✈️ 12 Mediterranean cruises: itineraries, ports and what is included

A Mediterranean cruise lets you cover several countries in one trip. In the morning you step ashore in a new city, and in the evening you return to the same cabin. A week-long itinerary from Genoa on the MSC Meraviglia starts at 599 € for two (as of 09/2026, msccruises.com).

Below are 12 itineraries from Italian ports and Barcelona: the western and eastern Mediterranean, Greece, Malta, Spain, France, and Montenegro. You'll learn what's included in the all-inclusive fare, which ports are on each itinerary, and which months to plan your trip for.

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What's included in an all-inclusive cruise

💡 In short:

The base price includes the cabin, meals, port fees, and onboard entertainment.
Alcohol, the minibar, internet, gratuities, and some restaurants are paid separately.
Prices and terms: 09/2026, verified on the official MSC website.

The all-inclusive fare usually includes cabin accommodation, meals, port fees and taxes, as well as pools and the entertainment program. Some ships also add fitness and spa areas for certain cabin categories. Book the base fare and check what your specific ship actually includes.

Alcohol and some non-alcoholic drinks, the cabin minibar, internet and phone, gratuities, and tables at specialty restaurants are almost always paid separately. What's included depends on the fare, cabin category, and cruise line, so check the official website before booking.

1. Western Mediterranean, 7 nights from Savona

Panorama of Savona harbor with yachts and the city

The cruise starts and ends at the port of Savona. The Costa Fascinosa sails through the western Mediterranean and calls at Naples, Palermo, Ibiza, Mallorca, and Barcelona. The ship spends one day at sea without stops, but onboard entertainment keeps running.

Savona is one of the region's main cruise ports. From Naples you can easily reach Pompeii and Vesuvius. Palermo was founded by the Carthaginians, and the city later passed through the hands of several cultures. Ibiza keeps a youthful pace, while Palma de Mallorca is calmer and more family-friendly.

The trip runs on an all-inclusive basis: the cabin, meals, port fees, and taxes are already included in the price. Ashore you'll only need money for excursions and souvenirs.

Ship: Costa Fascinosa
Itinerary: Savona, Naples, Palermo (Sicily), Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona
Included: cabin, all-inclusive dining, port fees and taxes, pools, fitness, some spa areas, entertainment for children and adults
The catch: alcohol, minibar, internet, gratuities, and tables at specialty restaurants are paid separately
Price: from 649 € for two (as of 09/2026, official Costa Cruises website)

2. Western Mediterranean, 7 nights from Genoa

Panorama of Genoa's historic center with the sea

The MSC Meraviglia departs from historic Genoa and returns to the same port. Over the course of a week you'll see Civitavecchia near Rome, Palermo, Valletta in Malta, Barcelona, and Marseille. The ship sails for one day without stops, and you spend the free time on deck.

In the evening there's a large entertainment program onboard, and during the day the pools and gyms are open. Marseille is considered the oldest French city, and Valletta is surrounded by medieval fortifications. If you want to explore Genoa before boarding, hotels in Genoa on Trip.com will show you options near the port.

Ship: MSC Meraviglia
Itinerary: Genoa, Civitavecchia (Rome), Palermo (Sicily), Valletta (Malta), Barcelona, Marseille
Included: accommodation, meals, pools, gyms, evening program
The catch: alcohol, some non-alcoholic drinks, internet, casino, video games, circus shows, and karaoke are charged separately
Price: from 599 € for two (as of 09/2026, MSC Cruises fares on the official website)

3. Western Mediterranean, 7 nights from Civitavecchia

Fortress and port of Civitavecchia with ships

The port of Civitavecchia is right next to Rome, so this itinerary is easy to combine with a trip to the Eternal City. The Costa Diadema sails via Savona, Marseille, Barcelona, Mallorca, and Palermo. Two guided excursions are included in the fare.

There are many ports on this itinerary, so decide in advance what you want to see in each one. Savona and Marseille are great for strolling through old quarters, Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca for waterfronts and architecture, and Palermo for markets and cathedrals.

Ship: Costa Diadema
Itinerary: Civitavecchia (Rome), Savona, Marseille, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Palermo (Sicily)
Included: cabin, all-inclusive dining, television, two guided excursions
The catch: phone service, laundry, spa, alternative restaurant, and bar drinks are charged separately
Price: from €549 for two (as of 09/2026, Costa Cruises fares)

4. Western Mediterranean, 7 nights from Palermo

Panorama of Palermo with port and mountains

From Palermo, the MSC Divina heads to Sardinia and its capital Cagliari, then continues to Mallorca. After that you have Valencia, Provençal Marseille, Genoa, and Civitavecchia, and the ship returns to Palermo. Clubs are available for children of all ages, while adults can enjoy the pool, gyms, and evening shows.

