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Italy Cruises

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Unforgettable Luxury Cruises to Italy

Experience the joys of la dolce vita on one of our award-winning cruises to Italy. This spectacular destination has a bounty of treasures waiting to be discovered, from mouthwatering cuisine to magnificent archaeological sites and some of the world’s greatest art treasures.

Our Mediterranean cruises visit Italy’s most beautiful destinations. Dive into the azure ocean off the island of Sardinia and marvel at the grandeur of Mount Etna in Sicily. Drift along the romantic canals of Venice from a port stop in Ravenna. Explore the Colosseum and the Vatican in Rome. Gaze at dreamy villages in gelato colors spilling over the lemon-fragranced hillsides of the Amalfi Coast.

Embark on exciting shore excursions that include in-depth city tours, wine tastings, cooking classes, and more. There’s no shortage of beauty and wonder awaiting you on a luxury Italy cruise with Celebrity Cruises.

Italy Cruise Highlights

Fantastic cuisine.

One of the highlights of cruising to Italy is sampling all of the culinary delights of the region. Sip on glasses of Chianti, Barolo, and Pinot Grigio. Try Tuscan specialties like bistecca alla Fiorentina and grab a slice of authentic Neapolitan pizza in Naples. Buy a box of biscotti in Sicily and order a plate of bucatini or gnocchi in Rome. Finish off your meal with a creamy gelato and a reinvigorating shot of espresso.

Famous Landmarks

You’ll find magnificent landmarks everywhere during your cruise to Italy. In Rome, explore the Colosseum, where gladiators once battled, and throw a coin into the baroque Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to the city. In Florence, admire the perfection of Michelangelo’s David. Take a photo at the astonishing Leaning Tower of Pisa and admire the dappled sunlight and azure water inside Capri’s famed Blue Grotto. While in Venice, be dazzled by the exquisite mosaics inside St. Mark’s Basilica.

The Amalfi Coast

Soak in the beauty of the Amalfi Coast, where mountains plunge straight into the sparkling Mediterranean and pastel-colored townhouses and fragrant citrus groves cling to the hillsides. Visit the picturesque cliffside towns of Positano, Ravello, and Sorrento and savor a lunch of fresh seafood and crisp white wine in a beachfront restaurant. Sail to the fabled island of Capri, famed for its dramatic scenery and lavish villas, and sip limoncello while people watching in the chic Piazzetta.

Featured Italy Cruise Ports

Ravenna (venice).

The beautiful city of Ravenna reflects its one-time status as capital of the western Roman empire. Ancient churches and baptistries throughout the center, all protected by UNESCO, are adorned with exquisite early Christian mosaics. From Ravenna, visit the enchanting city of Venice, famed for its canals, grand waterfront palaces, ancient bridges, and art, from the masterpieces inside the Doge’s Palace to the contemporary Peggy Guggenheim Collection.

Rome (Civitavecchia)

History lovers and cultural connoisseurs will experience a feast for the senses in Rome, Italy’s elegant capital. Step back in time inside the Colosseum, an ancient amphitheater that dates back to the first century. Marvel at the heavenly frescoes of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel inside the Vatican, and the vastness of St. Peter’s Basilica. Sip your morning cappuccino on gorgeous Piazza Navona against a soundtrack of splashing fountains and browse the designer shops on Via del Corso.

The seaside village of Portofino is one of Italy’s most glamorous destinations. Stroll around its winding streets lined with colorful buildings and admire the megayachts bobbing in the pretty harbor. Wander up the hill through the pinewoods beside the town to Castello Brown, a historic fort with dazzling views, or step inside enticing boutiques around the Piazzetta. This alluring square is the perfect spot for homemade gelato or a refreshing Aperol spritz cocktail in the sunshine.

Italy Cruise Itineraries

The Italy cruise season begins in May and lasts until October. Itineraries range from seven to twelve nights and depart from Ravenna (Venice), Rome, Athens and Barcelona. Most of our itineraries include one or two nights at sea and at least six different port stops in each sailing. Depending on your Italy cruise itinerary, you’ll sail around the country while also visiting ports in either Spain, France, Croatia, Greece, Turkey, and beyond, allowing you to explore Italy as well as other top destinations in Europe.

Itineraries

Why cruise to italy with celebrity cruises.

Experience the wonders of Italy while aboard one of our award-winning ships. Find out why we’ve been voted the best cruise line in Europe for 13 years in a row as you enjoy unparalleled service, stay in elegantly designed staterooms and suites, dine on world-class cuisine, and stop in spectacular port destinations along the way.

You’ll have access to non-stop entertainment, both on board and ashore. Sign up for exciting shore excursions that include everything from family-friendly outings to culinary tours. Watch show-stopping performances at the onboard theater, or unwind in our state-of-the-art spa. Spend a night out at one of our world-class specialty restaurants, and finish off the evening by dancing under the stars in a chic lounge in the middle of the sea. 

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8 best Italy cruises for a Mediterranean vacation

You don't have to search all that hard to find the best Italy cruises — most leading cruise lines offer dozens of itineraries that visit Italian ports, often in conjunction with neighboring countries France, Greece and Croatia.

The reason? Italy has it all: coastlines on both the Mediterranean and the Adriatic, historic port cities (Rome, Venice and Naples among them) and spectacular islands (including Sicily, Sardinia, Capri and Elba).

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Plus, with a cruise season that runs from early April through late October (and even year-round for a few cruise lines), Italy offers something for everyone. Travel here to find an alluring mix of impeccably preserved historic sites, renowned regional cuisines and natural wonders waiting to be discovered.

Here are eight of the best Italy cruises for every type of traveler.

Best Italy cruises for cultural immersion: Azamara

Azamara pioneered the concept of single-country itineraries, which allow for greater cultural immersion and even overnight stays in select ports. The cruise line's 11-night voyage in October 2024 is one of its most comprehensive.

The sailing begins in Monte Carlo, Monaco, and ends in Rome (Civitavecchia), with visits to seven more Italian ports and Tunis, Tunisia. You'll explore Genoa, Livorno (overnight for Florence/Pisa), Porto Santo Stefano (on the Tuscan coast), Cagliari (on Sardinia), Trapani (on Sicily), Amalfi and Sorrento.

This voyage is aboard the 684-passenger Azamara Onward, one of the cruise line's four virtually identical ships. (All are former Renaissance R-class ships built in the early 2000s and renovated over the past several years.) The vessels' intimate size and Azamara's focus on cultural experiences and shore excursions emphasizing history and food (including cooking classes and market tours) make for an immersive cruise itinerary.

Other Italy-Intensive voyages in 2023 and 2024 include the following: a 10-night voyage in October 2023 aboard Azamara Quest, a 10-night voyage in April 2024 aboard Azamara Pursuit, and a seven-night voyage in May 2024 aboard Azamara Quest.

Best Italy cruises for small-ship lovers: Windstar Cruises

It's rare to find a cruise itinerary so fully focused on one specific region of Italy, but Windstar Cruises ' small ships — three classic sailing yachts and three all-suite motor yachts, which accommodate 148 to 342 guests — allow it to offer cruises to less-frequented ports.

Windstar's 10-day Sicilian Splendors , aboard its 342-passenger sailing yacht Wind Surf, is available on multiple dates in 2023, 2024 and 2025. The ship will cruise round-trip from Rome and call on six Italian ports: Catania (for Mount Etna), Porto Empedocle (for the ancient ruins at Agrigento) and Trapani (for its signature colored salts and Marsala wines), all in Sicily; the island of Lipari (the largest of seven Aeolian Islands); and Sorrento and Amalfi on the stunning Amalfi Coast. The cruise also visits the neighboring islands of Malta and Gozo.

Five-masted Wind Surf is the world's largest sailing ship. It manages to be intimate without feeling claustrophobic, although it is worth noting that none of its staterooms or suites has a balcony. There is, however, ample deck space for relaxation, with a pool and two hot tubs, as well as inviting alfresco bars and dining areas.

Related: The 2 classes of Windstar ships, explained

Indoors, the ship's restaurants and social spaces, such as the Veranda Restaurant, Stella Bistro and the Compass Rose Bar, are light-filled, with elegant neutral decor refreshed in 2019.

Musical entertainment takes place in the Wind Surf Lounge and Compass Rose Bar, and Windstar's excellent dining program reflects an ongoing partnership with the James Beard Foundation. In select tender ports, passengers can enjoy a watersports platform and take out sea kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.

