At Whitestar Cruise & Travel, we absolutely LOVE cruising, and here’s why we love cruising the Med! The Med has loads of countries, cultures and bustling ports to explore. With many countries, three continents and years of history, there are plenty of ways to discover this ancient sea. Step into grand cities and laid-back harbours, discover lively resorts and sleepy islands, and stand before vibrant modern architecture or age-old wonders.
From the majesty of the Acropolis in Athens to the beauty of picture-perfect islands, Greece is an all-time classic destination that appeals to every sense. When cruising the Med, weave among islands filled with white-washed villages or even reach the imperial splendour of the Black Sea.
If you’ve always longed to cruise the sun-kissed Mediterranean, now is a perfect time. Set sail and discover a world of ancient cities, well-preserved ruins, food fit for kings and of course spectacular islands and pristine beaches.
At first, cruising the Med can feel a little daunting, especially since there’s so much to see and do. But at Whitestar Cruise & Travel, we have cruising experience, and we’re passionate about helping you find the best cruise itinerary for your next holiday.
Why you’ll love cruising the Med
Your cruise to the Mediterranean may be a sophisticated jaunt to the French Riviera and Italy’s Renaissance treasures. It may follow the fairy-tale Adriatic to Croatian gems and magical Venice.
Explore some of the most exciting port cities and sun-kissed islands in the eastern Mediterranean like Athens, Santorini, Istanbul, and much more. One of the beauties of cruising the Med is that many ports are close to other ports. Having the ports close by allows you to visit as many as five countries in a week.
The beauty of cruising the Med is that many ports are close to each other.
Where to cruise in the Mediterranean?
The Mediterranean Sea — the largest of the semi-enclosed European seas — is surrounded by 22 countries, which together share a coastline of 46 000 km. The Mediterranean ports include everything from rocky outcrops to glitzy cities. It’s a destination of contrasts, where travellers go to indulge in the finest, freshest seafood or shop the latest fashions steps away from medieval churches and ancient ruins.
To ensure you have the best cruise holiday possible, consider the areas you want to visit the most. If you are a history buff that is intrigued to see the ruins in Greece, you may want to consider a cruise that takes you to all of the ancient Greek wonders. But perhaps you have dreamt of eating tapas and watching flamenco dancing, then a cruise that stops in Spain may be perfect for you.
To help you fine tune your options for cruising the Med, here are a few destinations that are sure to satisfy your travel desires:
Athens: From its ancient heart around the Acropolis to glamorous inner-city districts, a visit to Athens is the perfect mix of old and new. The city’s streets are open museums of architecture and the art of countless eras. The tumultuous history of the birthplace of modern democracy serves as an absolute reminder of Europe’s quest for peace and stability. And then you can always take in the wonders of nature’s beauty and head for the glorious Greek islands.
Barcelona: Consider a cruise that includes Barcelona for its jaw-dropping architecture, mouth-watering tapas or that cool, Mediterranean atmosphere. Barcelona is brimming with contagious energy you may not want to skip.
Dubrovnik: Here you’ll find everything you could want in a medieval city along the coastline of Croatia. Popular for its spectacular seafront location on the Dalmatian Coast. Coupled with its historic Old Town district, Dubrovnik is perfect for an experience that combines Croatian culture with Mediterranean bliss.
Lisbon: Portugal is a sea of celebration! Do sandy beaches, indulgent cuisine and world-class museums make up a dream visit for you? Then you’ll be thrilled when your ship anchors in Lisbon – Portugal’s vibrant capital city.
Rome: Italy’s ancient capital, Rome, is full of history, culture and, of course, delicious food. Travel back in time and visit the Colosseum, one of the largest amphitheatres ever built. Within Rome, you’ll also find the world’s smallest city, the Vatican. Explore the Sistine Chapel and its harmonious Renaissance architecture.
