A sun-kissed climate, mouth-watering cuisine, twinkling seas… the Mediterranean is what summer holiday dreams are made of. Not only that, but we cruise straight to the Med from Southampton, meaning it’s never been easier or more hassle-free to explore all that this diverse region has to offer. 

•    See more for less – You’ll save money (and time) on the price of your holiday when you book a cruise, as you’ll bundle travel and accommodation costs together. 
•    Easy planning – Bid goodbye to fiddly travel logistics, delayed flights and long journeys. Simply board your luxury ship at Southampton and get ready to discover a new destination every day.
•    One trip, multiple destinations – You’ll pack even more into your holiday on a cruise, as we’ll cover multiple countries in one trip, from the architecturally innovative cities of Spain to the peaceful islands of Greece. Who knows, you might discover your new favourite place. 
Discover more reasons why a cruise is the best way to explore Europe and the Mediterranean. 

There are almost too many highlights in the Med to list, but we’ve given it our best shot:
•    Santorini, Greece – The white-washed houses, cornflower blue rooves and sparkling waters of Santorini are just as impressive in real life as they are on the postcards. Watching the sun set over the caldera will be an unforgettable part of your Mediterranean cruise.
•    Gaudian architecture, Barcelona – From the imposing La Sagrada Familia to sprawling Park Güell, the Spanish city of Barcelona is peppered with renowned architect Antoni Gaudi’s masterpieces. His work is characterised by its imaginative, gothic style.
•    The Canary Islands – The islands of this Spanish archipelago are as unexpected as they are diverse. Hop across black sand in Lanzarote, laze on the beaches of Fuerteventura and scale Spain’s tallest mountain in Tenerife. 
•    The multi-layered cities of Italy – Expect awe-inspiring cathedrals, world-renowned galleries and baroque churches in cities like Rome, Florence and Naples. And we haven’t even mentioned the pizza yet. 
•    Venice – No Mediterranean cruise is complete without a visit to this distinctive city set upon a complex network of canals. Take your time wandering the atmospheric backstreets, and don’t miss St. Mark’s Basilica in the Piazza San Marco. 

If you’re visiting the Mediterranean in the summer, pack plenty of shorts, cotton T-shirts and looser clothing to keep you cool as temperatures soar. It’s also a good idea to bring layers in case it cools off in the evenings. Make sure to bring along your swimwear for dipping in the sea or lazing by the pool on the ship, as well as a sun hat and sun cream. In cooler months, waterproofs, warm layers and sensible footwear are essential. Find out more about what to pack on your Celebrity cruise. 

Most of the Mediterranean follows CET (Central European Time), which is one hour ahead of the UK and 2 hours ahead during daylight saving time.

The Mediterranean diet is considered one of the healthiest (and most delicious) in the world, thanks to its preference of grains, lean meats and olive oil. The coastlines and sunny climate ensure sweet, naturally ripened vegetables and plenty of fish. That doesn’t mean, however, that it’s without its indulgences – try traditional pizza and rich pasta in Italy, or hearty paella with spicy chorizo in Spain. 
 

The Mediterranean is generally a safe place to visit, although guests are advised to prioritise their safety and use their discretion.

Countries considered to be in the Mediterranean are those which border the Mediterranean Sea, as well as some member states. The ones we visit include:
•    Spain
•    France
•    Monaco
•    Italy
•    Croatia 
•    Montenegro
•    Greece
•    Turkey
•    Israel
•    Malta
•    Portugal
 

Celebrity Cruises sails to the Mediterranean between April and October. During the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn), temperatures are slightly cooler and the crowds are smaller – perfect if you like to have the tourist sites to yourself. The summer months will be the hottest and busiest. We don’t cruise to the Mediterranean in the winter, when the weather tends to be chillier and with a higher likelihood of rain. 

The Mediterranean climate is typified by hot summers and mild winters. 
•    Spring: Temperatures start to warm up (hovering around 20 degrees) and the flowers begin to bloom, creating lush landscapes to enjoy. 
•    Summer: This is when temperatures are at their highest, reaching between 30 and 40 degrees in Italy. 
•    Autumn: Temperatures cool down to the low 20s and the crowds begin to disperse. 
•    Winter: The coldest month is January, when temperatures dip to single figures. 
 

Mediterranean hurricanes are known as medicanes, but aren’t common at all – the waters of the Mediterranean don’t usually provide the right conditions to create hurricanes. If they do form, activity tends to start in autumn, peak in January, and peter out by April/May so there’s little-to-no chance of being caught in one during cruise season. 

We’ve created some tips to help with any confusion around Brexit and how it affects travel. Check out our guide to Brexit and travelling to make your Mediterranean cruise as smooth as possible.