Best Italy cruises for onboard pampering: Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

If enjoying yacht-style indulgence as you explore Southern Italy is on your cruise wish list, consider the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's 10-night Rome to Valletta itinerary in May 2024. This cruise visits scenic hot spots such as Sorrento and Amalfi on the Amalfi Coast, history-rich Siracusa in Sicily and three ports (Gallipoli, Taranto and Otranto) in lesser-known Puglia, located on the heel of boot-shaped Italy, before passengers disembark in Malta.

Ritz-Carlton, which entered the cruise realm in 2021 with its 298-passenger luxury yacht, Evrima , offers an all-inclusive "yachting lifestyle" experience. This leisurely sailing features overnights in Sorrento and Taranto and two sea days with ample ways to enjoy onboard pampering. The ship's spacious suites are designed with a contemporary residential feel and range in size from 300 square feet with an 81-square-foot terrace to 1,091 square feet with a 635-square-foot terrace.

Evrima also offers nine bars and dining venues featuring menus created to reflect the ports visited. For culinary indulgence, guests can book a table at S.E.A., a specialty dining experience designed by Chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, the Michelin three-starred restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton in Wolfsburg, Germany.

The ship also features chicly designed spaces for relaxing and socializing, such as the Pool House lounge overlooking an aft infinity pool, a second pool located next to the alfresco restaurant Mistral, a panoramic Observation Lounge and a full-service Ritz-Carlton Spa.

Related: The best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

Best Italy cruises for foodies: Silversea Cruises

The three newest ships in the Silversea Cruises fleet — Silver Moon, Silver Dawn and 2023's first-in-class Silver Nova — all feature the cruise line's immersive culinary program known as S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste). When Silversea's next ship, the 728-passenger Silver Ray, debuts in 2024, it will also take its guests on culinary-focused journeys — among them an 11-day Rome to Venice itinerary in June 2024.

The itinerary includes calls on seven ports in Italy: Rome, Naples, Sorrento, Palermo, Siracusa, Trieste and Venice. The sailing also visits ports in Malta, Montenegro and Croatia.

Silversea's sailings blend food-centric excursions — such as a visit to a family farm for a tasting of fresh cheese, salami and olive oil in Sorrento — with the onboard S.A.L.T. program to make sampling local cuisine a natural part of the cruise experience. The day-to-day menus at S.A.L.T. Kitchen are all inspired by the ports visited. The Terrain menu focuses on that day's port while the Voyage menu draws from the best flavors of the entire itinerary.

Passengers aboard Silver Ray should definitely pack an appetite — in addition to S.A.L.T. Kitchen, the ship features seven other restaurants. They are La Dame for haute French cuisine, Atlantide for signature fine dining (think caviar and lobster), Kaiseki for Japanese sushi and teppanyaki (as well as pan-Asian dishes), Silver Note for tapas-style dining and live music, The Grill for casual burgers and salads, La Terrazza for handmade pasta and other Italian specialties, and Spaccanapoli for thin-crusted Naples-style pizza. With 11 nights aboard, there's time to sample all of them.

Related: The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining

Best Italy cruises for families: Norwegian Cruise Line

If an Italy adventure with the entire family sounds like the perfect cruise vacation in 2024, Norwegian Cruise Line 's new Norwegian Viva, launching in August 2023 as the sister ship to 2022's Norwegian Prima, is an ideal playground for guests of all ages.

The most Italy-focused itinerary? The 10-day Mediterranean: Italy, Greece & Croatia cruise (offered aboard 3,099-guest Viva in late June and late September 2024) calls on six ports in Italy — Rome, Livorno, Naples, Messina, Siracusa and Trieste — as well as the islands of Corfu and Malta; Koper, Slovenia; and Dubrovnik and Split in Croatia.

This itinerary is rich in history and culture, including the ancient landmarks of Rome, the archeological wonders of Pompeii and the Leaning Tower of Pisa near Livorno, plus the beauty and culinary treats (sweet cannoli and savory arancini) of Sicily, where Viva makes two port calls. Though the cruise ends in Trieste, the wonders of Venice are just 90 minutes away, so adding a few extra nights to explore its colorful, canal-laced islands is a must.

Onboard Viva, you'll enjoy more than a dozen dining options (five of them complimentary, including the casual and family-friendly Indulge Food Hall), 16 bars and lounges and all the fun activities/entertainment (including a production of the Broadway hit "Beetlejuice: The Musical") that the line offers.

Related: Best cruise lines for families

Top amenities include the three-deck Viva Speedway for exhilarating go-kart racing, three thrilling slides (two of them 10-story corkscrew dry slides and one tidal-wave-style waterslide), virtual-reality gaming in the Galaxy Pavilion, tech-enhanced minigolf and more. Also, Viva's generous outside deck space — especially Deck 8's Ocean Boulevard with its lively Indulge Outdoor Lounge and sleek Infinity Beach pools — is ideal for scenic cruising in the Mediterranean and Adriatic.

Best Italy cruises for couples: Oceania Cruises

The sophisticated onboard ambiance and a romantic itinerary are a lovely combination, and couples can enjoy both on the 12-night Mediterranean Tapestry sailing offered in June 2024 aboard Oceania Cruises ' newest vessel, Oceania Vista.

The 1,200-passenger ship, which debuted in May 2023, will visit four top ports in Italy — Venice/Trieste in Northern Italy, Taormina in Sicily, Amalfi/Positano in Southern Italy and Civitavecchia for a day in Rome.

Beyond Italy, this itinerary offers a sampling of scenic locales in six other Adriatic and Mediterranean countries with a possible pre-cruise stay in Venice. You'll visit Korcula and Split in Croatia; Kotor, Montenegro; Igoumanitsa and Katakolon in Greece; Ajaccio, Corsica; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Marseille, France; and Barcelona, Spain.

Oceania caters to couples seeking an upscale cruise experience with a culinary focus. Onboard Vista, the atmosphere is sleek and polished, with interior decor awash in elegant neutrals of varying patterns and textures, all woven together into a soothing mosaic (in some cases, literally, as tiled vignettes are used throughout the ship). Vista's bars and lounges, especially the Martini Bar and the Grand Lounge, are so chic you'll want to get dressed up every night to enjoy one of the craft cocktails on their newly enhanced menus.

All specialty dining is included in the cruise fare, and stand-out meals at Polo Grill (for an excellent steakhouse menu), Toscana (for authentic Italian, including recipes by Vista's godmother Giada De Laurentiis) and Red Ginger (for flavorful pan-Asian) are just a reservation away. Two new eateries, Aquamar Kitchen and Ember, serve wellness-focused cuisine and casual American comfort food, respectively, and an expanded Culinary Arts Center lets guests who love to cook take hands-on classes.

Best of all, Vista is an all-balcony ship, so every stateroom features access to fresh air (French Veranda Staterooms don't have an outdoor sitting area, however). Veranda Staterooms and Concierge Level Veranda Staterooms offer a spacious 290 square feet of indoor space — and some of the best standard bathrooms at sea with roomy walk-in showers and ample storage.

Related: The best cruises for couples seeking romance and together time at sea

Best Italy cruises for travelers on a budget: Royal Caribbean

To score a budget cruise fare in the Mediterranean, it helps to look for sailings aboard a cruise line's older ships. If Italy is your main focus for a future cruise, it's hard to beat the seven-night Western Mediterranean itinerary in September 2024 aboard Royal Caribbean 's Voyager of the Seas.

It visits five Italian ports: Venice/Ravenna, Messina in Sicily, Naples, Rome and Livorno (for Florence and Pisa). The ship also calls on Marseille and Barcelona. Voyager's Italy-focused cruise is a jam-packed itinerary with just one sea day.

Ideal for both couples and multi-generational families, the 3,600-passenger Voyager of the Seas (which debuted in 1999 and was last refurbished in 2019) features seven restaurants (including three complimentary dining venues and specialty restaurant favorites Chops Grille and Giovanni's Table) and eight bars/lounges.

The ship has been "amped-up" so guests can enjoy features found on Royal Caribbean's newer ships: Perfect Storm waterslides, FlowRider simulated surfing, Battle for Planet Z laser tag, Voyager Dunes minigolf, Studio B ice-skating shows and reimagined spaces for kids and teens.

