We both chose to do Mediterranean cruises for our “first” European trip. For the DINKs, it was their first together. For the Family, it was their first with kids. It’s a great option for those who haven’t traveled before and/or an easy way to see a lot.
Benefits
There is so many reasons why a Mediterranean cruise is perfect for a first time international traveler.
- Convenience: Mediterranean cruises provide a hassle-free travel experience, with all accommodations, meals, and transportation conveniently arranged onboard the ship. This eliminates the need for extensive planning and logistics, allowing you to focus on enjoying your vacation.
- Variety of Destinations: One of the greatest advantages of a Mediterranean cruise is the opportunity to visit multiple destinations in a single trip. From vibrant cities like Barcelona and Rome to picturesque coastal towns in Greece and Croatia, each port of call offers a unique cultural and historical experience.
- Family-Friendly Activities: For families traveling with children, cruise ships typically offer a wide range of amenities and activities tailored to different age groups. From supervised kids’ clubs and water parks to family-friendly shore excursions, there’s no shortage of entertainment options to keep everyone happy and engaged.
- Flexibility: While organized shore excursions are available, cruise passengers also have the flexibility to explore ports of call independently at their own pace. Whether you prefer to immerse yourself in local culture, relax on the beach, or embark on an adventure-filled excursion, you can tailor your itinerary to suit your interests and preferences.
- All-Inclusive Experience: Mediterranean cruises often include a variety of onboard amenities and entertainment options, from gourmet dining and live performances to fitness facilities and spa services. This all-inclusive experience allows you to indulge in luxury and relaxation throughout your journey.
Tips
Taking a Mediterranean cruise can be a fantastic way to explore multiple destinations in one trip while enjoying the comfort and luxury of a cruise ship. But there are challenges that come with traveling with a large crowd of people.
- Pack Wisely: Pack light but include essentials like comfortable walking shoes, swimwear, sunscreen, and layers for varying weather conditions. Most cruises have casual dress codes, but bring some formal wear if your ship hosts formal nights.
- Stay Informed About Ports: Familiarize yourself with each port of call beforehand. Research local attractions, transportation options, and cultural norms to make the most of your time ashore. If you plan to do things on your own, make sure you understand how easy or difficult it is as it varies by port. If your port requires a tender to reach shore, keep in mind that excursions booked through the ship are prioritized and often mean getting off the ship much earlier than if you are trying to do it on your own.
- Stay Healthy: Take necessary health precautions, such as packing any medications you might need, staying hydrated, and using sunscreen. We make sure to bring ammune boosting vitamins. Cruise ships have medical facilities onboard, but it’s wise to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
The Same
Ports of Call: Both our Itineraries included the following:
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is one of Spain’s most vibrant cities, famous for its unique blend of historic charm and modernist architecture. Highlights include Antoni Gaudí’s masterpieces like the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, must-see landmarks that draw millions of visitors each year. Travelers can wander the narrow medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter, relax at cafes along Las Ramblas, and savor authentic Catalan cuisine at traditional tapas bars. Whether you’re interested in art, history, food, or coastal views, Barcelona offers an unforgettable Mediterranean getaway. Learn more: Things to do: Barcelona, Spain
Naples, Italy
Naples is a vibrant Italian city steeped in history and renowned as the birthplace of pizza. Travelers can explore its UNESCO World Heritage historic center, featuring top attractions like the Naples Cathedral and the Royal Palace of Naples. Just a short trip away, the ancient ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum offer an unforgettable glimpse into life frozen by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. From archaeology to authentic cuisine, Naples delivers a truly immersive Italian experience.
Learn More: Things to do: Naples, Italy
Palma De Mallorca, Spain
Palma de Mallorca, the vibrant capital of Spain’s Balearic Islands, is known for its beautiful Mediterranean coastline and rich cultural heritage. A must-see highlight is La Seu, the stunning Gothic cathedral that towers over the sea. Travelers can explore the atmospheric Old Town with its narrow cobblestone streets, visit historic sites like Bellver Castle, and unwind on the island’s sandy beaches. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or sun-soaked relaxation, Palma offers an unforgettable island getaway. Learn More: Things to do: Palma De Mallorca, Spain
Civitavecchia, Italy
Civitavecchia is the main cruise port serving as the gateway to Rome, Italy’s historic capital. Located about 45 minutes away by train or shuttle, it’s a popular starting point for day trips into the Eternal City. On our first visit to Civitavecchia, we joined a guided tour into Rome, making the most of our time to explore its iconic landmarks.
Rome, Italy
On our first visit, we joined a guided tour into Rome, making the most of our time to explore the city’s incredible attractions. Visitors can discover iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican City, and Trevi Fountain. Brimming with history, art, and culture, Rome offers endless opportunities for sightseeing, photography, and unforgettable experiences. Learn More: Things to do: Rome, Italy
The Family
A Disney Mediterranean cruise combines European adventure, scenic coastal destinations, and signature Disney magic for an unforgettable vacation experience. Families and Disney fans of all ages can enjoy world-class entertainment, exceptional service, and exciting ports of call—from Italy and France to Spain and beyond. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, relaxing on a sun-soaked beach, or meeting your favorite characters onboard, a Disney cruise through the Mediterranean offers memories that will last a lifetime.
