carnival western mediterranean cruise

Mediterranean (All)

Mediterranean cruises take passengers to a rich mosaic of sights, from the sun-washed beaches of the Riviera to the magnificent antiquities of Rome, Athens and Ephesus. On a Mediterranean cruise, you may stroll the broad boulevards of Barcelona and Nice or view works of the masters in the museums of Florence and Paris.

Cruises are a wonderful, worry-free way to explore the great cities of Europe. About three-quarters of all European cruises are Mediterranean cruises, and the other one-fourth are cruises of the British Isles and Northern Europe.

Western Mediterranean cruises will typically call at ports in Spain, France and Italy, and may also visit ports in Portugal, Monaco, Tunisia or Morocco. Eastern Mediterranean cruises may include Italy, Greece, Turkey, Croatia, Bulgaria or the Ukraine. Holy Land cruises usually combine Eastern Mediterranean cruise ports with Israel and Egypt, while some Mediterranean cruises concentrate solely on the Greek Isles.

• The Mediterranean cruise season is from late April to October, although a few ships cruise this region year-round.
• Mediterranean cruises are 7 to 14 nights in length.
• Because you'll need to fly a long distance to reach your port of departure, we suggest that you arrive at the port city at least one or two days in advance of your Mediterranean cruise. This will give you time to rest and get oriented before boarding the ship. Most cruise lines offer pre-cruise hotel packages.

Mediterranean cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

No two Mediterranean cruises are the same. Some bring travelers to the French and Italian rivieras for food, wine and cultural pursuits. Others head east to the Greek Islands, where passengers alternate days sipping ouzo at a beachfront taverna with trips to ancient sites. Each itinerary is a mix of urban tourist capitals — Barcelona! Rome! Istanbul! Jerusalem! — and sleeper gems, such as Portofino, Italy, or Kotor, Montenegro.

If you've never been to Europe, you may feel overwhelmed by destination choices. If you know which ports are on your must-see list, you might be more stumped by which cruise line to choose or which specific itinerary will be the best for you.

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Know that you can't see everything in one Mediterranean cruise — even on sailings that run multiple weeks. Once you let go of your need to see and do it all and accept that you're on a sampler tour, you'll be better able to make your cruise selections and enjoy the ports your ship does visit.

Get started with this Mediterranean cruise guide. You'll learn the basics of itineraries, cruise lines, destinations, when to go and when to book your European adventure at sea.

Why cruise to the Mediterranean?

Many of the European countries on your travel bucket list lie along the Mediterranean Sea: Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Israel and Egypt. A cruise lets you hit many of the hot spots (the French Riviera, Barcelona and Venice, Italy) on one trip without having to navigate multiple hotels, transportation between cities and making dinner reservations in foreign languages.

For some people those experiences are a key part of travel. However, for vacationers who want all the attractions without the hassle, a cruise is an ideal way to explore the Mediterranean. This type of European cruise can be especially alluring to honeymooners, families and older couples.

Mediterranean cruises beckon travelers with a love of culture and history. Visit the Parthenon in Athens, Greece, or the Colosseum in Rome; see Michelangelo's David in Florence, Italy; or make a pilgrimage to the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem. Take a tour to a medieval town or marvel at the construction of a soaring cathedral. If you've always wanted to see the pyramids in Giza, Egypt; the ruins in Ephesus, Turkey, and Pompeii, Italy; Gaudi's Sagrada Familia in Barcelona; and the famous casino in Monaco, you can do it easily on a Mediterranean sailing.

You can also eat your way through the markets, cafes, trattorias, gelato shops and crepe stands in the ports you visit. Sample local wines at vineyards in France and Italy, or sip ouzo or limoncello made on the premises.

When do cruises go to the Mediterranean?

You might be surprised to learn that cruise ships sail the Mediterranean year-round.

The majority of ships, however, arrive in the spring and depart in the fall, choosing warmer climes like the Caribbean for holiday sailings. Only a few hardy stalwarts remain through the winter months. Most of those are European-based lines, such as Costa Cruises , MSC Cruises and Celestyal Cruises , but Viking also braves chilly weather for its destination-focused itineraries in Europe.

Best Mediterranean itineraries

You can find a variety of weeklong Mediterranean cruises, but if you've got the time, nine- to 14-night sailings are not uncommon. Seven-night cruises are best if you're short on time or want to tack on a few days in Barcelona, Rome or Athens before or after your cruise. Longer itineraries are ideal for experiencing a greater variety of destinations and traversing more of the Med.

Here are some the best Mediterranean cruise itineraries you should consider for your European vacation.

Western Mediterranean

The classic Western Mediterranean cruise sails between Barcelona and Rome, and calls in ports in Spain, France, Monaco and Italy. This is your chance to explore Tuscany and the French Riviera, as well as hit up Florence, Monte Carlo, Naples and islands such as Corsica, Mallorca, Sicily and Sardinia. Just watch out: Marquee destinations like Rome and Florence are both located an hour or more from the cruise port, so get ready for long bus rides and long days off the ship.

Greece and Turkey

The classic Eastern Mediterranean cruise sails out of Athens or Istanbul and visits a mix of historic places (Delphi, Ephesus via Kusadasi, Rhodes) and sun-drenched islands (Mykonos and Santorini).

Adriatic Sea

Some so-called Mediterranean cruises actually spend most of their time on the Adriatic Sea, sailing from Venice and visiting ports in Croatia and Greece, and sometimes Montenegro and Albania. You may also find an Adriatic sailing wrapped into longer Western or Eastern Mediterranean cruises.

The most easterly of the Eastern Mediterranean itineraries, Holy Land cruises spend time in Israel and sometimes Egypt, often with overnight stops or multiple days spent in each country to maximize touring opportunities. These sailings may also call in Cyprus or ports in Greece and Turkey.

Best Mediterranean cruise lines

Most major cruise lines send at least one ship to the Mediterranean every year. Even Carnival Cruise Line , known for its affordable cruises out of U.S. home ports, offers some Mediterranean sailings, as does Disney Cruise Line , which typically bases its ships near its theme parks.

If you're looking for a bigger ship, Celebrity Cruises , Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean are the best choices as they base a handful of ships in the Mediterranean each year, arriving in the spring and departing in the fall. These lines offer a variety of itinerary choices, so you can find the Mediterranean ports you most want to visit. You'll also find lots of restaurant choices and evening entertainment options to keep you occupied at night when the ship is sailing.

Couples or families with grown children looking for longer sailings and a destination focus should consider Viking, which offers eight- to 15-night cruises through the Mediterranean, including three- and four-week voyages for retirees (or workationers?) who have the time for a most thorough exploration of the region.

Which luxury line is best for your Mediterranean cruise will come down to what you're looking for in a luxury ship and a European itinerary. However, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea Cruises stand out for including a large variety of shore excursions in their cruise fares. If you're a foodie, these two lines plus Oceania Cruises are notable for their culinary tours in port, plus destination-themed cooking classes on board.

Things to do in the Mediterranean

Sightseeing is a big component of Mediterranean cruises, whether that's exploring a historic site like the Roman Forum or the walled city of Dubrovnik, Croatia; visiting cathedrals in Florence and Barcelona; or touring medieval villages, forts and old towns. You might want to skip the formal tours and merely wander around the port town, browsing local shops or grabbing a coffee or snack in a local cafe.

Culinary tours are also popular here. You can choose from roving food tours, cooking classes, winery visits and tastings, and meals made with local produce and cheeses in beautiful villa or farmhouse settings.

Travelers looking to stretch their legs might want to sign up for cycling tours in city and country settings, hike around a volcano on Santorini or Sicily, or even take a kayak for a spin in Croatia or Greece.

A beach day is possible in the Greek Islands or along the French Riviera, and many ports will have sightseeing cruises.

Best Mediterranean cruise ports

Everyone has their favorite list of the best Mediterranean cruise ports (as evidenced by the discussion I just had with TPG's cruise team about which to include). Some travelers want to hit all the most popular cities, while others prioritize the ability to walk right off the ship into the heart of the town. Some ports are better for historical attractions, others for cafe culture or outdoor activities.

The following cruise ports are generally standouts, no matter your travel style.

Barcelona: Both an embarkation port and a port of call, depending on your itinerary, Barcelona has much to offer first-timers and repeat visitors. Cruise ships dock at the end of Las Ramblas, the main thoroughfare in the old part of the city, so it's easy to leave the ship and simply wander. Don't miss Gaudi's fantastical buildings or a meal of tapas.

Monte Carlo, Monaco: Monte Carlo is both a fascinating port on its own and a gateway to the French Riviera. In town, you can walk to the casino, palace and stunning oceanographic museum. From town, you can take the twisty-turny Corniche coastal roads to destinations like Nice, Eze, Cannes and Grasse.

Dubrovnik, Croatia: Even if you're not in it for the "Game of Thrones" tour, you will be captivated by Dubrovnik and its famous walled city. Walk the walls or take to the water for scenic views of the old town.

Rome: It's actually a pain to get to Rome from the cruise port of Civitavecchia by bus or train, but it's worth it to experience the Eternal City firsthand. Tour the Vatican and Sistine Chapel at St. Peter's Cathedral, step back in time at the Colosseum and Roman Forum, climb the Spanish Steps, throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain and meander through the Borghese Gardens. When your feet give out, take a breather with a gelato or plate of pasta.

