8 Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean

Get ready, get excited. Traveling on these cruise lines can be magical.
best cruise lines in the mediterranean
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Last Updated
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November 16, 2023
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When it comes to cruising in the Mediterranean, you'll find a wide range of options. For example, you could book a Mediterranean cruise with Viking Ocean Cruises, or explore the shores of Israel on a Seabourn cruise.

Or, you could choose to spend a week floating in the salty Dead Sea. Whichever you choose, your cruise will be an experience that you'll never forget.

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Viking Ocean Cruises

viking ocean cruises ship
Viking Cruises

If you are looking for a small luxury ship that can take you to destinations around the world, Viking Ocean Cruises is the company for you. They offer a range of destinations and many overnight stays to give you more time on land. They also offer award-winning service, outstanding regional cuisine, and many complimentary value-added features.

You will find a variety of amenities on Viking's ships, including Wi-Fi, onboard lectures from local historians, gourmet cuisine, and complimentary onboard spa treatments. The ships are comfortable and feature king-sized beds and staterooms with heated bathroom floors. They also feature private verandas and 24-hour room service. The line offers a variety of Mediterranean cruises, ranging from eight to 29 days, where you will see places such as Rome, Tuscan towns, Jerusalem, and Montenegro.

Viking Ocean Cruises also provides a number of complimentary shore excursions. Some of the excursions are designed to give you a good overview of the destination, while others offer free time to explore independently. In addition to complimentary excursions, the company also offers a variety of for-fee experiences designed to educate and engage its patrons. Many of these experiences will allow you access to local culture and cuisine that you would not otherwise be able to find on your own.

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Seabourn Cruise Line

seabourn ovation cruise ship
@shipspottergermany / Instagram

The cruise line Seabourn is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, and is part of the Carnival Corporation and plc. Founded in 1986, the company offers luxury cruising throughout the world. It has a rich history and is committed to providing its customers with the ultimate travel experience. The luxurious ships are designed to be as comfortable as possible for both guests and crew.

In addition to offering luxurious accommodations, the Seabourn Cruise Line also offers special services for its clients, such as travel-document portfolios, exclusive luggage tags, and complimentary massages by the pool. The ambiance and service on Seabourn cruises are intimate, with nearly one staff member per guest. The staff is carefully chosen and trained to anticipate every guest's needs. The small-ship fleet consists of two types of vessels: the Seabourn Spirit and the Seabourn Enchantment. The ships are designed to be elegant and spacious, with large picture windows and French balconies.

The menus on Seabourn Cruises feature award-winning cuisine prepared by celebrity chef Thomas Keller. There are several different dining venues on board, and guests can choose a casual dining option or something a little more formal. However, the guidelines for each venue vary, and guests are expected to dress appropriately for each evening.

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Azamara

azamara journey cruise ship
@cruisingcolemans / Instagram

Azamara cruises have a reputation for delivering luxury and service, but they are also known for their small ships and older clientele. Their older clients tend to be more port-savvy and well-traveled, and they usually opt out of shore excursions to spend more time exploring each port. Azamara cruises also do not have much to offer solo travelers, so they may not be the best fit for the line.

The staterooms are spacious and comfortable, featuring at least one queen bed that can convert to twins, a desk and reading lamp, individual climate control, and USB charging ports. Each cabin has a bathroom with a sink/vanity, storage shelves, a toilet, and robes. Additionally, all rooms have turndown treats and daily make-up services.

Azamara's philosophy on cruising is different from that of many other cruise lines. They put emphasis on the destinations they visit, a concept known as Destination Immersion. They also offer excursions called Land Discoveries, which take passengers to places they might not otherwise see. These excursions allow passengers to experience local culture through firsthand experiences.

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Regent Seven Seas Cruises

regent seven seas navigator
@eelin_laivat / Instagram

Regent Seven Seas Cruises in the Med offer first-class luxury and amenities that make them the perfect way to explore the region. From free roundtrip business class air to unlimited Wi-Fi and shore excursions, there is something for every traveler on a Mediterranean cruise. This line is especially great for families with children and people who appreciate intimacy.

