Cruising the Mediterranean is like sailing through the pages of history. One morning you might wake beneath the dramatic cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, with the scent of espresso drifting from charming cafés; by afternoon, you’re wandering the cobbled streets of Rome, Ephesus, or Athens, where civilizations were born. From the sun-bleached Greek islands to the glamorous ports of the French and Italian Riviera, the Mediterranean offers an irresistible blend of culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty.

What makes cruising here truly special is the ease - short distances between ports mean more time exploring and less time travelling. In a single week, you could sip fine wine in Tuscany, enjoy tapas in Barcelona, and savour freshly caught seafood in a quaint Croatian harbour. Every port tells a story, every meal is an experience, and every sunset feels straight out of a movie. Add the comfort and convenience of life on board - with world-class dining, pools, and entertainment - and it’s easy to see why the Mediterranean is a cruise classic.

Top Picks

Below you will find three of my top picks in the following categories:

• 4★ Larger Ship Cruises: Spacious ships with plenty of amenities, perfect for first-time cruisers or families.

• Family Cruises: Packed with activities for all ages, from kids’ clubs to shore excursions everyone can enjoy.

• 5★ Luxury Cruises: Indulgent experiences with exceptional service, gourmet dining, and breathtaking accommodations.

4★ Larger Ship

✨ Adults-Only Mediterranean Escape with Virgin Voyages

11 Nights | Limited-Time Offer | 24 June - 05 July 2026

💥 Limited-Time Offer – Exceptional Value

✔️ 80% off your second Sailor

✔️ Up to USD $400 in free drinks per cabin

• Beer, wine, champagne & cocktails

This is Mediterranean cruising with a distinctly modern edge. Virgin Voyages does things differently - no kids, no buffets, no dress codes; just beautifully designed ships, immersive destinations and a relaxed, upscale atmosphere that feels effortless from the moment you step onboard.

Sailing round-trip from Athens, Istanbul Delights & Santorini Dreams is one of Virgin’s most compelling Eastern Mediterranean itineraries, combining iconic Greek islands with the cultural depth and energy of Turkey.

🌍 Istanbul Delights & Santorini Dreams11-night voyage on Scarlet Lady

📍 Round trip from Athens (Piraeus)

This carefully paced journey includes:

• Athens, cradle of Western civilisation

• Two immersive days in Istanbul, where Europe meets Asia

• Ephesus (Kuşadasi), one of the Mediterranean’s most extraordinary ancient cities

• Iconic Greek islands — Mykonos, Rhodes, Crete and Santorini

• Late stays and long port days designed to let you explore well beyond the postcards

  
  

From bustling bazaars and ancient ruins to whitewashed villages and golden sunsets, this voyage balances history, culture and pure Mediterranean indulgence.

🚢 The Virgin Voyages difference

Virgin Voyages is all about adult freedom and flexibility:

• Kid-free ships, designed exclusively for adults

• Sleek, stylish spaces with a relaxed, resort-like feel

• Award-winning, restaurant-style dining — all included

• No fixed dining times, no formal nights, no pressure

• Late nights and overnights in port, so you never feel rushed

• Local-led shore experiences that go beyond the obvious highlights

Even embarkation is refreshingly easy, with app-based check-in and smooth, stress-free boarding.

This is one of the strongest value offers Virgin Voyages has released — perfect for couples, friends or anyone looking for a refined, adults-only Mediterranean escape.

This isn’t a traditional cruise.It’s a stylish, stress-free way to experience the Mediterranean — with more time ashore, better dining onboard, and an offer that makes it even sweeter.

Family Cruising:

🌊 Mediterranean Family Cruise on Norwegian Prima

💥 Was $9,759 → Now $5,117 AUD pp

💥 Up to 50% off cruises

💥 Reduced deposits & Best Price Guarantee

📅 Sailing: 7–17 May 2027

This is Mediterranean cruising built for modern families — and Norwegian Prima sets the standard. With thrilling waterslides, expansive outdoor spaces and flexible, award-winning dining, Prima keeps kids entertained, teens engaged and parents relaxed from day one.

