9 Luxury Cruises to the Mediterranean

Every room, whether it’s a standard Veranda Stateroom or lavish Explorer Suite, features a private balcony. Many come with in-suite binoculars to catch the Mediterranean views, plus cashmere blankets for cozying up on the veranda. All rooms are appointed with luxury linens and a plush robe and slippers. Guests in the Explorer Suite are given VIP status for booking reservations at the vessel’s dining destinations.

The Aquavit Terrace offers al fresco dining on the Viking Star’s deck. The Restaurant, which is the ship’s main dining room, features formal sit-down service and a gourmet menu. The Italian Grill samples a taste of the famous cuisine from their Mediterranean surroundings, while the more casual World Café enhances the culinary experience with live cooking stations and outdoor seating. Located in the Explorer’s Lounge, Mamsen’s serves traditional Scandinavian fare and Norwegian bites, including a daily “Waffle Hour.”

8 to 50-day cruises around the Mediterranean islands and coastlines of Italy, Greece and Iberia, with some cruises continuing eastward to Cyprus and Israel, or on up to northern Europe and Scandinavia.

Fares: Prices start at $1,999 for an 8-day cruise from Barcelona to Rome, and can be upwards of $19,999 for the 50-day trip from Athens to Stockholm. Fare includes all onboard meals, as well as beer, wine and soft drinks during lunch and dinner.

Ship: Riviera

Passenger capacity: 1,250

Perfect for: Adventurous gourmands.

(Pictured: Portofino, Italy)

Understated elegance abounds on the Riviera, starting with the dramatic marble lobby and Lalique Grand Staircase. All guest rooms feature Ralph Lauren Home furnishings, giving the living spaces a classic, timeless appeal. Bathrooms are decked out with Bulgari products and a full-sized tub, which is a rarity on most space-conscious cruise ships. The ultimate accommodations are the three palatial Owner’s Suites, which feel more like luxury condos than cruise cabins. Each measures over 2,000 square feet and boasts a separate living room, grand foyer, king-size bed, two walk-in closets, and indoor/outdoor whirlpool spas. Plus, guests in these top-tier suites receive priority advantage for things like restaurant and port excursion reservations and exclusive access to the ship’s private Executive Lounge.

Foodies will find themselves right at home here. The Riviera’s diverse assortment of cuisines is its hallmark, boasting a whopping eight eating destinations, including the Parisian bistro Jacques by famed chef Jacques Pépin. Guests looking for authentic Italian food can find it at Toscana, where traditional Tuscan dishes are served on custom Versace china. Red Ginger offers a unique Asian fusion menu, while Polo Grill is your quintessential steakhouse, decorated with dark wood and supple leather seating. For a more formal dining experience, the Grand Dining Room is your best bet—the menu changes daily and the wait staff is gracious and elegantly uniformed. The most exclusive of Riviera’s restaurants is Privée, which hosts private dinner parties for up to ten people at this intimate, exquisitely appointed venue. The food is top-notch across the ship though—standards don’t slip at the more casual, outdoor eateries like the poolside Waves Grill and outdoor Terrace Café.

7 to 12-day cruises connecting Mediterranean cities such as Athens, Venice, Rome Monte Carlo and Barcelona.

Fares: Prices start at $1,999 for a 7-day voyage along the coastal gems of the Adriatic Sea to upwards of $4,999 for a 12-day cruise between Venice and Barcelona. Fare includes all onboard meals. Port excursions and classes may require additional fee.

Ship: Queen Mary 2

Passenger capacity: 2,620

The staff on Crystal Serenity is incredibly dedicated and attentive when it comes to catering to and anticipating passengers’ needs. It’s this level of service that has helped earn this cruise liner countless accolades over the years. The crowd is stylish and the atmosphere is high class. Accordingly, the shopping selection is meant to suit the refined taste of its guests. The “Avenue of the Stars” arcade houses four upscale boutiques offering designer apparel, fine jewelry and other splurge-worthy specialty items. If it’s a chic sunbathing spot you’re after, head outside to the Seahorse Pool—the brilliant orange lounge chairs are Instagram gold.