From Rome to Venice: Best Cruises for Exploring Italy

Here are the top cruise lines operating in the Mediterranean, renowned for their splendid accommodations, gourmet dining and immersive excursions.

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: Redefines luxury cruising, blending the sophistication of a world-class hotel with the intimacy of a private yacht. Its sleek, elegant vessels feature spacious suites with private terraces, exceptional culinary experiences crafted by renowned chefs and a personalized level of service that leaves no detail overlooked. With smaller yachts, it can access unique ports often missed by larger ships, allowing guests to explore hidden gems.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Sets the standard for all-inclusive luxury cruising, offering an unparalleled experience where elegance meets adventure. Renowned for its opulent ships, each boasting spacious suites with private balconies, the line provides impeccable service, gourmet dining and a wealth of onboard amenities. With itineraries that span the globe, including iconic Mediterranean cities, remote Pacific islands and vibrant cultural hubs, Regent combines exploration with indulgence.

Explora Journeys: Offers a reimagined luxury travel experience, blending cultural immersion and the elegance of a five-star resort at sea. Aboard state-of-the-art ships, guests enjoy ocean-view suites, world-class dining and curated wellness programs. Each voyage explores secluded havens and storied locales, creating unforgettable, soul-stirring journeys where the path is as enchanting as the destination.

Azamara Cruises: Featuring smaller ships that access unique, lesser-known ports, these voyages go beyond the ordinary with extended stays, curated itineraries and enriching cultural evenings — immersive onboard events that bring the art, music and traditions of the destination to life. What sets them apart is their country-specific cruises, a rare offering that allows travelers to deeply immerse themselves in the culture, history, and flavors of a single nation.

Crystal Cruises: Luxury travel with elegant, all-inclusive ships, personalized service and enriching experiences for culture-focused travelers. Themed cruises and culinary events immerse guests in regional traditions, while expert lectures on Mediterranean art history and cuisine highlighting their enrichment programs. Journey deeply into culture and history with thoughtfully curated itineraries.

Virgin Voyages: Delivers adults-only ships with sleek design, Michelin-starred dining, vibrant nightlife and wellness-focused amenities. With flexible itineraries and immersive excursions, it provides a carefree, modern experience. Perfect for adventurous travelers seeking sophistication, excitement and memorable escapes to captivating places.

Celebrity Cruises: As the upscale product of Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises blends the intimate feel and attentive service of a smaller ship with the variety and excitement of a larger one. Perfect for couples and multi-generational families, it offers stylish ships, world-class dining and immersive itineraries, creating unforgettable journeys to iconic destinations.

Personal tip: Pre-book excursions to secure access to major landmarks, especially since some cities are over an hour drive from their ports. Alternatively, choose cruises that dock in major ports for multiple days, giving you ample time to explore at a relaxed pace. Book smaller group tours for personalized experiences and to save time.

Below you will find popular cruise ports in Italy, along with some smaller ones, and the excursions available at each destination.

Popular ports:
Livorno (Florence), Tuscany: Embark on a day tour to Florence, the Renaissance capital, where you can marvel at the breathtaking Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, explore the Uffizi Gallery and stroll across Ponte Vecchio.

Civitavecchia (Rome), Lazio: Take a day trip to Rome, the eternal city, to explore timeless treasures like the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica and the iconic Trevi Fountain.

Fusina (Venice), Veneto: Spend your day getting lost in Venice’s romantic canals, visiting St. Mark’s Basilica and gliding on a gondola through the city’s winding waterways.

La Spezia, Liguria: Serves as the perfect gateway to Cinque Terre, where you can hike between the colorful cliffside villages, enjoy fresh seafood and soak in breathtaking views of the Ligurian coastline.

Genoa, Liguria: Discover the stunning Ligurian Riviera with a day tour to Portofino, a charming seaside village known for its pastel buildings, luxury yachts and picturesque harbor.

Naples, Campania: Visit the ancient ruins of Pompeii, then embark on a delightful food tour to savor the city’s world-famous Neapolitan pizza or take a boat ride to the island of Capri.

Salerno, Campania: Offers access to the Amalfi Coast, where you can enjoy a scenic drive along winding coastal roads, stopping in Positano and Amalfi for breathtaking views and local flavors.

Bari, Puglia: Explore the unique trulli houses of Alberobello, or take a trip to Matera, known for its ancient cave dwellings and breathtaking landscapes, offering a glimpse into Italy’s rich history.

Palermo, Sicily: Uncover Sicily’s rich history with a visit to the stunning Palatine Chapel, bustling markets and nearby Monreale Cathedral, famous for its golden mosaics.

Messina, Sicily: Take a short trip to Taormina, where you can explore the ancient Greek Theater and shop along Corso Umberto. Alternatively, embark on an adventure to visit Mount Etna, one of the world’s most active volcanoes.

Cagliari, Sardinia: Discover Sardinia’s fascinating history with a visit to the ancient Roman amphitheater and the stunning Cathedral di Santa Maria. Finish your day at Poetto Beach for a dose of coastal beauty.

Trieste, Friuli-Venezia Giulia: Provides a blend of Italian and Central European charm, with day tours to the stunning Miramare Castle overlooking the Adriatic or the intriguing caves of the Carso region.

Smaller ports
Portofino, Liguria: Enjoy a scenic journey through the lush Portofino Regional Park, hike to the secluded San Fruttuoso Abbey or explore the glamorous village with its chic boutiques and picturesque harbor.

Sorrento, Campania: Offers day trips to the stunning Amalfi Coast, picturesque Positano or a boat tour to the enchanting Isle of Capri, where you can visit the Blue Grotto and Monte Solaro.

Portoferraio (Elba Island), Tuscany: Delve into Napoleonic history with visits to Villa dei Mulini and Villa San Martino or relax on the island’s pristine beaches surrounded by crystal-clear waters.

Lipari (Aeolian Islands), Sicily: Take a boat tour around the islands to admire their stunning coastal beauty and volcanic landscapes, or trek Stromboli volcano to witness its mesmerizing lava flows.

Porto Torres, Sardinia: Visit the ancient Roman ruins of Turris Libisonis, relax on the stunning beaches of Balai and La Pelosa or take a ferry to the idyllic Asinara Island for nature trails and breathtaking views.

Brindisi, Puglia: Journey to the UNESCO-listed Alberobello to see its iconic trulli houses or head to Lecce, the "Florence of the South," to marvel at its Baroque architecture and vibrant streets.

Crotone, Calabria: Explore Castle of Charles V and the National Archaeology Museum housed inside, delve into the ancient ruins of Capo Colonna overlooking the Ionian Sea or relax on the pristine beaches of Calabria’s coast.