Eastern Mediterranean Cruises

Two Days in Athens Pre- or Post-Cruise (Photo: Sven Hansche/Shutterstock.com)

About Eastern Mediterranean Cruises

If you're a fan of art and antiquities, a cruise to the Eastern Mediterranean is right up your alley. With itineraries that include the Adriatic/Dalmatian Coast, Black Sea, Greek Isles and Holy Land, the region is a treasure trove for history lovers. Ports such as Venice and Athens have their own unique flavor, while the Greek Isles, Crete and Cypress lure beachgoers. Religion in the Eastern Mediterranean is varied, do don't miss Dubrovnik's ancient churches, Istanbul's breathtaking mosques or Jerusalem's vibrant synagogues.

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We found you 344 cruises

We found you 344 cruises

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Celebrity Constellation
Celebrity Constellation

11 Night
Best Of Italy & Croatia

1,828 Reviews
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Odyssey of the Seas
The two-level pool deck on Odyssey of the Seas (Image: Royal Caribbean)

12 Night
Greece, Italy & Turkey Cruise

122 Reviews
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Odyssey of the Seas
The two-level pool deck on Odyssey of the Seas (Image: Royal Caribbean)

12 Night
Greece, Italy & Turkey Cruise

122 Reviews
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Odyssey of the Seas
The two-level pool deck on Odyssey of the Seas (Image: Royal Caribbean)

12 Night
Greece, Italy & Turkey Cruise

122 Reviews
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7 Night
Greek Isles & Turkey

1,666 Reviews
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10 Night
Greece, Turkey & Italy Cruise

122 Reviews
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11 Night
Best Of Italy & Croatia

1,828 Reviews
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No prices currently available for this sailing.
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7 Night
Greek & Adriatic Cruise

1,492 Reviews
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No prices currently available for this sailing.
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7 Night
Greek Isles & Turkey

1,666 Reviews
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7 Night
Mediterranean - Eastern Cruise

583 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

6 Night
Mediterranean - Eastern Cruise

706 Reviews
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7 Night
Greek Isles Cruise

122 Reviews
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7 Night
Greek Isles & Turkey

1,666 Reviews
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No prices currently available for this sailing.
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5 Night
Mediterranean - Eastern Cruise

706 Reviews
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No prices currently available for this sailing.
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Cruise Critic Favorite

7 Night
Mediterranean - Eastern Cruise

706 Reviews
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No prices currently available for this sailing.
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More about the Eastern Mediterranean

What is the best time to cruise to the Eastern Mediterranean?

Eastern Mediterranean cruises -- encompassing dozens of ports in countries like Greece, Israel, Italy and Croatia -- are generally offered from spring through fall, with the most popular time being the summer. If you have a choice, we recommend avoiding those summer months since they tend to be hot and overcrowded. For more: Eastern Mediterranean Cruise Tips.

Which cruise lines go to the Eastern Mediterranean?

There are a wide variety of cruise lines offering Eastern Mediterranean cruises including Royal Caribbean, Princess, Holland America, Disney Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises and more. European lines like MSC and Costa have a big presence here, as well and luxury lines including Regent Seven Seas and Crystal. Some lines, like Azamara, offer country-intensive cruises to just one of these Eastern Mediterranean nations, like Italy or Greece. Others offer itineraries themed "holy lands" that visit notable religious sites.

What are some things to do in the Eastern Mediterranean?

A major highlight of Eastern Mediterranean cruises is visiting historic sites like the Acropolis and Parthenon in Athens, Dubrovnik's Old Town and holy Judeo-Christian pilgrimage sites in Haifa and Jerusalem. But the region is also brimming with gorgeous beaches and incredible food to enjoy.

Do you need a passport to take a cruise to the Eastern Mediterranean?

Yes, a passport is required for Americans to cruise to the Eastern Mediterranean.

What should I pack for a cruise to the Eastern Mediterranean?

Lightweight, comfortable clothing and a swimsuit are essentials in the Eastern Mediterranean, as are comfortable shoes -- sandals for the beach and sneakers for city sightseeing. For visits to monasteries, temples and other religious sites, it's smart to pack a pashmina or shawl that can be used to cover heads or shoulders; skirts or dresses can still be required for women at some holy sites.

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