Nights aboard Voyager of the Seas will be filled with complimentary entertainment options: production shows in the Royal Theater, pub performances by guest entertainers and bands, game-show competitions, pool parties, outdoor movie nights and a '70s disco party.

Best Italy cruises for adults-only ambiance: Viking

Is Venice at the top of your wish list? Does an adults-only cruise on a ship with serene, Scandinavian-inspired interior decor and complimentary wine or beer with lunch and dinner sound ideal?

If so, check out Viking 's 15-night Italy, the Adriatic and Greece itinerary , which sails from Athens to Rome and visits six Italian ports — Venice/Chioggia, Bari, Crotone, Messina, Naples and Rome — with three days spent in Venice. As a bonus, you'll also visit ports in Greece (Katakolon and Corfu), Croatia (Dubrovnik, Split and Sibenik) and Montenegro (Kotor).

Offered on multiple dates in fall 2023, 2024 and 2025, this itinerary is chock full of port experiences; there are no sea days, and a total of 13 cities are visited. Viking includes one free guided shore excursion in each port, usually a panoramic bus tour or historic walking tour. Use that as an overview and then explore on your own or book one of the cruise line's longer or more specialized excursions. Onboard guest speakers also offer insight into the ports visited and the cultural landscape.

The cruise line's nine ocean ships are all identical and accommodate 930 passengers, most of whom are couples over age 55. Onboard dining is available in eight restaurants, including the main venue, The Restaurant and the buffet-style World Cafe, the casual Pool Grill and the Norwegian-focused Mamsen's. Guests can also reserve dinner at two specialty restaurants (at no extra charge): Manfredi's for Italian cuisine and The Chef's Table for multi-course, wine-paired menus that rotate throughout the cruise.

Afternoon tea is served in the elegant Wintergarden. The Aquavit Terrace overlooking the aft infinity pool is a sunny spot to enjoy alfresco dining.

If you're willing to come back early from port, Viking's ocean ships offer plenty of ways to relax on board. All passengers enjoy complimentary access to the ship's thermal suite in the LivNordic Spa. It features a thalassotherapy pool, steam room, sauna and snow room. The Main Pool has a retractable roof and can be enjoyed no matter what the weather. However, if you want to live it up at night, note that the ship does not have an onboard casino.

Bottom line

The best Italy cruises offer access to some of the country's most-loved cities, as well as a chance to explore some of its sunny islands and lesser-known coastal ports. No matter the itinerary, you're guaranteed to enjoy the splendid landscapes, treasured antiquities and, of course, the incredible gelato.

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Cruises to Italy & Amalfi Coast

Italy is so photogenic; it’s almost as if the entire country was built for wanderlust-inducing travel pictures. Whether this is your first time, or you’ve been before, an Italy cruise offers a new angle and the convenience of unpacking just once as you go from remote coastal towns to big cities. Our Italy cruise itineraries are unmatched in scope, bringing you to iconic destinations like the Eternal City of Rome (Civitavecchia),  the Amalfi Coast, and Vatican City,  along with seldom-visited jewels. Wander seashell-pink villages stacked precipitously along the Adriatic Sea on Italy cruises to Amalfi. Float Venice’s canals while a gondolier sings a lovely serenade. Sip chianti al fresco as the late sun bathes Rome in golden light. Taste classic Naples pizza that was perfected generations ago. On a cruise to Italy, experience an Italian vacation so immersive, you’ll forever feel at home in the region.

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Highlights from Cruises to Italy

The best way to explore the italian coast.

Roman History & Culture

Feast for the Eyes

Featured italy cruise ports.

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

Rome is Italy's beating heart, full of Rennaissance cathedrals and piazzas begging for you to sit and sip espresso.

Venice, Italy

Known as the city the floats on water, and the highlight of any cruise to Italy, Venice needs no further introduction.

Livorno (Florence), Italy

Florence is a dream Italian cruise destination for Renaissance-era sightseeing. But it’s a foodie haven too with family-run tripe wagons, wine bars and trattorias.

Ravenna (San Marino), Italy

A walker’s paradise and shopper’s mecca, Ravenna is home to the Basilica of Sant' Apollinare Nuovo, with its intricate mosaics; Dante’s tomb (author of The Divine Comedy); posh boutiques, and cafés.

Portoferraio (Elba), Italy

On your Italian cruise, visit Villa San Martino, the summer residence of Emperor Napoleon, and wander Portoferraio's centuries-old labyrinth of alleys.

Catania, Sicily, Italy

Sicily's second-largest city is intimately connected to the active volcano that towers above it. The smoking, gurgling peak of Mt. Etna, one of the island's most iconic landmarks, shaped Catania significantly.

Palermo, Italy

Palermo is a jumble of old and new. Explore ancient attractions, such as the mosaics of the Palatine Chapel (en Italiana: “Cappella Palatina”). Or, take a day trip to the seaside Cefalù.

Taormina, Italy

Perched on a hilltop, Taormina has an ancient theater and dramatic views of the scalloped coastline. An active volcano looms over this stunning city.

Featured Italy Cruise Excursions

More Europe Cruises

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Cruises to Turkey

Cruises to Monaco

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120 Night Cruise to Around the World

7 night cruise to the western mediterranean.

• You want big-ship fun with the latest cutting-edge features
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• You enjoy a more quiet, traditional cruise; this is cutting-edge
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7 Night Cruise to the Mediterranean

• You want an all-inclusive luxury cruise that's welcoming
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14 Night Cruise to Transatlantic

• You are looking for one of Royal Caribbean's next-gen cruise ships with lots to do onboard
• You want a wide selection of dining venues, both specialty and included
• You seek a unique variety of activites and entertainment, from simulated sky diving to robotic shows
• You prefer a smaller ship with fewer fellow passengers and more space per guest
• You appreciate a greater destination focus with an observation lounge, besides North Star
• You want even more included without the need to pay for extras

9 Night Cruise to Europe

• You want a big, reasonably sized ship with lots of amenities
• You like having fun diversions like an onboard bowling alley
• You're traveling as a family and want fun options for all
• You're looking for the biggest, newest cruise ships at sea
• You want thrill-seeking options like ziplines and racing tracks
• You are looking for a quiet, subdued onboard experience

9 Night Cruise to the Eastern Mediterranean

• You want a big-ship cruise on a gorgeous Mediterranean vessel
• You appreciate international cuisine and worldly passengers
• You need a cruise that's made for a multigenerational family
• You don't like action-packed cruises with lots of people
• You are looking for a cruise that caters to North Americans
• You dislike hearing announcements made in multiple languages

23 Night Cruise to the Mediterranean

• You want a fun, value-packed cruise on a manageable scale
• You don't need the flashy features of MSC's newer ships
• You want a cruise experience that focuses on unique itineraries
• You want splash parks, waterslides and bowling alleys onboard

3 Night Cruise to the Western Mediterranean

7 night cruise to the eastern mediterranean.

• You want a classic European cruise on a more intimate ship
• You don't need a lot of theme-park style amenities onboard
• You like interesting itineraries and out-of-the-way ports
• You want a cruise catering to North American tastes and likes
• You need to have activities like waterparks and F1 simulators

15 Night Cruise to Transatlantic

• You like your ships and entertainment options super-sized
• You are traveling solo and want dedicated single cabins
• You are looking to stay in Norwegian's Haven suite area
• You want a standard oceanview room; there are none onboard
• You like ships small and intimate, with quiet spaces galore

5 Night Cruise to the Eastern Mediterranean

• You want a European-style cruise on a contemporary ship
• You like easy-to-navigate ships with plenty of cozy nooks
• You enjoy traveling with an international mix of passengers
• You want the jaw-dropping diversions on MSC's newer ships
• You want a value-packed, family-friendly cruise on a classy ship
• You don't need all the latest Vegas-style onboard diversions
• You like a smaller ship that sails to interesting ports of call
• You want cutting-edge decor; Armonia has a classic ambiance
• You want the MSC Yacht Club experience found on newer ships
• You are expecting a familiar, North American-centric experience

10 Night Cruise to the Western Mediterranean

• You want big ship features on a humanly sized, classy ship
• You don't need the whiz-bang features of MSC's newest ships
• You appreciate MSC's international flair and unique voyages
• You dislike hearing announcements made in numerous languages
• You need the latest high-tech amenities on MSC's newest ships

