🌊 Mediterranean Cruise Hub

Ports • Itineraries • Tips • Packing • Planning • Money‑Saving Strategies

Planning a Mediterranean cruise can feel overwhelming—so many ports, itineraries, cruise lines, and seasons to choose from. This hub brings everything together in one place: beginner‑friendly tips, port guides, packing lists, itinerary breakdowns, and real strategies to help you plan a smooth, stress‑free Mediterranean cruise.

  • Mediterranean Cruise Basics

    What to expect on your first Mediterranean sailing. Mediterranean cruises are port‑intensive, culture‑rich, and perfect for travelers who love history, food, and exploring new cities every day. Start here for the essentials: how long to go, what’s included, how port days work, and the biggest differences between Western and Eastern Mediterranean itineraries.

    Coming Soon

  • Best Mediterranean Ports

    Barcelona Port Guide

    Rome (Civitavecchia) Port Guide

    Athens (Piraeus) Port Guide

    Crete Port Guide

    Naples / Amalfi Coast Port Guide

    Mykonos Port Guide

  • Best Mediterranean Cruise Itineraries

    Western vs. Eastern Mediterranean + sample routes. Mediterranean itineraries vary widely. Western routes often include Spain, France, and Italy, while Eastern routes focus on Greece, Turkey, and Croatia. Here’s where you’ll break down 7‑day, 10‑day, and 12‑day itineraries, plus which ones are best for families, first‑timers, and culture lovers.

    Make It 
When to Cruise the Mediterranean

Weather by month + best times to go

  • May–June and September–October offer the best weather and fewer crowds.

  • July and August are peak season — hot, busy, and more expensive.

  • Shoulder seasons are ideal for budget travelers and families.

Packing for a Mediterranean Cruise

What to wear and what to bring. Mediterranean cruises involve lots of walking, sun exposure, and visits to churches with dress codes. This section links to your packing lists and highlights essentials like comfortable shoes, sun protection, and lightweight layers.

  • Reef Shoes (beaches + rocky shorelines)

  • Cabana Life (sun‑safe outfits)

  • Scout Bags (port day bags)

  • IT Luggage (lightweight Europe‑friendly luggage)

Shore Day Tips & Excursions

How to explore Mediterranean ports without overspending. Most Mediterranean ports are easy to DIY with local transportation, walking routes, or inexpensive tours. This section helps readers decide when to book through the cruise line vs. independently—and how to avoid common mistakes.

Cruise Port Guides

  • Rome

    Naples is your gateway to Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, and some of the best pizza in the world.

    Naples Shore Excursion Review — wine tasting + scenic views

  • Naples

    Naples is your gateway to Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, and some of the best pizza in the world.

    Naples Shore Excursion Review — wine tasting + scenic views

  • Crete

    Crete offers rugged landscapes, charming towns, and some of the best wine in Greece.

    Crete Wine Tasting Review — Manousakis Winery Jeep Safari (Chania excursion)

  • Istanbul

    Coming Soon

  • Mykonos

    Known for its whitewashed streets and iconic windmills, Mykonos is a favorite for beach lovers and shoppers.

    Mykonos Shore Excursions Review — best and worst tours for cruise travelers

  • Athens

    Athens is a must‑see for history lovers — the Acropolis, ancient ruins, and incredible food. Most cruises start or end here, making it the perfect place to spend 1–2 days.

    2 Days in Athens Itinerary — Acropolis tips, tickets, museum, and must‑see sights

    Best Athens Food Tour — authentic Greek eats you can’t miss

Where we stay

  • Grand Hyatt Athens

    modern, spacious, rooftop views

    Make It

  • Sina Bernini Bristol - Rome

    It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

    Make It

  • Grow it.

    It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

    Make It

How to Save Money on a Mediterranean Cruise

Tools I Use for Mediterranean Cruise Deals

My go‑to sites for finding the best prices. These tools help you compare itineraries, track price drops, and find bonuses like onboard credit or reduced deposits.

  • CruiseDirect

  • Cruises.com

    Often includes extra perks

  • Princess Cruises

    Strong Mediterranean itineraries + casino offers

  • Point.me

    or finding award flights to Europe

  • Expedia

    List of hotels I have stayed in Europe cruise ports

Featured Mediterranean Cruise Posts
Highlight your strongest content here.

What to Pack for a Mediterranean Cruise

Best Mediterranean Ports for First‑Timers

Western vs Eastern Mediterranean: Which Is Better?


How to Save Money on Mediterranean Cruises

Plan Your Mediterranean Cruise

Use these guides to build your perfect itinerary:

Planning a Mediterranean cruise? Start with the guides above or explore my favorite tools for finding the best cruise deals, saving money, and planning stress‑free shore days.

About the Author

Julie Davis is the creator of No Point Left Behind, where she helps families travel smarter using points, miles, and strategic deal‑stacking. She’s sailed multiple Mediterranean itineraries, explored these ports firsthand, and loves turning real‑world experience into practical guides anyone can follow. When she’s not cruising, she’s optimizing her next adventure from her home base in Tennessee.