Destination
Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean is a region of remarkable diversity, where ancient civilizations, sun-drenched coastlines, culinary heritage, and vibrant modern cultures come together. From the whitewashed villages of the Greek Isles to the dramatic shores of Italy, France, Spain, and North Africa, a Mediterranean small ship cruise offers the ideal way to explore both legendary cities and secluded gems—all from the comfort of an intimate, well-appointed vessel. At Small Ship Travel, we specialize in curating small ship cruises throughout the Mediterranean, selecting ships that range from less than 40 to luxury vessels, with many fewer than 200. These cruises offer genuine access to off-the-beaten-path ports, expert-led excursions, and an elevated onboard experience rooted in regional cuisine, history, and culture. Whether you're dreaming of island-hopping in the Aegean or sailing the Adriatic coast of Croatia, we help you design a journey that’s immersive, refined, and unforgettable.
We’ve carefully vetted cruise lines offering exceptional Mediterranean itineraries—combining cultural enrichment, personalized service, and destination authenticity. Ponant Ponant offers luxury expedition-style cruises with a strong focus on culture, history, and sustainability. Their sleek yachts sail throughout the Western and Eastern Mediterranean, including Italy, Greece, France, Spain, Turkey, and North Africa. Expect refined French hospitality, expert-led shore programs, and boutique-style service. Sea Cloud Cruises Sailing aboard majestic tall ships, Sea Cloud offers a romantic, wind-powered alternative to traditional Mediterranean cruising. Routes include the Greek Islands, Amalfi Coast, French Riviera, and more. With fewer than 65 guests, these classic vessels offer elegance, tradition, and personalized exploration. Windstar Cruises Windstar’s sailing yachts and all-suite ships access charming small ports across the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Adriatic Seas. Their casual-yet-elegant atmosphere is ideal for travelers who value local immersion, flexible itineraries, and regional cuisine. Seabourn Seabourn offers ultra-luxury small ship cruising throughout the Mediterranean with all-suite accommodations, curated shore excursions, and impeccable service. Itineraries span from Spain and the French Riviera to the Greek Isles and Turkey, often including UNESCO World Heritage Sites and private cultural access. Scenic Ocean Cruises Scenic Eclipse brings superyacht sophistication to the Mediterranean, offering expedition-style cruising with onboard helicopters and submarines, as well as Michelin-level dining and cultural enrichment. With a Discovery Team onboard, guests can dive deep into the history and ecology of the region. Silversea Cruises Silversea’s Mediterranean cruises combine ultra-luxury with expert-led discovery, offering itineraries across Italy, Greece, Turkey, France, Spain, and the Adriatic. With all-suite accommodations, fine dining, and immersive excursions, Silversea is ideal for those seeking comfort with cultural depth. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection brings private yacht-style cruising to the Mediterranean, blending the brand’s legendary hospitality with bespoke itineraries to iconic and boutique ports. With just 298 guests, the experience features elegant accommodations, personalized service, world-class dining, and curated shore experiences along the Italian, French, Greek, and Spanish coasts. Four Seasons Yachts Set to launch in 2026, Four Seasons Yachts will bring the brand’s hallmark service to sea with immersive Mediterranean itineraries on an all-suite yacht accommodating just 95 suites. Expect custom-crafted shore excursions, elevated culinary programs, and exclusive access to intimate harbors and iconic destinations throughout the region.
The Mediterranean is best experienced on a small ship, where you can reach historic ports, remote islands, and boutique harbors that large cruise ships simply can’t access. Smaller vessels offer a more relaxed and immersive style of travel—docking closer to town centers, allowing for deeper exploration and less time in transit.
With fewer guests onboard, you'll enjoy personalized service, flexible shore programs, and more time ashore to discover hidden alleyways, family-run wineries, and seaside cafés. Whether you're interested in archaeology, culinary traditions, local art, or architecture, small ship cruises bring the Mediterranean to life in ways that feel personal and profound.
Sample Experiences Include:
The Mediterranean cruise season typically runs from April to November, with variations depending on your preferred destinations and interests:
At Small Ship Travel, we take a tailored approach to every itinerary. Whether you're seeking historical depth, coastal relaxation, or culinary discovery, we guide you to the right cruise line, ship, and sailing season for your travel goals. Each of our Mediterranean cruise partners is selected for their commitment to quality, local engagement, and immersive experiences.
As a Virtuoso affiliate through Travel Experts, a member, we provide exclusive benefits, including upgrades, shipboard credits, private excursions, and expert assistance with pre- and post-cruise stays in cities like Barcelona, Athens, Rome, Dubrovnik, and Lisbon. From your first inquiry to your return home, our team ensures a seamless, enriching journey.
Reach out to our travel concierges today to create your perfect journey.
Get in the mood for cruising by reading our travel guides, recommendations and cruise reviews.
River cruising offers a seamless and luxurious way to experience Europe’s most historic and scenic waterways, from the fairy-tale castles of the Rhine to the imperial capitals of the Danube and the artistic treasures of the Seine. Unlike ocean cruises, these intimate voyages bring travelers directly into the heart of medieval villages, grand cities, and world-renowned wine regions, allowing for deeper cultural immersion. Along the way, passengers can explore UNESCO-listed landmarks, savor locally inspired cuisine, and enjoy exclusive excursions, from private château tours to classical concerts in Vienna.
