Western Mediterranean

The Western Mediterranean is a food lover's paradise, with a myriad of sensational cuisines to satisfy the most discerning palate. Unsurprisingly you'll come across a plethora of delicious fresh seafood dishes in wonderful eating places including street food stalls, beachfront cafes and fine dining restaurants - lobster, octopus, squid, tuna, sea bass, sardines, oysters and eel are among the delights you'll discover.

You'll get to sample the scrumptious traditional dishes in the various countries and islands where your ships docks during your cruise. Tasty paella and tapas in Spain, fantastic pizza and pasta in Italy and Coq au vin and freshly-baked croissants in France will tantalise your taste buds. A kaleidoscope of cultures ensure Western Mediterranean food is exciting, diverse, satisfying and flavoursome. You’ll discover an abundance of fresh vegetables in meals throughout the region, including tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, squashes and aubergines. Olive oil, garlic, grains and fresh herbs such as parsley, mint, oregano, and dill all help to ensure your plate will consist of fare that is bursting with flavour.

Popular desserts in the Western Mediterranean include Tiramisu, French pear tart, Chocolate mousse, Tarte tatin, Baklava and Italian apple olive oil cake and arroz con leche. Much-loved drinks include fine wines, locally-brewed beers and signature cocktails.

The Mediterranean climate is broadly summed up as consisting of dry summers and mild, wet winters. Average monthly temperatures are in excess of 22.0°C during the warmest month and an average between 18 and -3 °C in the coldest month. The most popular time to embark on a Western Mediterranean cruise is during the summer season from April to September, when there's plenty of sunshine and most attractions, shops and entertainment venues are open. July and August are the months when resorts are most busy and the beaches are perfect for soaking up the sun, swimming and enjoying some thrilling water sports action.
Autumn is a great time to set out and explore the main sights and attractions of the cities in the Western Mediterranean, when the warm weather is less likely to be oppressive and energy-sapping. The shoulder seasons - during April and May, and September, October and November - appeal to romantic couples and people who want to avoid the crowds, but still experience pleasant weather. This is also a great time to bag a bargain, with cruise prices often lower than they are during the peak summer season.

There’s never a dull moment on a Western Mediterranean cruise, with a multitude of incredible things to see and do – your only challenge may be trying to fit it all in. From stunning sandy beaches on Spain’s sun-blitzed Costa del Sol to the breathtaking architectural landmarks and works of art in the awe-inspiring Italian city of Rome, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Gaze in awe at the Cappella Palatina, a 12th century chapel in Palermo’s royal palace Palazzo dei Normanni, visit Antoni Gaudi’s fantastical Gothic-style cathedral Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, marvel at the Colosseum and Pantheon in Rome or visit the 17th century Matisse Museum in Nice to learn about the famous French artist. Other enthralling attractions in this beautiful region include Basilica of Notre Dame de La Garde in Marseille, St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City, the National Archaeological Museum in Naples, the gondolas and romantic waterways of Venice and spellbinding Pompeii which was frozen in time when an eruption of Mount Vesuvius engulfed the city in 79 AD.
You’ll also come across natural attractions galore in the Western Mediterranean, from Italy’s spectacular Amalfi Coast to Spain’s captivating Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park in Almeria. Popular activities in this sun-kissed cruise destination include scuba diving, canyoning, mountain biking, ziplining, hiking, buggy safaris, catamaran cruises, Segway tours and an abundance of water sports.