Cheapest cruise lines for 2023 Mediterranean cruises – 7 lines ranked by price
The Mediterranean is a hot spot for visitors from around the world, and for good reason. Because the Mediterranean is so large, you’ll find that one of the best ways to experience everything the region has to offer is through a cruise. This is because not only will you get to experience a few different countries in a rather short amount of time, but you’ll have the opportunity to skip having to find a hotel as well as having to fly here to there, and back again. Actually, the only flight you’ll need to go on is to the starting country and then back out again once your cruise has ended. Generally speaking, ports are situated close to popular airports, making this easy and cheap.
When looking into each cruise, you’ll find that they all have their own personality and thus, some will be better suited to your traveling style compared to others. You’ll also note that each sits in a different price category. There are lots of different cruise companies that sail the Mediterranean but for this particular assessment, we’re going to focus on those that offer either a 7 night or 7 day itinerary. Once you read the information below, you’ll be able to figure out which one is your best fit, as well as the best option for your budget.
Each cruise line tends to attract a different crowd
Cruise lines come in all forms, with some that dedicate themselves to those who are more adventurous while others focus on relaxation. Some also appeal more to the younger crowd and those traveling with their families while others cater to an older crowd. What you’ll find is that cheaper cruises aim to attract the young while more expensive and boutique cruises target those of retirement age in addition to those seeking more of a formal style of cruising.
How we compared the cruise lines
The list below is made up of the best available rates for 7-night or 7-day Mediterranean cruises (with a cruise for 10 nights added in) for the month of July 2023. Throughout the year, cruise prices do move up or down a bit, but they tend to move together at the same time. This means that the ranking should stay the same, even if the individual prices are a bit different in from one month to the next.
This article was last updated in April, 2023
7 Mediterranean cruise lines ranked by price
The fares that you’ll find below are based on double occupancy and are priced out per person. Government taxes, fees and other port expenses are additional for all guests.
1 – Norwegian Cruises (cheapest)
7 Nights from: US$748
(Barcelona, Spain → At Sea → Naples, Italy → Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy → Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy → Cannes, France → Palma, Spain→ Barcelona, Spain)
As Europe’s leading cruise line, Norwegian cruises are a great option for all ages. What’s interesting is that the average age of travelers is 55 but the cruise is also really great for those traveling with young children.
Passengers will be cruising on the very large Norwegian Epic, which can hold up to 4,100 guests and offers a wide selection of activities as well as shows like Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Guests will find a water park with a large slide, live music, bowling, and outdoor tennis.
2 – Princess Cruises
7 Days from: US$749
(Barcelona, Spain → AT Sea → Gibraltar → At Sea → Marseille (Provence), France → Genoa, Italy → Barcelona/Pisa (Livorno), Italy → Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy)
As one of the more popular and well known cruise lines that exist today, Princess cruises is a great choice for those going on their first ever cruise. This is because with a large selection of activities and amenities, you’ll forget you’re even at sea. Guests will be traveling on the Enchanted Princess, which is a ship that holds 3,080 passengers.
With a very large crew, you’ll always find someone who is around to help with questions. You can also find answers to questions about each destination through pamphlets and more, which are quite helpful and easy to read when you’re busy. If you’re sailing with children, you’ll be happy to know that theree is a Kid center as well as a Teen center. You’ll also find kid friendly plates offered at each meal. This particular ship also impresses with 4 swimming pools, 7 whirlpools spas, shops, a medical center, and more.
3 – MSC Cruises
7 nights from: $799
(Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy → Livorno (Florence), Italy → At Sea → Valencia, Spain → Tarragona, Spain → Toulon, France → Genoa (Portofino), Italy → Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy)
This MSC 7 night cruise is on the MSC Fantasia, which is a ship that’s dedicated to elegance and sophistication which also happens to be wrapped up in a comfortable setting at a low price. When onboard, guests will find themselves surrounded by comfort in the form of restaurants, bars and lounges. There are also a large number of activities to enjoy while on board.
This ships’ staterooms and suites can hold up to 4,363 passengers who can choose between an interior room or an ocean view.
4 – Celebrity Cruises
7 nights from: US$899
(Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy → Florence/Pisa (La Spezia), Italy → Ajaccio, Corsica → Portofino, Italy → Cannes, France → At Sea → Palma De Mallorca, Spain → Barcelona, Spain)
Culture, fashion and flavors- those three words are exactly what Celebrity Cruises are all about, both on and off the ship. While cruising around the Mediterranean, Celebrity aims to show you the best while offering tons of activities right on the ship.
This is a great cruise for both first timers as it impresses with lots of activities dining options, and more to choose from both on the ship and at each destination. Guests will find themselves sailing on the Celebrity Edge. The ship has also been newly renovated with a basketball court, a retail store, and new meeting spaces.
5 – Viking Ocean Cruises
7 Nights from: US$2,599
(Barcelona, Spain → Montpellier (Sete), France → Marseille, France → Monte Carlo, Monaco → Florence/Pisa, Italy → Rome, Italy)
An award winning cruise line that’s very highly reviewed, Viking Ocean Cruises has always focused on cruises that travel through rivers but has now turned its attention to the seas. Guests will find themselves aboard the Viking Star.
With keeping those who love to learn in mind, Viking Ocean fosters education through every landing. What you’ll find is that before each landing, you’ll be able to gather information that will help you to explore and learn. This cruise is a great option for those who love to try new dishes, as well. In fact, guests have the option to accompany the ship’s chef to the local market to learn and watch as food is selected for the ships meals.
6- Oceania Cruises
10 Nights from: US$2,899
(Venice, Italy → Split, Croatia → Kotor, Montenegro → Igoumenitsa, Greece → Argostoli (Cephalonia), Greece → At Sea → Taormina (Sicily), Italy → Amalfi/Positano, Italy → Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy → Porto Vecchio (Corsica), France → Portofino, Italy → Monte Carlo, Monaco)
A popular choice among those who have the budget for it, Oceania Cruises is a great pick for travelers who desire luxury during their voyage, anywhere in the world.
You’ll note that this particular cruise takes you aboard the Riviera, a ship that is designed to both impress and wow at every turn, including while you’re walking up or down via the Lalique Grand Staircase. You’ll also want to know that there are many dining options, seminars, and wine tastings available. If you’re looking for a morning in a spa setting, you’ll find the Canyon Ranch Spa to be just perfect.
7 – Seabourn Cruises
7 Nights from: US$3,999
(Istanbul, Turkey → Marina, Nisos, Limnos, Greece → Cesme, Turkey → Bodrum, Turkey → Symi, Greece → Thira (Santorini), Greece → Ermoupolis, Nisos Syros, Greece → Piraeus (Athens), Greece)
If you’re looking for a truly luxurious experience and are willing to pay for it, you’ll find exactly that with Seabourn. With 229 suites, you’ll find yourself in a more intimate setting compared to most other cruise lines that travel this region, or honestly, anywhere in the world. Even though the trip will be on the expensive side, you’ll be rewarded with personalized service at every turn.
For this particular cruise, passengers will find themselves traveling aboard the Seabourn Encore, a ship that holds 208 guests or less, yet provides a large amount of activities, features and amenities.
Top photo credit: David Lisbona on Flickr.