The spellbinding Mediterranean is a treasure trove of antiquities, from the turquoise splendor of the Greek Isles to the vineyards of Provence, from Moorish Spain to Italy’s hilltop villages dating from the Renaissance. A small ship luxury Mediterranean cruise lets you experience it all seamlessly and in style.
Small Ship Luxury Cruises helps to pair you with the perfect small ship or river cruise destination. With our extensive knowledge and experience traveling around the globe, we categorize the best in cruises by season as well as popularity. While we may recommend peak travel opportunities, our team can accommodate any request to travel abroad year-round.
Mediterranean

Luxury Mediterranean Small Ship Cruises
From Corsica and Sicily to the Cyclades, the Mediterranean is nothing short of spellbinding. Take a private cooking class with a Michelin-starred chef in Tuscany, partake in sommelier tastings with tapas in Spain, or kayak across the pristine waters off the coast of Corsica.
Recommended Luxury Mediterranean Small Ships
We have hand-selected only the finest luxury small ships in the Mediterranean with the highest standards of personalized service as the basis for crafting your custom-designed Mediterranean luxury cruising experience.
Seabourn Encore
There has never been a Seabourn that has looked or sailed like Seabourn Encore, completing an ultra-luxury cruise ship fleet that has already been hailed as the best in the world.
10-26 Day | 604 Passengers |
Seabourn Ovation
Luxury redefined. Seabourn Ovation is the pinnacle of Seabourn Ships, with a vast array of personalized services and luxurious extras that make sailing in the Mediterranean unforgettable.
7-28 Day | 600 Passengers |
Seabourn Quest
Is the third iteration of the "luxury game-changer" design, with a fresh contemporary look and feel, and award-winning all-inclusive dining venues that rival the finest restaurants.
7-24 Day | 450 Passengers |
Seabourn Sojourn
Design, amenities, and style come together to create a cruise experience of rare indulgence on Seabourn Sojourn. Join us on board the Sojourn.
7-30 Day | 450 Passengers |
SeaDream I
Exuding class and elegance, SeaDream I, the first of two yachts in the SeaDream Yacht Club fleet, is an award-winning luxury yacht that accesses the best ports of call in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.
7-11 Day | 112 Passengers |
SeaDream II
Completely refurbished after a multi-million refit and renovation in Jan 2022, SeaDream II is now an even more unique experience, sailing luxury cruises throughout the Mediterranean and Caribbean.
7-11 Day | 110 Passengers |
Silver Dawn
Luxury on a whole new level awaits on Silver Dawn! Sumptuous suites, outstanding itinerary plus cutting-edge design and technology. Luxury has a name, and its name is Silver Dawn.
7-25 Day | 596 Passengers |
Silver Moon
Launched in March 2022, Silver Moon is a mirror of her renowned sister, redesigned with innovations that push luxury travel to new heights, and the first to unveil SALT, a new immersive culinary experience.
7-31 Day | 728 Passengers |
Silver Nova
The future of luxury cruising arrives in the summer of 2023 with a revolutionary asymmetrical design offering an immersive experience in a new era of sustainable cruising.
7-28 Day | 728 Passengers |
Silver Spirit
Refurbished in May 2018, the all-new Silver Spirit underwent a 15-m extension, adding 34 staterooms, 8 dining venues, and public area upgrades.
7-28 Days | 668 Passengers |
Luxury Mediterranean Holidays
Top Mediterranean Destinations
The Amalfi coast is a popular destination in Italy attracting a plethora of visitors each year. This rugged coast is between Naples and Salerno and includes Sorrento Peninsula. Positano, Praiano, and Amalfi are just a few of the picture-perfect villages in this region. This world-famous stretch of coastline is characterized by its dramatic cliffs, idyllic coves, and stunning seaside villages. The views are simply incredible, and the atmosphere is relaxed and charming. Plus, there’s plenty to do and see here – from exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites to enjoying world-class shopping and dining.
If you could only visit one spot in the Mediterranean, make it Santorini. This picturesque Greek isle in the southern Aegean Sea is famous for its dramatic cliffs, stunning sunsets, and whitewashed buildings—not to mention its excellent wine and food. You’ll never forget experiencing the caldera’s otherworldly beauty from atop a donkey ride.
Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean and a must-see for anyone visiting Croatia. Its well-preserved old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its dramatic city walls, marble streets, and baroque churches. The city is also a great base for exploring nearby islands such as Korčula and Hvar.
Greece is an unmissable destination for history buffs and culture lovers alike. This cradle of Western civilization is home to some of the most iconic ancient sites in the world, including the Acropolis and Parthenon in Athens, and the Oracle at Delphi. With its stunningly well-preserved ruins, awe-inspiring landscapes, delicious food, and friendly locals, Greece is a unique corner of the world that you’ll never forget.
If you’re looking to experience exotic corners of the Mediterranean, look no further than Istanbul. This ancient city is full of must-see attractions like the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, not to mention its stunning location on the banks of the Bosphorus Strait. And with its abundance of restaurants and nightlife, you’ll never run out of things to do in Istanbul.
Best times to take a Mediterranean cruise
Yes, the Mediterranean is beautiful in summer. But the best time to go is actually spring or fall, when the weather is cool, the crowds are small, and many excellent cruises are available on a wider range of ships.
No matter when you cruise the Mediterranean, you’ll find stunning scenery, delicious food, and pleasant weather. But if you’re looking for the best time to cruise the Mediterranean, spring or fall offers ideal conditions. In spring, the region comes to life with new growth and blooms; in fall, the colors are spectacular as leaves change from green to gold and red. Plus, crowds are smaller in spring and fall than during the summer months.
The best time to cruise the Mediterranean is during the summer peak, from May to August. The weather is hot and sunny, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beaches and explore the local towns and villages. Plus, there’s always something going on in the Mediterranean – whether it’s a festival in one of the larger cities or a traditional dance performance in a tiny coastal town.
Why cruise the Mediterranean with Small Ship Luxury Cruises?
We get to know you on a personal level so that we can accommodate your preferences, needs, and expectations before we begin planning your ideal Mediterranean experience.
We work with only the finest Mediterranean ships and yachts with the highest levels of personalized service. From there, we listen to what you desire and use our insider knowledge to make the best fit for you and your guests.
Just tell our Mediterranean concierges about your dream trip to the Islands and they will assist you with planning every detail of the process.
Our experienced travel concierges plan your Mediterranean trip from beginning to end, eliminating the time investment and stress so often associated with planning a vacation to a destination as complicated as the Mediterranean Islands.
While Small Ship Luxury Cruises helps you discover the best cruise destinations, our team of travel concierges can coordinate a completely customized itinerary to the Mediterranean to accommodate any request. If you don’t see a particular destination or activity highlighted on our website, don’t worry! We would be happy to work with you in curating your one-of-a-kind travel experience.