Venice: Venice is the epitome of romantic cities, and where you’ll find gothic architecture built on misty emerald waters. Glide through the fairy-tale-like city aboard a gondola, and be captivated by the history of Venice! If you love history, food and photographic backdrops, Venice has it all.
Best time for cruising the Med
Once you have decided on where you wish to visit most, the next question is when you’d like to cruise? Think about what you wish to gain from your Med Cruise.
Do you want to spend days swimming in azure water and sunbathing on the beach? If warm, sunny weather is important to you, you may want to cruise during the warmer months. Typically running from May through August you’ll have the best weather that this region boasts. Although you can expect crowds during this high season period.
If you prefer travelling during the low season when ports and attractions are less crowded, consider exploring the Mediterranean in Spring and/or Fall to avoid the peak season summer months (which are usually from June to August). The early spring months are pleasantly warm, with fewer crowds and ideal weather for strolling through the ancient cities. You can also enjoy food and wine festivals throughout the region during this time. The autumn months offer cooler weather and shorter days but will be comfortable enough for exploring tourist attractions.
It may be more difficult finding a Mediterranean cruise approaching the winter period as temperatures drop. Rainy weather could hinder sightseeing, crowds, on the other hand, will be fewer. If peace, solitude, and fewer crowds are more important to you – you may prefer a cruise in late autumn.
Choosing your Mediterranean cruise
Here are some quick tips on how to go about choosing the right cruise for you:
Weather
You want to feel comfortable as you explore different sites, so consider what the weather will be like when and where you choose to go. If you want to avoid intense heat but have your heart set on Greece, for example, consider going in spring or autumn when the heat is not as stifling.
Leave
How much time do you have off to enjoy your cruise? The average Mediterranean cruise is seven days, while some can last two months or longer. You can narrow your options quickly if you only have a set amount of time available. Also, consider pre and post-cruise accommodation, it’s a wonderful way to settle in before or after your voyage.
Shore excursions and sightseeing
Once you have your list of potential cruises , take a look at the different ports and excursions offered by each cruise. Consider the places you feel you must visit and the ones you can go without. For example, if you decide you want to sail to Rome, determine if it’s more important to visit Sicily or Barcelona along the way. Examine each itinerary and weigh the pros and cons for each.
Cultural experiences
The Med is abundant with culture and one of the best parts of travelling is having new cultural experiences. Consider the type of cultural experiences you long for and how to fit them into your cruise. If you want to explore a country’s culture through its art, you might choose a cruise that takes you to a lively city where you can visit museums and galleries. For a more immersive experience, consider a cruise that offers more time in port, where you can take it at your own pace and experience life as a local. Don’t forget to check out cultural events, like festivals or other celebrations you may wish to attend.
Research your cruises and narrow down your top choices. You may not be able to see it all in one journey, but remember — you can always cruise again.
What to pack for a Mediterranean cruise?
At first glance at your Mediterranean cruise itinerary, the thought of packing for your voyage is both exciting and intimidating. Between foreign ports, formal evenings, dinners and on-shore activities, you’ll want to make sure you are prepared without having to pack too much. What’s great about cruising is that you unpack once and to make things a little easier, we’ve compiled some of our favourite tips to help you pack perfectly for your holiday at sea.
In the suitcase
Your packing list when cruising the Med should contain smart (if required), casual, and functional pieces. Whether relaxing on board or on-shore on an exciting day in port, casual attire is preferred. The Mediterranean is hot, so light colours in breathable fabrics should be first in your selection.
Keep in mind swimwear along with beach cover-ups are usually not permitted in restaurants, and some attractions may not allow you to enter with bare shoulders. As the sun dips, take things from day to night with stylish casual attire. For ladies, a cocktail dress or dressy separates are always in fashion. For the gents, pack some chinos, collared shirts, a light jacket, and shoes for the evening. Be sure to throw in a few cardigans, shawls, or jerseys – the evenings can get chilly. When you’re packing, keep it light by picking pieces that can mix and match easily.
