Mediterranean Cruise Guide

The Mediterranean continues to ride high for 2012 with a clutch of new ships and ongoing interest from US cruise lines which are basing several vessels at its ports.

Royal Caribbean International is basing eight ships in the Mediterranean, and Princess Cruises will have four, while Celebrity Cruises will base three of its vessels at Mediterranean ports. Costa Cruises is increasing its Med fleet to 15, including its newest vessel Costa Fascinosa, while German line Hapag-Lloyd is offering sailings on its latest ship Columbus 2.

P&O Cruises is basing its adult-only ship Adonia in the Mediterranean from October to December. Cultural cruise line Voyages to Antiquity is venturing west with sailings taking in Italy, France and Spain, while Thomson Cruises is basing one of its ships at Corfu.

New vessels making their debut include Oceania Cruises’ Riviera, Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Breeze and MSC Cruises’ MSC Divina.

Top Tips

When to go? Spring, just before the high season begins. Late Summer

How to bag a bargain? Go in spring or autumn and outside of school holidays

Who the cruise would suit? Culture vultures and families

Want to know more about life on board, plus expert advice on which ship to choose and the best time to travel? Our magazine has it all!

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The best of the Med – What’s new for 2011

More than 25 cruise lines sail the Med in the summer, offering everything from mini-cruises to grand voyages, and visiting every destination imaginable – including some you’ve probably never heard of. Jane Archer explains how to get the best out of a cruise to the Med.