Mediterranean and Nile cruises

Visit Mediterranean cruise is the perfect escape: sunshine, historic ports of call and a festive atmosphere. This Mediterranean cruise appeals to all generations, from families to culture-seeking travelers.

Why choose a Mediterranean cruise

1. Variety of ports of call The typical itinerary intrinsically evokes the cultural richness of Italy, Greece, Italy and Italy.Spain or the Corsica.

2. Accessibility A variety of budgets, from weekend mini-cruises to extended expeditions.

3. Suitable for all families, seniors, young adventurers... the Mediterranean cruise is universal.

Formulas Mediterranean cruise

• Big liner (e.g. MSC, Costa, Royal Caribbean): modern comfort, many ports of call.

• Yacht or sailboat a more intimate experience with Star Clippers or Club Med 2.

• Luxury cruise/expedition Ponant or CFC for top-of-the-range discoveries.

• Mini-cruise short 3-5-day itineraries with key stopovers.

Emblematic stopovers in Mediterranean

1. Corsica - Ajaccio, Bonifacio, Girolata: raw Mediterranean landscapes.

2. Italy - Rome/Civitavecchia, Sardinia, Sicily: rich history.

3. Spain - Barcelona (2.5 M cruise passengers/year), Palma de Mallorca: culture and beaches.

4. Greece & Cyclades - Santorini, Mykonos: iconic architecture and mythology.

5. Croatia & Montenegro - Dubrovnik, Kotor: medieval heritage and fortresses.

6. Malta - Valletta and Blue Grotto: UNESCO historic sites.

7. Nice - relaxation, culture and gastronomy on the Côte d'Azur .

Preparing your Mediterranean cruise

• Ideal season May to SeptemberAvoid July and August to avoid the crowds .

• Duration & ship mini-cruises (3-5 days) or full weeks, as you wish.

• Budget from ≈ €675 for basic (MSC Seaside, Seaview...) to + €4,000 for luxury (MSC Seaside, Seaview...).

• Excursions : prefer long stopovers (e.g. CFC: 13 h stopover).

• Gastronomy local flavors on board and ashore, wine tours.

Advantages & constraints

Benefits all-in-one, comfort, cultural diversity, choice of formulas.
Constraints : heavy summer traffic, risk of pollution in ports and at sea.

Environmental issues in the Mediterranean

• Emissions Ships account for up to 10 % of maritime emissions.

• Green initiatives LNG, cold ironing (e.g. Costa Favolosa, Grimaldi Lines).

• Local impact awareness in Ajaccio, protected corals .

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

1. What's the best time for a Mediterranean cruise ?

May to September. July and August are very busy, so opt for May-June or late September for greater peace and quiet.

2. How much does a Mediterranean cruise ?

Mini-cruises from ≈ € 675 on MSC and special offers. Luxury and shipping cost from €2,000 to €5,000+.

3. Cruise ship or yacht?

The giant ship offers more activities, the sailboat/yacht a more intimate and authentic setting. .

4. Is it environmentally friendly?

Progress has been made (LNG, cold ironing, etc.), but pollution remains a challenge for the Mediterranean. .

5. Must-see ports of call

Barcelona, Santorini, Dubrovnik, Ajaccio, Rome - a variety of heritages and landscapes.

6. Can we travel as a family?

Absolutely: adapted ships, kids' clubs, multi-generational activities.

7. Do I need to book excursions in advance?

Yes, prefer long stopovers (CFC: >13 h) and book to avoid extra costs.

Cruise - all the information you need for a dream adventure

Visit cruise is more than just a voyage: it's an immersive experience at sea, a cruise that combines relaxation, cultural discovery and modern comfort. With the emergence of new generations of travellers, making a cruise has become a favorite vacation choice for families, young couples and even solo travelers. To find out more about an itinerary the countryFor more information, see our complete guide to the French regions.

What is a cruise?

A cruise means a trip planned on board a ship between several ports of call, offering passengers the possibility of discovering different destinations without changing accommodation, a concept designed for maritime and river tourism.. The ships are specially designed for comfort: restaurants, cabins, swimming pools, shows...

