Best Mediterranean Cruises of 2023

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• Sails from: Genoa, Italy
• Duration: 1 night
• Ship Name: MSC Bellissima
• Itinerary: Genoa, Italy; Barcelona, Spain

MSC is a mainstream cruise line that specializes in affordable cruises in the Mediterranean region with more than 14 of its vessels cruising there – that’s nearly the entire fleet. Its newest ship, the MSC Bellissima, sails a series of round-trip cruises from Naples that visits four countries in seven days: Malta, Italy, Spain and France. The Bellissima is also fully-loaded with new innovations, like the world’s first robot cruise assistant, a massive LED dome on the central promenade and digital technology that allows guests to connect with each other onboard. Entertainment ranges from dazzling Cirque du Soleil shows to a desert-themed water park — plus, there’s 12 different dining options and 20 bars. 

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• Sails from: Athens, Greece
• Duration: 4 nights
• Ship Name: Celestyal Olympia
• Itinerary: Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes, Santorini, Athens, Greece; Kusadasi, Turkey

If you don’t have time for a longer voyage but want a little taste of Greece, consider Celestyal Cruises – which packs a punch with six ports of call on a four-night cruise. The Greek-based cruise line operates the 1,664-passenger Celestyal Olympia, and is all about immersing passengers in Greek culture. Onboard, the entire ship is Greek-themed from décor and food to music. Activities include yoga, dance competitions, Greek language classes, cooking lessons and more – but don’t expect the over-the-top amenities found on mainstream ships.

Gratuities, unlimited drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and two excursions are also included in the pricing. For this itinerary, it’s an acropolis tour of Lindos, the Citadel of the Knights (in Rhodes) and an ancient Ephesus bus tour. 

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• Sails from: Barcelona, Spain
• Duration: 7 nights
• Ship Name: Norwegian Epic
• Itinerary: Naples, Italy; Rome, Italy; Livorno, Italy; Cannes, France; Palma de Mallorca, Spain

For an affordable and fun-filled cruise ship from a convenient departure port, consider the Norwegian’s Epic’s round-trip voyage from Barcelona. Norwegian Epic is one of the cruise line’s most popular ships, with more than 20 dining venues and unique activities and entertainment. Cruisers can experience Cirque Dreams and Dinner show, the Aqua Park with the largest bowl slide at sea, a boxercise ring at the fitness center, a bowling alley, an adults-only lounge and an array of teens and kid’s clubs. There’s also a variety of cabin choices from solo traveler studios, family staterooms and spa suites. In addition, the cruise visits France, Spain and three stops in Italy. 

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• Sails from: Civitavecchia, Italy
• Duration: 7 nights
• Ship Name: Seven Seas Voyager
• Itinerary: Florence/Pisa, Italy; Portofino, Italy; Corsica, France; Palma De Mallorca, Spain; Barcelona, Spain; Toulon, France; Monte Carlo, Monaco

For an ultra-luxurious yacht voyage through the Meditteranean, Regent Seven Seas is an excellent choice with all-inclusive pricing and premium service. In Pisa and Florence, guests can enjoy the historic sites of Renaissance Italy, or in Barcelona, they can visit the sublime architecture of Antoni Gaudí. Every stateroom on the 700-passenger ship is a spacious suite with a private balcony. On Regent, everything is included: airfare, specialty restaurants, gratuities, Wi-Fi and beverages are all part of the pricing. There’s plenty to do onboard as well, ranging from a relaxing spa, onboard cooking lessons, trivia and lively evening shows. 

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• Sails from: Rome, Italy
• Duration: 10 nights
• Ship Name: Celebrity Edge
• Itinerary: Civitavecchia, Italy; Messina, Italy; Santorini, Greece; Athens, Greece; Mykonos, Greece; Rhodes, Greece; Chania, Crete, Greece; Naples, Italy

Celebrity’s much-anticipated new ship, the Celebrity Edge, launched in December 2018 and will be plying the waters of the Mediterranean this summer and fall. Better yet, the 10-night voyage allows extra time to experience all the vessel has to offer. The avant garde ship steps away from traditional ship layouts (it was designed entirely in 3D), and has trend-setting features like a rooftop garden with live musical performances, a curtainless theater with 10 panoramic screens, Eden Bar, a glass-enclosed lounge with interactive performances and “Magic Carpet,” a cantilevered “elevator” deck that spans 13 floors. The cruise sails round-trip from Rome and visits three countries in six ports of call. 

For more options, check out our guide to the best cruise lines.