Your journey begins in Barcelona and unfolds across Europe’s most iconic coastlines, finishing in Venice (Ravenna) — blending unforgettable destinations with a ship experience families genuinely love.

✨ Why families love Norwegian Prima:

• High-energy waterslides and outdoor play areas

• The spectacular Ocean Boulevard®, wrapping the ship with 360° sea views

• Flexible dining with award-winning restaurants — no fixed schedules

• Plenty of space to spread out, reconnect and unwind together

  
  

🌍 Highlights along the way include:

• Barcelona’s vibrant streets and seaside culture

• The glamour of Nice & Monaco

• Florence and Pisa via Livorno

• Ancient Rome through Civitavecchia

• Southern Italy’s charm in Salerno and Sicily

• Greek island time in Corfu

• Storybook Adriatic ports — Kotor, Dubrovnik and Split

• A grand finale in Venice (Ravenna)

  
  

Onboard, every day brings something new — from poolside fun and live entertainment to relaxed family dining and sunset strolls along the ocean. Ashore, each port offers easy, engaging cultural experiences that work beautifully for families.

Free At Sea™ inclusions:

✔️ Unlimited Premium Beverages

✔️ Specialty Dining Package

✔️ Shore Excursion Credits

✔️ Wi-Fi Package

This isn’t just a Mediterranean itinerary.It’s a family adventure powered by one of the most exciting ships at sea.

5★ Luxury

✨ Greece & Dalmatian Delights with Seabourn

7 Days | Ultra-Luxury Ocean Voyage | 14-21 June 2026

💎 Explore More Event – Seabourn’s Best Offer of the Year

For a limited time, enjoy:

✔️ Up to 15% savings

✔️ Reduced 15% deposit

✔️ Up to USD $1,000 shipboard credit per suite

Available on select voyages across the Mediterranean and beyond.

This is the Mediterranean at its most elegant. Seabourn delivers a level of refinement, space and personalised service that feels closer to private yachting than traditional cruising — where every detail is considered, and everything truly is included.

Sailing from Dubrovnik to Athens, this intimate voyage aboard Seabourn Quest explores boutique ports and lesser-visited gems across the Adriatic and Greek Isles, all at an unhurried, luxurious pace.

🚢 The Seabourn difference

Seabourn is renowned for its all-inclusive, small-ship luxury:

• Intimate ships accessing yacht harbours and off-the-beaten-path ports

• All ocean-front suites, most with private verandas

• World-class dining, dine where, when and with whom you wish

• Premium spirits and fine wines available at all times

• No tipping — ever

• Complimentary Wi-Fi, powered by Starlink

• Refined entertainment, live music and enriching onboard experiences

The atmosphere is elegant yet relaxed — discreet, intuitive service without formality

.

🌍 Greece & Dalmatian Delights

7-night voyage on Seabourn Quest

📍 Dubrovnik → Athens (Piraeus)

This carefully curated journey includes:

• Dubrovnik, the jewel of the Adriatic

• Korčula, a charming Croatian island rich in history

• Brindisi (Lecce), gateway to southern Italy’s Baroque treasures

• Sarandë, Albania, near the UNESCO-listed ruins of Butrint

• Zakynthos, famed for dramatic coastlines and turquoise waters

• A relaxing day at sea, Seabourn-style

• Nafplion, one of Greece’s most beautiful and romantic towns

• A graceful arrival into Athens, cradle of Western civilisation

Extended port stays allow time to truly experience each destination — without rushing, queues or crowds.

✨ Signature Seabourn Experiences

Depending on sailing, guests may enjoy complimentary Signature Events such as:

• Marina Day, for water sports directly from the ship

• Evening at Ephesus, a private after-hours experience

• Shopping with the Chef, exploring local markets alongside a Seabourn chef

These immersive moments are what set Seabourn apart.

This is not about ticking off ports.It’s about travelling beautifully — in comfort, space and quiet luxury — while the Mediterranean unfolds at just the right pace.

📧 Email: jwilliams@mtatravel.com.au

📞 Call or text: 0413 571 735