Odds and ends
You’ve got your cruise wardrobe all planned out, now what about all the other bits and bobs? We have years of experience to bring you the items you’ll need.
Camera
This might seem like an obvious one, but certainly something you’ll really miss if forgotten. Make sure you’ve got the right battery charger, power adaptor and an extra memory card to swap out. If you lose the camera, you don’t lose all those great memories!
Comfortable Walking Shoes
When you get back to your cabin after a long day exploring Europe’s finest attractions, your feet will thank us! For the ladies, a fashionable pair of ballet flats can take you from day to evening with ease.
Beach Bag
Throw in your sunhat, sun glasses, water bottle, book, and sunscreen and away you go! Ideal for shore excursions or lounging poolside, you’ll have everything you need for the day, packed like a pro.
Take a small bottle of talcum powder with you to the beach, this makes the sand glide off your wet feet when you are ready to pop your sandals back on and head back to the port.
Passport, Driver’s Licence, Credit Card and Euros.
What if they don’t accept credit cards? Or card machines aren’t working? If you’re prepared with local currency, you don’t have to worry about technical glitches or tipping while you are out and about. Remember to inform your South African bank that you plan to travel abroad so that your card isn’t blocked due to fraud alerts.
Also, if you’re thinking of renting a scooter, you’ll probably need both your passport and driver’s license.
Clothes Pegs, Toiletries, Medications, Sunglasses, Umbrella and Large Zip Seal Plastic Bags
Clothes pegs will come in handy to hang a little washing up or your swimsuit after a day in the pool on your balcony to dry or over the shower. Also, make sure you’ve got enough of your toiletries, especially shampoo and sunscreen as they are expensive little items to restock if you run out.
Lastly, keep your toiletries in large zip-seal plastic bags while in transit so if they leak they won’t be all over your clean clothes! They are also handy for storing a wet bathing suit or face cloth in your beach bag so you don’t get everything else nice and soggy.
Read more about what to pack for a Mediterranean cruise here.
What to expect on a Med cruise?
Enjoy smooth sailing from beginning to end, when you know what to expect and how to plan.
Here’s what you can expect on your cruise before and after you step aboard:
Planning: Expect to make a checklist to ensure that you don’t forget any necessities. Make sure your passport is valid (6 months at least left on it and 3 blank pages), tickets, visas and that you have arranged transportation to and from the departure port. It may be a good idea to spend a day or two in the city where you’ll embark. That way, if your flight arrives late, you can still make it to your cruise on time. Also, plan your excursions ahead of time, including booking any tours in advance, and know what you plan to do at each port destination.
Cashless system: You won’t need to use cash to pay for anything on board, as most cruises run on a cashless system. Instead, any extra charges will go onto your account. Your cruise line can explain everything that’s included with your cruise ticket and items or services that come at an additional cost.
Delectable cuisine: To some travellers, cruising is all about the food. You can look forward to seemingly endless food options (some ships offering as many as 30 food and beverage outlets), not to mention around-the-clock room service when you cruise.
Outstanding service: Cruises are designed to make guests feel comfortable, satisfied and pampered. No matter what cruise line you go for, the crew will go the extra mile to keep their passengers delighted.
Relaxation: A cruise is ultimately about relaxing, slowing down and savouring the finer things in life. So, prepare to leave your worries at home and ignite your soul.
Lastly, expect to be amazed! A Mediterranean cruise will take you to sun-drenched cities set on ancient seaside cliffs surrounded by an iridescent sparkle.
Browse Mediterranean cruises
Whether you’ve never cruised before or have sailed the Mediterranean dozens of times, you could spend a lifetime exploring this part of the world. At WhiteStar Cruise & Travel, we know the Mediterranean region is unlike anywhere else. We take our travellers to a variety of destinations to provide a unique, enriching travel experience like no other.
If you’re ready to experience the beauty of the Mediterranean for yourself – contact one of our cruise experts today!
