Mediterranean Cruise Through Spain, Italy & France with Costa Cruises

We started our trip in Barcelona with a pre-cruise stay, which I would highly recommend for anyone taking a Mediterranean cruise. It gave us time to adjust, explore a bit of the city, and start the trip feeling relaxed instead of rushed. Once on board with Costa Cruises, everything felt very easy and organized, which is one of the biggest advantages of cruising this region. You’re able to experience multiple countries without worrying about logistics, packing, or transportation between destinations.

One of the highlights of this cruise was the variety of experiences both on and off the ship. Onboard, there was a great mix of dining and activities. The specialty dining stood out, especially the Archipelago restaurant with its elevated, multi-course menu, and the Teppanyaki dinner, which was both fun and interactive. There were also plenty of opportunities to relax, whether that was spending time at the spa, enjoying the pool deck, or simply taking in the views while sailing between destinations.

Delicious dessert on board the ship

Each port brought something completely different, which kept the trip exciting. Palma de Mallorca was a unique stop with the Dragon Caves excursion, where a live classical music performance took place inside the caves, which felt like a one-of-a-kind experience. Rome was another standout and definitely a full-day commitment, but absolutely worth it for first-time visitors. Seeing landmarks like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Pantheon all in one day was unforgettable. Stops like Palermo and Savona offered a more local, cultural feel with opportunities to walk, explore, and enjoy regional food, while Marseille provided a relaxed coastal atmosphere near the Old Port.

I would recommend this type of cruise for travelers who want to see multiple destinations without the stress of planning each leg individually. It’s especially great for first-time European travelers, couples, or even families who want a balance of sightseeing, great food, and downtime. The pace is busy enough to feel like you’ve experienced a lot, but still easy enough to enjoy the journey along the way.

A beautiful view of the port

Enjoying sunshine and beverages

Planning ahead is key for a Mediterranean cruise, especially when it comes to excursions. Popular ports like Rome require a full day and often involve travel time from the port, so it’s important to be prepared for longer, more active days.

Packing smart will make a big difference. Even in warmer months, weather can vary by location, so bringing a light jacket or rain layer is a good idea. Comfortable walking shoes are also essential, as many of these destinations involve a lot of walking on uneven streets.

If food is important to you, I highly recommend booking specialty dining onboard in advance. Some of the best meals of the trip were in the specialty restaurants, and they added a unique experience beyond the standard dining options.

Finally, I always recommend arriving at least one day before embarkation. It helps avoid travel delays and allows you to start your trip feeling relaxed instead of rushed, especially when traveling internationally.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our cruises page.