Sailing the storied waters of the Mediterranean offers a sense of romance and adventure on the high seas that is virtually unsurpassed, with its shimmering, cerulean sea providing access to a staggering array of diversified ports, ranging from sleepy old-world fishing villages nestled by coastal cliffs to bustling and exotic metropolises that span Europe, Northern Africa, and the Middle East. While many Americans first acquire their sea legs hopping between the island paradises of the Caribbean (see our Caribbean Cruises 101), the siren call of the Mediterranean sounds out strong, enticing U.S. travelers to traverse the Atlantic in search of the region’s treasure trove of ports steeped in rich histories and captivating cultures.

Regardless of the amount of cruise hours you may have logged, there is a ship stationed in the tranquil Mediterranean to fit every passenger’s desire – mainstream mega-ships that are big on activities and value; intimate expedition-style vessels that focus on education; luxury liners that dole out pampering between ports; and tall ships that offer hands-on, back-to-basics sailings are just a sampling of the Mediterranean cruise experiences on hand. In fact, with the Mediterranean now the third most popular cruising destination in the world (following on the heels of the Caribbean and Alaska), the cruise industry has heartily responded to the demand: Since 2000, the number of cruise ship berths in the region has more than tripled (with more than 18,000 available in 2010).

In order to help you plan your perfect Mediterranean cruise vacation, our cruise experts have rounded up answers to some of the most frequently asked questions, as well as some useful tips for booking Mediterranean cruises. We’ve also broken down the cruise offerings into two main regions: the more popular Western Mediterranean cruises, which largely cover Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, and Morocco, and the more exotic Eastern Mediterranean cruises, which typically take in Italy, Greece, Turkey, Croatia, Israel, and Egypt. Once you’ve got your feet wet, head over to our Cruise News blog for the latest updates on the industry, or check out our Mediterranean cruise deals section for ways to stretch your travel budget a bit further.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
• When is Mediterranean cruise season?
• How long do Mediterranean cruises last?
• What ports do Mediterranean cruises leave from?
• What kind of cruise lines operate in the Mediterranean?
• How much do Mediterranean cruises cost?

When is Mediterranean cruise season?
Cruising in the Mediterranean is possible year-round, though the peak season lasts from late May to early September. The weather at this time averages highs from 80 to 90 degrees (though temps can spike considerably in ports in Northern Africa and Israel), with a consistent humidity that makes for warm waters (primed for swimming) and little-to-no rain. During the winter months, bargain shoppers will find the lowest rates for Mediterranean cruises, with temperatures hovering in the 50s and ports largely devoid of crowds. But during the fall and spring “sweet spot” months of April, May, September, and October, the lines of high and low season blur, and travelers can find not only good deals, but sublime weather and sightseeing conditions, as well.

High Season: Late May−early September
Low Season: November−March
Sweet Spot: Late April−early May; late September−October

How long do Mediterranean cruises last?
Mediterranean cruises typically last between 5 and 14 nights, and with countless ports to choose from in close proximity, one can expect destination-intensive itineraries, with not too many days spent at sea. On a typical one-week sailing, cruisers can expect to effortlessly experience three or four countries in a single trip. Cruises lasting up to 12 nights are typically classified as Western or Eastern Mediterranean itineraries, with Rome, Italy, serving as the unofficial dividing line between the two. It is not uncommon for lengthier sailings to cover both regions, particularly with some of the luxury cruise lines.

What ports do Mediterranean cruises leave from?
Mediterranean cruises typically depart anywhere from Atlantic-facing Lisbon, Portugal, to the west to Istanbul, Turkey, to the east, with literally hundreds of ports (some points of embarkation) in between. Not surprisingly, ships tend to embark from some of the region’s most popular and accessible tourist destinations, with Western Mediterranean itineraries typically launching from ports like Barcelona or Rome (Civitavecchia), while Eastern Mediterranean sailings usually depart from Athens (Piraeus), Istanbul, or Venice. However, Savona, Genoa, and Bari, in Italy; Malaga, Spain; and Monte Carlo, Monaco, also see their fair share of action throughout the season. And, despite not being in the Mediterranean, England’s Dover and Southampton (just outside of London) are popular jumping off points for Western Mediterranean itineraries.

