Mediterranean Cruises

Mediterranean cruises visit the coastlines and islands of southern Europe, and some itineraries continue to North Africa and the eastern Mediterranean. In the west, you might explore Spain, the Balearic Islands, Corsica and Italy's Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre. Further east, routes include the Adriatic coasts of Croatia and Montenegro, the Greek Islands, Turkey and Cyprus. Our smaller ships can sail into harbours that larger vessels pass by. Alongside the famous cities, you'll often call at quieter ports such as Propriano in Corsica or Zadar in Croatia. Many itineraries also include scenic cruising, which gives you time on deck as coastlines like the Bay of Kotor slip past.

Mediterranean cruises range from around 11 nights to several weeks, depending on where you join the ship. A fly-cruise takes you straight to a Mediterranean port, so you spend more of your holiday in the sunshine. Cruising from the UK means a longer voyage, because the passage south past France, Spain and Portugal adds a few days each way. Those sea days are part of the joy of the journey, with time to relax, enjoy talks and watch the coastline go by. If you have more time, our longer voyages combine the western and eastern Mediterranean in one unhurried journey.

The Mediterranean is generally one of the calmer seas for cruising, especially from late spring to early autumn. It's an enclosed sea, sheltered from the long Atlantic swells, and summer conditions are often settled. Local winds can bring a livelier day now and then. Examples are the mistral off southern France and the meltemi, which blows across the Aegean in high summer. If you sail from the UK, the Bay of Biscay can be more changeable, particularly in autumn and winter. Our ships are fitted with stabilisers to help smooth the motion, and our Captain and crew keep a close eye on conditions throughout your voyage. If you're sensitive to movement, a cabin on a lower deck, towards the middle of the ship, can help.

Ports vary by itinerary, but a Mediterranean cruise usually combines well-known cities with smaller, lesser-visited harbours. In the western Mediterranean, you might call at Valletta in Malta, Mahón in Menorca, Ajaccio in Corsica, La Spezia for Cinque Terre or Salerno for the Amalfi Coast. In the Adriatic, ports include Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar in Croatia and Kotor in Montenegro. Eastern Mediterranean routes often visit Athens, Heraklion on Crete, Corfu, Istanbul, Marmaris and Limassol in Cyprus. Because our ships are smaller, we can often dock close to the heart of town, so you can step ashore and start exploring with little or no transfer. Each cruise page lists its full itinerary, so you can see exactly where you'll call.

Pack light, breathable clothing for warm days ashore, plus a few layers for cooler evenings and breezy time on deck. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, because many Mediterranean towns have cobbled streets, steep lanes and uneven paths around ancient sites. Bring a sun hat, sunglasses, high-factor sun cream and swimwear. Some churches, cathedrals and mosques ask visitors to cover their shoulders and knees, so keep a light scarf or shawl in your day bag. For evenings on board, check the dress guidance for your cruise. Remember your passport, travel insurance details and your GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) for healthcare in EU countries.

Fred. Olsen Mediterranean cruises depart either from the UK or from ports in the Mediterranean. Sailing from a UK port means no flights or airport queues. You travel to the port, step on board and your holiday begins as the ship heads south. If you'd rather reach the sunshine sooner, a fly-cruise takes you straight to the Mediterranean to join your ship at a port such as Alicante in Spain or Valletta in Malta. Flights from UK airports are included on selected sailings. Whichever you choose, you'll find the same warm, friendly service and relaxed, smaller-ship atmosphere on board. Browse our Mediterranean cruises to see current departure ports and dates.