Cruise destinations from Cut Price Cruises

DESTINATIONS - Mediterranean

Why go there?

This region - which covers more than 2,200 miles and contains the Tyrrhenian, Adriatic, lonian and Aegean seas - is known as the ‘cradle of civilisation’ and is arguably the most varied and fascinating on earth; here youll find the legacies of the Egyptian, Greek and Roman civilisations and the world’s greatest art and architectural treasures.

You’ll also find an intriguing variety of cultures, astounding scenery, glorious beaches and a high level of sophistication.

Why cruise there?

Apart from the obvious advantage of seeing a lot of places in a limited amount of time, cruising is better value than ever for holidaymakers to the Med.

The advent of the Euro has sent prices climbing in many destinations and land-bound holidaymakers have felt the pinch of higher transport costs and rising restaurant and café prices. A cruise - with all meals and entertainment included in the price -helps you keep control of your budget.

When would I go, what will the weather be like and what should I pack?

The summer months are peak season in the Med, though increasingly travellers are choosing to visit in the shoulder months and some cruise lines (notably Costa Cruises) now offer year-round Mediterranean cruises. Take light summer clothing with a warm top-up for evenings - and throw in a ‘just in case’ umbrella.

What are the options?

Mediterranean flycruises generally range in duration from seven to 14 nights (though there are shorter and longer options).

Western Med sailings depart from a range of base ports including Palma, Venice, Nice, Barcelona and Genoa. Their ports of call extend from the Straits of Gibraltar (dividing Spain from North Africa) in the west to Greece, covering Italy, France, Spain and the Balearics, but many longer cruises go beyond Greece to call at ports in Bulgaria and Turkey.

Eastern Mediterranean cruises depart from Athens, Istanbul or Cyprus, covering the Greek Islands, North Africa, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan and (in happier times) Israel.

Many Mediterranean cruises operate out of British ports and these typically last about 12 days. The advantage for British passengers is the convenience of dodging airports; the possible disadvantage is that such cruises have to cross the Bay of Biscay, which can be stormy.

The Mediterranean is a very popular region for cruise-and-stay holidays combining a week afloat with a seven-day stay in Majorca, Italy or the French Riviera. Short three and four-day cruises operate from Limassol and make convenient bolt-ons to a Cyprus stay.

What to do ashore?

Mediterranean shore excursions are as varied as the countries visited. In the east, passengers can visit the Pyramids, explore the local souks or go wadi bashing and camel riding in the desert.

Western Med options range from sightseeing tours and museum visits to vineyard tours.

Which cruise lines go there?

The biggest Mediterranean operator is Costa Cruises, which offers a year-round programme and more than 160 sailings.

Other operators include

What type of traveller goes there?

Anyone and everyone!