9 Night Cruise to the Western Mediterranean

• You want a cruise with tons of fun for the entire family
• You like dining outdoors and chilling out by the pool
• You want some of the best cruise entertainment options at sea
• You dislike crowds or lines; you can find both on Norwegian Escape
• You don't want to pay extra for the ship's coolest features
• You're after a romantic couples cruise or a laid-back trip
• You want a big ship with plenty of cool onboard amenities
• You appreciate having a little casual onboard formality
• You want plenty of choices for entertainment and cuisine
• You want a more traditionally styled premium cruise ship
• You are traveling with kids who'd rather have waterslides
• You want an energetic, action-packed resort-at-sea experience
• You like the sound of surfing, climbing and ziplining at sea
• You enjoy Vegas-style experiences, with glitz at every turn
• You want to see the sea; many interiors have few windows
• You like traditional touches; this ship is about rule breaking
• You're looking for an intimate cruise; this ship is huge

5 Night Cruise to the Western Mediterranean

• You want a gigantic ship that's just bursting with activities
• You want the latest, greatest amenities for the whole family
• You enjoy having plenty of options when it comes to dining
• You don't like crowds and lines; they're a fact of life onboard
• You want a quiet experience and won't book the MSC Yacht Club

Travelers are discussing:

Explore Italy

The 7 Best Cruises for Experiencing Italy’s Scenic and Culinary Bounty

The best italy cruises bring travelers off the beaten path to explore some of the mediterranean country’s less-visited treasures..

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Visiting Sicily is a must on any Italy sailing.

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When it comes to Italy cruises, your best bet is to go with a small-ship sailing. Big ships tend to do the tried and true— Rome , Venice , Florence , Naples—not that there’s anything wrong with seeing the Colosseum, St. Mark’s Square, Michelangelo’s David , and the ruins of Pompeii . But on the best cruises around Italy, there’s opportunity to go deeper and at a slower pace.

You’ll often still be able to check off major marquee attractions, while at the same time admiring the pastel-colored villages and hairpin roadways along the Amalfi Coast, the unspoiled landscapes of Puglia, the drama of Sicily, or the dreamy Ligurian coast. In addition to visiting off-the-beaten-path places, small ships tend to linger in ports, with the best itineraries including late evening or overnight stays. That way, there’s time to sample the dining scene—key for cruisers like me who like to try the local pasta dish in every town.

The best time for an Italy cruise

The main season for Italy cruises is April to October, coinciding with weather that increases the allure of beaches and outdoor attractions, even if visiting ancient ruins in the heat of summer may require some fortitude.

Where Italy cruises sail

Some small-ship sailings stop in the Amalfi town of Positano.

Courtesy of Dimitry/Unsplash

Amalfi Coast

Along the famed Amalfi Coast , ships visit Sorrento, overlooking the bay of Naples, and colorful Amalfi, dramatically backed by steep cliffs. Some itineraries also including the strikingly beautiful Positano. Smaller yacht vessels may sail directly to the fancy island of Capri (otherwise there will be a shore excursion, as with the larger ships). Among other shore choices in this region is a visit to ancient Pompeii.

Italy cruise itineraries often land at several ports on Sicily, and some itineraries circumnavigate the island. Each port has its own allure, including the city scene in Palermo; Syracuse, which showcases ancient attractions from when it was a prominent Greek city; Taormina, with its impressive hilltop location and Greek theater; and Lipari, which has a charming, tiny island ambience. In addition to striking landscapes, attractions include Roman and Greek ancient historic sights and views of Mount Etna, plus filming locations featured in The Godfather movies and in Season 2 of the HBO series The White Lotus . If while cruising Sicily your ship ventures to Stromboli, with its famous volcano, it will be from a safe distance—and if you’re lucky, in the dark when you can witness the lava flowing.

Increasingly popular on the cruise map are destinations in Puglia , a region of olive groves and national parks. Small ships call in the city of Lecce and town of Gallipoli, with their impressive baroque architecture; Taranto, a bustling port city with a history dating back to the Spartans and known for its fresh seafood restaurants; the town of Otranto, where a chapel in the cathedral displays skulls of martyrs from a 15th-century Ottoman siege; and the scenic fishing town of Monopoli, with its beaches and castles.

Adriatic Coast and Sardinia

Small ships also visit Italy’s Adriatic Coast, including the historic Ancona, which has Roman ruins and beaches. Additional islands might appear on an Italy cruise itinerary, too, such as Sardinia, where the wild landscape affords hiking opportunities with views, and you can wander among medieval sights in the historic port city of Cagliari.

The best Italy cruises for every type of traveler

Book an Italy cruise with Abercrombie & Kent and this will be your view when sailing on Ponant’s 184-passenger Le Bougainville.

Courtesy of Nicolas Matheus/Ponant

Abercrombie & Kent

• Itinerary : Hidden Treasures From Florence to Venice
• Best for : Classic Italy cruise experience
• Number of days : 11
• Starting cost : $14,885 per person (including two hotel nights in Florence)

Luxury tour company Abercrombie & Kent carefully curates its cruise itineraries with local guides on shore and with destination experts onboard. A&K has partnered with French line Ponant for a September Italy cruise on Ponant’s diesel-electric ship Le Bougainville . This trip explores Florence, Rome, and Venice, stopping along the way on the islands of Sardinia and Sicily, and in Bari (the capitol of Puglia) and Ancona. Added bonus: a day on the French island of Corsica, the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. The experience is limited to 148 guests, who can sip drinks with views in the ship’s underwater lounge.

Indulge in Italy’s iconic cuisine on a foodie-focused sailing with Atlas Ocean Voyages.

Photo by Shutterstock

Atlas Ocean Voyages

• Itinerary : Valletta to Rome
• Best for : food lovers
• Number of days : 8
• Starting cost : $3,499 per person

Atlas Ocean Voyages, with its elegant small expedition ships, switches the focus from penguin-spotting in Antarctica to summer expedition cruises in Europe, including what the Portuguese-owned line calls “epicurean expeditions.” On the 196-passenger World Traveller , one such expedition from between Malta and Rome adds the food angle to exploration of Sicily and the Amalfi Coast, with overnights in Positano, the dramatically positioned cliffside town with its labyrinth of staircases, and on the island of Capri. An expedition team will lead culinary explorations on the ship and ashore, such as visiting local markets and specialty tastings, culinary presentations, cooking demonstrations, and sampling wine.

On this Azamara journey, combine coastal cruising with some time in Rome.

Courtesy of Michele Bitetto/Unsplash

Azamara Cruises

• Itinerary : Italy Intensive Voyage
• Best for: More affordable Italy sailing
• Number of days : 10
• Starting cost : $2,320 per person

Sailing round-trip from Venice on the upscale 684-passenger Azamara Pursuit , this “ Italy Intensive Voyage ,” which sets sail in June 2024, takes passengers to Bologna, where optional excursions include a visit to the Ferrari Museum, and the historic Adriatic port city of Ancona, before cruising over to Kotor, Montenegro, with its impressive fjord approach and UNESCO-recognized Old Town. Heading south, you’ll stop by Taranto in Puglia and Sicily’s Giardini Naxos (near Taormina) and Palermo, before lingering in Amalfi, Sorrento, and Capri. There’s the bonus of a day in Rome (accessible from the port of Civitavecchia). It’s a packed itinerary and a great price.

Not a bad way to take in the views of Italy on an Emerald Cruises super yacht

Courtesy of Pompei Luca/Emerald Cruises

Emerald Cruises

• Itinerary : Highlights of Southern Italy
• Best for : Intimate yacht experience
• Number of days : 7
• Starting cost : $6,120 per person

Cruising with thousands or even hundreds of people is one thing; cruising around southern Italy on a luxury super yacht is something else completely. Sail on Emerald Cruises’ 100-passenger Emerald Sakara from Civitavecchia to Dubrovnik , daydreaming in a designer daybed at the infinity pool when you’re not on shore exploring Sicily, the Amalfi Coast, Calabria (from the port city of Crotone) and Puglia. In Sorrento, an included guided tour of the city focuses on gelato. In Sicily’s Giardini Naxos, an optional excursion involves river tubing.

Visit Italy with Lindblad on the storied Sea Cloud ship, with the wind in your sails.

