Find a Western Mediterranean Cruise Military and Veteran Discount Below
Where Do Western Mediterranean Cruises Go?
Western Mediterranean cruises visit Spain, France, Italy (including Sicily), Malta, Morocco, and some sailings extend to the Canary Islands. Scroll down to see all the ports, or visit our Eastern Mediterranean cruise page for Eastern Med itineraries.
Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers!
La Spezia (Italy)
This northern Italian port is your gateway to Tuscany, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and Florence — some of the most beloved destinations in all of Europe.
Barcelona (Spain)
There are so many things to see here it will make your head spin. The ship docks about 20 minutes from downtown Barcelona, so getting around is easy. Most visitors tour the Sagrada Família Cathedral, Casa Batlló, the Gothic Quarter, and Park Güell. For something more adventurous, catch a flamenco show or do a coastline bike tour with tapas!
Marseille (France)
Marseille is the gateway to the stunning South of France — lavender fields, hilltop villages, and the beautiful Provençal countryside.
Rome/Civitavecchia (Italy)
So many amazing sites to see, you’ll have a hard time choosing. The Colosseum, the Vatican, the Trevi Fountain, the Sistine Chapel, the Appian Way — Rome is an endless bucket list in a single port day.
The Appian Way — a 2,000-year-old road between Rome and Brindisi, still intact today.
The Senate Forum, Palatine Hill — site of the ancient Roman seat of government.
Vatican City
The Trevi Fountain, the Sistine Chapel, and so much more awaits in Rome.
How to Get From the Cruise Terminal to Downtown Rome
A port mobility bus takes all cruise passengers from the ship to a staging area a few kilometers away where shore excursion buses are waiting. If you didn’t book an excursion, you can walk to the train station — about 15 minutes from the terminal in Civitavecchia — and take the train to central Rome for about $5. Most shore excursions include round-trip transportation.
Palermo (Italy)
The capital of Sicily! Tour ancient city sights and historic streets, or spend the day at the beach in Mondello.
Valletta (Malta)
Valletta is one of the warmest cities in Europe and one of the most fascinating. It has 7,000 years of human history, UNESCO World Heritage sites, beautiful beaches, and a walkable city center right from the cruise terminal (up a hill, but worth it).
Naples (Italy)
Do not leave Naples without visiting Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, or both. Destroyed and preserved by Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii is unlike anywhere else in the world. The Amalfi Coast offers one of the most beautiful seascapes you’ll ever see, with the charming towns of Positano and Sorrento nearby. Finish the day with authentic Neapolitan pizza and a shot of limoncello.
Palma de Mallorca (Spain)
The white sand beaches here are some of the prettiest in the Mediterranean. Popular options include Jetty Sea Horizon Beach and Talamaca Beach. You can also explore the Serra de Tramuntana mountains by jeep or train, head underground to the Drach Caves, or spend the day at Aqualand waterpark.
Gibraltar (British Overseas Territory, located in Spain)
Come see the Barbary Macaque monkeys — they’re everywhere! The Rock of Gibraltar is considered a natural wonder, with views stretching to the African coast. Take it all in by cable car, explore the rock formations in St. Michael’s Cave, walk the Great Siege Tunnels, or relax on the beaches.
Casablanca (Morocco)
Welcome to cosmopolitan Morocco. Check out the Royal Palace and the Hassan II Mosque, then venture to nearby Rabat for stunning mosaics, the religious city of Fez, or Marrakech — the pearl of the south.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands)
The capital city of Tenerife is a bustling, vibrant port set at the foot of the stunning Anaga Mountains. Head to Garajonay National Park for a moss-covered forest straight out of a movie, or stay in town for beaches, plazas, museums, shopping, and a lively nightlife scene. Try the hop-on hop-off bus or take the family to Siam Water Park.
Funchal (Portugal)
Known for its pleasant temperatures, wine, and crafts, Funchal is one of the most welcoming ports in the Atlantic. Visit the Worker’s Market, Blandy’s Wine Lodge, and the waterfront Cathedral. Heading west out of town takes you to Praia Formosa beach with views of Cabo Girão, Europe’s highest cliff. Funchal is walkable with cheap taxis, but a catamaran sunset tour or hop-on hop-off bus are great options too.