Rhodes, Greece: The historic port of Rhodes no longer has a Colossus, but that doesn't take away its appeal. Ensconced by ancient stone walls, Old Town is easily walkable, composed of cobblestone streets lined with restaurants and stores housed in structures dating back to the 14th century. If shopping isn't your thing, keep walking until you reach the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, where you can take a tour, or venture out to one of the city's beaches.

Naples, Italy: Naples is one of our favorite ports because you have so many options of what to do there. It's the jumping-off point for tours to Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, Capri and the Amalfi Coast. Or, if you want to explore the city on your own, perhaps sitting down to a lunch of the region's famous pizza, it's a quick walk right into town from your cruise ship.

Ashdod, Israel : Most cruisers don't stick around Ashdod; it makes our list of best Mediterranean cruise ports because it's the gateway to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Tel Aviv and the Dead Sea. Prepare to be amazed by the sites you will see, but also be ready for long bus rides and long days off the ship touring.

Istanbul: Istanbul is the vibrant city you might not know you need to visit. Serving as both a departure port and port of call on Mediterranean cruises, the city offers something for everything: the cultural icons of the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, intense shopping experiences at the Grand Bazaar, Byzantine palaces, traditional Turkish baths (called hammams), flavorful cuisine, Bosporus day cruises between Europe and Asia, and plenty of neighborhoods to explore.

When to book a Mediterranean cruise

It's a good idea to book your Mediterranean cruise early, even nine to 12 months in advance. You can take advantage of early booking discounts and promotions and have the widest selection of available cabins and suites and dining times (if applicable). An early booking is ideal if you're planning on using miles to book your flights or points for a pre-cruise hotel. Look for fall sales when the current Mediterranean season is winding down.

Another smart time to book a Mediterranean cruise is during January or February when cruise lines run their " wave season " sales, often with lots of extra freebies thrown into the cost of the sailing. You might find last-minute deals on spring cruises to Europe or still be considered early for fall itineraries.

What to bring on a Mediterranean cruise

The Mediterranean region has a temperate climate, but it still gets chilly in the spring and fall and can be brutally hot in the summer. Check the weather before your sail date and pack for the predicted temperatures — with layers, in case the forecasters are wrong and it's unseasonably hot or cold.

You'll likely do a good deal of walking on a Mediterranean cruise, so a good pair of walking shoes is a must. Bonus if you can find cute options you can wear on sea days or sneakers that can do double duty in the ship's gym.

If your tours take you to religious sites, especially in Israel and Egypt, you might need a modest outfit that covers shoulders, arms and knees. Ladies, a shawl is a versatile option you can toss over your shoulders (or hair if need be), use for warmth with your strappy formal night attire or as a blanket on the airplane.

Of course, North Americans taking Mediterranean cruise vacations will need a passport to fly to and from their ship's departure and arrival ports.

Bottom line

The Mediterranean is an amazing region to cruise, and a sailing there is a wonderful introduction to Europe for travelers who have never been. The varied choices of itineraries, cruise lines and ships can be intimidating, but rest assured, you can't really go wrong with any of them. Just know that once you go, you may feel a need to return — either to see a port you loved more in-depth on a land vacation or to sail to the Mediterranean countries you missed on your first go-round.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean

Whether you're exploring the vibrant streets of Barcelona, Spain, admiring the whitewashed villages of Santorini,

Whether you're exploring the vibrant streets of Barcelona, Spain, admiring the whitewashed villages of Santorini, Greece, or immersing yourself in Istanbul's historic sites, the Mediterranean region offers unlimited adventures. And what better way to see it all than on board a cruise ship? To help determine which cruise lines offer the best Mediterranean experience, U.S. News used a methodology factoring in the number and variety of itineraries in the region, and the line's approval rating among experts and travelers. And considering the Mediterranean's immense popularity as a cruise destination, you'll likely find cruise deals to the region year-round. Keep in mind, you may want to consider international travel insurance to protect your trip.

Read Best Cruises Methodology

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Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking offers ample Mediterranean sailings to a variety of ports. With destination-focused itineraries and a free shore excursion in each port, you'll learn more about places like Rome and Florence, Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Athens, Greece; and Monte Carlo during your trip. Viking also dishes out delectable food on board in dining venues that embrace many Mediterranean cuisines.

• 4.57 Overall Rating
• 9 Ships in Fleet

Seabourn Cruise Line

Well-heeled travelers love the luxury and ample onboard amenities (including fine dining, foodie experiences, chic pools and live music venues) on Seabourn's ships as they cruise to ports in Malta, Italy, Greece and the South of France. The line's ships carry no more than 600 guests, so you won't have to worry about overcrowding. Plus, all onboard meals and drinks are complimentary.

• 4.39 Overall Rating
• 5 Ships in Fleet

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises receives high praise for its affordable prices and wealth of onboard activities. The fleet's Mediterranean ships carry around 3,000 passengers or fewer, offering travelers amenities like kids clubs, food and wine workshops, captivating musical productions, interactive game shows and more. Itineraries may include stops in Portofino, Italy; Valencia, Spain; and Mykonos, Greece.

• 4.36 Overall Rating
• 13 Ships in Fleet

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises focuses on individualized service with a high attention to detail and specialized dining venues. It's also typically a child-free crowd, with no programming for younger cruisers. The line offers Mediterranean sailings to many popular ports like Corfu, Greece; Porto, Portugal; and Palermo, Italy, as well as plenty of shore excursions to satisfy curious minds and adventurous travelers.

• 4.30 Overall Rating
• 7 Ships in Fleet

Royal Caribbean International

Some of Royal Caribbean's ships are massive, which makes it tough for them to navigate the Mediterranean. As such, cruises to this region are offered on the brand's smaller vessels. Available itineraries include stops in cities like Split, Croatia; Chania, Crete; Cannes, France; and Limassol, Cyprus. Plus, fun onboard activities range from rock climbing walls to game shows.

• 4.17 Overall Rating
• 25 Ships in Fleet

With itineraries across numerous Mediterranean countries, Azamara stands out for catering to travelers interested in exploring less-frequented ports of call, including Rhodes, Greece; Kotor, Montenegro; and Koper, Slovenia. Passengers on select voyages can also participate in the line's AzAmazing Celebrations program, which arranges culturally immersive experiences.

• 4.05 Overall Rating
• 4 Ships in Fleet

MSC Cruises

Catering mostly to Europeans, MSC Cruises offers plenty of Mediterranean sailings, with ports of call ranging from Cannes, France, to Naples, Italy, to Tangier, Morocco. The fleet's ships carry between roughly 2,500 and 6,700 cruisers and feature a wealth of onboard amenities, including pools, spas, kids clubs and ample dining options.

• 3.79 Overall Rating
• 22 Ships in Fleet

Costa Cruises

It's no surprise that Carnival-owned, Europe-based Costa Cruises boasts a bevy of Mediterranean itineraries at affordable prices. All sorts of Mediterranean cruises are available, with sailings to destinations like the Balearic Islands in Spain; Alexandria, Egypt; and several Greek islands. Costa's ships also provide kids programming, evening entertainment and numerous restaurants and bars.

• 3.50 Overall Rating
• 8 Ships in Fleet

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line doesn't tout as many Mediterranean itineraries as some competitors. However, the line stops in spots like Venice, Italy; Athens, Greece; and Barcelona, Spain. Norwegian also boasts a wide range of shore excursions, from food tours to scenic drives. And the frequent Free at Sea promo allows cruisers to buy a package to enjoy free Wi-Fi, drinks and specialty dining.

• 3.97 Overall Rating
• 19 Ships in Fleet

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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News Release

Carnival cruise line expands popular europe offerings in 2024.

Carnival Legend to Visit Renowned Destinations from Three European Homeports

MIAMI, March 2, 2023 – Carnival Cruise Line announced today it will expand its offering of seasonal European sailings in 2024 and opened reservations for a series of 17 cruises that will take guests to some of the world’s most picturesque seaports aboard Carnival Legend . Once the 2024 Europe season is completed, Carnival Legend will mark its return to the U.S. at a new homeport in Tampa, Fla . “This extensive series for 2024 offers an excellent variety of itinerary lengths and options for our valued guests who want to experience Europe the best way possible: with our amazing crew providing outstanding service along with all the favorite venues aboard a Fun Ship,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Our guests who sail with us in Europe enjoy exploring diverse and spectacular destinations across the continent while simultaneously enjoying the comfort and convenience of having the amenities they know and love available to them on board.” Carnival Legend’s European series begins with a 12-day Transatlantic cruise from Baltimore, Md , on April 15, 2024. This sailing will include visits to Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal; Malaga and Valencia, Spain. From Europe, the ship will operate a wide range of itineraries for guests who want to explore the distinctive beauty and rich culture of the region from three homeports in three different countries: Barcelona, Spain , Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy ; and Dover (London), United Kingdom . Among the many sensational itineraries to choose from are:

• Eight-Day Mediterranean Sailing departs Barcelona, Spain on May 30, 2024, and visits Malta; Messina (Sicily), Italy; Naples (Capri/Pompeii), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy; and Toulon (Provence), France.
• Nine-Day Western Europe Sailing departs Barcelona, Spain on June 7, 2024, and visits Malaga, Sevilla (Cadiz), and La Coruña, Spain; Lisbon and Leixões (Porto), Portugal; and Le Havre (Paris), France.
• Nine-Day British Isles Sailing departs Dover, UK on June 28, 2024, and visits Holyhead, Wales, UK; Glasgow (Greenock), Scotland; Belfast, Northern Ireland; Liverpool, England; Dublin (Dun Laoghaire) Ireland; and Cork (Cobh), Ireland.
• 12-Day Iceland Sailing departs Dover, UK on July 7, 2024, and visits Dublin (Dun Laoghaire) Ireland; Belfast, Northern Ireland; Reykjavik, Iceland; Grundarfjordur, Iceland; Akureyri, Iceland; Seydisfjordur, Iceland; and Invergordon, Scotland.
• 10-Day Greek Isles Sailing departs Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy on Aug. 27, 2024, and visits Mykonos, Greece; Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey; Santorini, Greece; Athens, Greece; Katakolon, Greece; Messina (Sicily) and Naples (Capri/Pompeii), Italy.

