14 Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean

Few experiences compare to gliding across the shimmering Mediterranean, where history, luxury, and natural beauty collide in a breathtaking spectacle. Imagine waking up to the sun-kissed shores of Santorini, wandering through the winding alleys of Dubrovnik, or savoring fresh seafood in the French Riviera—all from the comfort of a world-class cruise.

Whether you seek indulgence, adventure, or cultural immersion, these 14 best cruise lines in the Mediterranean offer a dream voyage for every traveler.

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking Ocean Cruises offers a refined, adult-only (18+) experience focused on cultural immersion and destination-rich itineraries. Unlike more extensive cruise lines, Viking prioritizes exploration with complimentary shore excursions at every port. Guests can walk through Rome’s Colosseum with expert guides, savor fine wines in Tuscany, or admire Barcelona’s architectural wonders. These curated experiences connect deeply to each destination, blending education with luxury.

Onboard, Viking’s sleek Scandinavian design creates an elegant and serene atmosphere. Light-filled spaces, sophisticated lounges, and regionally inspired dining enhance the journey. Guests can indulge in authentic flavors, from Mediterranean seafood to Nordic delicacies, elevating their culinary experience. With enrichment at its core, Viking Ocean Cruises offers a seamless blend of comfort, culture, and discovery.

Notable Itinerary: Mediterranean & Adriatic Sojourn

This 22-day odyssey takes you through Greece, Montenegro, Monaco, and beyond, offering major destinations and hidden gems.

Seabourn Cruise Line

Seabourn offers an ultra-luxury experience for those who demand the best. With no more than 600 guests on each of its seven intimate, yacht-like ships, every journey is defined by exclusivity and personalized service. Elegant accommodations, world-class amenities, and a refined atmosphere set the stage for an unparalleled voyage.

Guests indulge in complimentary fine wines, premium spirits, and gourmet dining crafted by renowned chefs. Butler service meets every need, from private excursions to in-suite champagne toasts. With thoughtfully curated itineraries to breathtaking destinations, Seabourn transforms travel into a seamless blend of luxury and adventure.

Notable Itinerary: Classic Greek Isles & Ephesus

A seven-day journey through the Greek islands, sprinkled with Turkish delights like Kusadasi and the legendary ruins of Ephesus.

Explora Journeys

Explora Journeys, MSC Group’s new luxury brand, redefines ocean travel with elegant all-suite accommodations. Each suite features floor-to-ceiling windows and a private terrace, blending modern comfort with stunning ocean views. Thoughtfully designed interiors, personalized service, and world-class amenities create a seamless and refined experience at sea.

Beyond luxury stays, Explora Journeys offers curated experiences, from globally inspired fine dining to immersive cultural excursions. Guests can indulge in expertly crafted cuisine, relax in serene wellness spaces, or explore destinations through bespoke activities and exclusive local encounters. Every journey is designed to inspire and delight.

Notable Itinerary: UNESCO Malta & Balearic Bliss

Sailing from Rome to Barcelona, this 10-day journey includes stops in Naples, Sicily, Tunisia, and Menorca—blending the best of history and island tranquility.

Silversea Cruises

Silversea is known for its all-inclusive luxury, offering intimate all-suite ships with personalized butler service. Guests enjoy world-class dining, fine champagne on deck, and stunning ocean views from private verandas. With a high staff-to-guest ratio, every detail is meticulously attended to, ensuring a seamless and sophisticated experience.

Beyond the ship, Silversea offers exclusive shore excursions that bring destinations to life. From private Vatican tours to wine tastings in Bordeaux and helicopter rides over Norwegian fjords, each experience is designed for cultural immersion and unforgettable moments.

Notable Itinerary: Venice to Athens

This 11-day trip covers Italy, Croatia, Montenegro, and Greece, with dreamy stops in Santorini, Kotor, and Hvar.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas redefines all-inclusive luxury cruising with unlimited shore excursions, world-class gourmet dining, and premium accommodations. Guests can explore breathtaking destinations at no extra cost while enjoying exquisite cuisine with fine wines and spirits. Every meal is a culinary experience, whether in an elegant dining room or an intimate specialty restaurant.

Its small, ultra-luxurious ships offer an atmosphere of exclusivity and refinement. Spacious suites with elegant décor and private balconies provide ultimate comfort, while personalized service enhances the experience. The ships’ intimate size perfectly complements the Mediterranean’s timeless charm, making each voyage indulgent and unforgettable.

Notable Itinerary: Monte Carlo to Athens

This 10-day trip covers the French Riviera, Italy’s Amalfi Coast, and the islands of Greece in style.

Scenic Luxury Cruises

Scenic Luxury Cruises elevates Mediterranean travel with a focus on adventure and exclusivity. Guests can take in breathtaking coastal views from a private helicopter or explore beneath the waves in a high-tech submarine. These unique experiences offer a fresh perspective on historic cities, rugged cliffs, and hidden gems, making every journey as thrilling as it is luxurious.

From soaring over Santorini to diving into the Adriatic’s crystal-clear waters, Scenic combines opulence with exploration. Whether admiring ancient ruins from above or encountering marine life below, travelers experience the Mediterranean from every angle, turning each voyage into an unforgettable adventure.

Notable Itinerary: Mediterranean Escape: Spain & the French Riviera

This eight-day cruise from Barcelona to Monte Carlo blends bustling cities with tranquil beaches.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection blends the elegance of its iconic hotels with the freedom of cruising, offering a refined and intimate travel experience. With personalized service, gourmet dining, and curated shore excursions, each journey reflects the brand’s commitment to luxury. Guests can explore stunning destinations while enjoying world-class hospitality in a private boutique.

