Western Mediterranean Cruises

The Eternal City needs little in the way of an introduction. Captivating. Awe-inspiring. Romantic. Words simply don’t do it justice. And with it bookending many of our Western Mediterranean cruises, you’ll have plenty of time to discover the city’s timeless appeal for yourself.

3,000 years in the making, Rome’s blend of incredible history and vibrant atmosphere is irresistible. Brimming with life, it’s a place with plenty of personality, whether you’re taking it easy at a street café, passing through its ornate boulevards or dining like a local at one of its many incredible restaurants. They don’t call it la dolce vita for nothing.

Eating the world’s best gelato outside the Vatican, exploring the grandeur of the Colosseum or being stunned into silence by the Pantheon’s magnificent architecture, there’s something to tick off your bucket list at every turn. Put simply, Rome is a city that was made to be explored – and adored.

The cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, Barcelona is a city that pulses with history, art, architecture and, above all else, incredible food.

With some of the best tapas in the world waiting to be discovered in Barcelona’s many hidden lanes and tucked-away squares, all paired with local Catalan wine – to say the cuisine here is world-class is, quite simply, an understatement.

Meanwhile, those in search of great architecture can take their pick from the otherworldly Gaudi masterpieces such as the Sagrada Familia and Casa Mila, or the gothic beauty of the city’s old quarter, where Barcelona Cathedral’s intricate interior leaves even non-believers speechless. And for some post-exploration relaxation, unwinding at one of its many picture-perfect beaches is just the ticket.

Before you set sail, don’t forget to visit the buzzing La Rambla for designer shopping, souvenirs and street food, all with Barcelona’s unmistakably lush vibe.

The capitol of Sardinia, Cagliari is a charming seaside city, a place where historic sites are hidden around every corner, and beautiful beaches seem just moments away from its bustling centre.

Bit of a history buff? Or just curious about culture? You’ll find endless attractions in Castello, Cagliari’s old town. Situated on a diamond-shaped rocky bluff, its home to Cagliari Cathedral, Roman Amphitheatre of Cagliari, the medieval Castle of San Michele and the impressive Palazzo Regio. Discovering a thing or two about its rich, far-reaching past is never a problem here.

Castello also offers up beautiful, uninterrupted views of the city’s rooftops and beyond, right to the deepest blue of the vast Tyrrhenian Sea. And after your city explorations are done, head for the popular Poetto Beach. A favourite summer hang-out of both tourists and locals alike, Poetto comes alive after the sun goes down, turning into one of the best places for nightlife the city has to offer.

Synonymous with images of movie stars, flashing cameras and the red carpet, Cannes’s glitz and glamour goes far beyond its legendary film festival.

With its palm-lined boulevards dividing beautiful beaches and chic cafes from bustling nightclubs, Cannes is your gateway to Monaco and Monte Carlo, Nice and St. Tropez. But before you explore further afield, it’s a city with plenty to discover in its own right. Who knows, you might even spot a celebrity or two while you’re here.

Lined with yachts, go for stroll across the city’s harbour and bay, or snake your way through Le Suquet, Cannes’ old quarter, where impressive museums, churches and markets wait to delight visitors. And ever since they were spruced up in 2019, Cannes’ beaches make for a great place to soak it all up for a few hours ahead of your next journey.

Quite simply unlike anywhere else in France, Nice’s magnetic, charismatic power is impossible to resist. A place for people watching, simple strolls through its vibrant streets and lounging away on balmy beaches, Nice offers up a relaxed vibe that’s rarely found in other French cities.

Though it may call France its home, Nice’s Italian heritage gives it a truly unique, Mediterranean flavour. And that means fresh pasta shops, gourmet cuisine, and year-round sun providing the ideal climate whether you’re sat outside charming bistros, weaving through its streets, or retiring to the beach.

Something of a pilgrimage for legendary artists of the past, Nice’s artistic credentials also draw in culture fans from around the world. With the likes of Matisse, Picasso and Renoir falling for its beauty, there’s plenty of museums and galleries – all stuffed with legendary works – to discover before you head back to your ship.

Dating back to the 13^th century, Palma de Mallorca has seen its fair share of history, people and influences in its time. But now the city’s identity is all its own. The largest autonomous community in Spain, Palma isn’t quite a hidden gem, but it definitely has plenty of treasures instore for tourists.

Palma’s history is plain to see in its bevy of museums, castles and palatial houses, but the plentiful bars, restaurants and craft studios add plenty of native flavour to its melting pot. Bohemian neighbourhoods and markets house an array of personality, while the varied views make for a living, breathing postcard in themselves.

There might be hustle and bustle here, but the city’s quiet squares, monasteries and peaceful marina bring their own serenity – providing the perfect getaway from Mallorca’s livelier destinations. 

A city that has every right to boast, Naples’ cultural credentials are the stuff of legend. With two palaces, three castles, a collection of frescoes and mosaics, and paintings by none other than Caravaggio, the age-old city also comes with a heady dose of myth, mystery and urban legend.

Of course, there are plenty of other ways to get to know Naples if history’s not your thing. We’re not exaggerating when we say Italy’s best food is found here. From street markets and bistros to rustic restaurants, this is how you do the classics. Think you know good pizza? Believe us, you’ll think again after you eat it here.

As for shopping, Naples prefers local wares over global names. If you’re looking to bring something home with you, here’s the place to do it. Packed into its winding streets, artisan boutiques and shops have plenty of regional treats instore. Even the smallest souvenir here makes for a memento to savour for years to come.

Running through Marseille’s stockpile of highlights show that its reputation is fully deserved. As 2013’s European Capital of Culture and France’s second city status to its name, Marseille is a joy to explore.

Slowly but surely building on its standing over the last few decades, Marseille has become an eclectic cultural hub, one that wears the influence of its 111 villages on its sleeve. With so much diversity on offer, there’s never a dull moment to be had.

From prehistoric cave art and ancient civilisation to explore at MuCEM, a varied array of incredible seafood to gorge on, and The Count of Monte Cristo’s Chateau d’If offering up plenty of picturesque photo opportunities, Marseille is sightseeing with a difference.

And when it comes to natural wonders, why not join the locals in searching for the city’s best sunset spot? Between Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde, La Caravelle and Café de L’Abbaye, there’s no shortage of literal high points to watch the sun go down from.