Malaga (Spain)
One of the oldest cities in the world, dating back to the Phoenicians. Malaga has the Alcazaba Moorish palace, a Roman Theatre, and easy access to Seville, Córdoba, and Granada — where you can see the magnificent Alhambra.
Savona (Italy)
Savona has its own version of the Sistine Chapel and the historic Priamar fortress. Within a 50-mile radius you’ll find the incredible Cinque Terre, Monte Carlo, and the seaside village of Portofino. This port is also drivable for military families stationed in Germany.
Genoa (Italy)
A true Italian blast from the past with historic buildings, a central fountain, and beautiful pastel and stone architecture. Tour the San Lorenzo Cathedral, the Palace of the Doges, and the Royal Palaces. Head to the charming Portofino fishing village or onward to the gorgeous Cinque Terre.
Ajaccio (France)
The main city on the French island of Corsica. Visit the birthplace of Napoleon, sail on a water taxi, snorkel, or relax on the beach. Hike through the Prunelli gorges, up Vizzavona, or take the mountain rail from Cricheto Pass.
Bilbao (Spain)
Home of the Guggenheim Art Museum and the stunning Basque coastline. Head to nearby Guernica, the old mines, and the fishing village of Urdiales to experience authentic Basque country.
Cadiz (Spain)
Start early at Playa Victoria before touring the port of Cadiz and nearby Seville. See the ruins of Castillo de Santa Catalina, the golden dome of the Cathedral de Cádiz, and the impressive Alcázar — the oldest royal palace still in use. For true Andalusian culture, visit the horse school and a sherry bodega.
Cagliari (Italy)
Beautiful crystal-blue Mediterranean beaches await at any Spiaggia you choose in this Sardinian port. Also home to the archaeological ruins of Nora and the UNESCO site of Barumini, which contains remains from the Megalithic period.
Cannes (France)
Home of the prestigious film festival, Cannes looks every bit the part of a glamorous movie set. Enjoy free public beaches, sample wine at the Lerins Abbey, tour the Grasse perfume factory, and venture out to the French Riviera, Monaco, and the medieval village of Eze.
Cartagena (Spain)
As a former part of the Roman Empire, Cartagena has remarkable archaeological treasures. See them on a walking tour, watch archaeologists at work in the Barrio del Foro Romano, and visit the Roman Theatre and the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology.
Ibiza (Spain)
Known as a beach and nightlife destination, Ibiza also has beautiful quiet coves. Rent jet skis, go snorkeling, take a tour, or simply relax on Cala Tarida beach.
La Coruña (Spain)
Known for its lush rolling hills, La Coruña has been compared to Ireland. It has its own regional language (Galician), medieval buildings including Santiago de Compostela, and a rich history of explorers including Sir Francis Drake.
Livorno (Italy)
Come for the food and stay for the beach. Livorno has a wide range of beaches and is your best port for day trips to Florence, Cinque Terre, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Messina (Italy)
Welcome to Sicily! Hike to Mount Etna, an active volcano, see the ancient Greco-Roman theatre in Taormina, visit the Santa Maria delle Scale church in Catania, or join a Godfather-themed tour.
Monte Carlo (Monaco)
The famed Casino de Monte-Carlo draws visitors from around the world, but there’s much more beyond its walls. Try the Ferrari driving experience, visit the Oceanographic Museum, or take in the views from Eze. Cannes and Nice are both nearby.
Olbia (Italy)
One of two main ports on the island of Sardinia, Olbia is lined with beaches including Le Saline. It is adjacent to Asinara (the albino donkey island) and is nicknamed Costa Smeralda for its emerald waters.
Porto (Portugal)
Also known as Oporto, this city gave port wine its name. Vineyard tours and wine tastings are a must, along with walking tours and Jewish heritage tours of this fascinating city.
Salerno (Italy)
Hidden near Salerno are some of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world at Paestum. From here you can also take a day trip to the ruins of Pompeii or the Amalfi Coast.
Toulon (France)
Enjoy panoramic views by cable car, the classic waterfront of St. Tropez, or wine in the hilltop village of Le Castellet — your photos will be stunning no matter where you go in Toulon.
Valencia (Spain)
For futuristic architecture, visit the City of Arts and Sciences. For traditional Valencia, head to Albufera Natural Park for paella and a boat ride. Either way, you can’t go wrong.