Cruise market and popularity

With 34.6 M passengers in 2024 (+9 % vs 2023), the cruise is growing steadily and could reach 37.7 M in 2025 .
In France, 573,000 cruise passengers embarked in 2024, a stable figure since 2023, the Hexagon being the 5ᵉ European market. Passenger age fell from 49 to 46.7 years.
From an economic standpoint, the global cruise market is valued at 10.26 billion USD in 2024, with annual growth estimated at +8.7 % between 2024 and 2029..

Types of cruises

• Maritime cruise The most widespread, between the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and European fjords.

• River cruise The Seine, Loire, Rhône... ideal for more intimate tourism.

• Expedition or luxury cruise Ponant, Hurtigruten, MSC Explora target a high-end audience, with fewer people on board for a personalized experience.

• Private cruise or sailboat Off-the-beaten-track exploration, often on smaller boats.

How to choose your cruise?

Duration & itinerary

Short weekends or transatlantic crossings? To each his own.

Size & ambience

From giant "floating palace" liners to intimate yachts, the cruise adapts to all profiles.

Theme & budget

Families, couples, adventure or well-being... the cruise offers a wide range of themes and price points.

Durability

LNG-fuelled ships and "zero-smoke" ports of call attempt to reduce environmental impact.

The major players

• Carnival, Royal Caribbean, MSC, Costa...world leaders in the sector.

• CroisiEurope dominates the European river market.

• Luxury companies like Ponant or Orient Express (by Accor + LVMH) offer exclusive itineraries

Challenges and impacts

Environmental

In the Adriatic Sea, ships account for up to 10 % of maritime CO₂ emissions, and one ship can generate as many emissions as a European in a year.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions 

Why take a cruise?

It's a convenient, all-in-one way to travel, combining sightseeing, accommodation and onboard entertainment.

How much does a Mediterranean cruise cost?

Economy packages start at around €500-800, while luxury cruises often exceed €4,000-10,000 per person.

What's the best time of year to take a cruise?

Depending on destination: spring/summer for the Mediterranean, variable duration for polar expeditions.

Is a boat trip environmentally friendly?

Progress is being made: LNG, electric shore power... but criticism persists regarding emissions and local pollution.

River or sea cruises: which to choose?

River cruises offer a quieter, more cultural atmosphere, while sea cruises offer more far-flung destinations.

Boat travel is attracting more and more travellers thanks to its diversified offer, from floating palace to the boat on a human scale. Whether it's maritime, river or luxuryThe cruise industry has become a major player in world tourism, while striving to limit its environmental impact.

To find out more, read our article on river cruises in France and our ideas for getaways. the country.

Cruise on the Nile

Visit Nile cruise offers a unique experience, combining relaxation on the river with immersion in ancient Egypt. Between majestic temples, golden landscapes and peaceful navigation, the Nile cruise is an unforgettable journey. Dive into our guide to help you prepare for this historic adventure, with a special section on the country link to our regions guide on CParici.com.

What is a Nile cruise?

Visit Nile cruise refers to a river trip, generally between Luxor and Aswan, aboard a traditional or modern boat, punctuated by cultural stopovers. It offers a continuous stream of discoveries, just like the classic proposals with visits to ancient temples and tombs..

Itineraries and durations

Itineraries vary:

• 4-5 nightsLuxor → Aswan via Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo.

• 7-8 nightsmore complete itinerary, including Abu Simbel or Cairo.

• 10-14+ daysPeneplain excursions combined with theme trips or Red Sea combinations.

Unmissable ports of call

• LuxorKarnak, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple.

• Esna, Edfou, Kom Ombowell-preserved temples and daily life shows.

• AswanPhilae temple, souks, picturesque islands.

• Abu Simbelaccessible via extension or excursion from Aswan.