Carnival Legend will sail Europe throughout the summer season and into the fall, departing Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy on Oct. 26, 2024, and visiting Cartagena, Spain; Funchal (Madeira) and Ponta Delgada (Azores), Portugal before crossing the Atlantic and stopping in Nassau, The Bahamas before arriving at the ship’s new homeport of Tampa, Fla. The 2,200-guest Carnival Legend features several accommodation options, including 50 suites and more than 630 balcony staterooms. Guests will find many of the signature venues they know and love on board – from Guy’s Burger Joint to the BlueIguana Cantina, the RedFrog and Alchemy bars, as well as WaterWorks Aqua Park and The Punchliner Comedy Club. In addition, Carnival Glory will sail a 14-day Transatlantic voyage on April 18, 2024, that features several popular European destinations, including Valencia, and Las Palmas (Canary Islands), Spain, before arriving to its new homeport of Port Canaveral, Fla. Carnival’s 2024 offerings build on the cruise line’s popular European season. Carnival Pride will soon begin 2023’s series of over a dozen European cruises from May through October. The 2023 season features various cruise lengths and itineraries with departures from Dover, UK and Barcelona, Spain. In addition, Transatlantic voyages for Carnival Freedom were also added to the 2023 schedule, with voyages between Port Canaveral, Fla. and Barcelona, Spain set for this fall currently open for sale . Once she arrives to her new homeport of Tampa, Fla., Carnival Legend will offer six-, seven- and eight-day cruises from her new homeport. Cruise options include a Panama Canal sailing in addition to several Western Caribbean itineraries, which include visits to popular destinations such as Belize, Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico as well as Montego Bay, Jamaica and Grand Cayman. For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL , visit www.carnival.com , or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

# # # ABOUT CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE Carnival Cruise Line, part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), is proud to be known as America's Cruise Line, for carrying more Americans and serving more U.S. homeports than any other. Since its founding in 1972, Carnival has continually revolutionized the cruise sector, making a cruise vacation an affordable and popular option for millions of guests. Carnival operates from 14 U.S. and two Australian homeports and employs more than 40,000 team members representing 120 nationalities. Carnival currently operates 24 ships and is in an exciting period of growth, with Carnival Celebration and Carnival Luminosa, which began guest operations in November, and three additional ships joining the fleet by 2024. MEDIA CONTACT: [email protected]

AIDA Cruises is the market leader in the German-speaking cruise market. Home of the smile, AIDA Cruises is the epitome of a premium-quality, relaxing cruise and operates one of the world’s most state-of-the-art fleets. Visit: www.aida.de

Carnival Cruise Line, also known as America’s Cruise Line, is a leader in contemporary cruising and operates a fleet of ships designed to provide fun and memorable vacation experiences at a great value. Visit: www.carnival.com

Costa Cruises delivers Italy’s finest at sea, bringing modern Italian lifestyle to its ships to provide guests with a true European experience that embodies a unique passion for life through warm hospitality, entertainment and gastronomy. Visit: www.costacruise.com

Cunard is the epitome of British refinement for travelers who relish the line’s impeccable White Star Service, gourmet dining, world-class entertainment, and the legacy of historic voyages and transatlantic travel. Visit: www.cunard.com

Holland America Line's premium fleet of spacious, elegant mid-sized ships feature sophisticated five-star dining, extensive entertainment and activities, innovative culinary enrichment programs and compelling worldwide itineraries. Visit: www.hollandamerica.com

P&O Cruises (UK) is Britain’s favorite cruise line with a fleet of ships combining genuine service and a sense of occasion and attention to detail, ensuring passengers have the holiday of a lifetime, every time. Visit: www.pocruises.co.uk

P&O Cruises (Australia) provides a quintessential holiday experience for Australians and New Zealanders, taking them to some of the world's most idyllic and hard-to-reach places across Asia and the South Pacific. Visit: www.pocruises.co.au

Princess is the world’s leading international cruise line and tour company operating a fleet of modern cruise ships, renowned for the innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment and amenities. Visit: www.princess.com

Seabourn provides ultraluxury cruising vacations in a unique, small-ship style that focuses on genuine, intuitive service, all-suite accommodations, superb cuisine and unique experiences in destinations worldwide. Visit: www.seabourn.com

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16 Best Mediterranean Cruises for Every Traveler

From buzzing adults-only ships to ultra-luxury yachts, find the perfect cruise to suit your style and budget.

White Rain/Courtesy of Viking Cruises

The Mediterranean Sea touches 22 countries and borders more than 28,000 miles of rugged coastline. For more than 2,000 years, these azure waters have provided a valuable connective route for both trade and travelers. Today, hitting the water to move between destinations as varied as the Greek islands, Egypt, and the Croatian coast is a laid-back and comfortable way to see and do more.

Historical monuments, regional cuisine, luxe shopping, and sweeping views are all within grasp aboard a ship. Whether you're traveling solo or with your extended family, many cruise lines have options for adults-only or all-ages itineraries. Explore the best Mediterranean cruises for every traveler. 

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

nacho_gutierrez/Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

If the biggest luxury is convenience, Scenic is among the top cruise lines to pick. The Australian-based company features all-inclusive trips — no upgraded drinks package needed — on a 228-passenger, all-suite ship for an intimate experience. Guests can travel in six-star luxury with a personal butler assigned to each cabin. Turn to helicopters (and even a submersible) for a different view of a destination. 

Trip to Try: Mediterranean Escape: Spain & the French Riviera  

This eight-day itinerary moves along the coast of Spain to the French Riviera. With stops in hallmark ports such as Barcelona, St. Tropez, and Monte Carlo, there's no need to worry about missing out on these popular destinations. Quiet, less-visited ports include Costa Brava's Roses and Villefranche-sur-Mer just outside of Nice. Take to the sky for an aerial view of Sanary-sur-Mer inside Scenic Eclipse 's private helicopter. On the island of Corsica, visit the historic citadel and old town, which Napoleon Bonaparte freed from Italian rule in 1791. This journey spans the bright lights of elegant cities to quiet, luxurious beaches, giving travelers the best of both.

Michel Verdure/Seabourn Cruise Line

Seabourn cruises are made for those who enjoy a touch of grandeur. The cruise line offers all-inclusive options, making it easy to relax on board and just enjoy the ride. A wide range of Mediterranean destinations and cruise lengths, from seven to 30 days, means everyone can find the right fit. 

Trip to Try:  7-day Classic Greek Isles and Ephesus

The weeklong trip on the Seabourn Encore offers a glimpse of a few of Greece’s best islands. Departing from Athens, the journey stops in Patmos, Agios, Mykonos, and Skiathos. The itinerary sprinkles in a few Turkish delights, including Kusadasi and Bozcaada, before disembarking in Istanbul. Excursions include guided tours of historical sites like the Grotto of St. John in Patmos and wine tastings in Bozcaada.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Edgardo Contreras/Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Synonymous with luxury and comfort, The Ritz-Carlton's superyachts are an extension of the company's hotels. Each of the three boats can accommodate around 400 passengers with its smallest ship, Evrima , holding just 298 people. Fine dining abounds on board with five restaurants and six lounges to choose from. Guests can expect plush furnishings and modern design. Though all rooms are terrace suites, there are also two-story loft suites and owner's suites with spacious private terraces.

Trip to Try: Evrima Barcelona to Barcelona

Travelers will see the western Mediterranean on a six-night, round-trip voyage to Barcelona. After departing the lively Spanish city, settle into a suite and enjoy the yacht's amenities with a full day at sea. In Gibraltar, venture to Gorham's Cave, which dates to the days of Neanderthals. The ship returns to the Spanish coast with stops in Málaga (Picasso's hometown), Cartagena with its notable Roman ruins, and the picturesque island of Ibiza.

Viking Cruises  

White Rain/Viking Cruises

Those looking for an adults-only option will find exactly what they need with Viking Cruises. Since the company's offerings are strictly for guests ages 18 and up, you can expect a mature cruising environment. With itineraries ranging from western Europe to holy lands on the eastern Mediterranean, finding a cruise that fits your travel desires is a snap. The cruise line offers free shore excursions, enabling guests to fully experience the ports. 

