Why do Crystal Guests Smile More?

A brief preview of the stunning surroundings and luxurious experiences awaiting you onboard a Crystal Cruises ship.
Running time: 4:42

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Adventures Ashore

Imagine strolling along the beach in Mykonos observing that famous, breathtaking sunset, taking a donkey ride up the cliffs of Santorini for the most amazing view, visiting the ancient Pyramids in Egypt, the Minoan ruins on Crete or the ancient city of Ephesus. Or how about finding a treasure in a street market and enjoying an exquisite lunch with local wine? These are a few of the many incredible experiences that await you on your Eastern Mediterranean cruise.

Excursions from your ship are escorted by English speaking guides who explain what you are seeing, the history and details you want to know. Transportation and often a meal are included so you can focus on what you came to see, rather than the logistics of how to get around which can be difficult in some of these ancient cities.

Through our local partners, we can also arrange independent excursions for you with your own private guide that will take you to the places you want to see and the things you want to do.

Itinerary Options

Where do you want to start or end your Eastern Mediterranean cruise? This will influence your itinerary of course and the ports of call which will be included.

• Our preferred cruise lines sail the Eastern Med, including the Greek Isles, on round-trip or one way sailings between the cities of Istanbul, Athens (port of Piraeus), Venice or Rome (port of Civitavecchia).
• Add ports of call in the Western Med by sailing from Barcelona or the English cities of Southampton or Dover.
• The Greek Isles is the most popular part of the region for cruising. In addition to cruise ships of all sizes, you can sail around these idyllic isles on the sailing ships of Star Clippers and Windstar Cruises. This is the perfect cruise for a honeymoon or other romantic occasion.
• The Black Sea is offered in addition to Eastern Med ports on some sailings. This is a very exciting combination which enables you to sail from Istanbul through the famous Dardanelles to the intriguing Black Sea ports in Bulgaria, Romania, the Ukraine and Russia. The ms Westerdam's 12-day Black Sea Medley on Oct. 1, 2010 is a fine example.
• When ships reposition to the Mediterranean for a new season, they sail one time positioning cruises that are well priced. Look for sailings heading to/from Dubai or the Far East via Suez, or to/from Northern Europe.
• The Eastern Med will also be included on longer Grand Voyages or World Cruise segments.
• Cruises range from short sailings of a few days to as long as you want since cruises can be combined to create longer sailings.
• There are many seven day sailings including Royal Caribbean's cruises from Venice which call at ports in Greece and the Greek Isles.
• To see the region comprehensively, longer sailings of 12 days work well like the Holy Land and Egypt sailings offered by Royal Caribbean, Holland America and Princess Cruises from Venice or Athens.

Ports of Call

Here's a handy list of the ports you'll need to call at to see specific sights in the Eastern Mediterranean.

• Kusadasi, Turkey, for Ephesus.
• Piraeus, Greece, for Athens, Delphi, Corinth and Cape Sounion.
• Navplion, Greece, for Corinth, Corinth Canal, Mycenae.
• Itea, Greece, for Delphi
• Katakalon, Greece, for Olympia.
• Volos, Greece, for Meteora and the mountain monasteries.
• Alexandria or Port Said, Egypt, for Cairo and the Great Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza.
• Ashdod, Israel, for Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Tel Aviv, Massada, Dead Sea.
• Haifa, Israel, for Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Sea of Galilee, the Golan Heights.
• Agios Nikolaos or Heraklion, Crete, for the Minoan ruins and Palace of Knossos.
• Limassol, Cyprus, for Nicosia, Kourion, Temple of Apollo.

Hot, Hot, Hot

One thing to keep in mind in this region is the weather. Often, in the summer, hot doesn't begin to describe it as temperatures can soar into the 40's. The weather makes fall an excellent time to visit when temperatures are more moderate, there are fewer tourists and cruise prices are lower.

For more on the Eastern Mediterranean, see the Spotlight Article.

For a selection of sailings with special amenities, see our list of Eastern Mediterranean cruise specials.

By Susan Milne

IMPORTANT: When booking, ask us for the appropriate supplier brochure for complete details and terms and conditions for your vacations and as well inquire about any possible past guest savings. Offers are space available and may be withdrawn at anytime without prior notice and are not combinable with other offers (unless stated otherwise). All prices, details and offers are subject to change. We are not responsible for errors or omissions.

Articles by Susan Milne