Western Mediterranean Cruises

Explore the Western Mediterranean with CruiseAway

Get ready to set sail through the picturesque **Western Mediterranean**, a stunning region that combines beautiful coastlines, vibrant cities, and rich cultural history. Cruising offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore diverse destinations such as Barcelona, Rome, and the captivating islands of the Balearics—all in one trip! Whether you’re indulging in exquisite local cuisines or exploring centuries-old landmarks, it’s a way of travel that enriches body and soul. Fun fact: the Western Mediterranean is home to some of the world’s most famous historical sites, including the magnificent **Colosseum** and the architectural wonders of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona! A cruise in this region ensures you experience it all effortlessly.

Must-Visit Harbours in the Western Mediterranean

When cruising through the **Western Mediterranean**, several harbours offer unique experiences. Here are five of the top ports to explore:

• Barcelona, Spain: A lively art and culture hub, Barcelona invites you to admire **La Sagrada Familia** and explore the bustling **Gothic Quarter**. Don’t miss the chance to relax at **Park Güell**, where Gaudí’s whimsical designs come to life. Insider tip: Sample local tapas at a nearby bar for an authentic taste of the region before heading back to your ship!
• Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy: This port serves as your gateway to the grandeur of Rome! Marvel at the **Vatican**, stand in awe at the **Colosseum**, and soak in the atmosphere at charming piazzas. If time allows, wander the charming streets of **Trastevere** and sample delectable Italian cuisine. Pro tip: Opt for a guided tour that covers the highlights to maximise your time ashore!
• Marseille, France: In this vibrant and diverse city, you can immerse yourself in unique French culture. Visit the historic **Vieux Port** and explore **Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde** for stunning panoramas. During your visit, don’t forget to savour the local flavours by trying out **Bouillabaisse**, a traditional fish stew. Pro tip: Use the Marseille public transport system to efficiently navigate to different attractions!
• Valletta, Malta: Valletta presents a rich tapestry of history, architecture, and Mediterranean charm. While in port, discover **St. John’s Co-Cathedral** and unwind in **Upper Barracca Gardens** with beautiful views of the Grand Harbour. Insider tip: Grab a bite at a local café serving **Pastizzi**, a delicious flaky pastry that’s incredibly popular in Malta!
• Naples, Italy: A bustling city known for its rich history and culinary delights, Naples is the ideal spot to sample authentic **Neapolitan pizza**. Make time to explore **Pompeii** or marvel at the stunning **Amalfi Coast** if you’re up for a little adventure. Pro tip: Buy tickets for sites like Pompeii online in advance—this helps avoid long queues and maximises your time in this stunning city.

Best Times to Cruise the Western Mediterranean

Timing your cruise can significantly impact your experience! The ideal months to explore this beautiful region are **April to June** and **September to October**, when the weather is usually between **20°C to 28°C**. These shoulder seasons help you avoid the summer crowds while still enjoying pleasant temperatures. During peak summer (**July to August**), you can expect temperatures to soar beyond **30°C**, but be prepared for the larger crowds and elevated prices.

Cost of Cruising in the Western Mediterranean

When budgeting for your cruise, a one-week journey generally costs about **$1,700 to $3,500**, while a two-week cruise may range between **$3,500 to $6,500**. For those interested in luxury experiences, expect prices starting around **$5,000** for one week. The shoulder seasons are typically the cheapest times to cruise, while peak summer months see higher prices due to increased demand. Meals on land may cost between **$20 and $50**, depending on the venue, so plan accordingly!