Trip to Try:  Mediterranean and Adriatic Sojourn  

Spend 22 days with Viking on the Mediterranean and Adriatic Sojourn. The trip takes guests to seven countries including Greece, Montenegro, and Monaco, with stops in both major and smaller ports. Enhance the journey by booking additional excursions tailored to specific interests such as architecture or cuisine. Book pre- and post-trip stays to further explore ports of call.

Explora Journeys

Launched by the Aponte family, the founders of shipping and cruise company MSC Group, Explora Journeys offers high-end vacations with uncompromising, livable cruise ship cabins, which are more like small apartments. With a maritime heritage in the region that stretches back to the 17th century, the family has carefully selected ports that reflect their own travels.

Trip to Try: A Journey to UNESCO Malta & Balearic Bliss

Spend 10 days sailing across the western Mediterranean aboard an all-suite ship designed with clean, simple lines. Bookended by Rome and Barcelona, this voyage includes stops at classic Italian destinations such as Naples, Sicily, and Sardinia. But what sets it apart from other Mediterranean itineraries are stops in Malta, Tunisia, and Menorca. Sicily's best beaches, fortified walls, and whitewashed mosques are just a few of the varied landscapes guests will see. With floor-to-ceiling windows, the spacious suites, penthouses, ocean residences (up to 1,064 square feet), and multiroom owner's suites make cruising feel like home.

Azamara is a sumptuous option, but it’s not just about glitz and glamour on this line. The company also emphasizes hyperlocal experiences that allow its passengers to dive deep into the history, food, and culture at ports, if only for a day. There are a variety of destinations and trip lengths, including 10-, 12-, and 15-night voyages, some of which include overnight stays in ports so guests can get the full scope of a destination.

Trip to Try:   11-night Egypt/Israel Intensive Voyage

Make your way through four counties (Egypt, Israel, Cyprus, and Greece) on this 11-night adventure. The voyage emphasizes the region’s dramatic history, highlighting destinations ruled by famed pharaohs, kings, and emperors. Shore excursion options include exploring the famed Acropolis of Athens, seeing the biblical destinations of Nazareth and Galilee, and simply soaking in the ambience of Limassol, a city on the southern coast of Cyprus, for an entire day.

Emerald Cruises

Cultural experiences are central to Emerald Cruises. Whether you enjoy private performances from local musicians or active adventures like hiking to a city's fortified walls, guests aboard these sleek yachts will see the best of a destination. No need to worry about tipping, upgrading a drinks package, or purchasing standard excursions; the fare is all-inclusive. Onboard accommodations range from spacious, minimalist rooms with an ocean view to yacht suites featuring a private terrace with lounge chairs.

Trip to Try: Mediterranean Enchantment  

Journey from Athens, home of the Acropolis, to Croatia's renowned walled city, Dubrovnik, during this seven-night trip. Emerald notably does not skip over Albania, though there are plenty of stops along Greece's west coast and nearby islands. One of its coastal towns, Sarandë, features stunning lapis waters and serves as a gateway to UNESCO-recognized Butrint. Other notable tours include the ruins of Corfu and Kotor's walls.

Oceania Cruises  

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Want personalized service at every turn? Book an Oceania cruise. With a low guest-to-crew member ratio, your every need is easily met. Mediterranean sailings include seven-, 12-, 21-, and even 30-day cruises for those who can’t get enough. With this company, you’re almost spoiled with choices, making it hard to pick just one itinerary. So maybe, think about this year’s trip — and next year's. 

Trip to Try:   Monte Carlo to Athens

The 10-day trip takes travelers through affluent ports, including visits to Monte Carlo, Saint-Tropez, Florence, Rome, Valletta, Rhodes, and Athens. From the old villages to the glittering casinos, this journey's shore excursions abound. There’s plenty to do on board too, including wine tastings, guest lectures, and fun-filled trivia nights with fellow guests.

Celebrity Cruises

Bernard Biger, Chantiers de l'Atlantique/Celebrity Cruises

Travelers vacationing with the entire family — from children to grandparents — should check out Celebrity Cruises and the 16 ships that make up its fleet . With ample options for everyone on board (think kids clubs to casinos), varied shore excursions, and affordable pricing, these trips are viable for larger groups. 

Trip to Try:   Best of Italy and Croatia

The 11-night trip takes guests to 10 ports through Italy and Croatia, providing varied terrain and plentiful shore excursion options. Visit beautiful seaside towns like Portofino, explore the fortified walls of Dubrovnik, and enjoy the ship's amenities during days at sea.

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Silversea is tailor-made for those who like to cruise with fewer passengers on board. The line offers ships with 51 to 364 suites, which enables more personalized service and refined amenities. It also offers packages to reduce the stress that comes with pay-as-you-go travel. 

Trip to Try:   Venice to Athens

This 11-day trip makes its way through 11 ports in four countries, including Italy, Croatia, Montenegro, and Greece. Walk cobblestone streets, see the distinctive windmills of Santorini, discover buzzing nightlife and secluded beaches on the Croatian island of Hvar, and more. On board, dine in one of the ship’s restaurants, take a dip in the pool, or lounge in a common space to discuss the day’s adventure with fellow guests.

A lavish French cruise line, Ponant has been sailing since 1988. Today, the small boats, Ponant Explorers, are outfitted with just 92 suites that can serve no more than 184 travelers. Throughout the boat, guests will find light-filled spaces and cozy cabins. These ships feature Blue Eye, an unusual lounge set below sea level for an underwater view of the ship's surroundings. From polar expeditions to countries nestled along the Mediterranean, Ponant is a reliable option for those seeking an immersive experience. 

Trip to Try: Ancient Wonders and Culinary Delights: Cruising Southern Italy and Sicily

Partnered with Smithsonian Journeys, Ponant offers a gourmand's Italian dream on this eight-day cruise. This trip begins in Valletta, Malta, before sailing to Sicily and up the Italian coastline to Livorno. Guests can drink volcanic wines in Taormina, eat Neapolitan pizza in Naples, and see fresh mozzarella made in Agropoli. Back on board, a guest chef prepares destination-inspired dishes. In addition to Italy's culinary delights, there are plenty of opportunities to see classic sites such as the Vatican and the Trevi Fountain.

Holland America

Michel Verdure/Courtesy of Holland America Line

Holland America doesn’t have the wide-ranging options like other cruise lines on this list, however, the sailings it does offer are top-notch. Cabins range from 151-square-foot interior staterooms to 712-square-foot suites to stretch out in. 

Trip to Try:  14-Day Adriatic Dream

The 14-day trip includes stops in Italy (including Venice, Sicily, Amalfi, and Rome), Greece (including Katakolon, Souda, and Mykonos), Albania, and Malta (including Valletta and Mgarr). Take advantage of the ship’s luxurious spa on days at sea with the bonus of rocking waves that lull you into tranquility.

Princess Cruises

Danny Lehman/Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is another that may not have a massive selection of Mediterranean options, but the line more than makes up for it with stellar excursions, plentiful onboard entertainment, and kids and teen programming. Sink into the plush beds, which were created in collaboration with a sleep expert, for a great night's rest to feel fully recharged. 

Trip to Try:  10-day Mediterranean and Israel

The 10-day trip stops in six ports across Italy, Greece, Israel, and Cyprus. It offers dozens of shore excursions to take part in, including historical tours, vineyard tours and wine tastings, local market visits, and much more. Room options range from interior staterooms to massive premium suites with oversized balconies.

Cunard Line

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Classically elegant, Cunard Line is the cruise to choose if style is your top priority. Its boats are opulent, including the Queen Elizabeth , which features art deco-influenced interiors and plush sundeck furnishings. Of course, high-end dining experiences are included. 

Trip to Try:  Western Mediterranean

Take the seven-night journey on Cunard’s Western Mediterranean cruise from England to Italy. Visit Seville from Cadiz, see Gaudí's architecture in Barcelona, tour Napoleon Bonaparte's childhood home on the island of Corsica, and shop your way through Rome. With several days at sea, you can make the most of onboard amenities.

Virgin Voyages

There's no doubt that Virgin Voyages is a departure from traditional cruising. With plush cabins and the promise of a party atmosphere, the cruise line has ditched many industry mainstays. Instead, guests will find PJ parties, pop-up circus installations, and open seating for over 20 meals designed by Michelin-starred chefs. 

Trip to Try: The Irresistible Med

When you set sail on The Irresistible Med from Barcelona to Ibiza, there are plenty of opportunities to explore beaches, museums, and historic sites. For those hoping to visit the quaint villages of Provence, the French port of Toulon provides an easy access point. Other stops include Marina di Carrara, known for its sumptuous marble, and the island of Corsica. Enjoy a day of relaxation by sweating it out in the sauna or lounging poolside when out at sea. Ibiza is the final port-of-call, which gives guests plenty of time to enjoy the party capital on their own.

Royal Caribbean  

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean is the one to choose for groups with varied interests. Think, kids who want to play all day, adults who want to lounge by the pool, friends who want to take a historical tour, or those who want to stay up enjoying the onboard entertainment. It's also one of the few cruise lines to offer Mediterranean options for those short on time or who want to add a quick sailing to a longer trip. 

