Bewildering choices

The Mediterranean Sea is the largest sea in the world. It has more than 100 cruise ports and itineraries. Deciding the right itinerary for you is a complex process.

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Simplify your decision

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Narrow down your
geographical scope.

Decide whether you want to experience the Western or Eastern Mediterranean. Then determine which ports of call appeal to you most.

Then focus on the ports of call and the sightseeing and shore excursions each offers.

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Popular Western
Mediterranean ports

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Popular Eastern
Mediterranean ports

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Western vs Eastern

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Which side is
the best choice

Most first-timers prefer the Western Mediterranean. Seasoned Mediterranean cruisers tend to gravitate to the Eastern Mediterranean.

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Hybrid itineraries

Some cruise itineraries visit both the Western and Eastern Mediterranean. For instance, you embark in Nice (Western) and disembark in Athens (Eastern), and stop at a variety of ports en route.

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Keep in mind

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Small ports

You'll likely need to book a small luxury cruise ship if you want to visit one of the small, picturesque ports of call.

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Port time

Don't use the port arrival and departure times on a cruise's itinerary schedule to determine how long you will be ashore. You have to subtract the line waiting and transfer times from ship to shore, and back. This could consume hours, especially if you are tendering.

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Civitavecchia
Piraeus
Venice
Livorno
Istanbul
Dubrovnik
Naples
Marseille
Nice
Malaga

Western ports
Eastern  ports
Ports near Mediterranean

Best cruise lines
Best time to go
Best itineraries

World's Top 100 Wonders

World's Top 1000 Wonders

Site map

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European Travel Commission

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