Sardinia welcomes you with white sands, and its capital Cagliari sits in the south of the island. If you want to spend a night in Palermo before departure, hotels in Palermo on Trip.com will show options near the port.

Ship: MSC Divina
Itinerary: Palermo (Sicily), Cagliari (Sardinia), Palma de Mallorca, Valencia, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia (Rome)
Included: cabin, all-inclusive dining, port fees, pool, gyms, entertainment, and kids' clubs
The catch: hair salon, phone, internet, and minibar are not included in the cruise fare
Price: from €719 for two (as of 09/2026, official MSC Cruises website)

5. Western Mediterranean, 7 nights from Marseille

Panorama of Marseille from above, sea and port

The Marseille itinerary on the MSC Opera connects France, Spain, and Italy. You have two days in Palma de Mallorca and another two days on Ibiza. The ship then calls at Olbia in Sardinia, Livorno in Tuscany, and Genoa. The journey ends in Marseille.

Ibiza is known for its beaches and electronic music clubs, while Livorno is called the birthplace of the artist Amedeo Modigliani. Two days on Mallorca give you time for both the beach and walks around the island's capital, and two days on Ibiza can be devoted entirely to the sea.

Ship: MSC Opera
Itinerary: Marseille, Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, Olbia (Sardinia), Livorno (Tuscany), Genoa
Included: cabin, dining without alcohol, entertainment program, gym, pools; personal butler and spa for select cabin categories
The catch: minibar, alcohol, internet, phone, and beauty salon are charged separately
Price: from €909 for two (as of 09/2026, MSC Cruises page)

6. Eastern Mediterranean, 7 nights from Venice

Grand Canal in Venice with gondola and boats

The eastern itinerary starts and ends in Venice. The MSC Musica calls at Brindisi in Puglia, Katakolo near Olympia, Santorini, Athens with the port of Piraeus, Corfu, and Kotor in Montenegro. Along the way, the ship passes through the Bay of Kotor.

Brindisi sits in the wine-producing region of Puglia, and Santorini is recognized by its blue domes. In Athens the ship docks in Piraeus, from where you go up to the Acropolis. If you plan to stay in Venice before or after the cruise, hotels in Venice on Trip.com will help you choose a neighborhood.

Ship: MSC Musica
Itinerary: Venice, Brindisi (Puglia), Katakolon (Olympia), Santorini, Athens (Piraeus), Corfu, Kotor (Montenegro)
Included: the set of services depends on the package: pools, kids and adults clubs, spa centers, gyms
The catch: services not included in your package have to be paid for on board
Price: from 909 € for two (as of 09/2026, MSC Cruises terms)

7. Western Mediterranean, 7 nights from Palma de Mallorca

Panorama of Palma de Mallorca with harbor and mountains

The route starts in Mallorca and covers Spain, France and Italy. The Costa Victoria cruise ship calls at Tarragona, then Marseille, Savona, La Spezia and Civitavecchia. One day the ship is at sea with no stops.

Tarragona is one of the oldest cities in Spain, so a walk through it is worth putting on your plan. From La Spezia the road opens up to the Italian Riviera, and from Civitavecchia it is easy to reach Rome. The route is convenient for those who want to return to the Balearics after a week on the road.

Ship: Costa Victoria
Route: Palma de Mallorca, Tarragona, Marseille, Savona, La Spezia, Civitavecchia (Rome)
Included: cabins, buffet dining, pools with slides and children's pools, fitness centers, beauty salons, shows and concerts
The catch: price depends on cabin category, departure date and ship
Price: from €689 for two (as of 09/2026, Costa Cruises page)

8. Western Mediterranean, 7 nights from Barcelona

Panorama of Barcelona from above, Eixample district and Agbar Tower

Cruises from Barcelona differ in length and set of ports. The Costa Diadema ship goes to Mallorca, then to Palermo, Civitavecchia near Rome, Savona and Marseille, and after eight days you return to Barcelona.

Barcelona is convenient as a starting port: the city is easy to reach from the airport. If you want to spend a couple of days here before the cruise, hotels in Barcelona on Trip.com will help you choose a neighborhood.

