Mediterranean

With such a fantastic variety of cities, resorts and historically significant sites to visit – and so many fantastic ships and itineraries to take you there all year round – it’s little wonder that Mediterranean cruises remain an irresistible draw for so many of you.

From the charismatic, glamorous ports of call and sun-soaked beaches in the west to the culturally diverse and archaeologically fascinating cities of the east, this great sea has everything you could possibly want from a cruise holiday whose memories you’ll treasure forever.

You can choose direct Mediterranean cruises that depart from the UK or take a fly/cruise holiday, boarding your ship in one of the Spanish, Italian or other Mediterranean cruise ports.

There’s a great choice of shore excursions to enjoy as part of your fantastic Mediterranean cruise holiday - a real chance to explore these fascinating ports of call. Or why not choose a stay and cruise option, giving you even longer to really get to know some of Europe’s most exciting cities.

Fall under the spell of scintillating Barcelona with its buzzing bars and bizarre architectural highlights, created by the wayward genius Antonio Gaudi whose inspirational influence can be seen dotted throughout the city.

Take time to relax and catch the rays when you stop off at one of Spain’s Balearic island beauties with their busy resorts and bustling beaches.

Put on your glitziest outfit and promenade along the people-watchers’ paradise that is the St Tropez seafront, keeping an eye out for a visiting Hollywood celebrity.

Then it’s only a short journey further into the Med to find Naples and Rome whose artistic and historic treasures wait to be discovered.

There are the stunning islands of Greece which are always popular with Mediterranean cruise passengers as is the chance to visit its capital, Athens where you’ll want to take a tour round the Acropolis and the city’s other ancient monuments – a real sightseeing sensation.

As your Mediterranean cruise takes you further east you’ll be aware of a cultural contrast as you encounter some of the world’s greatest archaeological sites like the Acropolis of Athens, Egypt’s breathtaking Pyramids and Turkey’s ancient ruins at Ephesus, reached via modern day Kusadasi.

These world wonders provide a window to the centuries-old civilisations that inspired and pioneered the inventions which would later shape the development of the modern world.

Reach the chaotic, brash and wonderfully exciting city of Istanbul and you really have arrived at the place where East meets West as Europe tumbles into Asia in a colourful collision of cultures at a centuries-old trading crossroads.

The brilliant, brazen Byzantine domes of Odessa in the Ukraine are evocative of an era of opulence and of the great power enjoyed by Eastern European rulers in bygone times.

Winter sun, summer fun, or just a sightseeing spectacle few places in the world can match – a Mediterranean cruise offers it all, and it’s virtually on your doorstep!

Take your choice from one of the many Mediterranean cruises offered by such world-leading lines as Costa, P&O, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, NCL, Celebrity, Princess, Carnival, Fred Olsen, Cunard and MSC.