Southern Italy Cruises

Explore the Beauty of Southern Italy with CruiseAway

Welcome to **Southern Italy**, an enchanting region renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and unforgettable cuisine. Cruising through Southern Italy provides a unique opportunity to explore charming coastal towns, ancient archaeological sites, and incredible natural beauty without the hassle of constant travel. Picture yourself sailing along the stunning Amalfi Coast, savouring the delightful flavours of fresh pasta and local wines, or discovering the rich history of cities like Naples and Pompeii. Fun fact: the Amalfi Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its dramatic cliffs and picturesque villages. A cruise offers an easy way to soak in all the culture, history, and incredible vistas that Southern Italy has to offer!

Must-Visit Harbours in Southern Italy

When you cruise to **Southern Italy**, you have a chance to visit several remarkable harbours. Here are five top ports that you won’t want to miss:

• Civitavecchia (Rome): This bustling port serves as the gateway to Rome and is perfect for those looking to experience Italy’s iconic history. Make your way to the **Colosseum**, visit **Vatican City**, or wander through the lovely streets of **Trastevere**. Pro tip: Consider booking a guided tour for a richer experience and to skip the long lines at major attractions!
• Naples: Famous for its delicious pizza and stunning views of **Mount Vesuvius**, Naples is a must-stop. Explore the historical centre, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, or take a short excursion to the ancient ruins of **Pompeii**. Insider tip: Be sure to indulge in a slice of authentic Neapolitan pizza while there! Head to **Pizzeria da Michele**—it’s a local favourite!
• Messina: Nestled in Sicily, Messina offers beautiful views and easy access to the nearby **Etna Volcano**. Don’t miss the stunning art and architecture in the city’s **Duomo**, which features a striking clock tower. Pro tip: If you’re adventurous, consider a guided tour of Mount Etna for breathtaking vistas and a chance to see the volcano up close!
• Valletta, Malta: Valletta is the capital of Malta and is known for its historic sites, stunning views, and beautiful baroque architecture. While in port, visit **St. John’s Co-Cathedral**, explore the **Upper Barracca Gardens**, or simply soak up the unique atmosphere of this vibrant city. Insider tip: Enjoy a local **Pastizzi** (a sweet pastry) to get a taste of Maltese cuisine!
• Corfu: Renowned for its stunning beaches and lush landscapes, Corfu is a lovely Greek island steeped in history. Explore the **Old Town**, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or relax on one of the many beautiful beaches. Don’t forget to sample some local **olives or olive oil**, as Corfu is famous for it! Pro tip: Rent a scooter and bike around the island to find hidden gems!

Best Times to Cruise Southern Italy

The best time to embark on a cruise to **Southern Italy** falls between **April to June** and **September to October**, when the weather is warm and enjoyable, usually ranging from **20°C to 27°C**. These months allow you to enjoy fewer crowds and better pricing on your cruise. The peak season from **July to August** can bring sweltering temperatures of up to **30°C or higher** and tends to be busier, leading to higher prices as well. So, if you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, plan your trip during the shoulder months!

Costs of Cruising in Southern Italy

When considering your budget, you can expect the average cost for a one-week cruise in **Southern Italy** to range from **$1,800 to $3,200**, while a two-week cruise can run approximately **$3,500 to $6,000**. For luxury cruises, be prepared for starting prices around **$5,500** for a one-week experience. The shoulder seasons tend to be more economical, while summer months usually attract premium pricing. When dining out, plan on spending about **$20 to $50** per meal based on restaurant choice, with local trattorias offering fantastic options to keep your budget in check!

