For those who have never cruised the Mediterranean — whether it’s because you have not yet crossed the Atlantic or your previous voyages have all been closer to home — you’re in for a treat. A Mediterranean cruise visits the “greatest hits” of historic European cities, giving you the chance to dive into some of the richest culture on the planet. Keep reading to discover why you’ll love a Mediterranean cruise and which cruise line is the best for first-time visitors.
Venice, Italy
Why Cruise the Mediterranean?
As with every cruise, the ability to unpack once and visit a number of destinations in one trip cannot be overstated. On the Mediterranean, those destinations you can visit in one week — Barcelona, Rome, Athens — just happen to be some of the most inspiring cities in the world. To visit Italy without wheeling your suitcase over cobblestone sidewalks is worth the price of your cruise fare alone.
Plus, you get to dive into different cultures during the day and then return to the familiar comforts of your ship at night. For those who have never been to the Mediterranean, the idea of navigating foreign languages, different customs and local transport can be daunting. A cruise provides that safe harbor to return to each night where the food is familiar, the room is spacious and the language is understandable.
Santorini, Greece
Tips for First-Time Mediterranean Cruisers
- Don’t Get Confused by Port Cities: Cruise ships do not dock at Rome; they anchor at Civitavecchia, which is about 60-90 minutes away from the city center. The same is true for Athens (Piraeus), while a stop at Livorno, Italy, is your access point to Florence and Pisa. Make sure your excursion includes transportation to inland destinations from the port cities.
- Give Yourself Extra Time: Mediterranean cruises visit storybook cities, cities that take a while to fly to from North America like Naples and Istanbul. Add a few days before your voyage to acclimate to the time difference and to leisurely explore an exciting city.
- Time Your Trip Wisely: You can enjoy the Mediterranean in July and August, even though it can be very hot during those months. But it’s best to aim for shoulder seasons: May to June or September to October. That’s when the weather is mild enough for walking miles of cobblestones and the crowds are significantly thinner.
- Bring These Two Must-Have Items: Wear comfortable walking shoes, for you will most likely tread 10,000 to 20,000 steps a day on uneven, ancient stones. Secondly, even though credit/debit cards are widely accepted, bring some Euros in small denominations for small cafés and public restrooms.
Why Cruise the Mediterranean with Norwegian Cruise Line?
When you sail the Mediterranean with Norwegian, every day is a new day to spend as you wish. You can snap a thousand photos of the blue domes of Santorini by day and then relax in the Mandara Spa® when you return to the ship. Enjoy a gondola ride through Venice’s famous canals, then zoom around the only racetracks at sea.
Designated Europe’s Leading Cruise Line by the World Travel Awards for over a decade, Norwegian also offers cruisetours, so you can spend a few days discovering cities like Rome, Lisbon, Barcelona or Istanbul before or after your cruise. Plus, this popular cruise line features the Norwegian Viva®, one of the newest ships in the entire region.
According to one past Norwegian guest: “Our favorite spot on the Norwegian Viva was the Vibe Beach Club. It’s this exclusive, adults-only area where you can just relax in an oversized hot tub, drink in hand. It was the perfect way to relax after spending all day hiking along the Amalfi Coast.”
If you need more guidance, or if you’re ready to book your Norwegian Cruise Line cruise, contact our travel advisors. We know Norwegian Cruise Line well and can help you choose the best itineraries for you and your crew.
