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Marvellous Med

P&O Mediterranean Cruises – from Sardinia to the South of France

Explore stunning beaches, ancient sites and exciting cities on P&O Mediterranean cruises.

Nothing says “holiday” quite like a week or two in the Mediterranean. Delicious food, colourful towns and cities with so many picture-perfect spots you have to stop yourself from snapping a photo at every turn, plus those golden, glistening beaches.

Brits and Mediterranean cruises go hand in hand. First off, they’re remarkably easy to get to, with many cruise lines sailing directly out of UK ports like Southampton and Tilbury. This means the added bonus of avoiding all the faffing that comes with airports – instead just slip into holiday mode the moment you embark your ship. And then there’s the destination itself: ever-varying and yet somehow always retaining its same inimitable, sun-kissed essence.

From the glamour of swishy ports like Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Nice to more laid-back places like Split and Malta – each spot has its own charm and character, keeping holidaymakers endlessly coming back for more. With such a huge coastline and so much to see and do, taking a cruise is a great way to explore the area, and allows you to fit in more than you would be able to by travelling over land.

Longstanding favourite P&O Cruises offers a bevvy of Mediterranean cruises, covering the whole region in sailings ranging from seven to 24 nights. While you won’t be able to sail roundtrip from the UK in one week, P&O Mediterranean cruises have plenty of fly-cruise options too, which fly directly into ports where you can board the ship.

These are the most popular P&O Cruises in the Mediterranean.

 

– READ MORE: 5 ancient cities to visit in the Mediterranean

6 best P&O Mediterranean Cruises

Western Mediterranean
Greece
Italy
France & Italy
Croatia & the Adriatic
Portugal & Northern Spain

Seville spain cruise

1. Western Mediterranean roundtrip from Southampton

£

Enjoy the total ease of sailing roundtrip from Southampton on this classic P&O Western Mediterranean cruise, onboard Arvia – the latest ship from P&O Cruises. Onboard you’ll find infinity pools, a four-screen cinema complex, high-ropes courses and a vast, state-of-the-art spa.

Off the ship, top up on Vitamin D with stops in Malaga and sunny Seville, all while discovering fascinating art, centuries-old culture and authentic Southern Spanish food. A day in Toulon promises French markets filled with character and relaxing strolls along the beach, while the infectious buzz of Barcelona packs energy and great nightlife.

Where: Southampton | La Coruna, Spain | Malaga | Toulon, France | Barcelona, Spain | Cádiz (for Seville) | Southampton, UK
Price: From £995pp

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P&O Mediterranean Cruises to Santorini, Greece

2. A Greek week: Santorini, Athens & Crete

£

This week-long voyage begins in Malta and takes you on a whistle-stop tour through classic Greek destinations. Visit the whitewashed buildings of Santorini, explore the ancient ruins of Athens, and fall in love with the slow-paced island life of Crete. Return flights from the UK to Valletta, Malta are included on this cruise which takes place on the family-friendly ship, Azura.

In the evenings, head over to the Glass House wine bar before a night of entertainment at The Playhouse Theatre.

Where: Valletta, Malta | Chania, Crete | Piraeus (for Athens), Greece | Santorini | Valletta, Malta
Price: From £871pp

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Rome Colloseum

3. Italian escape: Rome, Amalfi Coast & Sardinia

££

Departing from Southampton, this 18-night P&O Mediterranean cruise showcases Italy’s ‘La Dolce Vita’, alongside stops in other Med hotspots along the way. Explore the white-sand beaches of Sardinia, transport yourself back to the classical world with a visit to Rome’s Colosseum, and soak in the vibrancy of the iconic Amalfi coast. The itinerary’s longer length means plenty of time to become immersed in the Mediterranean way of life, as well as discover all that lies onboard Aurora.

And what does lie onboard, indeed? Dance classes, multiple pools, an ‘Oasis Spa’ – all exclusively for adults.

Where: Southampton, UK | Cádiz (for Seville), Spain | Motril (tours to Granada) | Tarragona | Santa Margherita, Italy | Civitavecchia (for Rome) | Sorrento | Olbia, Sardinia | Lisbon, Portugal | Southampton, UK
Price: From £2,078 pp

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P&O Cruises onboard infinity pool

4. Coastal bliss: A week in France & Italy

£

A perfect choice for first-time cruisers, this journey focuses on the Mediterranean gems of France and Italy. Experience the charm and glamour of the French Riviera while soaking in world-renowned culture in the Italian cities of Rome and Florence. Round off a sun-soaked week with some time on the French island of Corsica, where rugged cliffs and majestic mountains invite breathtaking walks.

Sailing on Azura, the ship’s modern amenities and shorter cruise length make this ideal for families, friends and active couples. Return flights are included from UK to Valletta, Malta.