Trip to Try:  Three-Night Western Mediterranean

Spend three perfect days sailing from Rome to Barcelona. The quick cruise is a great way to hit the water if you want to spend a weekend at sea on an otherwise land-bound trip. With a day in Naples, and access to Capri, check out a few shore excursions, or go it alone, knowing you have a comfortable place to call home each night.

Related Articles

Disney Magic - Western Mediterranean Cruise Travel Log

Linda Garrison 

The term "Disney" used to bring to mind cartoons, family-friendly movies, TV shows, or Disneyland in California. Times have changed. Disney opened the trend-setting Disney World in Florida in 1971, and since then the company has opened theme parks in Asia and Europe. In addition, Disney Cruise Lines launched its first two ships in 1998 ( Disney Magic ) and 1999 ( Disney Wonder ). Two other Disney cruise ships followed--the Disney Dream in 2011 and the Disney Fantasy in 2012. These four ships sail to the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Alaska, and the Disney Magic repositions to Europe in the summer months.

Most cruise travelers know that Disney sails from Port Canaveral, Florida, and many families combine a visit to Disney World with a Disney cruise to the Bahamas and the Caribbean that includes a stopover at Castaway Cay, one of the best cruise line private islands. However, a Disney Magic cruise to the Mediterranean is a wonderful vacation option for adults and for families looking to see more of the world.

Some years, the Disney Magic sails seven to eleven-day cruises roundtrip from Barcelona to fascinating ports of call in the western Mediterranean from May to September. Other years, the cruise ship sails to the Baltic and British Isles in the summer

We sailed roundtrip from Barcelona on the Disney Magic on a ten-day itinerary that included an excellent mix of diverse cultures, scenery, history, and shore activities.

The Disney Magic features many of the same shore excursions (called port adventures by Disney) that other cruise lines offer. However, Disney has gone one big step further, with port adventures designed specifically for families to enjoy. There are excellent family port adventures along with lots of things to do and see in each of the Disney Magic Mediterranean ports of call.

Disney Cruise Lines' Mediterranean Family Port Adventures

At each Mediterranean port of call, the Disney Magic has designed special port adventures for families with children. These port adventures are in addition to those offered by other cruise lines, so adults looking to tour museums, take walking tours, or see the highlights of each port will not be disappointed. Examples of some of the family adventures follow.

One of the most creative family adventures is the "Bardo Museum and Medina for Families" tour in Tunis, Tunisia. The Bardo Museum has one of the world's best collections of Roman mosaics, and a visit to this fascinating museum will appeal to adults who love history and art. However, many children could care less about artwork made of small rocks. So, while the adults are touring the museum with a guide, the kids (along with counselors from the Disney Magic) create their own mosaic to take home. What a great idea, and a great souvenir! This tour also includes a visit to the old city (Medina) of Tunis , which provides a look at life in this very different culture.

Kids can enjoy another artistic activity in Florence , where they have time to mix their own colors and paint a fresco (under the supervision of an art technician and the Disney youth counselors). In the meantime, their parents explore the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence.

In some ports of call, the Disney Magic has a family treasure hunt. For example, in Malta , the "Valletta Historical Hunt" is fun and educational for all family members. Each family group is provided a walking map of the Maltese capital of Valletta and a series of questions to answer. While walking about two miles of the downtown area and seeing the main sites, the family team learns some of the histories of Malta while pursuing the answers to the questions and racking up points for the team. What an interesting way to get some exercise and learn something about a small part of the world!

Other ports of call involve hands-on kid's activities. In Naples , families can enjoy the scenic ride to Sorrento where the kids can make pizzas with the Disney youth counselors in a local restaurant while the adults use the time to shop or explore the Italian town. Pizza originated in southern Italy, and this pizza-making activity was so popular that it was expanded to include adults (on another tour).

Rome is a city with something for everyone, and kids will be exposed to the well-known sites such as St. Peter's Basilica, the Colosseum, and the Trevi Fountain on the "Highlights of Rome for Families" Disney port adventure. However, in addition to the touring, kids can enjoy a 45-minute puppet show with the Disney counselors at the Villa Borghese while their parents use the free time to explore the gardens or shop.

Although not all Disney Magic Mediterranean ports of call include special youth shore activities, all do include "family adventures". These serve two purposes. First, family groups can enjoy each other and the tours were designed with families in mind. Second, adults like us seeking to avoid children on tours can choose from the many other Disney port adventures. Families may be on some of these, but the numbers will be limited

Let's now explore the Disney Magic's western Mediterranean ports of call.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is a beautiful city and the most visited port of call in the Mediterranean. Ships dock near the city center, and the airport is only a short ride away, making it an easy city to embark or disembark from your cruise. Those sailing on the Disney Magic can either arrive early or extend their stay in Barcelona.

Anyone traveling from the USA who is taking a Mediterranean cruise should plan to arrive at least one day early. Since you have a ship to catch, you don't want to be stuck hours away at USA airport due to weather or mechanical problems. In addition, arriving a day or more before your cruise will allow time to recover from the long flight, and most importantly, time to explore your embarkation port. If this port is Barcelona , you won't have to worry about finding things to do and see.

Barcelona has long been a great city to visit, but its debut as the Summer Olympics city in 1992 really put it on the world map. The architecture is marvelous, with much of it in the modernist style of the 19th and 20th centuries. Just a look at the La Sagrada Familia Cathedral of Barcelona is worth the trip to the city.

Disney Magic Embarkation

We took a taxi from our hotel and were in the line to check in by 11:30, on the ship by 12:30, and at lunch before 1:00. Our cabins were ready at 1:30, and our bags arrived before the life boat drill at 4:00 pm.

Our Disney Magic cabin (7056) had a nice balcony and sitting area with sofa. We love the split bath--one has a toilet and sink and the other had a bath/shower and sink. Great for families! The cabin had a nautical decor, with touches of Disney in the artwork and furnishings.

After the mandatory life boat drill, we had a welcome aboard pool party at 4:30. It is so much fun to see how the kids (and their parents) are attracted to the Disney characters like they were a magnet. The music was loud, and the atmosphere was joyous. We were going on a cruise!

We went to the 6 pm show before dinner. The evening show was very good -- a welcome aboard show with the large ensemble and a little taste of the upcoming shows by two of the guest entertainers (a comedian and a magician). Seeing all the Disney characters even inspired a little catch in the throat. Since this early September cruise was the last of the season, we were not too surprised to hear the Captain welcome all those lucky travelers on board who were following this 10-day Med cruise with a 14-day transatlantic back to Port Canaveral.

Day at Sea and in Valletta, Malta

Day at sea on the disney magic.

Our first day on the ship was at sea. At 11 am, we went to the champagne brunch at Palo's. The buffet was as good as we remembered from my first time on the Disney Magic . While sipping champagne and bellinis, we nibbled on seared Cajun tuna, jumbo shrimp, and many kinds of cheese. We split a blue cheese/grape pizza, which was delicious and tasted a lot better than it sounds. We also ate two bowls of fresh berries (with a dollop of whipped cream). We skipped the main course since we had filled up so much on the appetizers. The ship has this champagne brunch only on sea days, and even though there is a per person surcharge, reservations in the 130-seat restaurant sell out early.

It was a formal night, so we donned our best apparel and went to the 6:30 pm show. Seeing all the children dressed up like princesses (with tiaras) or in their favorite action figure costume was fun. As usual, everyone was lined up to get their pics taken with the characters. The show was an hour-long story, "Twice Charmed" about what would have happened if the glass slipper was broken and the Prince couldn't find Cinderella. Very cute.

After the show, we drifted to my favorite bar on the Disney Magic, the adults-only Sessions, which is a very quiet piano bar with large portholes, giving great views of the sea. Tim Moss, the same musician from when we sailed on the Disney Magic two years earlier, was the pianist. He's very good, and we lingered over a drink while he entertained.

Dinner was at 8:30 in Lumiere's. We love the rotational seating on the Disney ships. You get to try three different restaurants, moving with your table mates and servers. Our servers were excellent, and they called everyone by their name at each meal, which provided a very personal touch.

The formal dinner was very good. We tried the cheese souffle, salad, and lamb as well as the smoked salmon and consommé. We split a dessert sampler (small portions of three of the dessert offerings).

As with the previous night, we were back in the room before 10:30 and asleep soon after. The next day we would be on the island of Malta.

Valletta, Malta

The next morning we were up early to watch the Disney Magic arrive in Valletta , Malta . The harbor entrance is very narrow, and the city, with its monochromatic sandstone color, was breathtakingly lovely in the early morning sunshine. The city of Valletta sits on a high cliff overlooking the harbor and the Mediterranean. Walls once surrounded the city. Ships dock at the bottom of the cliff, and cruise ship passengers can walk into town if they don't mind 150+ steps and an uphill walk.

The Disney Magic featured many tours on Malta , and several of them focused on the historical sites of the island and the capital city of Valletta . Some tours included visits to some of the other cities on Malta like the "silent" city of Mdina . Others were a panoramic tour of the island.

Since we had been to Malta before, we walked into town and explored the city, checking out St. John's Co-Cathedral and its Caravaggio painting, the Palace of the Grand Masters, and the Upper Barrakka Gardens and their panoramic view of the harbor. We considered taking the hop-on, hop-off bus tour, but the lines were way too long since there was another large cruise ship in port.

