Mediterranean Culture at Every Port
Explore historic cities, island traditions and authentic local life across the Mediterranean.
Mediterranean Cruises from the UK
Italy, Croatia and the Mediterranean at a relaxed pace
Classic Mediterranean Icons
From Venice and Rome to Dubrovnik and Split, sail straight into the heart of the Mediterranean.
No-Fly Cruises from the UK
Start closer to home and sail directly from the UK without the need to fly.
Smaller Ships for Med Cruising
Enjoy spacious comfort, friendly service and an adult-focused atmosphere on classic ships.
Why choose a Mediterranean cruise with Ambassador?
The Mediterranean is a region shaped by history, culture and the sea. From Italian cities rich with art to Croatia’s walled towns and island-studded coastlines, this is cruising at its most rewarding.
Sail with Ambassador Cruise Line and experience Mediterranean cruises designed for comfort, curiosity and connection. With no-fly departures from the UK, smaller ships and carefully chosen ports, you can enjoy Italy, Croatia and the wider Mediterranean without the rush.
Our Mediterranean itineraries bring together iconic destinations and lesser-visited gems, creating journeys that feel varied yet unhurried.
Italy cruise destinations
An Italy cruise offers remarkable diversity, from Renaissance cities to sun-soaked southern ports.
Key Italian cruise ports include:
- Rome (Civitavecchia) – Access the Eternal City, Vatican treasures and quieter Roman neighbourhoods
- Naples – Gateway to Pompeii, Capri and the flavours of Campania
- Livorno – Ideal for Florence, Pisa and Tuscany’s rolling countryside
- Sicily (Palermo or Messina) – A rich blend of Greek, Roman and Norman influences
Italy cruise ports are especially appealing for guests who enjoy art, history and food-led travel.
Croatia cruise destinations and the Adriatic
Croatia cruises are known for their dramatic coastlines and walkable old towns, many located just steps from the port.
Ports may include:
- Dubrovnik – Medieval walls, marble streets and Adriatic views
- Split – Roman history woven into everyday life
- Zadar – A relaxed harbour town with ancient roots
- Kotor, Montenegro – A spectacular sail-in followed by a compact medieval centre
These destinations suit travellers who enjoy scenic cruising, photography and easy exploration.
Greek and Western Mediterranean ports
To complete your Mediterranean cruise, many itineraries also feature:
- Corfu – Green landscapes and Venetian-influenced architecture
- Kefalonia - A quieter Greek island known for turquoise bays, and traditional village life
- Barcelona – Art, markets and Mediterranean culture
- Ibiza - Beyond the nightlife, discover a relaxed island of old towns, scenic coves
- Valletta, Malta – One of Europe’s most historic natural harbours
Together, these ports create a balanced Mediterranean experience rich in contrast and colour.
Mediterranean destination experiences
Our destination experiences are curated to enrich your time ashore without overpacking the day.
Examples include:
- Guided walks through historic old towns
- Scenic coastal drives and boat trips
- Local food tastings and cultural visits
- Gentle-paced options for relaxed exploration
Each experience is designed with comfort, insight and enjoyment in mind.
Life on board
Between ports, enjoy relaxed sea days and evenings on board:
- Thoughtfully prepared cuisine inspired by global flavours
- Theatre@Sea performances, live music and talks
- Comfortable lounges and open decks for watching the world go by
- A warm, welcoming crew who make you feel at home
This is cruising designed to be sociable, calm and easy to enjoy.
FAQs: Mediterranean cruises
Can I visit Italy and Croatia on one cruise?
Yes. Many Mediterranean itineraries combine Italian cruise ports with Croatia and the Adriatic.
Are Mediterranean cruise ports easy to explore?
Many ports are close to historic centres or have straightforward transport, making them ideal for relaxed sightseeing.
Is a Mediterranean cruise suitable if I prefer smaller ships?
Yes. Our classic ships are designed to feel comfortable and easy to navigate.
Do Mediterranean cruises suit first-time cruisers?
Absolutely. The variety of ports and gentle pace make them a popular choice.
When is the best time to cruise the Mediterranean?
Spring and early autumn are particularly popular, offering warm weather and comfortable sightseeing conditions. These shoulder seasons are often favoured by experienced cruisers seeking a quieter experience.
Sail with confidence
Your Mediterranean cruise includes financial protection, refund guarantees and the reassurance of travelling with a UK-based cruise line. With no flights and everything taken care of, you can focus on the journey ahead.
Why cruise the Mediterranean with Ambassador
Cruising the Mediterranean with Ambassador is about seeing how the region connects, not just visiting individual ports. Many of our Mediterranean itineraries naturally extend into Spain and Iberia, combining Italian and Adriatic highlights with vibrant cities like Barcelona and Málaga, and in some cases continuing on to North Africa, adding even greater contrast and cultural depth. Sailing no-fly from the UK allows the journey to unfold gradually, often calling at Iberian ports along the way, while our smaller ships offer easier access to historic harbours and old towns across the Mediterranean. With an adult-focused atmosphere and a relaxed pace, it’s a way to experience Southern Europe and beyond that feels unhurried, thoughtful and rewarding.
Terms and Conditions
The Ambassador Guarantee is available to guests that have not previously cruised with Ambassador Cruise Line, and are booking their first cruise aboard Ambience or Ambition. It is valid for new bookings only, made after 19th Jan 2024 for a duration of 4 nights or more. To take advantage of the Guarantee you must state your intention to leave the cruise, and the reason why, to the Hotel Director within 24 hours of your embarkation. Our onboard team will endeavour to resolve any issues within 24 hours from the time you notify them. If a solution cannot be agreed, Ambassador will cover the cost of transport to your point of embarkation at the next available port. The mode of repatriation will be at Ambassador’s discretion e.g. flights, rail, taxi plus one hotel night if needed. Ambassador is only responsible for the travel / hotel cost and nothing else, all other costs must be covered by you. Ambassador will refund the fare that you have paid for your cruise and pro-rated drinks package costs only. We will not refund any extra costs you have incurred on board of a personal nature i.e. drinks, gifts, shopping, laundry, spa, communications etc. We will not reimburse port parking or travel costs to the terminal or for items not purchased directly through Ambassador, such as overnight accommodation, travel insurance, visa’s or health certificates. Refunds will be made via the same channel that you used to book your cruise e.g. directly with Ambassador or via a travel agent. Refunds may take up to 14 working days to process. The Guarantee does not affect Ambassador’s standard booking conditions or pre-departure cancellation policy. Guarantee not available on Festive events, cruises under 4 nights or any cruise within our Caribbean Fly-Cruise Programme. Not applicable to employees of Ambassador and their friends and family, suppliers, journalists, or any prize winners or concession booking.
Extras not included: Travel insurance, travel costs to/ from the port of embarkation, however we do include transfers between the airport and ship in Barbados, port parking, onboard gratuities and service charges where a package has not been purchased (automatically billed to the onboard account), optional shore excursions, discretionary expenditure of a personal nature including hot and cold alcoholic & non-alcoholic drinks, gifts, shopping, laundry, Wi-Fi and communication, and any visa & health certificate charges that may apply. Ambassador Cruise Line reserves the right to cancel, change or amend any theme cruise activities/speakers/acts at short notice. In the event of your cruise being cancelled, you will be guaranteed a full refund. Cruise holidays booked with Ambassador Cruise Holidays Limited, trading as Ambassador Cruise Line, are financially protected in accordance with the Package Travel and Linked Arrangements Regulations 2018. Copyright 2025. Ambassador Cruise Holidays Limited is a company registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 13299365.
