Luxury Cruises On The Mediterranean

A classic Mediterranean cruise visits major port cities located on the northern shores of the Mediterranean Sea in the countries of Spain, France, Italy, Monaco, Greece and Turkey and the islands of Malta, Crete and Sicily. Some cruises also include stops in Egypt. The Mediterranean cruise season is April to November when the weather is generally sunny and mild. Many cruise lines sail the Mediterranean and while there is most likely a cruise that appeals to any style and budget, we'll focus on luxury cruises here.

Radisson Seven Seas is a luxury carrier in the small cruise line category. As such, a small number of passengers (only 198 to 700 based on individual ship capacity) are treated to personal service by a cruise line that has been selected by Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure to be the "World's Best Small Cruise Line". Radisson Seven Seas appeals to the sophisticated traveler. Based upon service, quality dining, upscale accommodations, and service, Radisson Seven Seas has earned a six-star rating. The cruise line's special accommodations include two 700 passenger all-balcony suites ships, Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Mariner, and one 490 passenger all-suites ship, Seven Seas Navigator. The Radisson Diamond is another unique ship due to its twin hull design. The Radisson Diamond carries 350 guests in luxury.

The Seven Seas Voyager and the Radisson Diamond routinely cruise the Mediterranean Sea, departing from or terminating at ports such as Rome, Venice, Athens, Monte Carlo, Barcelona, and Istanbul normally for a 7-night cruise. These cruises stop at some of the most famous European cities that occur between the start and end points such as Florence, Italy; Marseilles, France; St. Tropez, France; Dubrovnik, Croatia; the island of Sicily; and others.

Crystal Cruises is another award-winning six-star cruise line. A reader's poll by Travel + Leisure magazine named Crystal "World's Best" in cruise line service. Conde Nast Traveler magazine has awarded Crystal "Best Large-Ship Cruise Line" while Travel + Leisure called Crystal the "World's Best Large - Ship Cruise Line", both titles being given for the past nine years. Crystal Cruises boasts "extraordinary cuisine" coupled with impeccable service.

Crystal offers a large number of 7- to 12-night Mediterranean cruises, many with romantic overtones. For example, the Renaissance Reflection cruise originates in Lisbon and stops in Barcelona, Cannes and Monte Carlo. The Italian Treasures cruise spends seven nights on the west coast of Italy. The Path of the Phoenicians is a twelve-night odyssey from Athens to Istanbul followed by stops at the historically famous Greek islands of Kusadasi, Rhodes, and Santorini before terminating at Venice.

The Yachts of Seabourn cruise line advertises that they provide "Ultra Luxury" by "delivering the highest levels of personalized service to an exclusive group of guests aboard intimate, elegant ships that could visit the most enticing destinations worldwide." Seabourn sails three identical all-suite ships that cater to only 208 passengers each. Of course, dining and service is world-class.

Seabourn offers longer, leisurely cruises that can explore a small or unique area in-depth. For example, the 17-day Spring Time in Spain cruise originates in Lisbon, Portugal, stops at six Spanish ports plus ports in Monaco, France and the Balearic Islands. Many of the stops were selected due to the availability of golf courses. The 16-day Mediterranean Odyssey II begins at Istanbul; spends six days at Greek ports, four days at Italian ports along with several days at sea before terminating at Lisbon. The 7-day Capitals of Antiquity cruise begins at Cairo, Egypt; tours the historic Greek islands of Rhodes, Mykonos, and Kusadasi before terminating at Istanbul.

If luxury is your objective, there are a large number of out of the ordinary Mediterranean cruises to choose from beyond those discussed here.

Looking for information about cruises? Go to: http://www.whatcruises.com 'What Cruises' is published by Colin Hartness - An excellent resource for Cruises! Check out more cruise articles at: http://www.whatcruises.com/archive

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Entertainment At Sea

"All the world's a stage", the saying goes! And on... Read More

If You Can Afford A Vacation - You Can Afford A Cruise!

Some vacations are just more fun than others!There will be... Read More

Celebrity Alaska Cruises!

Alaska cruises can be the experience of a lifetime. Enhance... Read More

Yacht Competition Racing for the Disabled Takes Off!

Yacht racing, though it may seem like "a breeze" to... Read More

Family Cruise: Family Get-Together for Fun

Family Cruise: Happy Times you will not forgetA family cruise... Read More

Yacht and Ship Registration in the Isle of Man

The maritime history of the Isle of Man dates from... Read More

Taking A Paddleboat Cruise

In May my husband and I took a wonderful steamboat... Read More

Luxury Cruising

A great cruise is much more than a journey. Blending... Read More

Mexico Cruise Expert Guide

Being our next door neighbor, Mexico can sometimes be forgotten... Read More

Cunard! The Name Alone Evokes Nostalgia For A More Civilized Era

Traveling famously on a Transatlantic crossing or cruising the world... Read More

Airboats - The Right Boat For Many People

The state of Florida is filled with lakes, swamps and... Read More

Mediterranean Cruise Expert Guide

A Mediterranean cruise is without doubt the most varied type... Read More

Types of Cruise Ship Cabins

Many cruise ships today have standard cabins of similar size... Read More

Those Ellusive Crab and Prawn Traps

If you are a boater, in particular a sea or... Read More

Bahamas Cruise Expert Guide

The Bahamas is arguably the most popular cruise destination for... Read More

Meguiars RV and Marine Boat Cleaners and Waxes; Test Results

One of the most famous and popular brands in the... Read More

Taking a Deaf Cruise

Deaf and hearing impaired individuals are no different from anyone... Read More

Luxury Cruise Expert Guide

What could be more enjoyable than relaxing by a pool... Read More

The History of Water Sports

Swimming is noted in many of the classics as relating... Read More

Bingo At Sea?

Under the "G" for Great Holiday. Bingo players can take... Read More

Monaco Yachts

Sea and rich people: where else to find a better... Read More

Cleaning Canvas Tops on Boats

Cleaning boat canvas covers is difficult unless you know the... Read More

Asia Cruise Expert Guide

Ever since Marco Polo returned from his 24-year trek to... Read More

Atlantic Ocean at Great Depths

The Atlantic Ocean is Earth's second-largest ocean. It covers approximately... Read More

Why a Cruise Vacation is YOUR Dream Holiday

Thinking you could use an escape from the wintertime blahs,... Read More

School for Sails, by Capt. Cary Hanna

Gorgeous, acrobatic, and lit-up, Sailfish rank as the # 1... Read More

Maximize Your Cruise Wardrobe With These Packing Tips

Cruises are a fun opportunity to dress up and look... Read More

Places to See On Your Alaska Cruise, Welcome To Juneau!!

Well my sister in law is in town this week... Read More

Dining Out At Sea

If eating fine food is your pleasure, a cruise vacation... Read More

Caribbean Cruise: An Enchanting Experience

A Caribbean cruise is the world's most popular cruise. The... Read More

Short Cruises - The Perfect Match For First Time Cruisers

Would you like to try a cruise, but aren't sure... Read More

Take a Wine-Tasting Tour While Yachting

Just think of it, the world of opulence and leisure:... Read More

Beautiful Tropical Beaches!

The world is blessed with wonderful beautiful sandy tropical beaches.... Read More