Name: Grand Mediterranean Explorer
Brand: Viking Ocean Cruises
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

Overview

Experience the best of Mediterranean and Italy aboard Viking Jupiter, a Viking Ocean Cruises ship, on this 21-night sailing from Lisbon. The route takes in 3 ports including Cádiz, Monte-Carlo, and Sibenik, with a new destination to discover at every turn. With so much to see ashore and enjoy on board, this Mediterranean and Italy itinerary promises lasting memories from start to finish. With prices starting from £13,621 per person, now is a great time to book your next escape to Mediterranean and Italy.

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking began as a river cruise line and entered the ocean-cruise market with the launch of the 930-guest Viking Star.

Viking has already made an indelible mark on the sector with its fleet of stylish, near-identical, adult-only ships.

The cruise line currently has 10 ships in its fleet.

Cruise Itinerary

Days 1-2

Lisbon

In the annals of maritime lore, Lisbon stands as a testament to resilience, having weathered centuries of conquest and exploration. Its labyrinthine streets whisper tales of Moorish conquests and Age of Discovery triumphs, each cobblestone a silent witness to the city's rich past. Beneath the warm Mediterranean sun, Lisbon exudes an undeniable charm, drawing travelers seeking an authentic escape from the beaten path. From its vibrant neighborhoods to its serene waterfront, Lisbon offers a glimpse into Portugal's soul, where fado music reverberates through alfresco cafes, and the aroma of freshly baked pasts de nata fills the air, tempting even the most seasoned voyagers.

Day 3

Cádiz

Journey to Cadiz, where the echoes of ancient civilizations resonate through its cobblestone streets. This maritime marvel boasts a colorful past, once a haven for Phoenician traders and a strategic outpost during Roman rule. Blessed with a Mediterranean climate, Cadiz offers balmy breezes and sun-kissed shores, perfect for leisurely exploration. Unlike bustling tourist hubs, Cadiz exudes authenticity, inviting travelers to savor its laid-back ambiance and discover hidden gems around every corner. As Spain's oldest continuously inhabited city, Cadiz proudly showcases its maritime heritage, including the renowned Carnival of Cadiz, a festive extravaganza dating back over three centuries.

Day 4

Tangier

James Bond's explosive Tanjawi antics may evoke excitement, but a visit to Tangier promises a more tranquil adventure. This Moroccan city's history is steeped in intrigue, with its strategic location attracting Phoenicians, Romans, and Arabs over the centuries. Tangier's allure as a cinematic backdrop has captured the imagination of filmmakers, showcasing its labyrinthine streets and stunning vistas. From the bustling Grand Socco square to the iconic Kasbah, Tangier's blend of cultures and influences offers a captivating journey through time. Embodying the spirit of adventure, Tangier invites travelers to explore its storied past and vibrant present with curiosity and wonder.

Day 5

Málaga

Day 6

Cartagena

Nestled along the Mediterranean coast, Cartagena exudes an air of ancient grandeur, tracing its roots back to the Phoenicians and Carthaginians. This historic port city boasts a climate blessed with year-round sunshine, perfect for leisurely strolls along its palm-lined promenades. Beyond its famed Roman ruins and imposing fortifications, Cartagena offers a glimpse into authentic Spanish life, with bustling markets brimming with local flavors and artisans' wares. Cruise lines strategically dock to provide easy access to Cartagena's wealth of cultural treasures, from the Roman Theatre to the Modernist architecture of its city center. It's a destination where history meets modern charm, leaving an indelible mark on every visitor's memory.

Day 7

Palma de Mallorca

Nestled along the shimmering shores of Mallorca, Palma de Mallorca beckons with a captivating blend of history and charm. Its story unfolds through the ages, from Roman conquests to Moorish rule, leaving behind a tapestry of architectural wonders. Beneath the Mediterranean sun, Palma offers a mild climate, perfect for leisurely exploration year-round. Away from tourist traps, it reveals authentic Spanish life in its bustling markets and vibrant squares. As a showcase of the country's essence, Palma captures hearts with its traditional festivals and local delicacies like ensaada pastries. An interesting fact: Palma boasts one of Europe's largest Gothic cathedrals, La Seu, a testament to its enduring grandeur.

Days 8-9

Barcelona

Barcelona, a city defined by its innovative spirit from the architectural wonders of Gaudto the bustling medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter, offers a vivid window into Spains artistic soul. The city benefits from a Mediterranean climate, ensuring pleasant weather perfect for leisurely explorations of its many districts. Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian utilize Barcelona as a key port, giving travelers the chance to immerse themselves in a blend of modernist architecture and vibrant local life. An intriguing fact about Barcelona is its beach was artificially created in preparation for the 1992 Olympics, showcasing the city's ability to ingeniously reinvent itself while maintaining its historical roots.

