Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean

Whether you're exploring the vibrant streets of Barcelona, Spain, admiring the whitewashed villages of Santorini, Greece, or immersing yourself in Istanbul's historic sites, the Mediterranean region offers unlimited adventures. And what better way to see it all than aboard a cruise ship? To help determine which cruise lines offer the best Mediterranean experience, U.S. News used a methodology factoring in the number and variety of itineraries in the region, and the line's approval rating among experts and travelers.

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking offers ample Mediterranean sailings to a variety of ports. With destination-focused itineraries and a free shore excursion in each port, you'll learn more about places like Rome and Florence, Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Athens, Greece; and Monte Carlo during your trip. Viking also dishes out delectable food on board in dining venues that embrace many Mediterranean cuisines.

Seabourn Cruise Line

Well-heeled travelers love the luxury and ample onboard amenities (including fine dining, foodie experiences, chic pools and live music venues) on Seabourn's ships as they cruise to ports in Malta, Italy, Greece and the South of France. The line's ships carry no more than 600 guests, so you won't have to worry about overcrowding. Plus, all onboard meals and drinks are complimentary.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises receives high praise for its affordable prices and wealth of onboard activities. The fleet's Mediterranean ships carry around 3,000 passengers or fewer, offering travelers amenities like kids clubs, food and wine workshops, captivating musical productions, interactive game shows and more. Itineraries may include stops in Portofino, Italy; Valencia, Spain; and Mykonos, Greece.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Cruisers praise Regent Seven Seas for its luxurious, all-inclusive experience. Guests can enjoy spacious accommodations, ample dining options and plenty of activities day and night. Regent offers several Mediterranean itineraries to explore destinations like Barcelona, Spain; Cannes, France; and Monte Carlo, Monaco. Plus, unlimited shore excursions are included in cruise fare.

Silversea Cruises

Silversea offers an intimate, luxury experience; expect butler service in all suites, varied cuisines from Asian to Italian, and onboard activities like cooking classes and wellness programs. Mediterranean cruises stop at lesser-known ports like Casablanca, Morocco, and the Canary Islands. Add a Land Programme to further explore destinations pre- or post-cruise.

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises focuses on individualized service with a high attention to detail and specialized dining venues. It's also typically a child-free crowd, with no programming for younger cruisers. The line offers Mediterranean sailings to many popular ports like Corfu, Greece; Porto, Portugal; and Palermo, Italy, as well as plenty of shore excursions to satisfy curious minds and adventurous travelers.

Royal Caribbean International

Some of Royal Caribbean's ships are massive, which makes it tough for them to navigate the Mediterranean. As such, cruises to this region are typically offered on the brand's smaller vessels. Available itineraries include stops in cities like Split, Croatia; Chania, Crete; Cannes, France; and Limassol, Cyprus. Plus, fun onboard activities range from rock climbing walls to game shows.

Cunard Line

Cunard Line doesn't offer as many Mediterranean itineraries as other lines on this list, but passengers praise the ships' old-world luxury experience. Guests can enjoy afternoon tea and gala evenings as they sail to Mediterranean locales like Genoa, Italy; Corfu, Greece; and Dubrovnik, Croatia. Cunard also offers travelers personalized shore excursions called Bespoke Experiences.

Holland America Line

Holland America Line offers several Mediterranean sailings, with stops in destinations like Lisbon, Portugal, and Naples, Italy. Excursions range from walking tours of each city's highlights to hiking alongside volcanos in the Canary Islands. The cruise line also features ample onboard activities, including pickleball, kids clubs, and spa and salon services.

MSC Cruises

Catering mostly to Europeans, MSC Cruises offers plenty of Mediterranean sailings, with ports of call ranging from Cannes, France, to Naples, Italy, to Tangier, Morocco. The fleet's ships carry between roughly 2,500 and 6,700 cruisers and feature a wealth of onboard amenities, including pools, spas, kids clubs and ample dining options.