Holland America Mediterranean cruises
April through November · 7 to 21 nights
Illustrative photography of the Mediterranean region. Not an official Holland America Line image.
Western and Eastern Mediterranean routes from Barcelona, Civitavecchia, Venice and Piraeus, with plenty of overnight port stays on longer voyages.
What these itineraries are known for
- Greek islands and Adriatic itineraries
- Overnight calls in major cities
- Shoulder-season sailings with lighter crowds
Typical Itineraries
Mediterranean Romance
12 nights · Round trip from Civitavecchia (Rome)
- · Naples
- · Kotor
- · Corfu
- · Katakolon
- · Messina
Western Mediterranean
7 nights · Barcelona to Rome
- · Palma de Mallorca
- · Marseille
- · Monte Carlo
- · Livorno (Florence)
Example routings only. Holland America Line changes ports and dates each season — confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Ports you may see
Western and Eastern Mediterranean
Western itineraries concentrate on Spain, France and Italy — Barcelona, Marseille, the Italian Riviera, Civitavecchia for Rome. Eastern voyages head for the Adriatic and the Greek islands, often taking in Venice, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Santorini and Athens. Longer sailings combine both, and repositioning voyages in spring and autumn tack a transatlantic crossing onto either end.
Port-heavy days and the ship in between
A Mediterranean cruise is the opposite of a Caribbean one: back-to-back port days, early starts and long excursions. Passengers who enjoy it most tend to be the ones who planned which ports to go hard at and which to treat as a rest day.
That pace is also why ship condition and dining come up so often in Mediterranean reviews. When you are aboard mostly to eat and sleep, a tired cabin or a slow dining room weighs heavier than it would on a week of sea days.
When to sail
The season runs roughly April to November. May, June, September and October give warm weather without the August heat and crowds that passengers frequently complain about, particularly ashore in Rome, Athens and Dubrovnik where shade is scarce and queues are long.
Before you book
- Expect port days back to back — pace the excursions deliberately.
- Shoulder months, May–June and September–October, avoid the worst heat.
- Several ports are tendered; mobility needs are worth checking per call.
- Flights into Barcelona, Rome or Venice usually need an extra night.
Mediterranean Cruise Questions
- When should I avoid the Mediterranean?
- July and August bring the heaviest heat and crowds in ports like Rome, Naples and Dubrovnik. May, June, September and October are generally more comfortable.
- Are ship excursions worth it?
- Ports like Civitavecchia and Livorno are well over an hour from Rome and Florence. Ship excursions guarantee the ship waits for you; independent tours are cheaper but carry that risk.
Ships that sail here
Mediterranean passenger reviews
Read what passengers said about their Mediterranean voyage, or add your own.