In addition to the ports mentioned above, our itinerary included:
Villefranche, France
Villefranche-sur-Mer, nestled along the stunning French Riviera, is a charming coastal town known for its crystal-clear bay, pastel-colored buildings, and laid-back Mediterranean vibe. Travelers can wander the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, visit the historic 16th-century Citadel, or unwind on one of the area’s picturesque beaches. The scenic waterfront promenade offers breathtaking sea views and a variety of cafes and boutiques. Villefranche is also a perfect base for day trips to nearby Nice with its famous Promenade des Anglais and bustling markets—and the glamorous principality of Monaco, home to the iconic Monte Carlo Casino and the Prince’s Palace.
Livorno, Italy
Livorno, a vibrant port city in Tuscany, Italy, is a popular cruise stop and gateway to some of the region’s most iconic destinations. From here, travelers can easily visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa, one of Italy’s most famous landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A short trip inland leads to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, where visitors can admire timeless art by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli. In Livorno itself, highlights include the canals of the Venezia Nuova district, the historic Fortezza Vecchia fortress, and fresh seafood at traditional trattorias. Whether you’re interested in architecture, art, or authentic Tuscan cuisine, Livorno offers an ideal base for exploring the cultural gems of Tuscany.
Check out the full details of The Family’s Mediterranean cruise.
The Dinks
We looked for a cruise out of Spain, so that we could spend a few days in Spain prior to departure. We chose Spain over Italy because I just knew we need to go back to Italy at some point anyway. This worked out perfectly as Barcelona was a fairly easy city to get around.
We often ate while in port but in general the food on the ship was better than expected – our expectations were low. The ship was crowded and other guests tended to be rude. Cruising isn’t our preferred way to travel but it worked well for our first experience on our own.
In addition to the ports mentioned above, our itinerary included:
Marseille, France
Marseille, the second-largest city in France, is a dynamic Mediterranean port known for its historic charm, cultural diversity, and coastal beauty. At the heart of the city lies the Vieux-Port (Old Port), a lively waterfront area filled with bustling cafes, open-air fish markets, and scenic promenades. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, watch local fishermen at work, or take in the stunning views of the harbor. With its unique blend of history, maritime tradition, and modern energy, Marseille offers an authentic and memorable experience along the French Riviera.
- We started our visit at the historic Old Port, a bustling hub with waterfront cafes, markets, and a lively atmosphere. It was just a short walk from the cruise port. We enjoyed watching the colorful fishing boats bobbing gently in the harbor. The air was filled with the aroma of freshly caught seafood and the sounds of street performers, adding to the lively atmosphere that permeated the area.
- We then hopped a board a cruise of the Calanques, a series of stunning limestone cliffs and hidden coves along the Mediterranean coast. Boarding a boat from the Old Port, travelers can embark on a scenic journey through the Calanques National Park, marveling at the dramatic landscapes, turquoise waters, and rugged coastline. Unfortunately our cruise only offered commentary in Italian and French. I guess an unfortunate consequence of being on an Italian ship.
Savona, Italy
Savona, a charming port town on Italy’s Ligurian coast, offers a perfect mix of history, coastal beauty, and local charm. Known for its medieval old town, sandy beaches, and laid-back atmosphere, Savona is an ideal stop for travelers looking to explore at a slower pace. While many cruise passengers opt for excursions to nearby destinations, we chose to stay local, wandering the cobblestone streets, soaking in the seaside views, and relaxing on the beach. It didn’t take long for us to fall in love with this hidden gem on the Italian Riviera.
- Explore the charming medieval old town of Savona, where you can wander through narrow cobblestone streets, admire historic architecture, and discover hidden gems around every corner.
- Spend time on the beautiful beaches: Relax and unwind on the beautiful beaches of Savona, where you can soak up the sun, swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Ligurian Sea. I wish I could tell you how things worked on the beaches there but we don’t know. It looked like each restaurants had access to a beach club. But there happen to be one that had closed down and we saw a couple walk down the stairs and set up on the beach so we followed. We spent hours just relaxing in the sun and enjoying the calm waters.
- One of the highlights of our visit was lunch at a family-owned restaurant, where we were treated to a taste of traditional Ligurian cuisine served with genuine warmth and hospitality. As we savored each flavorful dish, we couldn’t help but be touched by the sight of the family who owned the restaurant gathering together for their own meal, sharing laughter, stories, and cherished moments of togetherness. It was a poignant reminder of the importance of family and community in Italian culture, and a truly memorable experience that added a special touch to our time in Savona.
Summary
Choosing between two different Mediterranean cruises can be a delightful dilemma, each offering unique charms that cater to different aspects of travel. For those drawn to the magic of Disney, a cruise aboard their enchanting ships promises an immersive experience filled with beloved characters, family-friendly entertainment, and impeccable service. On the other hand, opting for a cruise based on ports of call allows travelers to explore the rich history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes of destinations like Barcelona, Rome, Athens, and beyond.
Whether your preference leans towards experiencing the whimsy and nostalgia of Disney while cruising the Mediterranean’s azure waters or diving deep into the cultural tapestry of iconic cities and scenic coastal towns, both options promise unforgettable adventures and cherished memories. Ultimately, the choice between the two cruises hinges on your personal preferences—whether it’s the allure of onboard magic or the allure of exploring diverse Mediterranean destinations, each journey offers its own extraordinary journey through the storied waters of the Mediterranean.
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