Take a Mediterranean cruise ship to experience Europe's rich history, stunning verdant landscapes, and diverse seaside cultures of Southern Europe. You can explore the Mediterranean in style, comfort, and luxury on an amazing cruise ship. This guide will help you navigate the departure ports and key cruise ports, ensuring you make the most of your Mediterranean cruise adventure.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Halfa, Northern Israel
Istanbul, Turkey
Izmir and Kusadasi, Turkey
Miami and New York City, United States
Choosing the right departure port is crucial for your Mediterranean cruise. Each port offers unique benefits, making your journey as exciting as the destinations you visit.
Here’s a breakdown of our main departure ports:
Dubai: A dazzling city known for luxury shopping and ultramodern architecture; Dubai serves as a vibrant starting point for cruises around the world. With Dubai, you can step up in style and begin a long cruise to the Mediterranean region.
Haifa: This Israeli port city offers a mix of modern amenities and historic sites, making it a compelling gateway to the Mediterranean from the Middle Eastern experiences of Israel and the Arab world.
Istanbul: Straddling Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a city rich in history and culture. It is a perfect port for beginning your journey, especially when Istanbul is situated in the Eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea.
Izmir and Kusadasi: These two Turkish ports provide easy access to the Aegean Sea and are steeped in history of the eastern mediterranean, offering travelers a scenic, Anatolian start to their cruise.
Miami and New York City: For travelers from the Americas, these cities offer convenient transatlantic cruises that lead to the heart of the Mediterranean, travelling the long distanced Atlantic seas.
The Mediterranean is home to some of the world's most iconic ports, each offering a unique glimpse into the region's soul. We have chosen these ports based on the volume of travel itineraries and sailings.
Explore these major cruise ports during your journey:
Athens (Piraeus), Greece
Barcelona, Spain
Marseille, France
Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
Venice, Italy
Athens (Piraeus): The gateway to ancient Greece, Athens is a treasure trove of history, home to landmarks like the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Cruises for Athens arrive at the port of Piraeus. Featuring among major cruise ports, it has three large cruise terminals.
Barcelona: Known for its art and architecture, Barcelona is a port where you can witness the works of Gaudí and enjoy the bustling street life. Barcelona Cruise Port comprises 5 Terminals. From there, you can head to the Bari Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, the most desirable area where the best attractions of the city lie. It's close to many of Barcelona's most popular attractions and has many great restaurants—another reason why people love it.
Marseille: As a major French port, Marseille is a gateway to the Provence region, known for its old port, hilltop basilica, and the Château d’If. Most cruise ships head for Le Vieux Port. It is a great harbor lined with many restaurants and cafes. The crowd comes from all walks of life, mingling together in a symphony.
Civitavecchia (Rome): Civitavecchia itself is an amazing coastal town for an authentic Italian experience. Departing from Civitavecchia, you can explore Rome’s endless attractions, from the Vatican to ancient ruins like the Colosseum. Don’t forget the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain where you can throw in a coin to make a wish.
Venice: Starting or ending your cruise in Venice allows you to experience its enchanting canals, stunning architecture, and vibrant squares. However, since 2021, the city has been restricting visitors due to environmental concerns. So, you might be lucky if you pay more for tourist visits with a fee. Most cruise lines have shifted their stops to Marghera, which is a short distance away from Venice. But other ships make do with stops in Trieste or Ravenna, both of which are further away.
Are you ready to set sail on a Mediterranean cruise? Now that you are familiar with the departure ports and major cruise ports in the Mediterranean, here are some important questions to help you plan and decide on your cruise journey:
Prices can vary widely based on the length of the cruise, the cruise line, and the cabin type. Generally, shorter trips can be more affordable, for example, typical cost for a 7-night Mediterranean cruise is around $848 per person. While longer voyages offer a deeper exploration of the region. During the peak summer months, this price can rise. Conversely, in the winter season, the cost of the same cruise can drop.
Yes, cruising around the Mediterranean allows you to visit numerous countries, including Italy, Spain, Greece, and Turkey. This type of journey offers a unique way to experience the region's rich tapestry of landscapes and cultures. Many cruise lines offer itineraries that cover a wide range of Mediterranean destinations, each tailored to provide distinct experiences.
Depending on your departure point and the itinerary, a Mediterranean cruise can range from a quick 7-day tour to a more extensive 20-day expedition. There is also a great world tour ship Azamara Onward with 156 day (about 5 months) journey. Longer cruises provide an opportunity to visit multiple countries and absorb more of the Mediterranean’s diverse heritage and scenery.
Now that you're familiar with the departure and major cruise ports, it's time to book your Mediterranean cruise with CruiseBooking.com. Our platform offers a seamless booking experience, allowing you to choose from a wide selection of cruises from top lines. Whether you're looking for a luxurious getaway or a family-friendly adventure, our website provides comprehensive details about ships, amenities, onboard activities, dining options, and cabin selections.
Our user-friendly interface simplifies the process of comparing prices, checking availability, and securing your booking. Plus, our customer support team is here to assist you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable planning experience.
As you prepare for your Mediterranean cruise, CruiseBooking offers valuable resources like destination guides, insider tips, and recommendations for shore excursions. Customize your itinerary and create unforgettable memories with us.
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