Dinner on the Disney Magic was in the third main restaurant--Animator's Palate. We loved the black and white decor, and the food was very good.

The next day the Disney Magic docked in Tunisia on another continent--Africa.

Tunis in North Africa

The sun was up and shining as we got our first glimpse of La Goulette, the harbor town for Tunis, the capital of Tunisia . After breakfast at Parrot Cay, we had our first "port adventure" (Disney's name for shore excursion) scheduled for the morning. It included a walking tour of the Medina (the old city) of Tunis and the famous Bardo Museum , which has the world's largest collection of Roman mosaics. While waiting for our tour to start, we had fun watching some of our fellow passengers take camel rides on the pier.

As expected, the tour was well organized, and we had a bus full. This tour was one targeted to families with children, and we wanted to see what Disney does differently that the other cruise lines. Ramadan, the month-long Muslim holiday, had ended the night before, so the Medina (old city) was very quiet. Our guide said it was a three-day holiday, and that the streets would be mostly empty, as would the souk (market). Although some in our group were disappointed they didn't get to see all the bustling shops, we actually loved seeing the architecture and narrow passageways without all the crowds. We also walked up a few flights of stairs in a carpet shop to see the view of the city. It was lovely, but we also had to sit through the carpet presentation. Many of the 20 kids were getting tired by the time we went to the museum.

It was at the Bardo Museum where Disney had a kid's activity planned. While the adults toured the museum with the guide, the kids stayed with the two Disney youth counselors and the local artisans in a separate work room where they made their own mosaics. We think they all enjoyed it immensely, and they got to take home their own artwork--an 8x10 lovely piece of mosaic. The artisans helped them by cleaning and sealing the art.

These ancient pieces of art, all of which date from the 2nd to the 5th century AD, are fascinating. The intricacies are amazing, as are the pictures they make when all the pieces were assembled.

We were back on the ship by about 2:30, and we ate lunch outdoors. It was warm but very comfortable in the shade.

The Disney ensemble group of actors, singers, and dancers did the second of their three shows that evening. It was titled, "Villains Tonight" and featured many of the Disney villains from movies and TV. Of course, some were unfamiliar to us. It was cute, but not as good as the first show (in our opinion).

We went a little early for drinks, followed by dinner at Palo's, the adults-only restaurant on the top deck. It was excellent, but way too much food. We thought the appetizers, soup, pasta, and chocolate soufflé were especially good. We also loved the complimentary after dinner drink--lemon sorbet mixed with champagne and vodka--very refreshing and not unlike the lemon granite we had enjoyed in Malta the day before.

The Italian cuisine at Palo's was a good start on our next three days in Italy, which started with Naples.

Naples, Italy

We awoke Sunday morning as the ship was nearing Naples, Italy. We had done all the most popular tours from the port of Naples before--Pompeii, Capri, Amalfi, Sorrento, and Positano--so we decided to do a short tour of the city of Naples. It's embarrassing to have been somewhere a few times before and never toured the actual port of call. We also wanted to check out a tour that was considered "light" activity. It wasn't as light as the two people on the tour in wheelchairs would have liked. Navigating the uneven sidewalks and steps was difficult for them.

The Naples city tour started with a visit to the Museum of the Treasury of Saint Gennaro, which was next to the 13th century Saint Gennaro cathedral. The Treasury contains many of the "gifts" (offerings) to Saint Gennaro that believers have presented to the church over the centuries. Most of these were in silver, and some in gold. All were very impressive. During the annual week-long Saint Gennaro festival at the end of September, these gifts are paraded through the streets of old Naples, along with a glass case filled with Saint Gennaro's blood. If we understood the guide correctly, this blood sometimes miraculously changes from solid to liquid form on this date.

After touring the museum, we went into the old gothic/baroque cathedral . It was quite interesting and had many more silver statues, some of which were very heavy and solid silver. Next, we walked through the narrow streets of old town Naples for about 45 minutes. (the area of San Gregorio Armeno) It looked just as we expected--a little dirty and with laundry hanging over the streets. There seemed to be an old church on every corner, and many people had small shops selling trinkets, souvenirs, etc. The Neopolitans were out buying bread in the bakeries, and it was quite interesting. Just as we expected old Naples to look.

One of the best things on the walking tour was listening to our fellow shipmates. One couple from Knoxville who were on their first trip to Europe were just bubbling with excitement over the cathedral, the museum, and the walk around fascinating old town. Others could only see the litter in the streets and the dirty buildings. We often see this on organized tours. For example, in Tunis, some wished we had only gone to the museum, others wished we had spent more time in the shops. That's the worst thing about organized tours--someone else sets the agenda. But, it sure is easier than trying to get around on your own, especially for those who haven't traveled much.

We walked back to the bus (this "mild" activity tour had a lot of walking, but all of it was flat). Several complained about all the walking since they had picked this tour since it was the only one from Naples with limited walking--e.g. going to Pompeii, Capri, or the Amalfi coast can involve steps and hills.

Next, we rode through some of the newer parts of Naples, stopping at a lovely seaside pizzeria with a wonderful view of Mt. Vesuvius. This part of the tour was also included on a "family tour" since participants could "make their own" pizza in the city that invented one of everyone's favorites. We didn't try my hand at making the pizzas, but they were good--Margheritas (with cheese and fresh basil). This was the first pizza ever made and it honored both Saint Margherita and Italy with its red sauce, white cheese, and green basil (like the Italian flag). Accompanying the meal, we had wine, salad, and a chocolate-covered pizza for dessert.

Following our long lunch, we got back to the ship around 2 pm. Dinner was at Lumiere's, the fanciest French restaurant on the restaurant rotation. It was very nice--we had escargot, French onion soup, and a grilled chicken salad along with boiled shrimp with asparagus, salad with goat cheese, and baked sea bass on mushroom risotto.

The next day we visited the eternal city of Rome.

Rome, Italy

Cruise ships dock at Civitavecchia , which is about 1.5-hour bus ride from Rome . We signed up for the "Rome on Your Own" transit, which included a guide onboard the bus who passed out maps with all the Rome sites marked and gave instructions on touring the city on our own. We left the ship at 8:15, arrived at the drop off/meeting point about 10 am, had until 5:20 pm to explore, and got back at the ship around 7 pm, so it was a long day, but fun.

Two good tips our bus guide provided. The first one we knew about--you can buy a combo ticket for both the Colosseum and the Roman forum at the ticket office for the forum. The lines are much shorter, and you can bypass the Colosseum line . The second tip we didn't know about. If you visit the Vatican Museums before you go to St. Peter's you can avoid the security line at St. Peter's by taking the exit door on the right side of the Sistine Chapel. It's the security lines that lead to the long waits at St. Peter's and the Vatican Museums /Sistine Chapel, but those who have already been screened at the museum can skip the additional screening and walk directly into St. Peters .

We walked from the drop off at St. Peter's across the river to Piazza Navona for a cappuccino/diet coke break at an outdoor cafe next to the famous Fountain of Four Rivers that forms the centerpiece of the square. It had been cleaned since we had seen it last and was gorgeous. The maps provided by the bus were really inadequate since many streets were either omitted from the map or didn't have the names. We felt very badly for anyone who had never been to Rome before trying to navigate with the bus maps. The lady gave excellent directions, but the narrow streets all look very similar and many are winding. We had to ask directions a couple of times, but often we could just go with the flow of the crowds.

After a long rest at the Piazza Navona (and a bill for 13 euros for the cappuccino and diet coke), we walked towards the Trevi fountain. As usual, it was packed with tourists. While at the Trevi, we enjoyed a gelato, one of my favorite desserts, and an Italy "must".

We sat in the shade at the fountain and watched everyone throw their coins in the fountain. (we threw in a couple of pennies ourselves). The revenue from the coins is used to maintain the fountain, and it looked quite clean. The people-watching there was even better than at the Piazza Navona, but the rocky seat wasn't nearly as comfortable (although the price was much better).

We proceeded to one of our favorite spots in Rome--the Pantheon. This time we didn't linger too long but walked on towards the Spanish Steps. Like many other tourists, we found a seat on the steps (in the shade) and talked for a while with five British women who were touring on their own. Next, we strolled down Via Condotti to see all the designer shops.

We meandered the narrow streets, enjoying the interesting doorways and courtyards along the way. On one out-of-the-way street, we found an outdoor cafe that was packed with business workers eating their lunches. While lingering over our pizza and beer, we looked up and saw our five new British women friends take a seat nearby. Guess the restaurant wasn't as hidden as we thought!

Leaving the restaurant, we took our time wandering back towards Vatican Square to meet the bus and return to Civitavecchia.

We think everyone on the ship was exhausted after a full day in Rome. We didn't even go to dinner, opting to just eat at the casual buffet upstairs. After the light dinner, we went to the piano bar for an after dinner drink and then went to the 8:30 show. The show featured five of the singers from the cast (three guys and two girls) who performed songs from Disney movies and TV shows. The show was good, although we both thought the music was too loud; in some cases, it almost drowned out the singers.

Our next port of call was a new one--La Spezia.

