Embarking on a Mediterranean cruise is like opening a treasure chest of European culture, history, and landscapes. One minute you are sipping a cappuccino in a quaint café in Rome, the next exploring the ancient ruins of Athens, and then a day later you are marveling at the sapphire waters that surround the Greek isles.
Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or considering your first cruise, the Mediterranean offers a unique fusion of experiences that caters to every traveler’s taste.
Each port in Med holds its own secrets and specialties. From the glamorous Riviera touch of Cannes to the imposing centuries-old walls of Dubrovnik, you’ll be tracing the routes once sailed by merchants, explorers, and even pirates.
In this article, I am going to tell you about what I think are the top 10 ports that you must consider visiting on a Meditteranean cruise. These are all ports or Cities that should be on your bucket list anyway and a cruise gives you the ideal opportunity to knock a lot of them off that list.
But before we get into our list – what makes a Meditteranean cruise different from one you may have taken in the Carribean?
What Make a Med Cruise Different From the Carribbean?
Now there are a few things that make a Mediterranean cruise different from your typical jaunt round the Bahamas, but for me these are the key differences:-
It’s a different crowd
If you’ve cruised with Carnival on a weekend 3-day cruise out of Port Canaveral in the Spring, you will know right away you are on a party ship!
Well Med cruises are nothing like that. They are much more reserved, the average cruising age is higher and the focus on on the destination rather than the ship or the sailaway party.
That’s not saying it won’t be fun, it will just be dialled back a little.
There are less kids
Typically there are a lot less kids on a Mediterranean cruise, than there might be in the Caribbean.
The ships are normally smaller
All the major cruise lines tend to keep their newest and largest mega ships serving the USA ports and Caribbean itineraries, as this is where the most demand is.
That’s why the newest and largest ship from Royal Caribbean (Icon of the Seas) was home-ported in Miami, and why their next newest ship (Utopia of the Seas) is being home-ported in Port Canaveral.
If you look at typical European cruise itineraries, the ships tend to be older and smaller. Of course you will always find the odd exception (for instance Oasis of the Seas is sailing the Meditteranean this summer), but this does tend to be the case.
There are less sea days
Meditteranean cruises are BUSY – usually there will be very few sea days. By the time you come back from this cruise you might need another vacation to recover LOL
They are more expensive
Sadly Med cruises tend to be priced higher than a typical Caribbean cruise. Then of course you have to add air fair and potential hotel stays before and after your cruise, in to the mix.
But what are the best ports to aim for when planning a Med Cruise? Well, based on my own experiences of traveling throughout the Mediterranean over the past 30 years of so, I’ve picked out my personal top 10.
These are ports or cities that should really be on anyone’s bucket list as they each have so much to offer.
My 10 Must-Visit Ports on a Mediterranean Cruise
Mediterranean cruises offer an incredible opportunity to explore centuries-old cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and architectural marvels. Each port you’ll visit has its own unique appeal, from the romantic canals of Venice to the historic walls of Dubrovnik.
1. Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik, Croatia, is a fortress city known for its stunning Old Town encircled by massive stone walls. As you walk the streets, you’ll be enveloped in history, from the well-preserved Renaissance architecture like the Sponza Palace to the vibrant main street, Stradun.
Ironically, I have to confess to only being drawn to Dubrovnik based on my obsession with the TV series Games of Thrones. However, once there, I fell in love with the port. It is simply outstanding and really has to be seen to be believed.
2. Venice
The iconic city of Venice, Italy, is a marvel of engineering and art, famous for its labyrinth of waterways. It is off the charts spectacular and is a must-see. Gondolas and vaporetti (water buses) are the main modes of transport, and a gondola ride is a must-do to appreciate the city’s historic layout.
For very valid reasons Cruise ships no longer port directly into Venice, so if your cruise itinerary states Venice, be aware that you might be at a port which is actually some distance away, like Ravenna.
For example Royal Caribbean sails from Ravenna, which is a good 2-3 hours away.