Boat types

1. DahabiehA traditional sail-powered barge, intimate and elegant, very popular with visitors. Nile cruise personalized.

2. Feluccasmall traditional sailboat, ideal for short trips at sunset or sunrise .

3. Large cruise ship40+ cabins, pool, spa, restaurants, often between Luxor and Aswan.

4. Historic steamshipsretro styling, including the SS Sudan for a romantic experience.

Best period

Recommended period : october to april to avoid extreme heat. March-May are also favourable, August-September warmer but less expensive..

Budget and inclusions

• Standard (ship)150-300 $ per night, all-inclusive (cabin, meals, excursions) .

• Dahabieh250-500 $ per night, intimate luxury .

• Felucca125-175 $ per night, symbolic and budgetary.

• Longer formulassyntax combined with Cairo or Red Sea from 600 $ to several thousand euros for 10-14 days.

This price generally includes meals, accommodation, guided excursions, internal transfers, but often excludes gratuities, international flights and premium options.

Practical advice

• Dress coderespect for religious codes - shoulders, knees covered.

• Health and hygienewater, anti-diarrhoea pills .

• Tipsguide ~$10/night, crew $3-5 per person/night .

• Photographyavoid sensitive or military sites .

Safety and peace of mind

Overall safety stable on the Nile, with on-board measures and cautious recommendations. Avoid ostentatious gestures.

Why choose a Nile cruise?

• Historical immersiontemples, tombs, pharaonic art.

• Optimum comfortVarious types of accommodation (boats, dahabieh, felucca).

• Cultural ambiencereading evenings, lectures by Egyptologists.

• Various optionsluxury, adventure, family, solos.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

1. How long is a Nile cruise?

The most common is 4-5 nightsBut you can opt for 7-14 days including Cairo or Abu Simbel.

2. What does the price include?

It covers cabin, meals, guided excursionstransfers and entertainment, excluding international flights and gratuities.

3. Which boat to choose?

Visit Dahabieh for privacy, the ship for comfort, the felucca for a traditional ambience.

4. Do we need an Egyptologist?

Yes: most tours include an expert guide to the ancient sites.

5. Is it safe to travel by felucca?

Yes, but beware of the lack of comfort (no showers, cabins) and capricious weather..

Visit Nile cruise is a real plunge into history, combining comfort, scenery and culture. Suitable for all profiles, it comes in luxury, traditional (dahabieh, felucca) or more modern versions. Plan it carefully, choosing the right season and itinerary, and take care of yourself. Also explore our inspiring content the country on CParici.com to extend your escape.

Round-the-world cruise

Visit round-the-world cruise is the ultimate experience: an extensive journey, often lasting from 90 to 274 days, linking several continents and world wonders, while unpacking only once. .

What is a round-the-world cruise?

Also known as World CruiseIt covers a large circle of land, often leaving from and returning to the same port, with breaks of several months at sea and extended stopovers.. It's a unique opportunity to link between 40 and 150 ports in 20 to +60 countries across 5 to 7 continents. .

Examples of circuits in 2025

• Royal Caribbean - Ultimate World Cruise 274 nights on board Serenade of the Seas®, covering all continents, 60+ countries and 8 Wonders of the World. This program is also segmented into 60+ nights by region.

• MSC Magnifica - MSC World Cruise 2025 departure January 4 from Civitavecchia (Rome), 116 nights, 50 destinations in 21 countries, with seven extended stopovers.

• Princess Cruises - Crown Princess 113-day round-the-world voyage in 2025 from Auckland, with 40 stopovers in 25 countries, including Panama, New Zealand and Bora Bora.

• Oceania Cruises - Around the World 2025 180-day east-west circumnavigation, 89 ports of call, 32 countries, 46 UNESCO sites, with many overnight stays ashore.

• Viking World Cruise 141 to 245 days depending on version, visits 59+ countries and 113 ports and polar routes (pole-to-pole).

Why choose a round-the-world cruise?