The Regent Seven Seas fleet consists of five ships that visit more than 450 destinations around the world. The company began by using state-of-the-art cruise ships but has since added upgrades to each one to offer a top-notch experience for travelers. They plan to expand their fleet by 10 ships by 2027.

Guests can also take advantage of Regent's extensive Spotlight Programs. These include lectures and guided tours that explore classical art, architecture, wine and food, and photography. Hosts for these programs are experts in their fields.

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Celebrity Cruises

celebrity constellation cruise ship
Canva Photos

If you are looking for the best cruise line in the Mediterranean, you need to look no further than Celebrity Cruises. They offer Mediterranean sailings from Barcelona to Lisbon, with multiple embarkation ports and itinerary options. Plus, they offer plenty of dining options and evening entertainment. These are three reasons that make Celebrity Cruises the best cruise line in the Mediterranean.

Celebrity Cruises offers a variety of dining options, including a rooftop garden. Guests can enjoy a classic Manhattan cocktail in the Cosmopolitan Restaurant, or choose one of their many specialty restaurants. They also have multiple pools and whirlpools. Aside from their dining options, they have free Wi-Fi and beverage service.

Guests can choose from two main types of pools on the Celebrity Infinity: the adult-only pool and the kids-only pool. Children under the age of 18 can swim freely in either one. Guests accompanied by parents or guardians may also swim in the Kids' Club, which offers fun activities and games for little ones.

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Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises cruise ship
Oceania Cruises

Oceania offers a variety of itineraries, most of them designed for double occupancy, but they do offer singles packages. Most of their itineraries last for 10 days. This makes them a good choice for budget-conscious travelers. A basic Oceania stateroom is priced at around $1500 for one person in double occupancy. This does not include airfare and other expenses.

Oceania offers itineraries to some of the most interesting destinations in the world. Its small ships allow for a personal touch, and the ships call at some of the most beautiful and interesting ports around the world. Guests will get to experience ancient cities, seaside villages, and faraway islands.

The company started out as Renaissance Cruises in 1988. This company aimed to offer cruises to all budget levels. But the recession hit and the company's financial condition took a downturn. After 9/11, the cruise line was in a bad financial state. The next year, the company went bankrupt, and its eight ships were put up for auction. Former Renaissance CEO Frank Del Rio founded Oceania and started operations with two ex-Renaissance ships. A third ship was added to the fleet in late 2005.

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Costa Cruises

Costa Toscana cruise ship from Costa Cruises
Costa Cruises

Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a family cruise, Costa Cruises has you covered. With its Italian flair, the cruise line has attracted a diverse range of passengers from all over the world. It's also one of the few cruise lines to offer onboard spa cabins. In addition to delicious Italian meals, you can also experience Italian-style entertainment and theme parties. Plus, the cruise line offers several flat-rate drink packages, including draft beer and house wine.

Costa Cruises offers Mediterranean cruises from Italy, Greece, and Spain. The cruises are a great way to see the cradle of Europe. You'll have the chance to enjoy the magnificent Mediterranean sea, and take in some of Europe's most famous sights and traditions. From the soaring peaks of Tuscany to the majestic cliffs of the Dolomites, you'll find an abundance of culture, history, and cuisine.

The Italian flair and the atmosphere aboard Costa Cruise ships make it a great choice for a romantic vacation. Whether you're traveling with a significant other or your family, you'll find a wide range of entertainment and activities to suit all tastes and budgets. And, as an added bonus, Costa Cruises is known for its all-inclusive nature.

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MSC Cruises

MSC Seaside cruise ship from MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises is known for offering a number of different kinds of excursions to their guests. These include marine excursions and family-friendly tours. They also offer excursion packages that include the best three excursions at a discounted rate. Excursions aboard MSC Cruises can range from a quick getaway to a two-week adventure.

With 14 ships in the Mediterranean, MSC Cruises can offer travelers a variety of options. Their flagship MSC Bellissima offers round-trip cruises from Naples to four countries in seven days. It features a massive LED dome on its central promenade and digital technology throughout the ship. Additionally, the Bellissima boasts twelve dining rooms and 20 bars.

On board MSC Cruises, guests can expect to find delicious food for every taste and budget. There are special menus for people with special diets and dedicated kids' menus.

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