins in Greece, and the world-renowned art scene in Florence, cruisers often fall in love with the Mediterranean way of life. Here’s a fun fact: the **Mediterranean Sea** is the most biodiverse sea in the world, making it a treasure trove for nature lovers and adventurers alike!

Top Harbours to Visit in Southern Europe

When you set sail for **Southern Europe**, countless harbours beckon with their unique experiences. Here are five of the most exciting ports to visit:

• Barcelona, Spain: This vibrant city blends stunning architecture with a lively atmosphere. As a cruiser docking in Barcelona, a visit to **Sagrada Familia** is a must. Don’t forget to explore **Park Güell** and **La Rambla** for a taste of local life. Insider tip: Grab some tapas at a local bar to experience authentic Catalan flavours!
• Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy: The gateway to Rome, Civitavecchia offers cruisers easy access to the Eternal City. Visit the iconic **Colosseum**, **Vatican City**, and the charming **Trastevere** neighbourhood. Pro tip: Buy your tickets online for popular attractions to skip the queues and maximise your time!
• Athens, Greece: As the cradle of Western civilization, Athens is brimming with history. The **Acropolis** is a must-see, along with the ancient Agora. If you have time, take a stroll through **Plaka**, the oldest neighbourhood in Athens, for charming streets and delicious street food. Don’t forget to try a traditional Greek salad!
• Lisbon, Portugal: Known for its scenic hills and vibrant nightlife, Lisbon is a city like no other. When your cruise docks, take a tram ride on the iconic **Tram 28** for a panoramic view of the city. Be sure to visit **Belém Tower** and treat yourself to a **Pastel de Nata** — a famous Portuguese custard tart!
• Valletta, Malta: Valletta’s baroque architecture and stunning waterfront views make it a charming stop on your cruise. As you explore, visit the **St. John’s Co-Cathedral** and the **Upper Barracca Gardens** for breathtaking views of the Grand Harbour. Insider tip: Enjoy the local cuisine at a traditional **Malta** restaurant, especially the fresh seafood!

Best Times to Cruise Southern Europe

Timing your trip can provide significant advantages! The peak season runs from **May to September**, offering warm temperatures ranging from **24°C to 30°C**, perfect for enjoying the sun. However, if you prefer fewer crowds and slightly cooler weather, consider cruising from **April to June** or **September to October**. During these months, you can still enjoy mild weather around **20°C to 25°C**, and the overall atmosphere is more relaxed. Also, cruise fares tend to be more budget-friendly during these shoulder seasons.

Costs of Cruising in Southern Europe

Curious about the costs? A one-week standard cruise in this beautiful region averages around **$1,800 to $3,000**, while a two-week cruise can push that up to approximately **$3,500 to $5,500**. For those seeking a more luxurious experience, expect prices starting from **$5,000 to $8,000** for a one-week adventure. The cheapest times to set sail are typically in the **shoulder seasons**, while **July to August** sees prices skyrocket due to peak travel demand. Plus, keep in mind that dining out in local restaurants may cost around **$20 to $40** per meal, depending on the venue. Don’t forget to budget for an aperitif or coffee in one of the inviting local cafés!

Major Cruise Lines Offering Southern European Adventures

• MSC Cruises: With **23 ships**, MSC boasts a whopping **17** that navigate to **Southern Europe**. The **MSC Fantasia** and **MSC Magnifica** frequently explore this stunning region. Departures often take place from **Genoa** and **Barcelona**, allowing cruisers great options. Known for family-friendly amenities, awesome onboard entertainment, and delicious international dining options, MSC is a fantastic choice for all ages.
• Princess Cruises: With a fleet of **17 ships**, **Princess Cruises** has **12** that sail to **Southern Europe**. The **Sun Princess** and **Sky Princess** are popular picks. They frequently depart from ports like **Civitavecchia (Rome)** and **Southampton**. This cruise line is famous for its excellent service and unique experiences focusing on the local culture, including culinary classes and destination immersion programs.
• Cunard: The iconic **Cunard Line** consists of **four ships**, all providing cruises to **Southern Europe** — most notably, the **Queen Victoria** and **Queen Anne**. Departing mainly from **Sydney** or **Southampton**, Cunard is all about elegance and tradition, featuring top-notch dining and a host of cultural enrichment programs onboard.
• P&O Cruises: With a fleet of **seven ships**, **P&O** has all its vessels offering exciting itineraries in **Southern Europe**. Among them, **Azura** and **Ventura** showcase the region beautifully. Departs often from **Valletta** or **Southampton**, this cruise line is known for capturing the essence of British hospitality and offering a wide variety of entertainment options onboard.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: This cruise line features **20 ships**, with **14** sailing to **Southern Europe**. The **Norwegian Viva** and **Norwegian Pearl** are among their leading vessels. Primarily departing from **Civitavecchia (Rome)** and **Barcelona**, they’re famous for their “freestyle cruising” concept, allowing cruisers great flexibility in dining and scheduling.

Luxury and Small Ship Options

• Viking Ocean Cruises: With **11 ships**, **eight** travel through **Southern Europe**. The **Viking Saturn** and **Viking Star** are exemplary choices. They frequently depart from **Barcelona** and **Civitavecchia (Rome)**. Known for their intimate atmosphere and culturally enriching shore excursions, Viking promises a remarkable experience for every cruiser.
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises: This luxury cruise line consists of **six ships**, with **five** sailing to **Southern Europe**. The **Seven Seas Splendor** and **Seven Seas Voyager** stand out. With ports of departure often from **Civitavecchia** or **Barcelona**, they offer all-inclusive luxury and personalized service ensuring that every need is met.
• Silversea: Silversea’s fleet includes **13 ships**, **seven** of which cruise to **Southern Europe**, such as the **Silver Ray** and **Silver Spirit**. These typically set sail from **Athens** or **Lisbon**. This cruise line excels in luxury travel with beautiful ships and an exceptional level of service, making them a top choice for discerning cruisers.
• Oceania Cruises: With **eight ships**, **seven** offer cruises to **Southern Europe**, including the **Nautica** and **Marina**. They commonly depart from **Civitavecchia** or **Barcelona**. Another luxury cruiser, Oceania is known for its gourmet dining options and destination-rich itineraries, which let passengers immerse themselves in local cultures.

Explore Alternative Regions

If **Southern Europe** has piqued your interest but you’re also looking for other destinations, consider these regions:

• Western Europe: With its historic towns, stunning castles, and world-class museums, this area captures the enchanting essence of European culture.
• The Caribbean: Swap the Mediterranean for inviting beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a laid-back island vibe that many crave for a sunny escape.
• Greece: With its gorgeous islands and ancient ruins, the Aegean Sea offers a similarly breathtaking experience with a distinct cultural twist.
• Portugal: Home to stunning coastal towns and Paulist heritage, Portugal’s charm is undeniable and adds a new flavour to any cruise experience.
• The Adriatic Sea: Similar to Southern Europe in its breathtaking coastal visuals and charming towns, the Adriatic Sea features unique itineraries and the picturesque beauty of cities like Dubrovnik and Kotor.

Summer is calling, and there’s no better way to answer than by booking a cruise to **Southern Europe** with CruiseAway! Experience the warmth of the sun, the richness of history, and the joy of culinary delights as you sail into the heart of this stunning region. With incredible cruise options and diverse itineraries to choose from, get onboard and create unforgettable memories!