My suggestion therefore is to plan Venice as a 2-3 day stay before or after your cruise.
3. Santorini
The island of Santorini, Greece, greets you with its cliff-top villages and stunning views of the Aegean Sea. The iconic blue-domed churches and sunsets in Fira and Oia are sights you’ll remember long after your visit.
Unfortunately, you will also remember the massively long queues to get up and down the Cable car from the port where the cruise ship tenders come in.
Santorini is incredibly beautiful, but it is also overcrowded with cruise passengers. We have been three times now and each time it seems to get busier.
It is probably the one port where I highly recommend you book an early shore excursion. This gets you onto the island early before the crowds and you can be done my early afternoon and beat the peak times to get back down the cable car.
4. Rome (Civitavecchia)
If you cruise ship docks at Civitavecchia then you MUST visit Rome. This is probably the most historically well-preserved City you will ever experience.
It is brimming with iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, Vatican City, and Trevi Fountain. Fortunately, the historical area is relatively compact and you can easily get a fantastic overview even on a short cruise day.
5. Split (For Krka National Park)
While Split itself is a fabulous cruise port, it makes my top ten due to it’s proximity to Krka National Park. Set alongside the Krka River in southern Croatia, Krka National Park is a must-see attraction for nature and photography enthusiasts.
The focus for any short visit should be the “Skradinski Buk” area of the park which features spectacular waterfalls. Krka National Park has fabulous walking trails and boardwalks that will get you up close and personal with the waterfalls.
I really can’t urge you enough to go an visit this stunning park – you won’t regret it.
6. Barcelona
Many cruise ships start and end their itineraries in Barcelona, Spain and it is easy to see why.
Barcelona, Spain, is a sensory feast. From Antoni Gaudí’s whimsical architecture, like the Sagrada Família, to the bustling Las Ramblas street, there’s a sense of vibrancy and creativity around every corner.
With that bustle, also comes a seedier side to the City – so watch your wallet and don’t be surprised to have the odd “proposition” or two.
7. Gibraltar
Gibraltar is a tiny British territory that sits at the gateway between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. It’s famed for the Rock of Gibraltar, and you might even meet some of the resident Barbary macaques—the only wild monkeys in Europe.
In the main town, you’ll be enthralled by the architecture which seems to juxtapose with the British bars and stores.
If you are lucky to be on a cruise itinerary that sails through the Straits of Gibralter which separates the Meditteranean from the Atlantic – make sure you are up on deck to see it – it’s not to be missed.
8. Monaco
Monaco exudes luxury and is synonymous with high-end living. This is a town that you will walk around and suddenly realize that compared to these folks you are not even close to being wealthy. Every car is a Ferrari, a Lamborghini or a Maserati, and every famous “designer” brand has a store here.
Walk the same streets as the world’s rich and famous, marvel at the opulent Monte Carlo Casino, or enjoy a moment of calm in the serene Japanese Garden.
9. Salerno (Amalfi Coast)
Salerno offers access to the breathtaking Amalfi Coast in Italy. This region is a picturesque blend of steep cliffs, coastal towns like Positano, and historic sites like the ruins of Pompeii.
My suggestion is to take a water taxi along the coast and spend an hour or so in Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. Just wonderful!
10. Chania, Crete
Chania is an old Venetian port and is absolutely delightful. When most people think of Greece they instantly think of Athens or Mykonos. But for me it’s Chania that wins hands down.
Whilst Athens is steeped in history and is one of the cradles of modern civilisation, it is also crowded and the historical remains are not as well preserved as say Rome.
Mykonos, meanwhile is pretty, but, has nothing of the culture that Chania has to offer.
When are you booking a Mediterranean Cruise?
So there you have it, my top ten cruise destinations in the Med. Each of them is a dream destination in itself.
If you are planning a cruise like this, my top tip is to do lots of research beforehand and book your shore excursions early as they can sell out quickly.
Remember that at many of these ports, where the cruise docks might not be close to the prime tourist locations (e.g. Civitavecchia is quite some distance from Rome), so plan accordingly.
