Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned traveller, Mediterranean destinations are a must-visit experience thanks to their world-class experiences and rich culture and cuisine. Of course, one of the best ways to take your Mediterranean trip to the next level is to embark on a luxury cruise ship to the coast. Thinking of Luxury cruise travel to the mediterranean:? Heres what you should look for
In fact, a previous article details how the ’12 Best Cruise Ports in the Mediterranean’ can give you limitless opportunities like swimming in the crystal clear waters of Croatia, shopping in the fanciest boutiques in Corsica, or immersing yourself in the world-famous sights of Italy. The bottom line is that luxury cruises allow you to maximise everything that the Mediterranean region has to offer while also avoiding the stress of long-haul flights and layovers.
Here are the top things you should look for when choosing your Mediterranean cruise.
Diverse dining options
When you’re travelling to the Mediterranean, trying out its smorgasbord of dishes and delicacies is something that you can’t miss out on. The first thing you should consider, then, is if your cruise has dining options that are as diverse as they can be. For instance, Town & Country Magazine has featured cruise lines which give a whole new meaning to cruise ship food and dining.
There are exclusive cruise ship restaurants like The Grill, which is owned by Thomas Keller, on the Seabourn Encore. This restaurant has dishes that use the same high-quality ingredients as his land-based restaurants. Meanwhile, Silversea’s passengers have the option to dive deep into the culinary traditions of their Mediterranean destination through special daily menus and cooking classes. They also have food-inspired excursions, such as a visit to a cheesemaking facility at Mykonos, Greece.
It’s also highly recommended to choose a luxury cruise that caters to your special dietary requirements if you have any. Oceania, in particular, provides a wide array of plant-based dishes, while other cruise lines will accommodate your personal requests like gluten-free meals or a vegan/vegetarian menu with the help of their speciality chefs.
Unique outdoor and wellness experiences
Being on a ship also doesn’t mean you should skip out on unique outdoor adventures. Explora Cruises allows you to enjoy your slow, sun-kissed days by exploring well-known beaches along the French or Italian riviera or by opting for a more private sailing experience around the Maltese Islands. Guests can also wander through the botanical landscapes and endemic nature of Greek islands like Sifnos.
The luxurious experience continues through the wide range of wellness programs that Explora Cruises offers to its passengers, available on board and at destinations. There are gyms, heated pools, and indoor and outdoor spas for those who want to rest and rejuvenate before the next stop. On the other hand, guests who want to prioritise their health and well-being while on the move can join forest therapy in Porto, Portugal, or do a yoga flow at dusk in Ibiza, Spain.
Rich culture and entertainment scene
Finally, aside from the simple pleasures derived from food and amenities, you should also ensure that your luxury cruise ship of choice helps you appreciate the vibrant culture and heritage of the Mediterranean region. Among the best Mediterranean cruises listed by Travel + Leisure, there are options that emphasise hyper-local experiences through biblical destinations like Nazareth and Galilee or complimentary excursions to UNESCO world heritage sites like the ruins in Pompeii.
On days without any shore visits, the cruising environment must also offer plentiful onboard entertainment for guests of all ages. You can search for cruises with kid-friendly pools if you’re travelling with family or book one with a bar that serves craft cocktails and features musical performances if you’re out with friends.
Ultimately, the luxury cruise ship you choose must reflect what type of traveller you are — whether you’re a foodie, an adventurer, a cultural connoisseur, or a mix of everything. For more on travel and lifestyle, we have plenty of articles on Fused.
