If you’re dreaming of a bucket-list-worthy vacation, the Royal Caribbean Mediterranean cruise is hard to beat. From Italy’s ancient charm to Spain’s vibrant coastline, Royal Caribbean offers some of the most scenic and diverse itineraries across Europe. This guide covers everything you need to plan your 2025 or 2026 cruise.
1. Royal Caribbean Mediterranean cruise 2025
2025 is shaping up to be a blockbuster year for Royal Caribbean Mediterranean cruises, with more sailings, newer ships, and expanded routes. Departures begin as early as April and continue through October, making it a perfect warm-weather getaway for every type of traveler.
Most itineraries begin in popular embarkation cities like Barcelona, Rome (Civitavecchia), and Athens. You’ll find flexible options ranging from 7 to 14-night cruises, with itineraries that explore stunning destinations in Italy, Spain, Greece, France, and Croatia. Royal Caribbean is also deploying top-tier ships like Allure of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, and other Oasis-class vessels, ensuring both comfort and adventure onboard.
2. Royal Caribbean Western Mediterranean cruise
he Royal Caribbean Western Mediterranean cruise is ideal for first-time cruisers or anyone wanting a diverse cultural experience in one week. These itineraries typically depart from Barcelona or Rome, sailing through iconic Western European cities and seaside escapes.
Expect scenic days in Florence/Pisa, Naples, and Palma de Mallorca, along with breathtaking stops along the French Riviera such as Marseille or Nice. Occasionally, routes include unique detours to Sicily or even Tunisia, blending old-world charm with vibrant local flavors. This route is a favorite for its mix of history, coastline, and Mediterranean cuisine.
Read in depth here: Royal Caribbean Western Mediterranean Cruise
3. Royal Caribbean Eastern Mediterranean cruise
The Royal Caribbean Eastern Mediterranean cruise focuses on rich history, ancient ports, and picturesque island escapes. These cruises usually set sail from Athens (Piraeus) or Ravenna and explore destinations like Santorini, Mykonos, Ephesus and Crete.
Eastern itineraries are perfect for those interested in mythology, archaeology, and postcard-worthy views. Some extended voyages may even include stops in Israel or Cyprus, offering deeper cultural immersion. If you love a mix of beach days and historic explorations, the Eastern Med route delivers the best of both worlds.
Read in depth here: Royal Caribbean Western Mediterranean Cruise
4. Royal Caribbean Mediterranean cruise ships
Royal Caribbean strategically deploys a fleet of diverse ships on its Mediterranean routes to cater to every type of traveler — families, couples, solo adventurers, and luxury seekers. Each ship offers a unique onboard experience while covering exciting itineraries through Italy, Spain, France, Greece, and more.
a. Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas Mediterranean cruise
The Allure of the Seas, an Oasis-class ship, sails popular Western Mediterranean routes out of Barcelona. With neighborhoods like Central Park, entertainment at the AquaTheater, and multiple kids’ play zones, this ship is ideal for families and multigenerational travelers. Expect itineraries that include Rome, Palma de Mallorca, and Marseille. It’s a floating resort that offers a balance between port exploration and onboard indulgence.
b. Royal Caribbean Odyssey of the Seas Mediterranean cruise
Launched recently, the Odyssey of the Seas is part of the Quantum Ultra class and often sails from Rome or Athens. Designed for tech-savvy travelers, it features the North Star viewing capsule, Two70 entertainment space, and a Virtual Reality trampoline park. Eastern Mediterranean itineraries may include Mykonos, Santorini, Ephesus (Kusadasi), and Haifa. It’s a great choice for couples or younger cruisers seeking modern luxury with exotic destinations.
c. Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas Mediterranean cruise
Smaller in size compared to Oasis-class ships, Voyager of the Seas offers a more intimate cruise experience and often features port-intensive itineraries. Departing from cities like Barcelona and Rome, it visits destinations such as Nice, Messina, and Kotor. Onboard, it still packs a punch with FlowRider, a rock-climbing wall, and refreshed staterooms — making it ideal for those who prefer a classic cruise vibe with fewer crowds.