Courtesy of Sea Cloud

Lindblad Expeditions

• Itinerary: Mediterranean Gems: Southern Italy and Sicily Aboard Sea Cloud
• Best for : Historic ship experience
• Starting cost : $18,602 per person

Passengers will immerse themselves in history as soon as they set foot on the 58-passenger Sea Cloud tall ship, built in 1931 for socialite Marjorie Merriweather Post and finance tycoon E.F. Hutton, and decorated with period antiques. Lindblad Expeditions is operating the vessel on several Mediterranean journeys in 2024, including this Southern Italy and Sicily sailing . There will be a Lindblad–National Geographic–certified photo instructor to help guests get perfect photos of the ship’s iconic sails and of the enchanting sights on an off-the-beaten-path itinerary to Puglia, Sicily, and the Amalfi Coast, sailing from Dubrovnik to Naples. Highlights include a private lunch at Castello degli Schiavi, an 18th-century castle used as a filming location in The Godfather movies.

Imagine opening a great bottle of Italian wine in your personal dining room in the Grand Suite on the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Evrima .

Courtesy of Francisco Jose Martinez Mendez/Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

• Itinerary : Rome (Civitavecchia) to Valletta
• Best for : Luxury experience
• Starting cost : $10,600 per person

You can be sure that the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is going to deliver high-end resort cruising, and that’s certainly the case on the 298-passenger Evrima , where Moët & Chandon will flow freely as guests sail from Rome to Malta . Itinerary creativity is another bonus, as you explore the Amalfi Coast, Puglia, and Syracuse, the ship lingering in several ports so that you can go out on the town, with overnights in both Sorrento, where there is time to visit the emerald waters of the Grotta dello Smeraldo, and Taranto, with its white beaches and dolphin-spotting.

This Star Clippers cruise includes a bonus stop on the scenic island of Ponza.

Courtesy of Ferhat Deniz/Unsplash

Star Clippers

• Itinerary : Amalfi & Sicily
• Best for : Value
• Starting cost : $1,930 per person

Star Clippers’ Amalfi and Sicily itinerary on the 166-passenger Star Flyer sailing ship is the perfect combination of going with the wind and hitting key sights. The itinerary is round trip from Civitavecchia (near Rome), making this cruise a convenient and affordable add-on to your own exploration of Italy’s “Eternal City.” Set sail for Sicily (Messina and Lipari) and visit the Amalfi Coast (Sorrento and Amalfi). There’s the bonus of a port call in picturesque Ponza, an island in the Tyrrhenian Sea and very much not on the typical tourist path. When sailing, take in the breezes on the bowsprit.

Italy Tours & Cruises

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• May to October: This span, embracing late spring through early fall, graces Italy with its finest weather.
• March to April & November: These are the shoulder months, a traveler's treasure trove for securing the finest deals and discounts on Italian cruises.
• April to June & September: These months stand as the prime windows for exploring the enchanting coastal cities of Venice, Rome, and Naples.
• April to October: This generous season invites you to discover the beauty of Sicily in all its glory.
• March to May or October: Choose these months for an indulgent tour through Italy's lush vineyards, where every sip resonates with the essence of the season.
• Amalfi Coast: The Amalfi Coast beckons with its dramatic cliffs, charming villages, and panoramic vistas. Explore the ports of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. Don't miss the opportunity to gaze upon Mount Vesuvius, a dormant volcano that has shaped the region's history.
• Sicilian Wonders: Sicily boasts a wealth of archaeological marvels, from the ancient Greek temples of Agrigento to the bustling markets of Palermo and the dramatic landscapes of Mount Etna. 
• Ligurian Sea: Immerse yourself in the picturesque beauty of La Spezia, a charming port town that provides access to the breathtaking landscapes of Cinque Terre. Explore the historic Port of Genoa (Genova) and its maritime legacy, and discover the allure of Portofino, a gem on the Italian Riviera
• Dalmatian Coast and Aeolian Islands: Croatia's Dalmatian Coast is a true gem of the Adriatic Sea. Discover the medieval beauty of Dubrovnik's Old Town, the historic city of Split, and the stunning landscapes of Hvar and Korčula. Sail to the Aeolian Islands, where the natural beauty of volcanic landscapes meets tranquil island life.
• Greek Isles and Beyond: From the vibrant streets of Mykonos to the ancient ruins of Delos and the dramatic landscapes of Santorini, the Greek Isles enchant with their diverse beauty. 
• Adriatic Sea : Extending between Italy and the Balkans, the Adriatic Sea unveils a diverse mosaic of cultures and landscapes. From the enchanting Venice, known for its captivating waterways, to the historical treasures of Albania, and the scenic wonders of Montenegro.
• Venice  -  the city of bridges and canals that takes you back to Italy's yesteryear, where you'll see the Byzantine Doge's Palace and maybe enjoy a classic gondola tour. 
• Rome ( Civitavecchia ) – the country's capital city and home to the Roman empire's most famous ruins, like the Colosseum and the Forum. The Vatican City is   home to St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the administrative headquarters of the Catholic Church.
• Sicily  -  the Mediterranean's largest island is the off the southern coast of Italy, and home to its own unique culture, cuisine and wines .
• Sardinia -  is a picturesque island with a rugged coastline in the middle of the Mediterranean with almost 2,000 km of coastline, sandy beaches and a mountainous interior with ample hiking opportunities. Thousands of nuraghi, mysterious Bronze Age stone ruins shaped like beehives dot the countryside.  
• Naples & The Amalfi Coast -  here, you can visit the harrowing sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum, where artifacts from the violent eruptions of Mt. Vesuvius are well preserved.
• Portofino -  A tranquil seaside village home to unforgettable cafes, restaurants, and shopping.
• Escape to the quaint Mediterranean island paradises of  Portoferraio ,  Ponza ,  Lipari , or  Sorrento .
• Tuscany: Famous for its Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany's rolling hills produce exquisite Sangiovese grapes.
• Piedmont: Home to Barolo and Barbaresco, this region's Nebbiolo grapes create bold, elegant red wines.
• Veneto: Known for Prosecco and Amarone, Veneto delivers sparkling and full-bodied red wines from Corvina and Rondinella grapes.
• Sicily: With Nero d'Avola and Grillo, Sicily crafts robust reds and crisp whites from indigenous varieties.
• Sangiovese: Predominant in Tuscany, it's the backbone of Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino.
• Nebbiolo: The "King of Grapes" in Piedmont, giving life to Barolo and Barbaresco.
• Barbera: Another Piedmont treasure, known for its versatility and approachability.
• Primitivo: Thriving in Puglia, it's Italy's answer to Zinfandel, producing robust red wines.
• Vermentino: A crisp white from Liguria and Sardinia, known for its zesty citrus and herbal notes.
• Chianti: A classic red from Tuscany, often medium-bodied with red fruit notes and a touch of earthiness.
• Prosecco: A light, sparkling white wine hailing from Veneto, adored for its lively bubbles and freshness.
• Barolo: The "Wine of Kings," this Piedmont red is robust, age-worthy, and boasts complex layers.
• Amarone: A rich, bold red from Veneto, made using dried grapes, resulting in deep flavors and higher alcohol content.

Italy Wine Tasting Trips

Top destinations & attractions in italy, top 10 places to visit in italy, top 10 things to do in rome, top 10 things to do in milan, top 10 things to do in venice.

• Vatican City: Independent city-state within Rome, home to the Pope and iconic St. Peter's Basilica. It's the world's smallest independent state both in area and population.
• Vatican Museum: Vast collection of art and artifacts, including Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling. The museum houses over 70,000 works of art, showcasing centuries of human achievement.
• Sistine Chapel: Michelangelo's renowned frescoes, including "Creation of Adam" and "Last Judgment." It's the official residence of the Pope and the location of the papal conclave for the election of a new pope.
• St. Peter's Basilica: Renaissance masterpiece, largest church in the world, housing Michelangelo's "Pieta." The basilica's dome was designed by Michelangelo and stands as an architectural marvel.
• Colosseum: Ancient amphitheater, iconic symbol of Roman engineering and gladiatorial contests. It could hold up to 80,000 spectators and hosted a variety of events, from battles to theatrical performances.
• Pantheon: Well-preserved ancient temple, remarkable dome, and burial site of Italian kings. Its dome is the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome.
• Trevi Fountain: Iconic Baroque fountain featuring Neptune and tritons, known for coin tossing tradition. The tradition of tossing a coin over the left shoulder into the fountain is believed to ensure a return to Rome.
• Spanish Steps: Renowned staircase connecting Piazza di Spagna and Trinità dei Monti Church. They were funded by French diplomat Étienne Gueffier and are a popular meeting place for locals and tourists.
• Piazza Navona: Picturesque square with Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers and Baroque architecture. It was originally built as a competition arena for athletic contests and theatrical performances.
• Castel Sant'Angelo: Mausoleum turned fortress, offers panoramic views of the city. The castle's construction began in AD 135 and it has served as a fortress, castle, and prison over the centuries.