Day 10

Sète

Day 11

Marseille

Nestled along the shimmering shores of the Mediterranean, Marseille beckons with a vibrant past steeped in maritime lore. Its bustling port has been a hub of trade and cultural exchange for centuries, with influences from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East converging in its bustling streets. Blessed with a mild Mediterranean climate, Marseille offers a haven for sun-seekers year-round, while its labyrinthine alleys and bustling markets promise an authentic taste of French life. Beyond the tourist hotspots, hidden gems await exploration, such as the secluded coves of the Calanques National Park, where azure waters meet rugged cliffs in a breathtaking tableau.

Day 12

Monte-Carlo

Nestled on the sun-kissed shores of Monaco lies Monte Carlo, a city steeped in glamour and allure. Its illustrious history as a playground for the wealthy elite spans centuries, drawing visitors with its opulent casinos and legendary Grand Prix. Beneath its azure skies, Monte Carlo basks in a Mediterranean climate, offering respite from the ordinary with its vibrant ambiance and stunning coastal vistas. For those seeking an authentic experience, Monte Carlo unveils a world of sophistication and refinement, where luxury blends seamlessly with tradition. As dusk falls, the cityscape comes alive with glittering lights, casting an enchanting spell over all who visit.

Days 13-14

Livorno

Day 15

Civitavecchia

Perched on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Civitavecchia boasts a storied past intertwined with maritime adventures. As the gateway to Rome, its harbor has welcomed seafarers for centuries, echoing with tales of ancient civilizations and grand conquests. The Mediterranean climate blesses visitors with balmy breezes and sun-drenched days, creating an idyllic atmosphere for exploration. Away from the bustling metropolis, Civitavecchia offers an authentic Italian experience, where cobblestone streets wind through charming piazzas and trattorias serve up delectable seafood caught fresh from the sea. Don't miss the chance to stroll along the historic harbor walls, built to protect against marauding pirates centuries ago.

Day 16

Naples

Amidst the captivating backdrop of Mount Vesuvius, Naples beckons with a tapestry of ancient allure. Its fabled past, steeped in mythology and legend, whispers tales of emperors and poets, of Pompeii's tragic fate and the birth of pizza. The Mediterranean climate blesses Naples with warm, sun-drenched days, perfect for savoring gelato on cobblestone streets or basking in the glow of historic piazzas. This vibrant city pulsates with an energy that ignites the senses, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in authentic Neapolitan life. And did you know? Naples boasts the world's oldest continuously operating pizzeria, Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba, dating back to 1738.

Day 17

Messina

Amidst the sun-kissed shores of Messina lies a tapestry of history woven with tales of ancient civilizations and legendary events. Its storied past, marked by encounters with Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans, echoes through its cobblestone streets and majestic architecture. The Mediterranean climate here offers a balmy embrace, perfect for leisurely exploration and al fresco dining. Beyond the bustling ports, Messina unveils hidden gems, from charming cafes to vibrant markets, where travelers can savor authentic Sicilian flavors and immerse themselves in local traditions. As the gateway to Sicily, Messina beckons cruisegoers with its rich heritage and timeless allure, promising an unforgettable journey through the heart of Italy.

Day 18

Crotone

Nestled along the Ionian coast, Crotone boasts a storied past as the home of Pythagoras and a hub of ancient Greek civilization. Its sun-drenched shores and Mediterranean climate offer respite from the ordinary, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in the authentic rhythms of southern Italy. Away from the hustle of mainstream tourism, Crotone embodies the essence of the real Italy, where time-honored traditions and genuine hospitality thrive. As cruise ships dock in its azure waters, passengers embark on journeys through vineyard-draped hillsides and olive groves, savoring the region's renowned wines and olive oils. A unique draw, the city's archaeological museum showcases artifacts spanning millennia, including treasures from its illustrious Greek heritage.

Day 19

Bari

Bari, a port city nestled along Italy's Adriatic coast, beckons with a history as vibrant as its sun-drenched streets. Famous for its ancient roots tracing back to Greek and Roman times, Bari offers a glimpse into the captivating past of Southern Italy. The Mediterranean climate blesses travelers with warm, sunny days perfect for strolling through the winding alleys of the old town, where authentic trattorias and bustling markets await. Unlike the typical tourist destinations, Bari retains its authentic charm, providing cruisegoers with an immersive experience in the real Italy. And did you know? Bari is home to the Basilica di San Nicola, housing the relics of Saint Nicholas, making it a pilgrimage site for many.