Major Cruise Lines Offering Western Mediterranean Adventures

• MSC Cruises: With a sizable fleet of **23 ships**, **17** of them cruise to the **Western Mediterranean**. The standout ships include the **MSC Fantasia** and **MSC Magnifica**, mostly departing from **Genoa** or **Barcelona**. MSC is widely praised for its family-friendly amenities and diverse dining options, offering something for everyone onboard.
• Princess Cruises: With **17 ships** in total, **11** sail to Western Mediterranean. **Sun Princess** and **Majestic Princess** are exceptional choices often sailing from **Civitavecchia (Rome)** or **Barcelona**. Princess Cruises is committed to providing enriching travel experiences and a focus on cultural immersion through engaging excursions at every port.
• Cunard: This esteemed cruise line has **four ships**, with **three** focusing on Western Mediterranean itineraries, particularly **Queen Victoria** and **Queen Anne**. Departures are usually from **Civitavecchia** or **Barcelona**. Cunard is renowned for its luxurious experiences, offering fine dining, elegant evenings, and top-notch service throughout the journey.
• P&O Cruises: Featuring a fleet of **seven ships**, **six** venture into the Western Mediterranean. The popular **Azura** and **Arvia** regularly depart from **Valletta** or **Southampton**. Renowned for its warm hospitality, P&O perfectly marries traditional cruising with modern conveniences, ensuring all guests enjoy remarkable experiences.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: With **20 ships**, **11** of which sail to the Western Mediterranean, the **Norwegian Pearl** and **Norwegian Viva** are key participants. Most cruises depart from **Civitavecchia (Rome)** or **Barcelona**. Norwegian is known for its flexible freestyle cruising, allowing guests to dine and explore at their own pace without fixed schedules.

Luxury and Small Ship Options

• Viking Ocean Cruises: This cruise line has **11 ships**, with **eight** visiting the Western Mediterranean. Notable vessels include **Viking Saturn** and **Viking Jupiter**, typically departing from **Barcelona** or **Civitavecchia (Rome)**. Viking Ocean Cruises is noted for its cultural enrichment programme, ensuring deep connections to every port of call through guided excursions.
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises: With a fleet of **six ships**, **five** explore the Western Mediterranean, including the **Seven Seas Splendor** and **Seven Seas Voyager**. Departures usually occur from **Barcelona** or **Civitavecchia**. Regent is celebrated for its ultra-luxury experiences, offering all-inclusive packages that include gourmet dining, premium beverages, and shore excursions.
• Explora Journeys: This cruise line features **two ships**, both navigating the Western Mediterranean. The **EXPLORA I** and **EXPLORA II** leave from **Barcelona** or **Civitavecchia**. They emphasise sustainable luxury travel, ensuring that passengers enjoy breathtaking itineraries while respecting the beauty of their port destinations.
• Oceania Cruises: With **eight ships**, **six** visit the Western Mediterranean. Notable examples include **Nautica** and **Marina**, departing predominantly from **Civitavecchia** and **Barcelona**. Oceania Cruises is known for its culinary excellence, offering exceptional dining experiences with menus crafted by internationally renowned chefs, along with well-curated itineraries.
• Seabourn: This luxury line consists of **six ships**, with **four** sailing to the Western Mediterranean, including **Seabourn Ovation** and **Seabourn Encore**. Most cruise depart from **Barcelona** or **Lisbon**. Seabourn is known for its intimate small-ship experience, where the focus is on personalised service and exquisite culinary offerings.

Explore Alternative Regions

If you find yourself captivated by the idea of a cruise to the **Western Mediterranean** but want to consider other enticing destinations, here are five alternatives:

• Eastern Mediterranean: Offering a blend of stunning coastal beauty and rich cultural heritage, the Eastern Mediterranean promises unique experiences in countries like Greece and Turkey.
• Southern Europe: Known for its sunny shoreline and delectable cuisine, Southern Europe offers many iconic destinations for cruisers seeking history, art, and local delicacies.
• Caribbean: Renowned for its sun-kissed beaches and relaxed atmosphere, the Caribbean is perfect for those looking for a blissful getaway filled with tropical delights.
• Spain: An incredibly diverse country with breathtaking coastlines, delicious gastronomy, and vibrant festivals, Spain is a masterpiece waiting to be explored.
• Western Europe: Encompassing culturally rich cities and striking landscapes, Western Europe is great for those seeking a deep dive into European history and charm.

Don’t miss out on the mesmerizing allure of the **Western Mediterranean**! With its splendid destinations, fantastic food, and charming cultures, book your cruise today with **CruiseAway** for an adventure of a lifetime!