Italy Hiking Trips

• Milan : Italy's fashion capital boasts iconic sites like the Gothic Milan Cathedral and Leonardo da Vinci's, "The Last Supper."
• Lake Como : A serene retreat offering stunning lake views and villas. Explore the town of Bellagio and its gardens.
• Turin : Discover the elegance of Turin with its historic cafes, royal palaces, and the iconic Mole Antonelliana.
• Venice : Experience the enchantment of the floating city, known for its canals, gondolas, St. Mark's Basilica, and the Grand Canal.
• Verona: The city of love, home to the legendary balcony of Juliet and the Roman Arena.
• Parma: Known for its Parmesan cheese and Prosciutto di Parma. Explore its Romanesque cathedral.
• Ravenna : Immerse yourself in Byzantine mosaics at the Basilica of San Vitale and Mausoleum of Galla Placidia.
• Ferrara: Explore the well-preserved Renaissance city, known for its Este Castle and impressive city walls.
• Trieste: Admire the Miramare Castle and Piazza Unità d'Italia.
• Florence : The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence boasts the Uffizi Gallery, Florence Cathedral, and Ponte Vecchio.
• Tuscany: A haven of rolling hills, vineyards, and charming villages. Explore the artistic treasures of Florence, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the medieval town of Siena.
• Rome : The Eternal City brims with history. Visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican City, and the awe-inspiring St. Peter's Basilica.
• Umbria: Discover the serene landscapes and medieval towns of Assisi and Perugia, known for their artistic and cultural heritage.
• San Gimignano : Famous for its medieval towers, this hilltop town offers panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside.

Italy Food & Wine Tours

Luxury italy.

• Amalfi Coast: Revel in the dramatic coastal beauty of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. 
• Naples : Experience the vibrant street life and indulge in Neapolitan pizza. Don't miss the National Archaeological Museum.
• Pompeii: Step back in time at this ancient Roman city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. 
• Sorrento : A charming town overlooking the Bay of Naples, known for its panoramic views, citrus groves, and craftsmanship.
• Capri : Discover the glamour of this island paradise with its Blue Grotto, stunning vistas, and upscale boutiques.
• Messina: Gateway to Sicily with its historical architecture, including the Messina Cathedral and astronomical clock.
• Palermo : Sicily's capital is known for its vibrant markets, Baroque churches, and Norman Palace.
• Sicily : Experience the diverse landscapes of this island, from the ancient Greek ruins of Agrigento to the stunning beaches of Taormina and the majestic Mount Etna.

Best Italy Small Ship Cruise Lines for 2024-2025

• European Waterways   is headquartered in Berkshire, England, and operates a fleet of 17 river cruising vessels throughout Europe's rivers and canals. Discover the fascinating world of barging through the historic Po Valley in Italy aboard the stylish 20-passenger vessel  La Bella Vita .
• Silversea Cruises . A luxury cruise line with headquarters in Monaco and is a subsidiary of the Royal Caribbean Group.  Silver Cloud  has one of the highest crew-to-guest and space-to-guest ratios in expedition cruising. With her 20 zodiacs and ten kayaks, possibilities are almost limitless. 
• ​ Star Clippers Americas  recreate the legendary clippers that crossed the oceans in the 19th century and, in doing so, offer people the chance to experience the unique thrill of sailing the Mediterranean aboard its three tall ships, the  Royal Clipper ,  Star Flyer , and  Star Clipper .
• Ponant   combines superb itineraries with five-star hotel service. Cruise along Italian shores on an exceptional luxury cruise aboard  Le Bougainville  to discover the highlights of this stunning western Mediterranean coastline
• Sea Cloud Cruises   has always preserved and shaped the true value of windjammers. The wind and waves' beat determines the rhythm and direction of life on board. The  Sea Cloud II  perfectly combines spaciousness for up to 94 passengers with the lifestyle of a private yacht.
• Emerald Waterways   offers a delectable selection of dining options horizon-expanding excursions and first-class service, every holiday generously stocked with extras. The superyacht   Emerald Azzurra  measures 110 meters in length and can comfortably accommodate 100 guests.
• CroisiEurope . A French independent family business for 45 years, has established itself as the European leader in river cruises and specialized in intimate-sized cruises on rivers. The size of the 154 passenger MS Michelangelo allows it to cruise the Venetian Lagoon and moor close to Saint Mark's Square. 
• Variety Cruises . A   private cruise operator company based in Athens features small ships that offer ocean view cabins and unobstructed 360° views of nature's wonders and splendors. The 44-guest  Harmony G  features a spacious lounge with ample space, dining areas decorated with warm colors, large windows offering pristine views of all destinations, shaded areas, an outdoor bar, and loungers. 
• Lindblad Expeditions  has been a responsible travel and sustainability leader for over 50 years.

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Home » Italy Cruises » Cruises Around Italy

Home » Italy Cruises » Cruises Around Italy

Cruises Around Italy

The pleasure of visiting Italy by sea makes it unique among all the best vacation destinations in the world. Italy’s coastal views from the water are gorgeous. Italy’s famous art cities Rome, Florence, and Venice are all accessible by cruise ship. Rome’s cruise port Civitavecchia and Venice’s cruise port are among the largest cruise ports in the Mediterranean. From either port you may sail around Italy on all the major cruise lines visiting all of Italy’s ports on the Adriatic, Sicily, and along the Mediterranean. Here are our picks for the top rated cruises around Italy. And don’t forget, we guarantee the lowest price on all cruises around Italy.

Cruises around Italy from Rome to Venice

April 10, 2024

ROME (CIVITAVECCHIA), ITALY | FLORENCE / PISA (LIVORNO) | FLORENCE / PISA (LIVORNO) | AMALFI | CATANIA, SICILY,ITALY | TARANTO | KOTOR, MONTENEGRO | ANCONA | BOLOGNA (RAVENNA) | VENICE | VENICE 

April 11, 2024

Rome (Civitavecchia) | Florence/Pisa/Tuscany (Livorno) | Cinque Terre (La Spezia) | Nice (Villefranche) | Provence (Marseille) | Barcelona | Valencia | Alicante | Palma De Mallorca | Valletta | Ephesus (Kusadasi) | Istanbul | Istanbul | Mykonos | Athens (Piraeus) | Dubrovnik | Pula/Rovinj | Venice (Trieste) 

April 14, 2024

Rome (Civitavecchia) | Naples | Sicily (Messina) | Crotone | Bari | Sibenik | Venice | Venice 

Aug 4, 2024

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7 Night Italy & Croatia Cruise

Your ship voyager of the seas.

DISCOVER ADVENTURE ON EVERY DECK

Typhoon℠ and Cyclone℠

Teen Spaces

FlowRider ®

Adventure Ocean ®

Gourmet globetrotting.

Chops Grille℠

Giovanni's Table

Chef's Table

Shows that hit every high note.

Broadway Rhythm & Rhyme

Ice Skating Shows

Schooner Bar

Day 1: ravenna, italy.

MAKE YOUR OWN MOSAICS

DANTE’S TOMB BATTLE

BE THERE. BE SQUARE

LOCAL CUISINE

Day 2: Zadar, Croatia

popular Shore Excursions

Amazing experiences coming soon..

REMNANTS OF AN EMPIRE

SEASIDE SYMPHONY

HIT THE HINTERLAND

Local Cuisine

Day 3: Dubrovnik, Croatia

WALK WITHIN THE WALLS

A WORLD AWAY

ACTION PACKED ADRIATIC

Day 4: Kotor, Montenegro

Old-Town Exploration

Gain Another Perspective

Day 5: Cruising

The Perfect Storm℠

Ice Skating

Day 6: sicily, italy.

