Skip to main content
Beautiful bay with colorful houses in Portofino,  Liguria, Italy
Beautiful bay with colorful houses in Portofino,  Liguria, Italy

Discover the Best Mediterranean Cruises with NCL

Italy is rich with world-class cuisine, art, and history. Spain radiates energy and color. And Greece blends island beauty with ancient ruins. See it all and more on an iconic Mediterranean cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line. As you hop between Santorini’s panoramic sunsets, Rome's ancient Colosseum, and the glamorous French Riviera, you feel the difference of vacationing with us. Clocks and calendars are forgotten as you sail from one remarkable destination to the next. Because after sailing in this region for multiple decades to over 100 ports, NCL knows how to put the sea in easy. Out here, you can stop planning and start experiencing.

Villefranche-sur-mer on the French Riviera in summer

Popular Mediterranean Cruise Destinations

When you cruise the Mediterranean with NCL, a new destination appears outside your window nearly every single day. Check off bucket-list icons in the Western Mediterranean — France, Italy, and Spain — or keep it more sun-focused with the coastlines and charm of the Eastern Mediterranean — Greece, Turkey, and Croatia. Luckily, on a vacation with Norwegian, you can have it all.

Spain, Catalonia, Barcelona, Sagrada Familia by Architect Antonio Gaudi listed as World Heritage by UNESCO

Spain & Portugal

Atrani town by Amalfi on beautiful mediterranean Amalfi coast, Naples, Italy

Italy

Classical view from sunset point at Oia village white and blue architecture, Santorini island, Greece. Incredible evening scenery.

Greece

Guide to NCL's Mediterranean Cruise Itineraries

Too much of a good thing? We get it. You’re sold on a Mediterranean cruise — but which one should you choose?  Maybe your focus is ticking bucket-list cities off your list like Rome, Barcelona, Venice. Or you may want to sail one of our newest ships like Norwegian Viva® or Norwegian Prima®. Another planning tip is to start at the beginning, literally. Decide which city you most want to explore before or after your cruise, and view sailings by departure port. Or perhaps you only have a week and need to get it all in. Our 7-day sailings hit all the highlights, while longer voyages are available for that extra PTO. If you have more time, consider an NCL Cruisetour — a package that includes a cruise plus a land vacation, fully planned by us. And if you're looking for additional European cruise options, check out our Greek Isles page or our Northern Europe cruises. No matter where you begin, the possibilities are endless.

It's Different Out Here™

Belem Tower on the Tagus River in Lisbon, Portugal.

Award-Winning European Cruises

Named Europe’s Leading Cruise Line for 18 consecutive years.

Paris Eiffel Tower and river Seine at sunset in Paris, France. Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks of Paris.

Wake up in Italy. And Spain. And France.

We make exploring the Mediterranean effortless — visiting new cities and countries almost every day, so each morning feels like a new vacation. Sail from one port to another — often overnight — and spend your days experiencing new adventures.

Rome - Italy, Italy, Coliseum, Europe, Famous Place

Explore The Mediterranean from Ship to Shore

Sometimes you want even more European immersion. With an NCL Cruisetour, you can spend time before or after your sailing discovering cities like Rome, Lisbon, Barcelona, or Istanbul on a pre-planned vacation. Hotel stays, tours, meals and your chosen cruise are all included.

Norwegian Viva

Modern Cruise Ships

Sail the Mediterranean aboard two of the newest ships in the region - Norwegian Viva® and Norwegian Prima®. With their expansive space and one-of-a-kind amenities, these innovative ships are a true example of what makes NCL so different.

How Long Are Our Mediterranean Cruises?

Most Mediterranean cruises range from 7 to 10 days, with extended 14-day sailings and transatlantic voyages also available. For the ultimate adventure, try an NCL Cruisetour — a European cruise paired with a multi-day land vacation in iconic cities like Rome, Barcelona, Venice, Lisbon, Athens, Reykjavik, and more. Every detail is planned and managed by us, so all you do is show up and enjoy every moment. The result? A 10- to 17-day journey where ship and shore come together seamlessly, letting you see the best of Europe — without the stress of planning a thing.

Norwegian Prima

The NCL Mediterranean Experience

However you imagine a Mediterranean vacation, NCL lets you live it your way. Out here, you get the best of both worlds — the freedom to explore at your own pace paired with the comfort of knowing your floating home has everything you could ever need. Forget rigid schedules and assigned dining times — wake up, wander, and return to unparalleled onboard experiences. From our newest, swankiest ships to beloved classics sailing the region, every vessel serves up stunning spaces, can’t-miss entertainment, and dining that rivals the cities you visit. Behind it all is decades of European cruising know-how, carefully curated excursions, and a crew that makes you feel at home — even when you’re far from it. Out here, we do things differently — and that makes all the difference.

Navona Square from above(Piazza Navona) in Rome, Italy. Rome architecture and landmark. Piazza Navona is one of the main attractions of Rome and Italy.

Mediterranean Cruise Departure Ports

The journey of a thousand miles begins at a single port. Your starting point is an important piece to choosing the perfect cruise. This is where you'll spend time exploring before and after your sailing, and determines the nearby ports you'll visit. Take a look at our Mediterranean departure ports below to help you construct your ideal vacation.

Free Airfare

Mediterranean Cruise FAQs

Do Mediterranean cruises require a passport?

How long are Mediterranean cruises?

What countries do Mediterranean cruises visit?

What is the best time to cruise the Mediterranean?

What is the difference between a Mediterranean cruise and a Greek Isles cruise?