East vs West: Mediterranean cruise routes
Cunard has been sailing the Mediterranean for decades, and our iconic red funnel is recognized at dozens of ports across the region. Enthralling history and culinary delights await in both halves of this historic sea, so which cruise route should you choose for your Mediterranean cruise?
Eastern Mediterranean cruises
If your idea of a perfect vacation is a morning exploring temples or a few restful hours relaxing on golden sands, then our Eastern Mediterranean itineraries would be a perfect choice. Think Greek islands, Turkish temples, and Croatian castles – all while sailing from the east coast of Italy to the easternmost reaches of the Mediterranean Sea.
One option would be to fly out to meet your ship in Civitavecchia (gateway to Rome) for a two-week cruise that takes in parts of Turkey and a selection of the Greek islands. You could stop off in Rhodes, said to be blessed with sunshine by Apollo himself, or visit the Colossus, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Kuşadası, the gateway port to Ephesus and its ancient temples is a scenery lover’s dream, rich with natural treasures. It’s the perfect place to take a boat ride, perhaps even sailing to a local bay to spot and swim among resident marine life.
Sailing along the Turkish coast may even take you through the Dardanelles Strait, one of the narrowest straits used for international navigation today. The Strait forms part of the continental border between Europe and Asia and the transit offers a wonderful opportunity to spend time up on deck, drink in hand, before your ship enters the Sea of Marmara for your next port of call: Istanbul.
Positioned at the entry point to the Black Sea, Istanbul is a hive of activity. One of the highlights is its famous Blue Mosque, but the city offers much more for first-time and repeat travelers to explore, including browsing the wares at bustling markets and sampling Turkish delicacies such as traditional coffee, meze, ezine cheese, and – of course – Turkish delight.
Sailing back through the Dardanelles Strait brings you to the Greek island of Santorini, one of the most recognizable Mediterranean ports thanks to its whitewashed, blue-domed houses lining the cliffs. Red Beach – so named for its red volcanic sand – is also worth a visit, as is the Lost Atlantis Experience Museum.
The final two ports on your Eastern Mediterranean cruise are also Greek. Piraeus, gateway to Athens, and Katakolon, where you can travel to Olympia. Around a 15- to 20-minute drive from Piraeus brings you to central Athens, a journey that, with taxis and sightseeing buses, is very easy to make. Once here, the options for how to pass your day in port feel almost endless. Explore the birthplace of democracy. See the famous Acropolis. Marvel at museums, galleries, and local boutiques. Or dine on delicious Greek meze until you’re fit to burst.
Last but not least on your Eastern Mediterranean cruise route is Katakolon. With its beach offering dips in the Ionian Sea, a day spent here is perfectly pleasant. For many visitors, however, the chance to visit Olympia, home of the Olympic flame, the ancient Temple of Zeus, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site that marks the original Olympic stadium, is too much of a temptation to pass up. Particularly as it lies just half an hour from port.
Eastern Mediterranean itineraries beginning and ending in Civitavecchia additionally offer you the chance to extend your stay, pre- or post-cruise, to spend a few days exploring Rome. Cunard partners with local hotels, so your White Star Service treatment can continue on shore for just a while longer. Simply contact us to add a few nights at a luxury hotel, before or after your cruise booking.
Western Mediterranean cruises
For the ultimate exploration of Mediterranean history and modern culture, a Western Mediterranean cruise may be the perfect fit. The Western Mediterranean spans from the Strait of Gibraltar all the way to the west coast of Italy, and includes colorful Spanish cities, traditional island towns, and Italian destinations brimming with flavor. To illustrate, our sample cruise begins in Barcelona and heads east to Civitavecchia – stopping point for Rome – over seven glorious nights.
Barcelona is a destination in itself, home to numerous architectural wonders created by renowned Catalan architect and designer, Gaudí. A walking tour of the city is a perfect way to take in several of these iconic buildings, but Barcelona is also a center for gastronomy. A few tapas, perhaps paired with a glass of Rioja or Tempranillo wine, is also one of the pleasures of a visit here. With Cunard hotel packages available in town, you could even fly in a day or two before your cruise departs, giving you the chance to explore properly before you set sail.
Following your departure from the city, your first full day on board will be a sea day. On this first day of your vacation, enjoy time getting to know your Cunard Queen, perhaps even taking the opportunity to soak up a few rays of Mediterranean sunshine by the pool.
The following morning, you’ll awake to the sights and sounds of Toulon on the south coast of France. Nestled within a natural harbor, and home to French naval history, your port call here offers a chance to acquaint yourself with the historic docks, the opera house, and Toulon Cathedral, or to head further into the Provence region of France to explore vineyards, traditional villages, and vast lavender fields.
Sardinia, specifically Alghero, is the next port of call on your Western Mediterranean cruise. Take in the city’s old stone fortifications from the deck of your ship, before stepping on shore to explore. Known as “Little Barcelona”, Alghero enjoys many Spanish influences, though the city is definitely Italian, with delicious food on every corner and multiple white-sand beaches. If you wish to explore beyond the city, travel to some of the local olive groves, wineries, or pine forests for a greener adventure.
After Alghero, relax on board your ship for another sea day before calling at Messina, Italy. Positioned just off the Strait of Messina, Messina lies on the island of Sicily, though the Italian mainland is only three miles away. The city, historically a trading hub, is now a bustling hive of boutiques and market stalls ready for discovery. Nearby Mount Etna can be seen in the distance, and may be reachable via a Shore Experience (subject to availability). The Strait of Messina itself is connected to the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas and is abuzz with migratory birds and swordfish between May and July. After your port call to Messina, your ship will transit the Strait in the evening and head north to Naples.
The home of Italian pizza, Naples’ treasures extend beyond the culinary. The nearby town of Pompeii (accessible on a Cunard Shore Experience) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its perfect preservation of people and homes following Mount Vesuvius’ eruption almost two thousand years ago.
On your last morning on board, savor a leisurely breakfast before stepping on shore in Civitavecchia. This bustling port is a mere two hours from Rome, Italy’s famous capital, and the end point of your Cunard West Mediterranean cruise. Disembarking your ship here presents the perfect opportunity to extend your vacation with a hotel stay to see the numerous historic sites this beautiful city has to offer.
Central Mediterranean cruises
Of course, if you find choosing between the east and west of the Mediterranean for your cruise too difficult, our Central Mediterranean cruise routes may be just what you’re looking for.
Central Mediterranean itineraries take in the best of both worlds: beginning in Barcelona, meandering Mediterranean islands, and traveling through the Strait of Messina, around the coast of Italy, before venturing on to the Greek islands and Croatia.
Discover all Cunard cruises sailing to the Mediterranean or narrow your results by searching for 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027 cruises, or even a port of call you’d like to start or end your Cunard cruise from.