Where: Valletta, Malta | Civitavecchia (for Rome), Italy | Livorno (for Florence & Pisa) | Villefranche, France | Ajaccio, Corsica
Price: From £861 pp

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Dubrovnik is a popular port on P&O Mediterranean Cruises

5. Adriatic Adventure: Corfu, Dubrovnik & Mykonos

££

On this two-week fly-cruise, explore treasures of the Adriatic coastline, featuring stops in Corfu, Dubrovnik and Split. (Extra points if you recognise any Game of Thrones filming locations while in Dubrovnik!) The Bay of Kotor offers some seriously scenic sailing, while a stop on the party island of Mykonos will require you to don some dancing shoes. Swim through crystal clear waters and spend evenings cosying up under Azura’s open-air cinema.

Return flights to and from P&O Mediterranean cruises’ home port, Valletta, make for a seamless, cost-effective trip.

Where: Valletta, Malta | Souda Bay, Crete | Piraeus (for Athens), Greece | Mykonos | Heraklion, Crete | Valletta, Malta | Corfu, Greece | Kotor, Montenegro | Split, Croatia | Dubrovnik, Croatia | Valletta, Malta
Price: From £1,819 pp

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Lisbon tram

6. Roundtrip Portugal: Lisbon, Porto & Santander

£

Journey through the far west of Europe, where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic. Freshly caught seafood, vast stretches of golden beach, and historic cobbled streets all await.

Visit Santander, the picturesque gateway to northern Spain, and Vigo, with its rich maritime heritage. An overnight stay in Lisbon allows plenty of time to explore Portugal’s capital, while a call to Porto, famed for its tile-lined streets means sampling some of Europe’s finest wines. A trip to the lesser-visited island of Guernsey will make way for beautifully crowd-free coastal views, before returning to Southampton.

Where: Southampton, UK | Santander, Spain | Vigo, Spain | Lisbon (Overnight onboard), Portugal | Leixoes (for Porto) | St. Peter Port, Guernsey | Southampton, UK
Price: £918 pp

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What is the best month for a Mediterranean cruise?

For great value, comfortable weather and fewer crowds, the shoulder seasons are usually the best time to take a cruise in the Med.

These run from April to early June, and September to early November. Needless to say, the joys of Spring and its pretty blooms make April and May a treat to travel in, while the burnished colours of Autumn are equally attractive in September and October. Temperatures sit around the low-mid 20s°C and the summer crowds are well avoided. It’s also easier to get a spot on shoulder season voyages, as summer cruises, particularly with popular cruise lines like P&O, often require booking up to one, or even two, years in advance!

What’s included on P&O Cruises Mediterranean cruises?

While each of P&O Cruises’ seven ships varies, whichever Mediterranean itinerary you choose, the following will be included in your booking:

  • Full board dining (excluding speciality restaurants)
  • Entertainment programmes
  • Accommodation
  • Full access to ship facilities
  • Kids’ clubs
  • Fitness centre access
  • All tips

For extras like drinks, excursions and spa treatments, you will need to pay a little more.

 

– READ MORE: What can you expect on P&O Cruises’ 18+ holidays?

P&O Mediterranean cruise packing list

Though southern Europe is usually nice and sunny, weather can be changeable so it’s good to be prepared with a varied selection of clothes, including a lightweight waterproof for any potential rain.

The key to any good holiday is comfort, so casual wear like T-shirts, vest tops, shorts, sun dresses and light trousers are all a good idea – particularly when you’re out exploring each port. Swimwear is a must, too!

For evenings onboard your P&O ship, you’ll want a mix of smart-casual options (shirts, nice tops, dark trousers) and something formal. Each sailing has at least one ‘Celebration night’ where everyone is encouraged to dress formally – we’re talking suits, cocktail dresses, even a ballgown if you fancy…

For your feet, some smart shoes for the evening will be necessary, and you’ll also want comfortable shoes like trainers or boots for walking when out and about. Apart from that, we’d recommend some flip-flops for your best poolside lounging.

 

– READ MORE: What to pack for a Mediterranean cruise with P&O Cruises

Author

Finn Thompson

Hello 👋 I am the newest addition to the Sailawaze writing team. I've always loved travel since as far back as I can remember and am lucky enough to have travelled to some pretty extraordinary places! As a massive animal lover, I think safaris are among my favourite travel memories – there's just nothing like being up close to a beautiful creature like a leopard or elephant! Cruising opens up so many doors when it comes to exploring destinations, as you can visit numerous places in one go, and reach areas you wouldn't be able to by plane or train! I would really like to take a Mediterranean cruise around the little Greek islands and get stuck in with all of the cuisine and culture there.

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Published 14.01.25