Western Mediterranean Cruises

Cruising the Western Mediterranean

The question is, where to start, as the Western Mediterranean offers so much variety, whether it be beach life on the holiday islands of Majorca, Menorca, Crete, Corsica and Scilly or mixing with the rich and famous in Monte Carlo, Nice, St Tropez, Villefranche and Portofino.

Beyond dispute is the immense range on offer in the Western Med, from 14-night voyages from Southampton to the Spanish, French and Italian Rivieras to cruise-and-stay options which combine a week's hotel accommodation in Majorca with seven nights on your cruise ship.

Western Mediterranean cruises will take you to explore the mysteries of North Africa, the Balearic Islands and the delights of Italy with the opportunity to take excursions to Florence, Pisa, Rome, the beautiful island Capri from Naples and stunning Tuscan villages.

First-time cruisers are particularly well catered for with a range of fly-cruises available from ports including Palma in Majorca, Barcelona and Italian ports such as Savona and Civitavecchia (the port for Rome).

Casual cruising is the name of the game with Thomson and Island Cruises which appeal equally to couples and families. For a more continental feel, try the ultra modern ships of Italian lines Costa Cruises and MSC Cruises with passengers drawn from across Europe.

If it's grand, American-style glamour you're after, then the mega family focussed ships of Royal Caribbean International, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line will all fit the bill nicely.

For a more British feel without the need to fly to reach your ship, then P&O Cruises, with both family-friendly and adults-only ships sailing from Southampton, is an ideal option together with Fred Olsen Cruise Lines.

Don't imagine that cruising in the Western Mediterranean is confined to the summer only as more lines are sailing year-round with fly-cruises departing from Barcelona and a number of Italian ports. Winter departures from Southampton are also starting to be introduced.

Eastern Mediterranean Cruises

Sailing in the Eastern Mediterranean is a kin to taking a journey back in time with its wealth of historic highlights interspersed with culturally rich cities and a wealth of laid back beach resorts. Eastern Mediterranean cruises will find you visiting Greece and the Greek islands, Turkey, Croatia, Cyprus, Malta and possibly Egypt.

France Cruises

The French Riviera and Cote d'Azure just oozes style and sophistication as the summer playground for the jet set. You too can mingle with the many celebrity holidaymakers attracted to the region on a cruise to France. Walk along the wide Promenade des Anglais in Nice, drop into one of the many fish restaurants lining the harbour at Villefranche or explore colourful Provence from Marseille or Toulon.

Gibraltar Cruises

Rather like a tiny piece of Britain jutting out from the southern tip of Spain, Gibraltar acts as the gateway to the Med and as a significant port of call in its own right. Any cruise from the UK to the Mediterranean will either pass by or stop at unmistakable Gibraltar. Cruises to and from Britain or from a Mediterranean port to the Canary Islands are likely to take in the "Rock".

Italy Cruises

The term 'spoilt for choice' could easily have been coined for those taking Italy cruises. Just where to start is the big question given that there are just so many jewels in the crown when taking a cruise to Italy. From the coastal gems of Venice and Portofino to the architectural masterpieces of Florence, Rome and Pisa and the sunshine islands of Sicily, Sardinia and Elba, cruises around Italy capture the imagination like no other form of holiday.

Malta Cruises

Malta's capital of Valletta boasts the largest and best protected natural harbour in the Mediterranean and as such is a spectacular introduction to this diverse island with its many ties to the UK. The island earned the George Cross for the valour of its inhabitants in the Second World War. Malta cruises are the ideal way to explore the island's fascinating history which goes back to the Knights of St John in the 1500s.

Monte Carlo Cruises

You don't have to be a rich and famous mega yacht owner to tie up in the harbour at Monaco as the tiny principality - which includes Monte-Carlo - is a regular stopping off point for ships cruising between the French and Italian Rivieras. Home of the Monaco Grand Prix, this is a wonderful place for celebrity-spotting and window shopping in the chic arcades.

Morocco Cruises

For a true change of culture, cruises to marvellous Morocco are hard to beat. The North African country is renowned for its bustling bazaars, ancient medinas and sumptuous spice-influenced cuisine. From stunning souks for bargain hunting to mysterious kasbahs, cruises to Morocco provide a real break from the ordinary.

Palma Cruises

Palma on the Balearic holiday island favourite of Majorca makes the ideal starting point for Mediterranean fly-cruises. An extensive range of connecting flights from airports across the UK make cruising from Palma one of the most popular options available. Palma offers unbeatable bars, cafes and tapas restaurants as well as being a shoppers' paradise.

Spain Cruises

Spain remains the top overseas holiday spot from the UK, and no wonder when the country has so much to offer. Cruises to Spain could involve any number of Mediterranean ports such as Almeria, Alicante, Cartagena, Malaga, Valencia and Barcelona or the beautiful Balearic islands.