Cruises to the Eastern Mediterranean offer a masterclass in beauty and history as you glide along dazzling coastlines to legendary islands and atmospheric ports. Admire archaeological treasures that have shaped civilization itself, from ancient Ephesus in Turkey to the graceful Parthenon in Athens. Whether you’re here to delve into history, bask in the sunshine, or indulge in impossibly fresh seafood, you’ll find it here.
Every day brings new adventures. Stroll around the dramatic ramparts of Dubrovnik and marvel at the wealth that built Valletta, Malta’s elegant capital. Sample decadently sweet cannoli in Taormina, Sicily, against a backdrop of snow-capped Etna. Wander the ancient alleyways inside Diocletian’s Palace in Split. In Istanbul, step into the opulence of Topkapi Palace, once home to sultans and their secrets. Take a front-row seat in picturesque Little Venice, keeping your eyes peeled for the island’s feathered celebrity, Petros the pelican.
Eastern Mediterranean Cruise Highlights
Magnificent Ruins
Spectacular archaeological sites are scattered all over the Eastern Mediterranean. In Athens, gaze at the beautiful Parthenon, built in 447 BC and dedicated to the goddess Athena. Step back in time at ancient Olympia, explore the remains of the Palace of Knossos in Crete, and learn how the ancient Minoans lived at Akrotiri, on Santorini. In Split, marvel at Diocletian’s Palace, built in the fourth century. And in Turkey, the shining star is the extraordinary Greco-Roman city of Ephesus.
Spectacular Beaches
You’ll find gorgeous beaches of every kind across the Eastern Mediterranean. Embrace the lively beach scene of Mykonos. Swim in peaceful rocky coves along the coast of Hydra, and plunge into the crystal-clear waters around Dubrovnik and Split. Enjoy the novelty of Santorini’s sparkling black sand and bask on the golden sands of Faliraki Beach on Rhodes. Time to spare in Athens? Join the locals on the sandy beaches of Vougliameni and enjoy fresh-grilled fish at a toes-in-the-sand taverna.
Mediterranean Cuisine
Indulge all your senses on the delicious cuisine of this sun-drenched region. Enjoy grilled fish or succulent chicken souvlaki and a tomato salad sprinkled with salty feta cheese in Greece. Order a plate of jet-black squid ink risotto, a Croatian specialty, in Split or Dubrovnik. Turkey’s specialty is meze, a vast sharing spread of dips, salads, meats, cheeses, and warm breads. Don’t miss Santorini’s award-winning wines—and in Greece, try the local aperitif, anise-flavored ouzo, poured over ice.
Featured Ports
Dubrovnik
The enchanting walled city of Dubrovnik is surrounded on three sides by the sparkling Adriatic Sea. The entire Old Town resembles a living museum, with its stone palaces, ornate churches, and ancient mansions. Stroll around the ramparts, looking down on the terracotta rooftops, or join a kayak tour around the base of the walls. Take in the spectacular views from the cable car up Srd Hill. Relax with a platter of air-dried ham and local cheese and a glass of chilled white wine.
Santorini
Santorini is extraordinary. Fira, the whitewashed capital, spills over the rim of an ancient volcano, with jaw-dropping views across the sparkling caldera. Wander the town’s narrow alleys or head to pretty Oia, the location of those much-photographed blue-domed churches. Visit the fascinating archaeological site of Akrotiri to learn about the sophisticated Minoans. Swim off dramatic Red Beach, backed by towering terracotta cliffs, and make time to taste the island’s award-winning wines.
Istanbul
Istanbul’s beauty is seductive. The city’s European and Asian sides are divided by the Bosphorus, constantly buzzing with water traffic, while the skylines on both are pierced with slender minarets. Explore the opulent Topkapi Palace, the shimmering beauty of the Blue Mosque, and the Byzantine splendor of Hagia Sophia. Take a day cruise along the Bosphorus to admire waterfront villages and marble palaces, or lose yourself in the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market, each a riot of color and scents.
Eastern Mediterranean Cruise Itineraries
Our Eastern Mediterranean season is long; while the peak is May to September, you can explore the region as early as February and as late as November, the perfect times to sail if you love the idea of a slower pace in the ports you’ll visit.
Itineraries range from 7 to 13 nights, including every length in between. Options include a 7-night island-hop around Greece and Turkey to a leisurely 13-night meander across the region from Barcelona to Athens, calling at Messina in Sicily and historic Valletta in Malta, with overnight stays in both Thessaloniki and Athens. Other itineraries take you to Dubrovnik and Split in Croatia, Kotor in Montenegro, and Italy’s gorgeous Amalfi Coast, as well as the most iconic places in Greece, including Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, and Crete.
Itineraries
Why Sail to the Eastern Mediterranean with Celebrity Cruises
Let Celebrity Cruises take you deeper into the Eastern Mediterranean, with immersive experiences both onboard and ashore. Choose the new Celebrity Xcel and dine under the stars at Bora, which brings the flavors of the region to life. On Celebrity Xcel and Celebrity Ascent, feel the morning sun on your face as you lounge on the Magic Carpet, high above the sparkling sea. Unwind on the fragrant grass of the Lawn Club on Celebrity Eclipse, and on any of our ships, toast the end of another perfect day at the Sunset Bar as the Mediterranean reflects the golden light of dusk.
Discover the many restaurants on board, whether you’re in the mood for something casual or a romantic date night. Relax in The Spa after busy days exploring, or bask by the pool, ice-cold cocktail in hand. Elevate your entire vacation with The Retreat, which includes suite accommodation, butler service, globally inspired cuisine in the exclusive Luminae at The Retreat, and more.