Day 20

Sibenik

Days 21-22

Venice

Venice, a city born of resilience and innovation, captivates with its labyrinth of canals and timeless beauty. Its storied past, intertwined with the Venetian Republic's grandeur, evokes a sense of wanderlust in travelers. The gentle lapping of water against ancient palazzi, paired with the soft glow of Venetian lanterns, creates an enchanting atmosphere. Nestled in the heart of the Venetian Lagoon, the city boasts a temperate climate, offering mild winters and balmy summers, ideal for leisurely strolls through its narrow alleyways. Cruise lines gracefully navigate the Grand Canal, providing a glimpse into Venice's illustrious past and vibrant present.

Days 1-2

Lisbon

Day 3

Cádiz

Day 4

Tangier

Day 5

Málaga

Day 6

Cartagena

Day 7

Palma de Mallorca

Days 8-9

Barcelona

Day 10

Sète

Day 11

Marseille

Day 12

Monte-Carlo

Days 13-14 Livorno

Livorno

Day 15

Day 16

Day 17

Day 18

Day 19

Day 20

Sibenik

Days 21-22

Venice

930

Passengers

465

Crew

2019

Launched

48000t

Tonnage

227m

Length

29m

Width

20kts

Speed

Decks

EUR

Currency

Viking Jupiter

With their sleek, yacht-style bows and teak promenade decks, Viking’s ocean ships are a million miles from the large liners that sail the seas.

All Prices

Customer reviews

Reviews

Amazing cruise from Barcelona to rome

We’d always done river cruises with Viking but decided to an ocean cruise with them! We weren’t disappointed as it was amazing as soon as we arrived at Barcelona airport as the Viking were there to meet us ! The ship was beautiful and they’d upgraded us as well! The staff were so friendly and helpful! Food was yummy and excursions and entertainment great! It was our anniversary whilst on the cruise so had a lovely meal at mandfridos who made it special. Certainly a wonderful cruise!

Viking Ocean Cruises Viking Mars

Reviews

2023-06-02 15:25:44

We went all the way to Australia and New Zealand for our first Viking cruise. The welcome at Sydney airport left a lot to be desired with co-ordination between two reps was non existent. We were left sitting outside waiting and waiting and eventually directed to a coach, where the driver asked “ where had we been?” He too was frustrated. The hotel was very well located and excellent. We boarded the ship, which looked like a newly built house with everything new. The food was good, but the carvery catered for non UK tastes with the meat very pink! But with plenty of alternatives so you could avoid it. Our only real complaint was trying to register for an excursion. Instead of using the theatre like all other cruise lines, Viking staff attempted this in a corridor, with people trying to register and others simply trying to get past. As the ship was only six months old I guess. the staff were inexperienced .

Viking Ocean Cruises Viking Mars

Reviews

2023-06-02 13:27:28

This was our first cruise. We had a fabulous time. We did end up missing two port of calls because of Cyclone Gabrielle but Viking took great care of us. We also extended 4 days in New Zealand which was incredible! We will definitely be cruising with Viking again.

Viking Ocean Cruises Viking Orion

Reviews

2023-03-28 17:59:06

Viking Ocean Cruises Viking Jupiter

Reviews

2023-03-09 12:00:04

Was great except the World Cafe ( Their Carvery ) catered for American tastes with the meat hardly cooked, Viking Mars needs to rethink this when moving to Europe.

Viking Ocean Cruises Viking Mars

Reviews

2023-03-08 17:09:20

Viking Ocean Cruises Viking Sky

Reviews

2023-02-15 19:22:01

Viking met expectations

Viking Ocean Cruises Viking Sky

Reviews

2023-01-23 09:30:02

Overall a very good cruise. We had previously only cruised with Fred Olsen and it was interesting to compare the two lines. The airport pickup and transfer in Spain was very good as was disembarkation in Tilbury. The cabins or 'staterooms' seemed large and of a very high standard. Food was good and exceptional in the 'free' Italian restaurant however the dining areas were crowded, noisy and the service was slow. Dress was much less formal than I was expecting for the evening meals. There wasn't that much in the way of activities during the day and the evening music in the bars seemed to close rather early. The evening show was unambitious - just singing Beatles and ABBA songs etc. The lectures were a bit hit and miss. The included shore excursions although well organised were tedious and uninspired almost certainly better to explore oneself. . The Spa area with free access was amazing. The ship was beautifully furnished throughout. The (complimentary for us) all inclusive drinks was a very good including several decent wines and spirits. Free WiFi was good and reliable. Would we go with Viking again? Definitely, although I think without special offers their fares are a bit on the high side compared to some for the experience you get.

Viking Ocean Cruises Viking Venus