Photographer's Playground

Dawn of the Duomo

A Piazza With a View

Day 7: Naples / Capri, Italy

Go Underground

Church Bells Ring

Day 8: Rome, Italy

ANCIENT AND AMAZING

ADVENTURE SQUARED

SACRED SPACES

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CRUISES TO ITALY

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Book Your Italy Cruise Holiday

Cruise to Italy and visit some of the world's most beautiful and historic cities on your all-inclusive Italy cruise holiday. Experience the magnificence of the peninsula along the Mediterranean coastline as you travel through the Tyrrhenian Sea, Ionian Sea and Adriatic Sea. Home to some of the most iconic works of art and exquisite cuisines, an Italian cruise is one not to miss. Experience the best of Italy on a 8-Day Mediterranean Cruise from Rome or maybe a 10-Day Greek Isles & Italy Cruise from Rome .

About ITALY CRUISES

All-Inclusive Italy Cruises From Rome

Enjoy more than two and a half thousand years of history, art, and culture in Rome . Sip Italian espresso in a quaint café, journey to an ancient time at the iconic Colosseum, or marvel at the Sistine Chapel during your visit to the Vatican City. Or simply admire the sweeping views of Capri in Naples . Feel free to explore the past in contemporary style with Norwegian.

What to Do on an Italy Cruise

Your cruise to Italy may have various stops depending on your port for departure and length of travel but there are a few things you must do on your holiday. Plan your days for each port to enjoy the sites. From Cannes, France; Barcelona, Spain; Naples, Italy to Athens, Greece there are many historical sites and world-renowned artwork to see. Eat local cuisines from each port such as pasta, tapas, wine and pastries. Shop like a local at various markets and for high-end fashion items.

Start Your Italy Cruise Holiday FROM THESE DEPARTURE PORTS

Cruises from Rome

Cruise to Italy from Rome and sip an espresso whilst you explore two and a half thousand years of history of art and culture before your departure.

Cruises from Athens

Cruise to Italy from Athens and explore the oldest city in Europe, home to the Acropolis and many important architectural structures, before your departure.

Cruises from Barcelona

Cruise to Italy from Barcelona and explore iconic sites, like Park Güell or the medieval streets of Barri Gotic, before your departure.

Discover More With An ITALIAN CRUISE EXCURSION

Visit the ruins of Pompeii, an excavation site so perfectly preserved that you can still see fine details from over 1,700 years ago. Admire the majesty of St. Peter's Basilica during your visit to the Vatican City. Wind your way towards Mount Etna as you pass picturesque towns. Stroll through the magnificent city of Florence and its stunning architecture. Or have a taste of Italy's finest wines during a tour of the Tuscan countryside. Explore the best of Italy on a shore excursion.

An Italy Family Holiday THEY'LL NEVER FORGET

An Italy Cruise Holiday for the Whole Family

There are family holidays. Then there are the kinds of awe-inspiring holidays your family will remember forever. Sail on an Italy Cruise with Norwegian and discover the ease and convenience of unpacking once and experiencing it all. Freedom, flexibility and family entertainment offered on Italy cruises allows guests of all sizes to experience the best holiday ever. Because on family holidays, it's all about options. And Norwegian's got them, from accommodations that fit all families to delicious dining choices even finicky eaters can't refuse. We haven't forgotten about teens - they also have an exclusive onboard refuge at Entourage.

Choose Your Italy Cruise ACCOMMODATION

Contemporary Accommodations

Experience an Italy cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line and enjoy freedom of choice all along the way. Whether you're bringing the whole crew and staying in a Family Balcony, kicking it solo in a Studio or enjoying the views of Rome from an oceanview stateroom with some of your best friends, we've got just the room for you.

Stay in our Suites - our most luxurious, spacious and well-appointed accommodations. with our award-winning private suites and family accommodations you're always guaranteed a great place to rest.

Freedom & Flexibility For Your ITALY CRUISE

Discover the vast beauty, endless activity, and rich culture of the Adriatic and Mediterranean on an Italy cruise. Only Norwegian Cruise Line offers more choices of what to do and see, and more freedom to do it your way. That's the freedom and flexibility Norwegian offers. Unpack once and journey from city to city. Enjoy everything that Italy has to offer from Rome to Naples then return to the cruise ship to a variety of onboard activities, one-of-a-kind entertainment, and dining options. Dress up for a romantic evening or enjoy a casual dining experience with the whole family. Do what makes you happy with no restrictive timetables, ever. Because your holiday is exactly that - yours.

Find The Best Italy Cruises

Italy Cruises

Cruises and cruise destinations in Italy

Italy cruises

Italy’s boot-like shape means it has a great deal of coastline, much of it extremely beautiful. The country also boasts some of the most attractive islands of the Mediterranean. Several of the world’s most fascinating and culturally-rich cities are on or near Italy’s coast, with artistic, archaeological and foodie destinations in easy reach of picturesque ports. These factors, combined with its geographical location, make it no wonder that Italian destinations feature heavily on cruise itineraries. A great many Mediterranean cruises visit at least one or two Italian ports. Curiously, it is hard to find a cruise which is dedicated purely to Italy, and there are none which make a comprehensive tour around the entire peninsula with many stops. But on this page you’ll find an overview of cruises which devote a significant amount of their itinerary to Italy, and which are a good way of combining a love of Italy with a fondness for cruising.

If you prefer to avoid air travel, a cruise can also be a way of reaching Italy without flying, as several cruise lines offer trips from the UK to Italy, and it is also possible to find transcontinental cruises – for example, when ships are repositioned for the season.

I have given examples of destinations and itineraries featured by cruise lines, but these are obviously subject to change.

• Find and book hotels in Italy . With location maps and guest reviews.

Ports of call

I’ve counted at least 25 Italian ports in Italy being visited by cruises. Two of Rome’s greatest cities, Florence and Rome, are listed on cruise itineraries but are a considerable distance inland. Given the vast array of sights in both towns, they really merit a separate, longer visit. For a more relaxing and charming cruise, I’d choose to spend time seeing the lovely towns, countryside and coast nearer the ports. Many of the ports themselves are fascinating, while all of them are close to sites of great interest and appeal.

For information about other destinations along the coast of Italy and its islands, see the list in the right-hand links panel. Depending on the cruise you select, you could be visiting small picturesque islands, taking an excursion up a volcano, exploring Venice’s canals or Pompeii’s ruined streets, relaxing in chic seaside resorts or taking a cable-car to a medieval hilltown.

The advantages of cruising are many, and if you are reading this page you may already be confident that a cruise is right for you. Your cruise ship will be your holiday, essentially, with visits to Italy included – a different experience to staying on Italian soil, though of course you can combine a cruise with a hotel stay if your tour starts or ends in Italy. Cruise passengers won’t need to worry about travel arrangements or luggage, and will have the huge advantage of touring different places in Italy without the hassle of shifting accommodation. You can socialise with fellow passengers, enjoy all the entertainment options on board, and have your shore excursions planned for you, if you wish. On a cruise ship you can combine a relaxing holiday in familiar surroundings with the chance to tour Italy’s coastline and visit varied tourist destinations. Families or groups with disparate interests will appreciate the range of activities on offer on larger ships. Some cruises (detailed below) feature lectures from highly-qualified experts, which could add hugely to your appreciation of the sights you see.

Disadvantages of cruises

The main disadvantage of seeing Italy on a cruise is that you won’t be able to structure your own time, or explore freely. Obviously, travellers are limited to the ship’s ports of call and the shore time allocated. Although most Italian ports are fairly convenient for sightseeing, I’d have reservations about visiting Florence or Rome this way. Especially if you choose a larger cruise ship, you will always be visiting sights in a crowd. Small destinations – such as the island of Capri and even central Venice – can feel overwhelmed when cruise parties land, and you won’t have the possibility of enjoying the ambience without the crowds. Eating on board a ship, you will also miss out on the great experience that is dining in Italy. You may not have the chance to appreciate the famous Italian evening passeggiata and aperitivo time. If you’re concerned about missing out, look for cruises which begin or end in an interesting city – Rome or Venice, say – and book a hotel to give yourself a good chance to explore. A few cruises do allow for overnight stays in the most interesting destinations. If you are in doubt, check the cruise itineraries closely, looking at the arrival and departure times for each port, to work out whether you will feel rushed.

Choosing an Italy cruise

Cruises around Italy vary from massive ships visiting a few principal tourist sights, to high-class options using smaller vessels and calling in at interesting smaller destinations, often with particular historic or artistic themes, and with knowledgeable experts – sometimes the leaders in their field – aboard. Obviously the latter option, while appealing, can be extremely expensive.