La Spezia and the Cinque Terre

The early September day dawned clear and cloudless, with temperatures in the high 70's/low 80's. The Disney Magic was anchored in the harbor of La Spezia, Italy, a new port. Many Disney passengers went to Florence, Pisa, or Portofino, but we chose a shore adventure that took us to the Cinque Terre area of Italy via boat and on foot. We had visited Portovenere, which is the "gateway to the Cinque Terre", but neither of us had ever visited any of the five (cinque) towns lining the coast that are now a UNESCO World Heritage site. We couldn't have had a more perfect day, and we can see why so many people have raved about this part of the world.

A small boat picked us up at the ship, and we rode on the top deck of the boat along the coastline. The boat moved very slowly, but we were still at Portovenere within 10 minutes of leaving the ship. We didn't stop at Portovenere but pulled in very close for a long look at this lovely town. We don't think it had changed much in the last decade! Moving on along the coast, the first Cinque Terre village, Riomaggiore, came into view. We didn't pull into Riomaggiore but loved the look of this picturesque town.

A road has linked the five towns since the 1970's, and the towns are also served by train. The train ride is mostly through tunnels, so it not scenic. Parts of the road have spectacular views, but you can't really ride into the towns--you have to park high on the cliffs and hike down--so most people arrive via boat, train, or foot. The train from La Spezia to Riomaggiore only takes 9 minutes, and each of the other stops along the Cinque Terre coastline is only a few minutes apart. Many choose to hike, but you have to be in good shape since the trails are sometimes steep and slippery. Many visitors arrive on the train and stay in small hotels, using the trails or frequent ferries to move amongst the five Cinque Terre villages.

The boat ride along the coastline continued to be spectacular. Since the boat was moving so slowly, we had almost no wind, even on the top deck. The guide provided a running commentary. A couple of minutes after drifting by Riomaggiore, we came to the second village of Manarola, which is less than a mile away. The trail from Riomaggiore follows the ocean and is very scenic. Corniglia is the third village and the only one inaccessible to ferry/boat traffic. Whereas the other villages stretch from the seaside up into the cliffs, Corniglia sits high on a cliff. There is a path from the ocean up to the top, but we wouldn't want to tackle it.

Our tour boat stopped at the fourth village of Vernazza for a little over an hour. We had a short walking tour of the church (Santa Margherita -- like the pizza or wine) and the very narrow streets filled with stair steps, followed by free time. We sipped on cappuccinos and water.

Reboarding the boat, we made the short 10-minute boat ride to the northernmost village of Monterosso, which is also the largest (about 1500 residents). It covers two coves and has two lovely beaches. The two parts of the town are linked by a tunnel or by a path over the tunnel's hill. The view of the town from the top of the path is quite lovely, but the tunnel is a much easier walk.

After a short walking tour, we had about an hour of free time. We sat in an outdoor cafe overlooking the brilliant blue Mediterranean and watched the hikers walk by our table. We enjoyed a beer and a glass of white wine. A couple from San Francisco came in and sat at a table next to us. They were staying in Vernazza and had hiked over. Although our guide said it was about a 1.5-hour hike, these folks took 2.5 hours and were still waiting on their friends who had fallen behind them when we left to reboard the boat. The two couples were planning to take a ferry back to Vernazza.

The ride back to the ship was as pleasant as the one out--about an hour or so. We were back on the ship a little before 2 pm.

It was Pirate night on the ship, and many people were dressed up. They put red pirate bandannas at our place settings, so we all got in the pirate mood. We had a crab cake, conch chowder, and a vegetarian dish made from quinoa along with shrimp cocktail, a good salad, and barbecue short ribs. We split a white chocolate cheesecake on a macadamia nut crust for dessert.

We had an early tour the next day in Corsica, but couldn't miss the Pirates in the Caribbean party on the deck. The characters danced, Mickey rode the zip line across the deck, and the fireworks were spectacular. A good ending to a great day along the Cinque Terre.

Ajaccio, Corsica, France

Before visiting the island of Corsica, all we knew was that it was the birthplace of Napoleon. Since it is a French territory, we assumed the people would be very much Francophiles--just as Napoleon was. However, Corsica seemed to be just the opposite. French and Corsican are both taught in school. Our guide was an English woman who had moved to Corsica 35 years ago. She was fluent in Spanish, French, and English when she moved to Corsica, but when she married and had kids, she couldn't help them with their Corsican language homework since the language was much different than those she was familiar with.

The island is almost completely covered with mountains and has been inhabited for thousands of years. The first invaders were from Pisa and Genoa, and they continued to control the island even when Napoleon was born. However, when he went off to school in France, he embraced everything French and was embarrassed about his Corsican heritage. So, when he was off conquering the world, Corsica was one of his first conquests, and it has remained French ever since. One of the waiters on the Disney Magic was from Lyon, France. He said that you never see a French flag flying in Corsica, and if someone tries to fly one, it is torn down. We wondered if they take aid from France?

Enough history. One other tidbit. Tourism is the only real industry on Corsica, but the natives don't like tourists, and very few speak English. None of the signage is in English but is in both Corsican and French. The natives prefer being isolated, and many who live in the remote mountain villages may never even see the sea during their lifetimes!

We left the ship at 8 am for an all-day tour to see Les Calanches, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This nature reserve is part of the Regional Natural Park of Corsica and includes the Scandola peninsula, an area filled with huge, tooth-like granite rocks rising from the sea. (Corsica is nicknamed the Granite Island). The drive through the mountains was really spectacular, and we hope an engineering award went to whoever built the mountain road that clings to the cliffside. The ride was quite scary (no guardrails), but the views were as gorgeous as any coastline drive I've ever been on. The drive is certainly not for those who get carsick or who are terrified of steep drop offs. The granite rocks are pink, gray, black, and all other colors and they are really jagged. We had another sunny day, and the ocean and the sky were almost the same shade of brilliant blue.

After an hour or so we stopped for 30 minutes in the small village of Carthese, which had been settled by Greeks. The guide took the "strong" walkers down a steep hill to see two adjacent churches, one Greek Orthodox and the other Latin Catholic. Those who didn't do the walk passed the time enjoying the view of the brilliant blue Mediterranean Sea far below.

Driving onward for another hour, we finally reached the San Bastino Pass in the park. The narrow road was packed with buses, cars, and camper vans, both on the roadway and crammed into small "parking" spots. It was a huge traffic jam, and we did what other bus passengers did--got off the bus and walked along the road for about 20 minutes (mostly downhill) to the only pit stop/cafe/souvenir shop in the park. Even stopping to take photos, we could walk faster than the bus could move since the road was mostly one lane along the area. By walking, we could linger over some amazing rock formations, and with the backdrop of the Mediterranean, we could see the importance of preserving the area. Knowing that the first pit stop in about three hours was at the end of our walk kept us all moving along.

We reboarded the bus and continued our ride to Porto, a small village on the seaside. Three buses from the Disney Magic (about 50 on each bus) did this tour, and each bus load ate at a different restaurant. Ours was very cute, in a hotel, and featured a typical Corsican meal that was one of the best "tour" lunches I've had in a long time. We started with a hot puff pastry filled with the local Corsican goat cheese flavored with herbs and covered with a fresh tomato sauce. The main course was veal cooked with mushrooms, onions, and potatoes. It was tender (like a crockpot meal) and reminiscent of mom's pot roast she cooks with potatoes and carrots. A light red table wine accompanied the meal and was excellent. Dessert was a mousse-like concoction with a chestnut flour crust. (Chestnut flour is very popular in Corsica and is a good substitute for those who need a gluten-free diet).

Leaving Porto, we started back the same way we came, which gave our side of the bus the good views of the sea. We stopped twice on the three-hour ride back to the ship--once at a touristy shop and the second time at a cafe with a bathroom. We also saw some Corsican donkeys and several Corsican goats, which have long hair and huge horns. The bus got back to the ship exactly at 4:45 -- final boarding time. We were sorry we didn't have time to see Napoleon's birthplace or see some of the rest of the island.

The 6:30 pm show was one of my favorites--"Disney Dreams"--and featured many Disney characters ranging from Peter Pan to Aladdin to the Beast and Tinkerbell. Very cute and the music didn't drown out the singers as it seemed to in one of the other shows. We had dinner at Pano's again, and it was excellent (again).

Villefranche

The next day was our last port day on the Disney Magic, and it was a good one. Another new port--Villefranche, France. we have been to many places near Villefranche, but never to this charming village that is close to Nice, Cannes , Eze , St. Paul de Vence , and Monte Carlo . Most of the ship's passengers took a tour to one of these fascinating towns along the French Riviera.

We did not have a tour, so we ate a leisurely breakfast at Parrot Cay and went ashore in the tender after the crowds. We thought the buffet breakfast in Parrot Cay was much less busy and just as fast as the buffet breakfast at the Topsider Cafe near the pool, so we dined there most mornings on the ship. We wandered around the streets, window shopped, and took a peek at a church. We spent a lot of time browsing in a local street market.

We enjoyed the continuing excellent weather with a cappuccino and diet coke in a sidewalk cafe before returning to the ship in time for a late lunch. The day was another good one--sunny and warm, but not hot.

That night we had the last big production show. This one was new and focused on Walt Disney and his life. Animated cartoons and films were incorporated into the show. Very nice and our favorite.

