Top reasons to visit the Mediterranean with Oceania Cruises

With four ships sailing the magical Mediterranean through until November this year, and five ships returning to the heart of Europe for the 2024 season, Oceania Cruises is the line to cruise the Med with, for destination immersions, port specialists and – of course – the Finest Cuisine at Sea.

Destination specialists through and through
Oceania Cruises’ dedicated team of cruise planners know their itineraries like the back of their hand (probably better, because who actually looks at the back of their hand?). Driven by a dream to introduce you to the incredible destinations around the world that have most inspired them, the team plans out routes that take advantage of smaller ports that only small, luxurious ships – like Riviera, Insignia and Sirena – can reach.

Away from the throngs of shoulder-barging mega-ships, an elevated cruise experience with Oceania Cruises often features evening departures and even overnight stays to give you more time to explore each remarkable destination, and fall in love with the region as the team of destination specialists already have.

Like the sound of an overnight in Istanbul, with the famous souk and rich Turkish coffee? Jump aboard Riviera on her 10 day journey from Athens to Barcelona, departing July 24, 2024

Far from the everyday, so close to home

Quicker than a train ride from London to Edinburgh, you can be in the heart of the Mediterranean to join your ship in Athens, Barcelona, or perhaps Rome.

These bustling cities are home to some of the most remarkable ancient ruins on the planet… and an Oceania cruise connects you with this richly decorated history, as well as their vibrant modern scene.

The Mediterranean weaves together the spiritual charms of the Vatican Museums in Rome, Gaudi’s remarkable La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, and the towering Acropolis overlooking Athens, as it has for thousands of years.

As if proving how close we are to this remarkable destination, Insignia offers a 15 day cruise from Barcelona to London, departing June 6, 2024. Only fly one-way and immerse yourself in so many cultural highlights on your relaxed journey home.

Discover Barcelona – so much more than just a turnaround port
Many Mediterranean cruises somewhat skip over the incredible options to explore in Barcelona because it is the ship’s turnaround day, but there’s so much to explore here.

Thankfully, Oceania Cruises offers a range of itineraries that feature Barcelona, allowing plenty of time to visit the sights, without having to think about where to store your luggage or what time to get to the airport.

Whether it’s Gaudi’s masterpieces, soaking up the buzz on Las Ramblas, or taking a trip out of the centre to visit the gorgeous Montserrat, in its inspiring setting high in the mountains, Vista’s Rome to Lisbon voyage, departing September 13, 2024, includes a full 12-hour day in port to fill with your bucket list itinerary.

The most immersive range of shore excursions awaits you
Oceania Cruises’ compelling compendium of excursions ensures that everyone’s styles and interests are catered for. Want to eat like a local? Well, a 'Culinary Discovery Tour' is right up your street. You won’t just eat like a local, you’ll learn to cook like one too. Imagine your next dinner party when you’re serving up authentic Greek cuisine that you learned in the heart of Corfu’s old town.

Or perhaps you’re intrigued by architecture. Well, Europe is the spiritual home of cutting edge architecture – from all eras – and a 'Beyond Blueprints' excursion is just the ticket to discover more. There are few places in the world with a great architectural range than Italy, and the 'Beyond Blueprints' tour in Rome (incorporating centuries of architecture into one guided tour) is a great choice.

Stay a little longer… on land

Sometimes a port of call speaks to us a little more and a passing visit doesn’t feel like enough. Oceania Cruises’ specialists know the feeling and have incorporated land extension options into their enthralling itineraries.

Whether you want to add a little extra time before, during, or after your cruise, the line has a wealth of options. Ranging from one to five nights, these experiences enhance the overall immersion that your Mediterranean cruise offers.

Perhaps your Mediterranean cruise heads out east towards Türkiye and Israel. Well, why not spend more time in the Holy Land, with a ‘Sacred Sites of Israel’ overland tour? Immerse yourself (literally) in the Dead Sea, visit the archaeological site of Masada, and of course spend time in the main religious highlights in Jerusalem and Bethlehem.