Ship: Costa Diadema
Route: Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Palermo (Sicily), Civitavecchia (Rome), Savona, Marseille
Included: buffet dining, pools, gyms and sports courts, kids' clubs
The catch: extra charges for alcohol, internet and gratuities noticeably increase the base price
Price: from €919 for two (as of 09/2026, Costa Cruises prices)

9. Western Mediterranean, 11 nights from Barcelona

The long western route lets you see Spain and Portugal in one trip. The Costa Favolosa ship goes from Barcelona to Marseille and Savona, then to Malaga, Cadiz, Lisbon and Valencia. Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga, and the Costa del Sol resort lies nearby. Cadiz is considered the oldest city in Spain, and in Lisbon you will have two days.

Palace of the Generalitat on Plaça de Sant Jaume in Barcelona

Eleven nights let you take your time. Part of the time goes to crossings between ports, but you still have time for both excursions and relaxing by the pool. The route ends where it began, so book your return ticket from Barcelona.

Ship: Costa Favolosa
Route: Barcelona, Marseille, Savona, Malaga, Cadiz, Lisbon, Valencia
Included: all-inclusive experience and port fees
The catch: the cruise takes eleven nights, so you will need to plan your vacation in advance
Price: check the starting rate for the long route on the company website, see Costa Cruises terms

10. Western and eastern Mediterranean, 11 nights from Barcelona to Civitavecchia

The route goes from Barcelona to the Italian port of Civitavecchia. The Crown Princess ship calls at Marseille and Livorno, then heads to Greece: to Olympia, Mykonos and Santorini. At the end, Kotor in Montenegro and Naples await you. The route combines the French Riviera, Greece and Italy in one trip.

Ferries docked in the port of Civitavecchia

If you stay in Rome after the cruise, hotels in Rome on Trip.com will help you choose a neighborhood near the train station.

Ship: Crown Princess
Route: Barcelona, Marseille, Livorno, Olympia (Greece), Mykonos, Santorini, Kotor (Montenegro), Naples, Civitavecchia (Rome)
Included: cabin, all-inclusive dining, pools, gyms, spa centers, entertainment
The catch: the cruise does not end where it began, so book your return ticket from Rome
Price: starting rate for the long route, see current prices on the Princess Cruises website

11. Western and eastern Mediterranean, 12 nights from Barcelona to Venice

The longest route in this selection connects Barcelona and Venice. The Oosterdam ship calls at Marseille and Monte Carlo, at Livorno, Civitavecchia and Naples, then heads to Sicily and docks in Taormina. Next are Corfu, Dubrovnik and Kotor. The ship spends several days at sea, but onboard entertainment runs constantly.

The long route suits those who want to see both the western and eastern parts of the Mediterranean in one trip. Dubrovnik is called the old city of Dalmatia, and Kotor is in Montenegro. All-inclusive dining operates around the clock, and a concierge handles everyday matters.

Ship: Oosterdam
Itinerary: Barcelona, Marseille, Monte Carlo, Livorno, Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples, Taormina (Sicily), Corfu, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Venice
Included: cabin, 24/7 all-inclusive dining, concierge services, sports, wellness and fitness centers, pools, water slides
The catch: this is the most expensive itinerary in the selection
Price: from 1790 € for two (as of: 09/2026, official Holland America Line website)

12. Western and eastern Mediterranean, 9 nights from Barcelona to Genoa

The itinerary covers Malta, Greece, and Italy. The MSC Orchestra sails from Barcelona to Valletta, then on to Corfu and Katakolo near Olympia, to Heraklion on Crete, to Athens with the port of Piraeus, and to Civitavecchia. The cruise ends in Genoa. Heraklion is tied to the myths of Theseus and Ariadne.

Valletta is called a stronghold of the Knights of Malta, and from Heraklion the road opens to Cretan palaces and gorges.

Ship: MSC Orchestra
Itinerary: Barcelona, Valletta (Malta), Corfu, Katakolo (Olympia), Heraklion (Crete), Athens (Piraeus), Civitavecchia (Rome), Genoa
Included: cabin, port fees and taxes, all-inclusive dining, pools with slides, gym with a sea view
The catch: the final port of Genoa does not match the start in Barcelona, plan your return trip in advance
Price: from 720 € for two (as of: 09/2026, MSC Cruises prices)

When to take a cruise

Ships sail the Mediterranean almost year-round, so you can plan a cruise at any time. Winter here is mild and almost snow-free, and cities have few tourists. Excursions and walks go smoothly at this time.