After the show, we went to Sessions to hear Tim the pianist play while we sipped green apple martinis and wine. Dinner was at Animator's Palate and was quite good. We had melon soaked in some kind of liqueur, spicy tomato soup, and a feta cheese/Philo main course along with deep fried soft shelled crab, the spicy tomato soup, and Nikola's (our server) recommendation of osso buco. We split a dessert--flourless chocolate cake.

Summary and Conclusion

Our last day on the cruise featured gray skies and gray seas. Not much wind, but it did rain a little. Since this was a Disney Magic sea day, it didn't bother us, but it probably did bother all those who love to hang out by the pool.

After a light breakfast at the buffet, we walked for over an hour on the promenade deck. The Disney Magic has a very nice covered wooden deck that completely wraps around the ship on deck 4. It has some teak lounge chairs for those who like to sit outside in the quiet (and the shade) and shuffleboard courts, but is mostly used by walkers and joggers.

While we were dining in Lumiere's for brunch, Disney had a photo op/autograph signing with "the Princesses" in the grand lobby. The line was long, but kids of all ages patiently waited to be photographed with one of the five Princesses--Cinderella, Snow White, Belle, Jasmine, and another one we didn't recognize. Disney may not have a casino onboard, but we are sure their photo revenue helps compensate for that lost revenue.

We took in a 3D movie in the theater-- Toy Story 3 . Disney shows movies almost continually in the theater and on the television in the cabin. The cloudy weather kept many inside, and it was good to have a fun movie like this one to watch.

That evening, we said goodbye to our excellent wait staff and those in the Sessions lounge. The next morning, we were among the first off the ship in Barcelona since our flight was at 10 am. Disembarkation was as smooth as boarding the ship had been. Disney properly recognizes the importance of a positive last memory of the ship. We breezed out of the terminal and were quickly in a taxi for the ride to the airport and our flight home. Goodbye, Europe!

Disney Magic Conclusion

We had a truly delightful cruise on the Disney Magic, filled with fun, exciting times and quiet times on the ship and with excellent, diverse ports of call. This western Mediterranean itinerary is perfect for those traveling to Europe for the first or the tenth time because it features a good mixture of very popular ports and others not often visited by the major cruise lines.

The Disney staff was accommodating without being obsequious. We loved the fact that they called each passenger by name and were always willing to answer a question or be helpful in any way they could. The shows were excellent, and the adult areas (both outdoor and indoor) are a wonderful respite from the family groups.

The ship is beautiful, with its most distinctive areas being the large portholes in the common areas and the wonderful teak wrap-around covered deck. If your family is ready to visit Europe, the Disney Magic is an excellent choice. The young children will be mesmerized by all that is Disney--the characters, the shows, and the movies. The older kids will enjoy meeting new friends from around the world. Adults will appreciate the quality time with their families, but also the opportunity to spend time alone while the kids are in organized activities or with a sitter. The whole family will love the Disney-designed shore adventures and learn more about another part of our wonderful world.

As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary cruise accommodation for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our Ethics Policy.

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Cruises to Russia

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About Russia

Eastern Europe and Northern Asia make up Russia, a transcontinental country. It is the world's largest nation with a rich history and several dozen ethnic groups. It allows fellow cruisers to spend more time in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Both the cities have unique architecture, world-class art, and rich history that await. Beyond some metro and urban cities, the wilderness in Russia is magnificent despite a menacing climate, boasting villages and fishing towns that flourish despite the weather.

The world's largest country is Russia. During the Russian cruise from St. Petersburg and Moscow, it will give the taste of everyday Russian life and the cruise between the two legendary cities. This route offers you peace of mind and out of which you can make most of the fascinating tour country. When you visit St. Petersburg, you can find the Hermitage Museum, an art museum started by the great Catherine.

You can create the craziest and most unforgettable stories and exciting history in Russia and learn about its tradition. A few things you can do while in Russia are, visiting the wooden church, the royal jewels, and adorable eggs. GUM mall is a great place to shop. Designer stores are all gathered there.

Russia's Highlights

One of the most exciting holidays you can take is one to Russia. You can enjoy these activities when you visit:

Take a cruise on Lake Baikal

Every traveler should make Lake Baikal a priority when planning a trip to Russia. One-fifth of the world's surface freshwater is contained in Lake Baikal, making it the deepest lake and the largest. If you do not stop at the lake while riding the Trans-Siberian railroad across Russia, your journey will be incomplete. The lake is only one hour's drive from Irkutsk, a central transportation hub in Eastern Siberia. Irkutsk offers a wide variety of tours and museums for visitors to choose from.

Eat like a Russian

It makes sense that Moscow is the prime place to experience Russian food and culture. Food tours are a delicious way to sample various foods. They offer pork dumplings in soup, raw lard (pork belly fat), blini, and caviar as classic food tours. You can try new foods even if they aren't something you usually eat. You can also order a Dagestan pie with flatbread.

Go for a Canal Tour

You can take a canal tour while in Russia as one of the best Russian activities. St. Petersburg's countless canals make taking these tours a memorable experience. A voyage along the artificial canals will allow you to see over 800 bridges that span a distance of 300 kilometers.

Visit Unique Museums

The Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts and the Hermitage are two of the largest mainstream museums in Russia. Still, there are also offbeat museums, such as the Museum of Soviet Arcade Games, where you can play with hammer and sickle coins dating from the Soviet time. St. Petersburg's Museum of Hygiene is an excellent idea to check out, where you can learn about disease dangers and other side effects of dirt.

Ports to visit on a Russia Cruise

You can achieve anything on your cruise to Russia if you adopt the pluck and tenacity of the Russian people. Take this opportunity to learn about Russia's crazy stories, incredible history, and beautiful traditions. Check out the following ports:

St. Petersburg

Moreover, in its former glory as the Russian capital, St. Petersburg, today is a vibrant hub of culture, arts, and historic institutions that await exploration by cruise ship in Russia. While strolling along the Baltic Sea, you can relax and admire the sea's charm. Take a canal tour to explore the different sights of St. Petersburg while on a cruise. Take your time browsing the many cafes along the 3.5-mile Nevsky Prospect and try the cured sausages and buttery rye bread.

Petropavlovsk

Wild adventures are awaiting in Russia's Far East, typified by the snow-capped dome of the Koryaksky volcano. Petropavlovsk, located amid a string of five volcanic islands in Avacha Bay, is an ideal place to escape the pressures of everyday life and find peace and quiet. There's a lot to discover in Petropavlovsk, the largest city in Kamchatka. A total of 160 volcanoes are located in the region, along with the southernmost expanse of the Arctic tundra. Experience spectacular views and a memorable rush while paragliding over the city of fire and ice.

You'll be amazed by St. Basil's Cathedral, a colorful onion dome at Red Square. On a Russian cruise, you will enjoy some rural Russian villages such as Mandrogi and Goritsy. They have been reconstructed to look exactly as they were in the 18th century.

Vladivostok

Despite its not-so-famous status, Vladivostok is a charming and cultural city in Russia's far east. Discover the history, wildlife, local cuisine, shopping, and many other things here. You can also visit the glass beach, made up of multicolored stones formed by corroded glass deposited over the years.

Which cruise lines go to Russia?

Some of the cruise lines sailing to Russia's ports are – Scenic, Viking River Cruises, Costa Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Azamara Cruise Line.

Cruise Ports of Russia

Archangelsk, Baltiysk, Korsakov Sakhalin, Murmansk, Novorossiysk, Petropavlovsk Kamtschatka, Saint Petersburg, Sochi, Solovjetski Islands, and Vladivostok.

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Cruise to Moscow Russia

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You’ve got one day on your cruise to spend in Moscow. When it’s all over, you’ll realize that one day isn’t enough to experience the culture of it all. Waste not — time, that is — once you’ve docked in Moscow.

Red Square has a reputation of being infested with people, so get there early. As you tour the cobblestone square, don’t miss Lenin’s Mausoleum, St. Basil’s Cathedral, shopping and eating (on the third floor) at the State Department Store GUM and the beautiful scenery of Alexander Garden. You’ll also have the chance to witness the ceremonial changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The Kremlin

Of course, The Moscow Kremlin is one stop to NOT leave off of your list. The Kremlin is the essence of Russia. Take your time, while inside. Visit the Taynitsky Garden. Even grab some ice cream and just soak it all in.

After Red Square, your feet, and your mind, might welcome a break. A river cruise could be some welcome downtime. Cruise the Moscow River and soak in the city. A first-class ticket aboard a Radisson Royal cruise will cost you 2,000 rubles. Sit back, if you can, recharge, and then get ready to move your feet, again, as you immerse yourself in the Russian Capital.

Gorky Park will be a more laid-back adventure. You’re likely to see a lot of bike riding and inline skating. Don’t feel left out. Rent some gear and join the crowd. You’ll also find table tennis tournaments, dance lessons and the sundecks of Olive Beach.

By the time you return to your ship, you will feel like you have done more than a day’s worth of touring. You’ll find that Moscow has enough culture, art and history to make you want to come back and discover all that you missed.

Here’s some of our favorite river cruise options for you to discover Europe: Viking River Cruises , AMA Waterways , and Avalon Waterways . This doesn’t include all possible cruises. So contact us if you are looking for a different cruise line or a specific destination.

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