What kinds of cruise lines operate in the Mediterranean?
There are over 30 cruise lines plying the waters of the Mediterranean, ranging from tall ships with billowing white sails that carry a just a handful of privileged cruisers to mega-ships that entertain thousands with over-the-top amenities. Whether you are expecting the royal treatment, seeking a low-frills budget vacation, or opting in for an educational adventure, you’ll find it in the Mediterranean. Cruises are generally placed into one of four categories: mainstream, premium, deluxe/specialty, and luxury, with each category carrying a corresponding price tag (with some overlap):

• Mainstream The typical mainstream cruise ship carries anywhere from 2,000 to more than 5,000 passengers and features a wealth of onboard activities to keep passengers entertained at sea (this is particularly true of lines like Royal Caribbean and Costa). Itineraries tend to be largely cookie-cutter, with ships calling on the largest and most popular ports of call. Families will appreciate the kid-friendly appeal and budget price tag − with interior cabins ranging from $600 to $1,100 per person for a 7-night cruise. Special promotions and sales can bring the cruise fare down even lower; keep in mind that brand-new, buzz-generating mega-ships will be priced higher than older, time-honored vessels.

• Premium Premium ships place an emphasis on off-the-path itineraries, offering lengthier cruises that allow more time to sample the region’s ports – Holland America, Princess, and Celebrity all fall into this category. Although you’ll still find casinos, theaters, and a robust schedule of daily activities, offerings are more skewed towards enrichment (think historical lectures, cooking demonstrations, and guest speakers). Premium cruise lines step things up a notch with less-crowded, mid-sized ships (averaging around 1,000 to 2,000 passengers); finer cuisine; and cultivated, yet subtle, décor. Brochure rates are priced slightly higher than mainstream lines, but bargain sales make these upscale experiences surprisingly affordable, with average rates on 7- to 12-night cruises ranging from $900 to $2,600 per person.

• Deluxe/Specialty Smaller, destination-focused ships (typically carrying less than 700 passengers) that provide a personalized, high-end experience at a reasonable price are often branded as “deluxe.” These include lines like Azamara Club Cruises, Oceania, and the tall sailing ships of Windstar, which each offer upscale environs, but a relaxed, casual atmosphere onboard. Specialty (or niche) cruises like Travel Dynamics International and Voyages to Antiquity can also into fit this category, bundling shore excursions with onboard enrichment programs to give each voyage a sense of theme (history, culinary, etc.). Prices average $1,100 to $4,000 per person for a standard cabin on a 7- to 12-night cruise.

• Luxury Enter butler service, stringent dress codes, and evening canapés delivered to your suite. Crew members aboard luxury lines like the Yachts of Seabourn, Silversea, and Regent Seven Seas define the term “at your service.” Prepare to be fully pampered in lavish spas and to relish exquisite cuisine designed by celebrity chefs. Luxury ships vary from mega-yachts to intimate vessels (usually carrying no more than 1,000 passengers, though Cunard’s larger-capacity classic ocean liners are often considered members of this elite group of cruise lines). These vessels sail to every corner of the globe, from short-and-sweet 7-nighters to world cruises spanning monthly durations. The price range is just as wide: Weeklong Mediterranean sailings run anywhere from $2,000 to $7,000 per person.

How much do Mediterranean cruises cost?
Mediterranean cruises come with a vast range of price tags, with variables like ports of call, ships, sailing dates, and the number of nights all coming into consideration. With that in mind, figure that an inside stateroom on a 7-night, mainstream, mega-ship cruise in high season will run between $700 and $1,100, though the bargain shopper with flexibility can find price tags as low as $499 (often for last-minute sailings). If you are looking for a similar peak-season cruise but have more time to spare, a 10- to 14-night cruise will easily balloon to $1,200 to $1,800, with sale prices from $1,100. During low season, average mainstream cruise prices are usually priced $200 to $500 less than on the same itineraries in the summer months. For more details on price variations for specific types of cruise lines (mainstream, premium, deluxe/specialty, and luxury), see our breakdown above.