Do you want a cruise dedicated entirely, or almost entirely to Italy? Or a cruise which combines Italy with other parts of the Mediterranean? Are you happy to visit the principal tourist sights, or do you want to visit less common destinations for a more in-depth experience of Italy? Are you tempted by a specialist cruise focussing on particular aspects of history or culture?Many cruise lines split the Mediterranean into sections, and operate cruises around a particular section – this is unlucky for Italy-lovers, as Italy gets divided in two. The western coast of Italy is usually combined with France, Spain, and the western Mediterranean. Venice, on the eastern coast, is usually a departure point or stopover for cruises touring the Adriatic and Greece. While this practice make geographic sense and both options are appealing, it’s not so convenient if you want to do a thoroughly Italian cruise.

What size of ship and onboard facilities would you prefer? This will determine the nature of your holiday. Smaller ships generally offer a more upmarket and intimate atmosphere, and can visit smaller destinations, but they won’t offer as much onboard variety. Smaller vessels can be significantly more expensive, which may limit your choice.

What company? Maybe you already have a favourite. Some firms are noted for their family-friendly fun, others for their cultural expertise. Although many cruise lines carry a variety of nationalities and operate in several languages, there will often be one nationality predominating. Italian cruises offer frequent trips around their country, but would you be prepared to travel in a mostly-Italian ship? If you are considering booking a cruise which isn’t marketed chiefly at your own country, it’s particularly important to read up on other travellers’ experiences before you book.

Several companies, nobably Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean, offer a ‘Cruisetour’ which combines a land tour visiting cities, before embarking on a cruise. If you want a variety of experiences, or are not confident about travelling independently in Europe, this may be a helpful option, though it would generally be a cheaper and more flexible option to simply plan your own travel before or after a cruise starting/finishing at an Italian port.

The best Italian cruises

Mainstream cruises.

Thomas Cook – A good one-stop shop for cruises from a number of cruise lines, with deals and destination searches. Cruise lines featured include Royal Caribbean, P&O and MSC.

SAGA Holidays – If you are fortunate enough to fall into their age range (50+, or 40+ with a companion of 50+), Saga offer some good-quality cruises. Their big advantage is that they have departures from UK ports Dover and Southampton, giving travellers the option of no-fly cruises to Italy. This does mean a longer cruise, of course, and cruises only feature three or four Italian destinations, along with a range of other Mediterranean stop-overs. Their 3-week ‘Mediterranean Explorer’ tour visits Civitavecchia (Rome), Salerno, Venice and Siracusa, while the ‘Mediterranean Odyssey’ features Catania instead of Siracusa. ‘Beauty of the Mediterranean’ calls at Sorrento, Cagliari and Civitavecchia.

P&O Cruises – P&O offer a range of Italian destinations, combined in tours with other countries. Like Saga, they operate cruises departing from the UK (Southampton) heading as far as Venice and the Adriatic for a longer option avoiding air travel. Ports include Ravenna, Elba, Alghero, La Spezia, Savona, Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, Trieste, Bari, Rapallo, Brindisi (near Lecce) as well as the usual Livorno, Civitavecchia and Venice. Most of their cruises visit only a couple of Italian destinations, but scrolling through their extensive options can unearth the occasional gem for Italy-lovers, such as a Western Mediterranean cruise on the 710-passenger Adonia which visits Savona, Portofino, Livorno, Civitavecchia, Sorrento and Catania before leaving Italian waters.

MSC Cruises – An Italian company, with cruises visiting a good selection of Italian ports – most of the usual destinations, with the addition of Ancona (for Urbino) on its Adriatic cruises. Like the other big cruise lines, they generally operate cruises to either the east or the west of Italy, stopping at two or three Italian destinations on each cruise. One of their more unusual cruises combines four Italian ports – Genoa, Civitavecchia, Messina and Sorrento – with a journey reaching as far as the Black Sea.

Costa Cruises – Another Italian firm, Costa Cruises advertise ‘cruising Italian style’. Their Mediterranean cruises often visit two or three Italian ports, not always the most obvious ones – for example, ‘Magnificent Mediterranean’ visits Livorno, Capri and Cagliari. You may find quite heavy discounting on their website for last-minute trips.

Princess Cruises – A US firm with some fairly good European cruise options, including UK departures. Many of their ‘Greek Isles’ type cruises feature several Italian stops – for example, I found a 12-day ‘Greek Isles and Mediterranean’ tour starting in Rome and finishing in Venice – ideal for extending your stay in either city – which also calls at Livorno and Naples in Italy. If you fancy a big adventure (or just hate air travel) they operate voyages between continents, linking Rome and Venice with Fort Lauderdale, Galveston, and Sydney.

Royal Caribbean – For travellers without much time, Royal Caribbean operate some cruises lasting less than a week, as well as longer options. Many of their cruises include two or three Italian destinations. They feature Adriatic cruises visiting Venice, Ravenna and Bari, and a route from Venice heading around Italy, stopping in Naples, Civitavecchia and Livorno in Italy and on to Spain. Royal Caribbean have departures from Genoa, Civitavecchia, Messina and Venice.

Small ships, specialist cruises and luxury travel

Voyages to Antiquity – This relatively new cruise company is the one which most tempts me to leave dry land. Perfect for thinking cruisers, Voyages to Antiquity offer specialist cultural cruises with eminent lecturers (who have included John Julius Norwich and Mary Beard). Itineraries are mostly based around well-thought-out historical or artistic themes. Their most interesting cruise for Italophiles is probably their in-depth Sicily tour, ‘Sicily is the key to everything’. As well as visiting interesting smaller destinations, they also allow longer in important towns like Venice and Rome. Their ship, the Aegean Odyssey, carries an average of 350 passengers.

Seabourn – This Seattle-based luxury cruise line is an ideal choice if you want to tailor an Italian cruise, as you can basically book ‘legs’ on their ships which tour around Italy, France, Spain and the rest of the Mediterranean. So you can spend a week or a fortnight cruising along the Riviera and around the islands and coastline of western Italy. Their boats visit a good selection of interesting smaller destinations (in some of which you must take a tender to shore) including the island of Elba, exclusive Portofino, Portovenere, Ravenna on the Adriatic coast, and Lipari in the Aeolian Islands.

Swan Hellenic – On Swan Hellenic’s small ship Minerva, travellers are promised a ‘country house atmosphere’ with guest speakers providing an intellectual accompaniment to the sights. For a really lavish holiday, you could book a ‘Grand Mediterranean’ tour, which calls at Alghero, Livorno, Messina, Brindisi and Venice on its Italian leg, and cruises past Stromboli at night to witness volcanic eruptions (the two halves of this cruise are also bookable separately). If you are really keen on volcanoes, check Swan Hellenic’s schedules for volcano cruises, such as ‘Volcanoes of the Mediterranean’, which as well as passing Stromboli stops in Lipari and other excellent Italian destinations, and visits Italy’s other active volcanoes. As they have only one small ship with 350 passengers, the cruise schedule varies from year to year, and popular cruises get booked up well in advance.

Noble Caledonia – Noble Caledonia offer some luxury small-ship experiences which are cruises entirely in another class (and price bracket). Several of their special cruises are devoted to Italy, including ‘La Dolce Vita’, a wine cruise from Venice to Catania in the 44-passenger MV Harmony, and a musical stay in the Venice lagoon onboard the MS Michelangelo. Thanks to their small vessels, some cruises visit excellent out-of-the-way spots like the Egadi Islands off the coast of Sicily, Matera (driving inland) and La Maddalena in Sardinia.

River cruises

Italy no longer has navigable rivers of any great length, but it is possible to try something a bit different. European Waterways cruise along canals between Venice and Mantua with a 20-passenger luxury hotel barge. French company CroisiEurope run six and seven-day cruises around the Po delta and the Venetian lagoon, visiting Venice, Chioggia and Ferrara. From Venice it is also possible to enjoy day cruises on small boats along the Brenta Canal between Venice and Padua.

Cruise destinations

Civitavecchia for Rome

Siracusa (Syracuse)

Porto Venere

Santa Margherita Ligure

Livorno for Florence / Pisa

Ancona for Urbino

Marina di Carrara for Florence / Pisa

Brindisi for Lecce

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Special interest holidays

P&O Cruises

Italy car hire