A luxury Mediterranean offers plenty of benefits. Credit: Canva

Why you should embark on a luxury Mediterranean cruise

Author: Lucy Abbott

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A luxury Mediterranean cruise should be at the top of your bucket-list, here’s why

It’s all about going one step further with a luxury cruise, from caviar in the surf with Seabourn to unlimited shore excursions with Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

And once you opt for a luxury cruise, you can’t (and won’t want to) go back to your normal cruise line.

With the Mediterranean being one of the most popular cruise destinations year after year, first time cruisers should experience this diverse and stunning destination in the highest level of opulence possible.

Not forgetting our cruise addicts, who should sail to the Med from a new perspective – you’ll be surprised how different the view looks from a sumptuous Suite onboard a magnificent vessel.

And here’s where IGLU Cruise comes in, offering a wide range of tempting cruise deals – including luxury cruise packages tailored to your every desire. Booking a cruise has never been easier.

We take a look at four of our favourite luxury cruise deals from IGLU Cruise

Regent Seven Seas Navigator room, featuring ample space to live in. Credit: Regent Seven Seas

Explore Italy, Turkey and beyond with Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Known for its passenger to crew ratio of 1:1 and every luxury included ,Regent Seven Seas Cruises also crafts thoughtful itineraries just for you.

IGLU have packaged up a gorgeous Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ cruise with a stay in both Rome and Athens resulting in a 16-night ‘Hidden Gems & Turkish Shores with Rome and Athens Stays’ departing September 26, 2024.

Including the cruise, flight and hotels, you’ll fly from London Heathrow to Rome, where you’ll stay for two nights in a five-star hotel.

Ensure you visit the likes of the historical Colosseum, Pantheon and follow the sound of the gentle water to the Trevi Fountain while in Rome.

After your initial Italian explorations, you’ll board Regent Seven Seas Navigator. This exclusive ship only holds 490 guests and offers all-Suite, all-Ocean View accommodation.

You’ll then sail to an impressive 10 ports of call, including an overnight stay in Istanbul. Here, you can visit the countless ornate columns of the Basilica Cistern which was built in 532. Also – don’t miss Misir Carsisi market where you can find a unique souvenir or pick up some spices to experiment with when you return home.

Finish your cruise with a two-night hotel stay in Athens. Saunter out of your four star hotel to wander the Acropolis of Athens or, alternatively, you can hit the beach with the Athens Riviera that stretches a glorious 35 miles

Explore Venice via water taxi. Credit: Shutterstock

Sail the Adriatic Sea with Silversea

With butler service in every Suite, 24-hour dining service and over 80% of Suites boasting private verandas – Silversea is set to impress.

And IGLU Cruise have taken Seabourn’s offering one step further with the ‘Adriatic Sea – Venice roundtrip with Venice Island stay’ cruise package departing July 6, 2024, across 9 nights.

So, you’ll fly to Italy to stay for two nights in a five-star hotel in Venice where you can snap a picture on the Rialto Bridge and admire the décor of St Mark’s Square – before returning to your centrally-located hotel. Sounds like the perfect two day stay to us.

After your explorations, you’ll board Silver Whisper on day three, and sail to seven ports of call.

Our favourites from the impressive itinerary are Hvar Town, full to the brim of cafes, restaurants and bars encapsulated by the ancient walls and looked over by the imposing Spanish fortress.

Known as one of Croatia’s best kept secrets, Zadar is well worth the visit. Appreciate the intimate feel as you explore this port of call and be sure to pay a visit to the Roman Forum that features the ‘pillar of shame’ that used to punish criminals.

Gaze up at the iconic La Sagrada Familia. Credit: Shutterstock

Cruise from Barcelona to Monte Carlo with Seabourn

Take advantage of this 9 night ‘Riviera Gems & the Calanques from Barcelona to Monte Carlo with stay’ packaged by IGLU Cruise departing October 17, 2024.

Picture this – standing in your ocean-front Suite with a glass of welcome champagne in hand, with the knowledge that you are surrounded by only 600-like minded guests. Sounds like heaven to us.

But, before you get to experience the luxury of Seabourn Sojourn, you can look forward to a two-night stay in Barcelona. As a city famed for its architecture, you have to marvel at Gaudí designed Park Guell, Casa Batllo as well as the Sagrada Familia.

And you can expect the same level of grandeur from your hotel as you do from Seabourn, as you’ll be lapping up the luxury in a five-star hotel.

Seven ports of call await with Seabourn – from Palamos which is known for endless stretches of sandy beaches and particularly juicy prawns to Cannes, where you can admire the beautiful harbour full of yachts.

What’s more, onboard Seabourn Sojourn you can relax completely as all dining venues, Wi-Fi, tipping, water sports (in select destinations) and more are complimentary – so no worrying about the final bill.

IGLU Cruise also offer you up to an extra £200 off per Suite – now, how can you say no to that? Book before 17th March to receive this offer!

Oceania Cruises' Riviera is a small luxurious ship . Credit: Oceania

Black Sea sailing with Oceania Cruises

Fancy a free double cabin upgrade? Well IGLU Cruise are giving away the goods with this 'Bridge to the Black Sea with Athens & Istanbul Stays' departing July 5, 2024, across 14 nights onboard Riviera.

Oceania Cruises offer a small luxurious ship which caters to 1,250 guests and features 24 hour butler service in all suites as well as free champange, wine and more – don't mind if we do.

This itinerary stands out with two overnight stays – one in Kusadasi, Turkey, and one in Istanbul – as well as a pre-and-post-cruise stay.

Located on Turkey's western Aegean coast, Kusadasi's top attraction include 'Ladies Beach', with it's soft golden sand and palm trees, as well as Kusadadi Castle, which was built to defend the harbour from sea attacks and boasts impressive views over the harbour.

And Istanbul also impresses, with an extensive history that dates back thousands of years. Let the locals should you around mosques that will take your breath away and be sure to sample some aromatic mezes and fresh seafood.

In fact, after your overnight stay in Istanbul you can dive headfirst into the destination with a two night hotel stay at the end of your cruise.

As for your pre-cruise stay, you'll stay in Athens, one of the oldest cities in the world. Some fantastic free things to do during your time here include strolling through the National Garden next to the Parliament building and witnessing the changing of the presidential guards on the hour outside the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

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About Lucy Abbott

Lucy is a cruise journalist who has sailed on a variety of ships, from expedition to river – with her favourite being expedition cruising.

Lucy is interested in new sustainable ways to cruise as well as how cruising is becoming accessible for all.

She works together with Kaye Holland to keep the World of Cruising website up to date with all the latest cruise news.