Cruising the Mediterranean Sea is a unforgettable way to experience the magic of Europe. From the ruins of Athens to the history of ancient Rome, each port of call is a once-in-a-lifetime memory waiting to be made. Sail from ports in Barcelona, Paris, Venice and other amazing European cities, or extend your stay if you want a deeper experience with new cultures. Three of the best deals for Mediterranean cruises are offered by Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Norwegian Cruise Line, but you can find great deals on cruises from various other cruise lines as well. Are you thinking of booking tickets to see Europe from the deck of a cruise ship? If so, read on to learn more about Mediterranean cruises.
Obviously, the best Mediterranean cruise destinations will vary from person to person. However, three of the busiest Mediterranean ports are Athens, Barcelona and Dubrovnik (Croatia).
Barcelona is famous around the world for its history, culture and nightlife. Wander down ancient streets or experience the Casa Mila, Casa Batllo, Sagrada Familia or the Park Guell. You can even book a tour to view Barcelona's amazing architecture from a nearby mountaintop.
The best time for cruising the Mediterranean is from May through October. Not only is the weather better, but the seas are gentler and travelers are less likely to be seasick. That said, cruises are cheaper during the winter and the port cities are less crowded. The Christmas decorations in European cities are quite beautiful if you cruise in December.
Most cruise lines offer last-minute cruise tickets through their websites. If you have a flexible travel schedule, this is a great way to save money. Cruise lines must sail regardless of whether their cabins are filled, so they offer deep discounts to get as many passengers as possible.
All-inclusive Mediterranean cruises allow passengers to extend their stays before or after their cruises for additional fees. However, these costs are often cheaper than extending your stay through another travel company.
Princess Cruises is offering a seven-night Mediterranean cruise aboard its Crown Princess ship for just $849 per person; this cruise leaves from Rome and travels the Eastern Mediterranean.
Royal Caribbean International is offering a seven-night cruise for $727 per person that visits England, Spain and France. For just $1,049 per person, Norwegian Cruise Line is offering an 11-day cruise that leaves from Rome and visits Croatia, Greece and other parts of Italy.
You can explore as much of Athens as you'd like from a Mediterranean cruise to Greece. It all depends on which tours and excursions are offered from your cruise ship. See the Parthenon, the Acropolis, the Temple of Olympian and more.
During the winter months, most cruise lines divert their fleets from the Mediterranean to warmer regions such as South America or the Caribbean. However, some cruise lines operate year-round in the Mediterranean; these include Costa Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Viking Ocean Cruises and others.
Dubrovnik, Croatia is a beautiful city with an old-world field -- and if you watch the hit HBO show Game of Thrones, you might recognize it as King's Landing. This ancient city has always been a hot spot for travelers, but HBO's hit show has definitely exposed Dubrovnik to a new generation of travelers.