From March through June the weather is comfortable. It is already warm, but the sun is still gentle, and there are fewer lines at ports. These months suit long itineraries with many port calls.

In spring, port cities look especially fresh, and excursions go without the summer heat. Plan your trip in advance, especially for May, June, and September.

If you want to combine excursions with the beach, choose summer. Just keep in mind: in peak season, in July and August, ports are very hot and crowded.

Best balance: May, June, and September
Calmer and cheaper: November through March
Hot and crowded: July and August

Which cruise ships sail the Mediterranean

Cruises are operated by modern and reliable ships. Essentially, they are large floating hotels with extensive infrastructure and an entertainment program. Below are the main ships from this selection.

Costa Diadema

The ship was built in 2014. It has 19 decks and carries almost 5,000 passengers (as of 09/2026, Costa Diadema specifications). Guests have access to 7 restaurants and 11 bars, gyms, spas, two adult pools and one children's pool. The ship has its own theater company, and there is a kids' club organized by age group.

MSC Meraviglia

MSC Meraviglia was launched in 2017. The ship reaches speeds of up to 22.7 knots, carries up to 5,700 passengers, and has a gross tonnage of 167,600 GT (as of 09/2026, MSC Meraviglia specifications). On board there is a huge dome with a digital projection of the sky: you can watch sea sunsets and stars without going out on deck.

MSC Orchestra

MSC Orchestra was built in 2007. The ship has 16 decks and a gross tonnage of 92,409 GT (as of 09/2026, MSC Cruises fleet). On board there are several restaurants and bars, pools, sports facilities, spas, clubs for children and teens, and its own theater.

MSC Musica

MSC Musica was launched in 2006, and the ship carries up to 3,013 passengers (as of 09/2026, MSC Cruises data). In addition to cabins, restaurants and bars, the ship has sports facilities, pools with a relaxation area, and a spa. The entertainment program is designed for all ages.

Costa Deliziosa

Costa Deliziosa set off on its first cruise in 2010. The ship has 1,130 cabins and 12 decks, and its length is 294 meters (as of 09/2026, Costa Cruises fleet). Dining is offered in 4 restaurants and 11 bars; guests also have access to three adult pools and one children's pool, a spa complex, and a gym. Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

What is included in an all-inclusive cruise fare?

The base fare includes your cabin, meals, port fees and taxes, pools, gyms, and onboard entertainment. Alcohol and some non-alcoholic drinks, the minibar, internet and phone, gratuities, the casino, and select restaurants are paid separately. The exact list depends on the fare and cabin category, so check it on the cruise line's official website.

When is the best time to take a Mediterranean cruise?

The most comfortable time is from March through June and in September: warm, but without oppressive heat. In July and August, the ports are very hot and crowded. Ships also sail in winter, the weather is mild, and there are few tourists, so it is a good time for relaxed city excursions.

Which ports do the routes in this selection depart from?

Cruises depart from ports in Italy, France, and Spain. In Italy, these are Savona, Genoa, Civitavecchia near Rome, Palermo, and Venice. In France, the route starts from Marseille. In Spain, cruises depart from Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona. Both short week-long and longer routes leave from Barcelona.

How much does a Mediterranean cruise cost?

Starting fares for short itineraries begin at around 549 € for two, while longer cruises cost more (as of 09/2026, Costa Cruises website). The final price depends on the season, cabin category, and ship, so it is worth checking on the cruise line's website before booking.

Can you combine a cruise with a beach vacation?

Yes. The itineraries include stops in Ibiza, Mallorca, Corfu, and Sardinia, where beaches are available to guests. For beach time, choose May, June, or September: in July and August, the ports are too hot. Many travelers add a couple of days by the sea before departure or after returning.

In short: what to book

Your choice depends on how many countries and ports you want to cover in one trip.

If this is your first cruise: take a week-long itinerary from Genoa or Savona on an MSC or Costa ship.
If you want an eastern flavor: look at the itinerary from Venice with stops in Santorini, Corfu, and Kotor.
If you want to see more countries: choose longer itineraries from Barcelona for eleven to twelve nights.

Open the cruise calendar by date in the selection by date, and look for accommodation in the departure port in Barcelona hotels on Trip.com.

Book shore excursions in port cities in advance on GetYourGuide.

Mediterranean all inclusive cruises: 12 itineraries from Italy and Spain