Best Eastern Mediterranean Cruises 2024 & 2025

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Cruises to the Eastern Mediterranean

From its stunning coastline and ancient architecture to its famous cuisine and charming culture, cruising through the Eastern Mediterranean is one of the most rewarding vacations you’ll ever experience.

On one of our European cruises to the Eastern Mediterranean, you’ll discover incredible ports in Israel, Croatia, Greece, Malta, Turkey, Slovenia, Montenegro, and Italy. Stroll alongside the white-washed buildings of Santorini. Explore the walled city of Dubrovnik. Marvel at historic landmarks in Istanbul. Or visit one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World in Ephesus. There’s no shortage of beauty and wonder awaiting during an Eastern Mediterranean cruise.

Eastern Mediterranean Cruise Highlights

Ancient Ruins

Explore fascinating historical treasures on a cruise to the Eastern Mediterranean. In Athens, visit the famous ruins of the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena that dates back to 438 BC. Step inside Diocletian’s Palace in Split, a sprawling fort built for a Roman emperor in the fourth century. During an overnight stay in Jerusalem, see famous religious landmarks including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the scene of Jesus’ resurrection, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, two sacred Muslim sites.

Greek Sunsets

You’ll never forget the first time you witness one of Greece’s legendary sunsets. Oia, a picturesque town on the island of Santorini, and Zakynthos, a small island surrounded by impossibly blue waters, are both considered some of the best spots in the world to see the sun go down. Make your way up a cliffside restaurant or viewing point and watch as the sky transforms into a canvas of pink, orange, and purple hues in the distance.

Mediterranean Cuisine

Feast your senses on the delicious food and drink of this magical region. Explore the unique flavors of Eastern Europe during your days in port, where you’ll dine in seaside restaurants, wander through charming local markets, and sip some of the best wines in the world. Enjoy grilled fish and fresh octopus in Greece. Order a plate of black risotto, a Croatian specialty, in Split or Dubrovnik. While in Israel, eat as much hummus, falafel, and baba ganoush as your heart desires.

Featured Ports

Dubrovnik

Sail into the sparkling coast of Dubrovnik, a chic Croatian port known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” Walk around the well-preserved city walls and admire the scenic terracotta rooftops. Feast on Croatian wine and oysters, two of the region’s delicacies. Visit the Rector’s Palace, a stunningly restored Gothic building. Enjoy a leisurely bike ride around a nearby village, then lounge under the sun at one of Dubrovnik’s lovely sandy beaches.

View Dubrovnik Port Guide

Santorini

You’ll fall head over heels with Santorini as soon as you step foot on this idyllic Greek Island, where winding alleys are surrounded by white-washed buildings, blooming flowers, and spectacular views of the Ionian Sea. Explore the cliffside villages of Fira and Oia and their cafes, restaurants, and blue-domed churches. Sail around the island’s scenic half-moon-shaped bay while marveling at a volcanic caldera. Or lounge under the sun and dip your toes in one of Santorini’s famous black sand beaches.

View Santorini Port Guide

Istanbul

East meets West in Istanbul, a cosmopolitan city located between Europe and Asia that combines the best of both worlds. Learn all about the rich history of iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia. Go shopping at the labyrinth Grand Bazaar, where you’ll find all sorts of handmade treasures. Sip on a glass of Turkish tea by the Bosphorus, the body of water that separates the European and Asian sides of the city.

View Istanbul Port Guide

Eastern Mediterranean Cruise Itineraries

The Eastern Mediterranean cruise season begins in late May and lasts until mid-October. You’ll find everything from 6-night jaunts around Croatia, Greece, and Montenegro and 7-night sailings that stop in Italy, Malta, and Croatia, to lengthier journeys around the area, including 10-night cruises to Italy, Croatia, and Montenegro and 12-night journeys around Turkey and the Greek Islands. Most of our Eastern Mediterranean cruises spend only a day at sea, giving you plenty of time to explore the region in depth.

Europe Is Closer Than Ever With Flights by Celebrity

Not only do we offer the best way to explore Europe, but we also make it easy to get there with Flights by Celebrity℠. Relax knowing you’re booking the lowest airfare and have a dedicated team helping you get to your ship—and back.

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Why Sail to the Eastern Mediterranean with Celebrity Cruises

There’s no better way to explore the Mediterranean than on a cruise with Celebrity Cruises. Once you set sail around this magical region, you’ll understand why we’ve been voted the best cruise line in Europe for 11 consecutive years. Not only will you travel to some of the most coveted destinations in the Eastern Mediterranean, but you’ll also enjoy an unrivaled experience on board during your time at sea.

Our ships are known for their impeccable service, unlimited entertainment offerings, and world-class cuisine. Savor dishes that bring the flavors and food of the destination right to your plate. Spend an indulgent day at our serene spa, where you’ll leave feeling refreshed and reinvigorated. Marvel at the thrilling performances that take place in the theater, and enjoy unbeatable views of the ocean everywhere you turn.

If you want to take your vacation to the next level, book an Eastern Mediterranean cruise on one of our newest vessels, Celebrity Edge or Celebrity Apex. These cutting-edge ships feature an innovative outward design that brings the ocean right into your stateroom. Explore exciting venues such as Eden, a bar, lounge, and restaurant with live performances and inventive cuisine, as well as the Magic Carpet, a moving cantilevered platform where you’ll feel as if you’re floating above the ocean.

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