From Barcelona to Istanbul, Marseille to Dubrovnik: the Mediterranean is Europe's most popular cruise region. Short flights, warm climate and ports right in the city centre – we'll find the route that fits you.
Over 200 itineraries from MSC, Costa, TUI Cruises, AIDA, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean. Filter by duration, season and departure port – or get personal advice from our team.
The Mediterranean is not one sea. Depending on the region you experience Spanish joie de vivre, Greek island hopping or the dramatic coastline of the Adriatic.
Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia/Rome, Naples – the classics along Spain's and Italy's west coast. Sailable year-round, mild climate, ideal for first-time cruisers. Short flights from Zurich (1h 30min to Barcelona, 1h 15min to Genoa).
Athens/Piraeus, Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, Kuşadası/Ephesus. The hotspot for island hopping and antiquity. Best time May–October, warm and dry in high summer. Most routes depart from Athens, Venice or Istanbul.
Venice/Trieste, Split, Hvar, Dubrovnik, Kotor (Montenegro), Corfu. Perhaps the most beautiful ports anywhere – historic old towns right at the quay, dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear water. Season April–October.
Pick a month and see which sub-region is ideal, good or quieter. May, June and September are considered the sweet spot for all three seas.
No other region combines so many advantages: short flights, warm climate, cultural density and ports right in the heart of the cities.
Western, Eastern or Adriatic? With or without kids? First cruise or seasoned traveller? Tell us what you're looking for – we'll suggest the right route and the right ship. No obligation, in your language, from Switzerland.
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May, June and September are ideal: warm (22–28 °C), little rain and fewer tourists than in high summer. July and August are the hottest (30 °C+) but also the busiest in ports like Santorini or Dubrovnik. The Western Mediterranean is sailable year-round – winter temperatures of 12–18 °C are perfect for city sightseeing without the heat.
The most common length is 7 nights – ideal if you have a week off. For the grand loop (Barcelona–Italy–Greece) we recommend 10–14 nights. Short trips from Italy or Spain (3–5 nights) exist too and work well as a taster cruise.
The main departure ports are Barcelona, Civitavecchia (Rome), Genoa, Marseille, Venice/Trieste, Piraeus (Athens) and Palma de Mallorca. Direct flights from Zurich, Geneva and Basel reach all major embarkation ports. We can organise flights and transfers to the ship on request.
Both have their appeal. The Western Mediterranean (Spain, southern France, Italy) is classic-culinary and available year-round. The Eastern Mediterranean (Greece, Turkey) shines with island hopping, antiquity and crystal-clear water, but is mostly bookable May–October. First-timers often choose the west, repeat guests the east or the Adriatic.
Virtually all major brands: MSC and Costa with a large fleet year-round, TUI Cruises (Mein Schiff) with German-speaking service, AIDA, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess, Holland America, plus luxury lines like Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn and Oceania. We compare the best match for you.
Light summer clothing, comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions, a light jacket for evenings on deck, swimwear and sun protection. For the more elegant on-board restaurants smart casual is standard (trousers, shirt or dress). Some lines have 1–2 formal evenings per week – we'll tell you in advance what's expected.
Absolutely. Large ships from MSC, Costa, AIDA, TUI Cruises or Royal Caribbean offer kids' clubs, pools, water parks and family cabins. The short distances between ports mean fewer days at sea – ideal so kids don't get bored. Ask us for specifically family-friendly routes and ships.