Top Cruise Lines Offering Southern Italy Adventures

• MSC Cruises: This cruise line has a fleet of **23 ships**, **11** of which sail to **Southern Italy**. Notable vessels include the **MSC Fantasia** and **MSC Seaside**, often departing from **Bari** or **Genoa**. MSC is renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere, excellent onboard entertainment, and diverse dining options, providing a memorable experience for everyone.
• Princess Cruises: Featuring **17 ships**, **10** of which cruise to **Southern Italy**, the **Sun Princess** and **Majestic Princess** are popular vessels. Departing from ports like **Civitavecchia (Rome)**, Princess Cruises focuses on unique immersive experiences that allow guests to engage with the local culture during shore excursions.
• Cunard: With a fleet of **four ships**, **two** make their way to **Southern Italy**, including the **Queen Victoria** and **Queen Anne**. Most often departing from **Civitavecchia** or **Barcelona**, Cunard embodies a luxurious cruising experience, offering elegant dining and top-tier service for those looking for refined adventures.
• Holland America Line: This line consists of **11 ships**, four of which visit **Southern Italy**. The **Oosterdam** and **Nieuw Statendam** frequent these waters, often departing from **Sydney** or **Rome**. Known for a focus on cultural enrichment, Holland America provides exceptional service, unique itineraries, and enriching on-board experiences.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: With **20 ships**, **nine** offer itineraries to **Southern Italy**, including the **Norwegian Epic** and **Norwegian Viva**. Most commonly departing from **Civitavecchia (Rome)** or **Barcelona**, Norwegian ensures a relaxed atmosphere that allows cruisers to choose how and when they want to enjoy dining and activities.

Luxury and Small Ship Options

• Viking Ocean Cruises: With **11 ships**, **seven** sail to **Southern Italy**. The **Viking Star** and **Viking Saturn** frequently depart from **Barcelona** or **Civitavecchia**. This line is famed for its intimate and culturally immersive experiences, making every journey both enriching and comfortable for luxury lovers.
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises: This luxury line features **six ships**, with **five** heading to **Southern Italy**, including the **Seven Seas Splendor** and **Seven Seas Grandeur**. They generally depart from **Athens** or **Civitavecchia**, providing an all-inclusive experience that covers top-shelf beverages, dining, and excursions.
• Explora Journeys: With **two ships**, both sail to **Southern Italy**, namely **EXPLORA I** and **EXPLORA II**. They often depart from **Civitavecchia** or **Barcelona** and offer a modern luxury experience, focusing on sustainability and cultural enrichment during every voyage.
• Oceania Cruises: Featuring **eight ships**, **six** navigate to **Southern Italy**, such as the **Nautica** and **Vista**. Departing from **Civitavecchia** or **Athens**, Oceania takes pride in its culinary experiences on board, offering gourmet dining that highlights Mediterranean flavours.
• Silversea: With **13 ships** in its fleet, **six** sail to **Southern Italy**, with the **Silver Ray** and **Silver Spirit** frequently departing from **Athens** or **Civitavecchia**. Silversea is synonymous with luxury, offering highly personalised service and intimate onboard experiences that ensure every cruiser feels special.

Explore Alternative Regions

If Southern Italy has captured your interest but you are also curious about other options, consider these five alternative regions:

• Amalfi Coast: Stunning coastal vistas and charming villages make the Amalfi Coast a classic destination that pairs well with Southern Italy’s exceptional offerings.
• Western Mediterranean: A diverse selection of culturally rich destinations and beautiful coastlines await you, encompassing France, Spain, and Italy.
• Caribbean: Another sun-soaked destination, the Caribbean features warm waters, beautiful beaches, and vibrant life, providing a tropical alternative.
• Southern Europe: With its stunning landscapes, rich history, and excellent food, Southern Europe is the perfect counterpoint to your Italian getaway.
• Greece: Famous for its ancient history and beautiful islands, Greece is an ideal complement to a cruise in Southern Italy, offering a chance to explore even more stunning landscapes and cultures.

Southern Italy is packed with incredible experiences, delicious foods, and stunning views accessible via cruise. Why not take the plunge and book your dream cruise today with **CruiseAway**? Adventure awaits!