5. Royal Caribbean Mediterranean cruise itinerary
Choosing the right Royal Caribbean Mediterranean cruise itinerary depends on your travel style, budget, and how much of Europe you want to explore. Whether you’re after a quick getaway or an extended escape, Royal Caribbean offers flexible options to suit every kind of cruiser. You can opt for 2-7 day routes that highlight major port cities, or go for 10- or 14-day Mediterranean cruises that allow for deeper cultural immersion with fewer sea days and more stops. These itineraries typically include a mix of Eastern and Western Mediterranean ports, such as Barcelona, Rome, Athens, Santorini, Florence, and Naples, with scenic coastal views and bucket-list destinations along the way.
a. 14 day Mediterranean cruise Royal Caribbean
This two-week itinerary is ideal for travelers who want to fully explore both the Western and Eastern Mediterranean. Departing from major hubs like Barcelona or Rome, it may include stops in Italy, France, Spain, Greece, and Turkey. With fewer sea days, you’ll get more time in port cities like Florence, Dubrovnik, Athens, and Naples. These cruises offer the perfect mix of culture, history, beaches, and local cuisine — without feeling rushed.
b. 10 day Mediterranean cruise Royal Caribbean
The 10-day cruise offers a well-balanced experience enough days to explore multiple regions without being away too long. Often departing from Venice or Rome, you might sail to Mykonos, Kotor, Cannes, and even the Greek Isles. It’s a sweet spot for travelers who want both relaxation at sea and rich excursions ashore. Great for honeymooners, families, or anyone seeking a vacation with depth and variety.
c. 7 day Mediterranean cruise Royal Caribbean
The 7-day itinerary is perfect for first-time cruisers or those short on time. These typically focus on the Western Mediterranean, covering iconic ports like Rome, Barcelona, Naples, and Marseille. Though shorter, these cruises pack in a lot of adventure with optional shore excursions to the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, or even Monaco. Ideal for families, couples, or groups looking for an efficient and fun getaway
6. Royal Caribbean Mediterranean cruise reviews
Royal Caribbean’s Mediterranean cruises consistently receive high praise from travelers across all age groups and backgrounds. Guests especially appreciate the well-organized itineraries, world-class onboard amenities, and family-friendly environment.
7. FAQs on Royal Caribbean Mediterranean cruise
The best Royal Caribbean ship for a Mediterranean cruise depends on your travel style. If you're looking for family-friendly fun with big entertainment and dining variety, Allure of the Seas (Oasis Class) is ideal. For tech-forward features and couples’ experiences, Odyssey of the Seas stands out. If you prefer a more relaxed, port-focused itinerary, Voyager of the Seas offers a smaller and more intimate vibe.
The best time to go on a Royal Caribbean Mediterranean cruise is between May and September. These months offer the sunniest weather and warm temperatures perfect for exploring coastal cities. While July and August are peak season with bigger crowds and higher prices, May, June, and September provide a sweet spot
Yes, many Royal Caribbean Mediterranean cruises include Greece as part of their Eastern Mediterranean itineraries. Ports like Santorini, Mykonos, and Athens (Piraeus) are commonly featured, along with stops in Turkey and Croatia.
Royal Caribbean visits a wide range of Mediterranean cruise ports, covering both Eastern and Western routes. Popular ports include Barcelona, Rome (Civitavecchia), Naples, Marseille, Palma de Mallorca, and Florence/Pisa in the west, and Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Dubrovnik, and Kusadasi in the east. Some longer cruises even include lesser-known gems like Cinque Terre, Valencia, and Monte Carlo. What is the best Royal Caribbean ship for a Mediterranean cruise?
What is the best time to go on a Royal Caribbean Mediterranean cruise?
Do Royal Caribbean Mediterranean cruises include Greece?
. Which ports does Royal Caribbean visit in the Mediterranean?
Sonal is a passionate content creator with a focus on travel, cruise experiences. She brings a strategic lens to the articles she writes by sharing actionable insights on destination guides and digital trends for modern travelers. Her writing blends practical insights with storytelling to help readers plan meaningful travel experiences.