Best Mediterranean Cruise Ports
Top Embarkation Ports and Itineraries on a Southern Europe Cruise
Jul 2, 2009
The best Mediterranean cruise ports feature history, culture and cuisine, with top embarkation ports on southern Europe cruises offering convenient airports, too.
There are numerous cruise port options on Mediterranean cruises. The first step is to choose the embarkation and disembarkation port because these are the cruise ports where the vacation can be extended. Next, decide which cruise ports would make the best Mediterranean itinerary. Here is a sampling of Mediterranean embarkation ports as well as some of the most popular cities to visit on a southern Europe cruise.
Embarkation Ports on Mediterranean Cruises
- Venice, Italy – This port is a popular departure port for eastern Mediterranean cruises. Some cruises even feature an overnight in Venice giving cruisers the opportunity to tour the canals by gondola, visit St. Mark’s Basilica, shop for Murano glass or have a romantic dinner ashore. The Marco Polo Airport also known as Venice International Airport (VCE) is 12 km from Venice by land and 10 km by water.
- Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy – Civitavecchia is an embarkation port used for both eastern and western Mediterranean cruises. Popular attractions in Rome include the Colosseum, Vatican City, Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. The main airport is Leonardo da Vinci in Fiumicino (FCO) which is located 32 km from the city of Rome and 66 km from the port of Civitavecchia.
- Barcelona, Spain – The Port of Barcelona is located about 20 km from Barcelona International Airport (BCN). Popular attractions include viewing works of modern art such as Gaudi’s unfinished Sagrada Familia and the Picasso Museum. Or enjoy a stroll down Las Ramblas, a pedestrian friendly boulevard of shops, artisans and street mimes.
- Southampton, England – This cruise port is the gateway to London with two major international airports serving overseas passengers. Heathrow Airport (LHR) is about an 80-minute drive by private car from Southampton cruise terminal, whereas it is about a 100-minute drive from Gatwick Airport (LGW). Popular attractions in and around London include Buckingham Palace, Big Ben clock tower and Stonehenge.
- Greece and the Greek islands – Cruise ships visit Athens, Santorini, Rhodes, Katakolon, Mykonos and Corfu. For archaeological sites, Santorini has Akrotiri and Katakolon is the gateway to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympics. Shop for high quality gold throughout Greece and take the opportunity to ride a donkey in Santorini.
- Turkey – The Blue Mosque in Istanbul dominates the skyline with its six slender minarets and cascade of domes. The interior ceiling is lined with 20,000 blue tiles. Another attraction of Istanbul is the Grand Bazaar with its 4,000 merchants. Kusadasi also has a bazaar, but not as grand. Kusadasi is the gateway to ancient Ephesus. Either cruise port is a great place to enjoy a traditional Turkish bath.
- Croatia – The port of Dubrovnik offers tours that highlight the 13th and 14th century architecture through its city walls and a historic monastery.
Best Western Mediterranean Cruise Ports
- Italy – One must choose from a variety of Italian ports that offer culture, architecture and traditional cuisine. The port of Livorno is the gateway for Florence and Pisa, whereas a visit to Naples offers excursions to Pompeii or the island of Capri. Other Italian ports include Genoa and Sardinia.
- France – Many cruise ships make stops on the French Riviera in the port of Cannes. Visit Monte Carlo, home to the Grand Casino or take a day trip into Nice. Provence (Marseilles) is another French port. It offers excursions to Notre Dame de la Garde with views over Marseilles at an elevation of 500 feet.
The copyright of the article Best Mediterranean Cruise Ports in Cruise Lines & Routes is owned by Renee Ruggero. Permission to republish Best Mediterranean Cruise Ports in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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