Villefranche-sur-Mer (France)
Situated between Eze and Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer is a charming town with a historic harbor. Bike the Riviera, visit Fort du Mont Alban, and take a short train ride to Monte Carlo and Cannes.
Agadir (Morocco)
Agadir’s scenic beach draws plenty of visitors, and there’s plenty to do beyond the sand — shop the Berber market, ride a camel, or visit the historic market town of Taroudant.
Alicante (Spain)
Explore this beach town by Segway or relax on the beaches of Benidorm. For natural beauty, nearby Guadalest is a historic military stronghold surrounded by forest-covered granite mountains above the sea.
Arrecife (Canary Islands)
Arrecife is a small town near the port on the island of Lanzarote. Explore the Castillo de San Gabriel, a painted cave museum, and the lava-stone church. Discover the volcanic landscape of Timanfaya National Park and relax on beautiful beaches like Playa del Reducto.
Las Palmas / Gran Canaria (Canary Islands)
Top sights include Iglesia de San Juan Bautista de Arucas and Palmitos Park Zoo. Families often head to the water parks or beaches, while others seek the peaceful fishing villages of Mogán. The jeep safari and camel ride or hop-on hop-off bus tour are both popular choices.
Lanzarote (Canary Islands)
Famous for year-round warm weather, stunning beaches including El Reducto and Papagayo, and dramatic volcanic landscapes. Lanzarote also has whitewashed villas, clear waters for snorkeling, and the Famara beach cliffs — perfect for hang gliding and surfing.
Lisbon (Portugal)
This hilly, history-rich city is best explored on a guided walking tour or by electric bike across its famous seven hills. Major landmarks include the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, and the UNESCO World Heritage Torre de Belém.
Ponta Delgada (Portugal)
Volcanic activity has produced spectacular scenery on this Azorean island, along with some of the highest mountains in Europe. Visitors climb crater rims for breathtaking views into blue and green lakes, hike mountain trails, and gaze out over the Atlantic from dramatic headlands.
Tangier (Morocco)
Tangier’s whitewashed hillside medina is home to the Dar el Makhzen palace, dozens of outdoor cafes, and vibrant shops. Other highlights include the kasbah, bazaars, souks, beaches, and the Caves of Hercules. Ride a camel or book a private highlights tour.
Vigo (Spain)
Drive the scenic coastal road to La Toja for true Galician culture, visit the ruins of Santa Maria de Dozo, and see the famous El Berbés oyster market. The oldest part of the city features twisting cobblestone streets, mansions, and beautiful wine bars.
Smaller Boutique Ports
The MS Oosterdam visits some unique ports that larger ships cannot access.
Almería (Spain) — ms Oosterdam only
Relax on the heavenly Monsul beach, take a city tour, visit the Moorish white village of Mojácar, or hike in the Cabo de Gata Nature Park in the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Saint-Raphaël (France) — ms Oosterdam only
Take a relaxing coastal drive along the French Riviera to nearby Cannes, and return in time to hear the bells of the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Victoire.
Sète (France) — ms Oosterdam only
A city rich in art and local culture. See the work of French folk artist Georges Brassens at the Espace Brassens, or visit the wildly decorated fishermen’s chapel Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette.
Calvi (France) — ms Oosterdam only
The white sand beaches of this Corsican port are rivaled only by the gorgeous mountains behind them. Visit the historic Citadel or look down on Calvi from the Chapelle de Notre Dame de la Serra.
Ceuta (Spanish Morocco) — ms Oosterdam only
Tour the Royal Walls and San Antonio Chapel, then enjoy traditional Moroccan food while visiting the ancient city of Tétouan.
Palamós (Spain) — ms Oosterdam only
A proud fishing village best explored at the quirky Museu de la Pesca. Also worth visiting nearby: the walled fortress of Carcassonne, the classic French town of Montpellier, and the Roman Circus at Arles.
| 🏅 Why Book Your Western Mediterranean Cruise With Military Cruise Deals? Military Cruise Deals has been serving military families since 2001. Our agents — Mitch, Kevin, and Hope — have personally cruised the Western Mediterranean and have booked these sailings for over 50,000 military customers. We’ve earned 800+ five-star reviews and add our own military discount on top of the cruise line’s best available rate. Call us: 866-964-5482 | Contact Us |