All aboard! It’s time to set sail for views of France, Italy, Spain and more. Mediterranean cruises are taking the travel industry by storm, meaning cruise lines are creating more family-friendly itineraries than ever before. You no longer have to drop the kids off at clubs while you explore Europe. Experience new countries and cultures as a family with these five best Mediterranean cruises.
Courtesy of MSC
MSC Cruises
Explore the Mediterranean on the MSC Meraviglia
Featuring: Italy, Malta, Spain, France
This Mediterranean cruise is all about learning through hands on activities you can do with your kids. From cookery classes to a production show full of performances, you’ll be learning new skills to bring home from vacation. One standout feature of this cruise is the Lego activity center onboard the MSC Meraviglia, where kids can show off their creativity through play. MSC Cruises also has an exclusive partnership with Cirque du Soliel, so families can gather to watch a once in a lifetime performance of shows only at sea.
On shore, watch a live flamenco show, hop on a Segway and eat your way through Italy!
Courtesy of Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Mediterranean Highlights Cruise on the Independence of the Seas
Featuring: United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal
Royal Caribbean Cruises is one of the most popular cruise lines out there—and for good reason! This innovative company releases new onboard and onshore adventures every year. Once you board the Independence of the Seas, you’ll have a few days of cruising before you dock at your first port. Enjoy the time with your kids at the H2O Zone Water Park, featuring splash pads and squirt guns. Or try surfing above sea level on the FlowRider surf simulator. Once you dry off, there is a large selection of sports to play, such as basketball and rock climbing. When the kids, and no doubt you, get tired, sit back and relax with low-key activities engaging your creative side. Try the scrapbooking tables, decorate cupcakes or join in on outdoor movie nights. Before the ship docks, be sure to join in on the free languages lessons for kids, so everyone can say hello as they explore new cities.
On land, Royal Caribbean keeps the family-friendly activities going. This Mediterranean cruise offers exciting adventures, such as cave tours in Spain, gladiator lessons in Rome and beach days in France.
Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line
Greek Isles on the Norwegian Star
Featuring: Italy, Montenegro, Greece, Croatia
Close your eyes and imagine the bluest of blues and the sunniest of days. This 7-day cruise will give you all that and more, while you spend some quality time with your family. Norwegian Cruise Line offers activities everyone will love, from live theatre shows to more than three different pools. Let the kids explore with Splash Academy, a creative and active center for playing sports with other kids, try out circus school and participate in theme days. When everyone gets hungry, stop by the Market Café and adjoining Kids Café, featuring made-to-order dishes from around the world everyone will love.
Don’t forget the food on shore too! Join a day excursion in Oia, Greece for a cultural dining and dancing experience. Other family-friendly port activities include sailing in Boka Bay, Montenegro and a private tour of medieval Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line
5-to-10 Night Mediterranean Cruise on the Disney Magic
Featuring: Spain, France, Italy
Join the happiest place on earth for a 5-, 7- or 10-day cruise package like no other. The Disney Cruise Line features non-stop partying for adults and kids, beginning as soon as the cruise casts off. Make sure to join in on one of the many deck parties for the opportunity to meet and greet with Disney characters. Dress up and join the crew for Party like a Pirate theme night, with performances that will wow as fireworks light up the sky. The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique offers packages for complete makeovers for you and your kids to become the pirate or princess you truly are.
When you’re not at the Goofy Pool or grabbing a slice at Pinocchio’s Pizzeria, debark and experience some European charm with leisurely, family-friendly activities, such as horse shows and walk and eat tours.
Courtesy of Costa Cruises
Costa Cruise
7-Night Marvelous Mediterranean on the Costa Diadema
Featuring: Italy, France, Spain, Balearic Islands
For the family looking to experience the art Europe has to offer, the Marvelous Mediterranean cruise is for you. Spend a day walking the ship to discover the culture onboard before you set sail. The Costa Diadema cruise ship features over 8,000 pieces of work, ranging from originals to reproductions, based on traditional pop culture and the Italian renaissance era. Other activities for the family include treasure hunts, parades, sports tournaments, water games and an exclusive day spent with child favorite Peppa the Pig.
The fun doesn’t stop there. Get off the boat and into the water with excursions exploring some of Europe’s best aquariums and secrets of the ocean.