Cruising is one the few types of holidays that requires advanced planning. Med cruises for 2021 are already starting to fill, with the best ships selling out quickly.

Types of Mediterranean Cruises

Cruising to the Med caters for everyone from families travelling with young kids to the elderly looking to spend a few months of the year at sea. Foodies, history-lovers, shopping enthusiasts and those looking to bronze themselves in the crystal-clear waters of the Med will be equally delighted by the range of itineraries and cruise ships available for the 2021 Med cruise season.

There are three types of Med cruises to choose from:

• Cruise only: sail direct from a UK port such as Southampton to the Med. These cruises are perfect for those who are pushed for time, offering easy 7 to 10-night itineraries from top destination ports in the Med. Cruise only holidays are the ideal way to see a few different countries without much effort.

• Fly Cruises: fly from your local airport (where applicable) to a Mediterranean cruise departure port like Venice, Palma and Dubrovnik. With a short flight these are a great way to start your holiday in the Mediterranean sunshine.

• Med Cruise & Stay packages: most cruise lines offer the option to include several nights in your arrival or departure port as part of a cruise package. This is a great way to transform a 10-night Med cruise into a 2-week holiday. Cruise and Stays are ideal for those wishing to enjoy a combined land and cruise experience, and for those wishing to deepen their sightseeing in iconic ports such as Rome and Barcelona.

• Relocation cruises to the Med: these cruises take place at the start or end of the 2021 Med season, combining other key cruise destinations like the Caribbean, Dubai and Asia with the Med. Relocation cruises to the Med are ideal for guests with time available to enjoy 30-day cruise itineraries and wish to visit unique once-a-season destinations such as Israel and Morocco.

The best time to visit the Med on a cruise

The Med gets hot, and busy. Some people love this, feeling the bustling atmosphere in the Med on a scorching summer’s day is all part of the quintessential Mediterranean experience. Other guests prefer milder weather with fewer tourists and more time to enjoy the ports without long queues.

2021 Med cruises are available year-round, but the majority fall within the summer months from May to September.

• March & April: shoulder season cruises with an average temperature of 20 degrees are perfect for sightseeing in the Western Med, but can feel a little cool in the Eastern Med where most of the ports are beach destinations. Many cruises at this time of year are relocation cruises, offering longer itineraries for remarkably low fares.

• May, June & July: the warm, balmy months at the start of summer are ideal for the best of the Greek Isles in the Eastern Med. This is a good time to enjoy sightseeing in the bigger ports before the school holidays draw too many crowds.

• August & September: school holidays attract more people, and also fall into the hottest months of summer. This is great for sunning yourself on the beach. It is also a nice time to travel if you prefer to cruise with younger guests.

• October & November: as the season tapers off savvy cruisers find great deals to the Med. Destinations are a little cooler, but still relatively hot, with far fewer crowds. This is the best season to discover unique itineraries on top relocation cruises.

• December, January & February: winter sun cruises from Southampton visit the Algarve, Balearic and Canary Islands. These are simple, no-fuss holidays with temperate weather.

Top Mediterranean Cruise Itineraries for 2021

Whether you fly to a magical port such as Malta and take a 14 night Mediterranean voyage to Greece and Croatia on P&O’s Azura, or drive to Southampton for a no-fuss 19 Night Venice and The Adriatic cruise on Cunard’s Queen Victoria, a Med cruise is sure to tick your boxes as the ideal European holiday in 2021.

Choosing a Cruise Line for the Med in 2021

Most of the major cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line and P&O Cruises offer an excellent selection of Med cruises in 2021.

Royal Caribbean is known for ground-breaking onboard activities such as flow riders and acrobats on large ships like Anthem of the Seas which is sailing direct from Southampton. Holland America Line and P&O Cruises both offer more traditional cruise service with a personal, understated feel, whilst stylish cruise lines such as Celebrity Cruises and Virgin Voyages offer a younger, more modern cruise experience.

Families love Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, younger cruisers are well catered for on Princess or Celebrity, and traditionalists favour Holland America Line and P&O. Guests seeking an added level of luxury or an exclusive small ship experience will be delighted by Seabourn, Silversea and Regent Seven Seas.

New Ships in the Mediterranean for 2021

Discover a sleek super yacht design on Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady, enjoy a simple yet sophisticated Med cruise on a smaller budget aboard MSC Seashore or experience a plethora of onboard adventure activities on Royal Caribbean’s latest ship Odyssey of the Seas.

Indulge in high-end luxury on a large ship as you set sail on Celebrity Apex launched in 2020, or treat yourself to the ultimate luxury cruise on Silversea’s Silver Moon as she embarks on her maiden season in the Med 2021.

All Inclusive 2021 Med Cruises

For the best deals on Med cruises, look for itineraries that include drinks as part of the all-inclusive cruise package. Many cruiselines including Marella and Norwegian Cruise Line have some fantastic offers for all-inclusive cruises in 2021.

Top Med Cruise Deals for 2021

When it comes to cruising, the early bird always wins. Top deals in the Med for 2021 see those booking early enjoying great discounts, complimentary upgrades, free drinks packages and generous onboard credit to spend on luxurious spa treatments or exciting shore excursions.