At the heart of this experience is Evrima, a 298-guest yacht designed for ultimate privacy and sophistication. Spacious suites with private terraces, Michelin-inspired dining, and a luxurious spa create a seamless blend of relaxation and indulgence. Bespoke itineraries take travelers to hidden gems and iconic ports, ensuring an exclusive and unforgettable voyage.

Notable Itinerary: Barcelona Round Trip

With stops in Gibraltar, Málaga, Cartagena, and Ibiza, this voyage offers a mix of cultural immersion and beachside relaxation.

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises offers an ultra-personalized experience with a low guest-to-crew ratio, ensuring attentive service and a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. From remembering guest preferences to curating bespoke excursions, the crew goes above and beyond to create a seamless journey.

Where Oceania truly excels is its world-class cuisine. Partnering with Michelin-starred chefs, the line delivers gourmet dining that rivals top restaurants. With expertly crafted dishes, specialty dining venues, and exclusive wine pairings, every meal becomes a voyage highlight.

Notable Itinerary: Mediterranean Mosaic

A gastronomic tour of Spain, France, and Italy, with port visits to Monte Carlo, Saint-Tropez, and Florence.

Azamara

Azamara’s intimate ships offer a more immersive travel experience with extended port stays, overnight visits, and late-night departures. This gives travelers extra time to explore beyond typical tourist attractions and enjoy local culture, cuisine, and nightlife. The atmosphere remains relaxed and personal, with fewer passengers, ensuring exceptional service.

Longer stays allow guests to experience destinations at their own pace, from dining at seaside cafés to attending local festivals or exploring hidden gems. By prioritizing cultural connections, Azamara creates meaningful and memorable journeys for those seeking more profound travel experiences.

Notable Itinerary: Egypt/Israel Intensive Voyage

This voyage delves into the region’s ancient history and sacred sites, from Athens to Israel, Cyprus, and Egypt.

Celestyal Cruises

Celestyal Cruises is the top choice for Greek island-hopping, offering an immersive experience with deep cultural connections. Its expertly curated itineraries highlight Greece’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant traditions, taking travelers to iconic destinations like Santorini, Mykonos, and Athens.

Celestyal offers two tiers of all-inclusive packages to suit different travel needs, ensuring guests pay only for what they need. These options include dining, entertainment, and excursions, allowing for a personalized experience. With exceptional service and authentic Greek hospitality, Celestyal Cruises delivers a seamless and enriching journey.

Notable Itinerary: Iconic Aegean

A deep dive into Greece, with visits to Mykonos, Rhodes, Santorini, and lesser-known gems like Milos.

Emerald Cruises

Emerald’s sleek yachts offer a perfect mix of luxury and adventure, with intimate cruises for relaxation and exploration. Guests can enjoy stunning ocean views, personalized service, and gourmet dining while sailing to breathtaking destinations.

Excursions immerse travelers in history and nature, from hiking Kotor’s ancient fortress walls with panoramic bay views to discovering Albania’s untouched coastline with its secluded beaches and charming villages. Each journey blends cultural exploration with outdoor adventure for a truly unforgettable experience.

Notable Itinerary: Mediterranean Enchantment

A seven-night journey from Athens to Dubrovnik emphasizing history, culture, and adventure.

Holland America Line

Holland America offers a refined cruising experience with classic interiors, rich wood accents, and an elegant ambiance. Guests can unwind in piano lounges, upscale bars, or cozy libraries, enjoying a timeless blend of comfort and sophistication. The ships provide spacious decks and tasteful décor, creating a serene and stylish setting.

Beyond its elegant design, Holland America enriches the journey with live piano music, cultural programs, and expert-led guest lectures. Whether savoring fine dining, attending cooking demonstrations, or exploring destinations through insightful talks, guests can enjoy a voyage that balances relaxation with intellectual engagement.

Notable Itinerary: 14-Day Adriatic Dream

It includes stops in Italy, Greece, Albania, and Malta, covering some of the most historic and beautiful Mediterranean destinations.

Cunard Line

Cunard offers a timeless luxury cruising experience, blending elegance and tradition. From the moment guests step aboard, they are surrounded by opulent decor, impeccable service, and a rich maritime heritage. Grand staircases, lavish ballrooms, and fine dining evoke the golden age of ocean travel, ensuring every journey feels like a step back in time.

Signature traditions like formal gala evenings, afternoon tea, and live orchestras enhance the experience. Guests dress in black-tie attire for glamorous nights of dining and dancing, while white-gloved service accompanies tea-time treats. Evenings come alive with orchestral performances, lectures, and refined entertainment, making every moment aboard truly special.

Notable Itinerary: Western Mediterranean

Sailing from England to Italy, with stops in Seville, Barcelona, and Corsica.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages redefines Mediterranean cruising with a fresh, adults-only experience that blends high-energy nightlife, world-class entertainment, and laid-back luxury. Guests can dance at vibrant clubs, enjoy live performances, or unwind in chic lounges, all aboard stylish, boutique-style ships designed for modern travelers.

Dining is a highlight, featuring Michelin-starred chefs and diverse, upscale restaurants—no buffets or traditional dining halls. Paired with wellness-focused activities, elegant accommodations, and immersive shore excursions, Virgin Voyages offers a perfect mix of indulgence and adventure.

Notable Itinerary: The Irresistible Med

This cruise, which travels from Barcelona to Ibiza and includes stops in Toulon, Marina di Carrara, and Corsica, blends cultural exploration with a party vibe.

From the grandeur of Seabourn to the intimate charm of Azamara, the Mediterranean offers a cruise for every type of traveler. Whether you seek luxurious pampering, cultural deep-dives, or thrilling adventures, these 14 cruise lines ensure an unforgettable voyage through one of the world’s most spectacular regions. Where will your Mediterranean dreams take you?