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Ships dock at Marina di Ravenna, a resort town along the Adriatic Riviera which is a 20 minute drive from the city. Ravenna is a city in on Italy’s west coast famed for its art – and in particular its 5th and 6th century mosaics. It was briefly the capital of the Western Roman Empire and is home to an incredible 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites. It’s a tax haven attracting the rich and the famous and the royal, known for its luxury facilities and the Monaco Grand Prix which takes place on its streets. Monte Carlo is the main resort area in Monaco and is home to the famous casino. The Principality of Monaco is a small independent city state on the French Riviera and is a fascinating and unique place to spend a day.
Best for hitting the region’s top cultural hubs
Learn all about our exciting options to visit Europe from cruises to in-depth cruisetour vacations. Our Princess fleet includes ships that range from small to large vessels. From a balcony stateroom, marvel at breathtaking shorelines passing by before enjoying international cuisine in one of our many eateries during your Mediterranean cruise. Experience the thrill of cards, dice, roulette and blackjack at the casino onboard our European cruises. Learn from experts — like our staff or perhaps other guests nearby — and put your skills to the test.
NEW! Mediterranean Discoveries
Cádiz is a 3,000-year-old triumph with ancient history around every cobbled corner. Andalusian horse shows, 18th-century watch towers, and baroque churches will keep your camera busy. Dubrovnik’s massive walls, centuries of storied history, and a location snug to the serene Adriatic Sea, make a Croatia cruise a tempting endeavor. The walled city of Kotor in Montenegro has exploded in popularity over the past few decades thanks to its photogenic setting in the Bay of Kotor, surrounded by vast mountains. Koper is a historic coastal town with a Venetian old quarter which is walking distance from the docks. Istanbul is the capital of Turkey and the eastern gateway to the Mediterranean from the Black Sea.
Underrated European Travel Destinations Royal Caribbean Cruises
Greece and the Greek Islands are some of the most popular cruise destinations in the Mediterranean. Cruise ships sailing the eastern Mediterranean often visit Athens (Piraeus), Olympia, or some of the diverse Greek Isles. Spain has several popular ports of call, including Barcelona, the busiest cruise ship port in the Mediterranean. France has several popular ports of call on the Mediterranean, including Nice, Cannes, Marseille, and Villefranche. Almost all of the large, mid-sized, and small cruise lines sailing the Mediterranean include French Riviera ports of call. In Florence, must-see attractions include Piazza del Duomo, Santa Croce, and Michelangelo's David sculpture.
Shore excursions from Koper can allow you to visit the nearby Italian city Trieste as well as the inland highlights of Slovenia such as the famous Lake Bled (pictured above) and capital Ljubljana. Boat trips up the Bosphorus and to the Princes Islands are also available. Haifa has a large modern cruise terminal and offers a good selection of excursions around the country.
Attend original productions from Broadway legend Stephen Schwartz, composer of Wicked. Or learn traditional moves, like Flamenco or Irish stepdance, and listen to popular music from the destinations on your itinerary. On a Mediterranean cruise with Princess®, explore the homes of Greek gods, Italian artists and multicultural treasures.
For a country mostly covered with desert, Egypt has many cruise options. Cruise ships sailing the southern or eastern Mediterranean usually port at either Alexandria or Port Said. Cruisers can travel to Cairo to see the Pyramids and Sphinx on full-day shore excursions. In addition to mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands of Mallorca, Minorca, and Ibiza are also excellent cruise destinations. These sun-kissed Mediterranean islands have long been a favorite of northern Europeans; however, cruise ship passengers also enjoy visiting them.
Another smart time to book a Mediterranean cruise is during January or February when cruise lines run their "wave season" sales, often with lots of extra freebies thrown into the cost of the sailing. You might find last-minute deals on spring cruises to Europe or still be considered early for fall itineraries. These lines offer a variety of itinerary choices, so you can find the Mediterranean ports you most want to visit.
Sailing in Europe: Your guide to 90 days of summer cruising - Yachting World
Sailing in Europe: Your guide to 90 days of summer cruising.
Posted: Wed, 07 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Vegas hits the seas
Finally, some countries are "off the beaten path" for cruise tourism, but you might be able to find a small or boutique cruise ship if you are determined to visit them. In Naples, discover the stunning Amalfi Coast, wander through the well-preserved site of Pompeii, and savor authentic Italian cuisine. Explore the beautiful island of Capri or the coastal town of Sorrento. For those who have previously visited Pompeii, consider the ruins of Herculaneum, another well-preserved ancient site. We know the destinations you'll be visiting and what there is to see, do and experience.
Outside the city, typical Palermo shore excursions visit the hilltop village Erice, ancient ruins on the south coast, or the medieval seaside village Cefalu. Alternatively you can visit one of Sicily’s best beaches at nearby Mondello or the Zingaro Nature Reserve. Pristine turquoise waters and white pebble beaches welcome you to this small picturesque country. Go offboard to Split to visit a number of its 1,200 stunning islands, like Korcula, Hvar or Mljet, or explore Diocletian's imposing palace.
Marvel at the colorful buildings in Venice during a gondola ride through the canals and visit Florence's extraordinary Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S.
Several major cities in the Mediterranean are not oceanfront, meaning a train, bus, or car ride is necessary to reach the city from the cruise port. In other ports, such Barcelona and Genoa, cruise ships dock nearby the city center, making access to the city a breeze. With history spanning thousands of years, glamorous ports, and dazzling scenery, a Mediterranean cruise is the perfect vacation—and there’s no better way to experience cruises to the Mediterranean than with Celebrity. Bask on the beach in Mykonos one day and watch a fiery sunset over Santorini the next. Sip a cappuccino in glorious Taormina while gazing at snow-capped Mount Etna in the distance, or dig into tapas in a sunlit square in Barcelona.
Whether you’re interested in a 7-day cruise or a long voyage, your dream port is where the adventure begins. Tenders land in Zakynthos Town, a harbour town and the island’s capital. Zakynthos is blessed with incredible scenery so most visitors don’t linger in town – there are a few small attractions but earthquake damage over the years has destroyed most of the original architecture. Thessaloniki is Greece’s second city and the largest in the north of the country. It has been an important city throughout history but suffered heavy damage in the Great Fire of 1917 so much of the centre is modern.