1. Total immersion rich excusions, lectures on board, free time between ports and international atmosphere .

2. Continuous comfort wellness, gastronomy, entertainment, fixed cabins and top-of-the-range services.

3. Segmented flexibility : possibility of booking only part of the tour (60+ night segments).

4. Good value for money all-inclusive, transfers, business-class flights on selected airlines (Royal Caribbean, Silversea) .

Not to be overlooked: budget & duration

• Duration: usually 100-180 days, but can reach 274 nights.

• Cost: from 13,200 $ (MSC) to +60,000 $ (Royal Caribbean) per person, depending on cabin .

• Includes: full board, business class flights, excursion credit, drinks, wifi, laundry and gratuities. .

For whom?

• Curious travelers : to explore multiple continents and cultures.

• Retired or sabbatical With free time and a desire for enriching experiences.

• Families and groups Some trips are suitable for several generations.

Tips and advice

• Book early limited cabins, trips fill up fast.

• Sharing segments: travelling in parts makes the experience more accessible.

• Participate in cultural activities on board conferences, events, local evenings.

Conclusion

Visit round-the-world cruise is an extraordinary adventure: a bridge between continents, civilizations and eras, while enjoying the comfort of a ship. Whether it's the prestigious Ultimate World CruiseFrom MSC's complete 116-night package to Princess and Oceania voyages, each tour offers unforgettable immersion. This exceptional voyage remains a lifetime escapade to be carefully planned, but one that transforms your global dreams into tangible reality.

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises offers a varied range of itineraries and ships to suit all traveler profiles.

Main circuits of MSC Cruises

• Mediterranean WORLD CLASS: emblematic ports of call in Spain (Barcelona, Valencia, Palma), France (Marseille), Italy (Rome, Naples, Sicily) and Greece. Wintering of the WORLD-class fleet in this zone from 2026 on board the MSC World Asia and World Europa.

• Caribbean & Antilles Departures from Miami or Port Canaveral to explore the Bahamas, the private island Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, as well as stopovers in Jamaica, Mexico, etc.

• Northern Europe & fjords cruises in Scandinavia and the Baltic States aboard ships such as the MSC Euribia.

• Middle East MSC World America: itineraries to Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Qatar, notably with MSC World America from winter 2025.

Lighthouse ships

• MSC Grandiosa (2019): 7-night Mediterranean cruises, large capacity (~4,900 passengers).

• MSC Seaside (2017): innovative seaside design, Mediterranean itineraries.

• MSC Seashore (2021) and Virtuosa (2021): high-end services in the Caribbean and Northern Europe.

• MSC World Europa (2022) and World America (2025): new generation WORLD-class, capacity ~5,200+ passengers, with restaurants, entertainment and responsible technologies - ship with water parks and bumper cars .

• MSC Euribia (2023): North routes, equipped for cold storage, capacity ~4,800-6,300 .

All vessels offer full boardBroadway-style shows, kids' clubs, wellness areas and a variety of restaurants. Le MSC Yacht Clubpresent on most ships, offers a premium experience with exclusive service. The application MSC for Me improves onboard navigation: reservations, activities, ship map .

In short, whether you're looking for a cultural cruise in the Mediterranean, a tropical getaway, a Nordic immersion or a trip to the Gulf, MSC has a ship to suit every taste, from family comfort to exclusive luxury.

Costa Croisières

Costa Croisièresthe Italian subsidiary of the Carnival group, offers a wide range of tours and a highly diversified fleet to suit all traveler profiles.

Main routes - Costa Croisières

• Mediterranean Costa's core business, with classic itineraries departing from Genoa, Barcelona or Civitavecchia, serving Corsica, Sicily, Greece or Croatia aboard ships such as the Costa Smeralda and Costa Toscana.

• Northern Europe & fjords stopovers in Scandinavia, the Baltic States and the British Isles on the Costa Diadema, Fascinosa and Fortuna.

• Caribbean & South America Sun cruises to the West Indies and Latin America aboard the Costa Fortuna or Costa Pacificà.

• World tours & far-flung itineraries Costa Serena offers major global crossings (Asia, Oceania, Americas), including World Cruise 2026.

Flagship fleet

Costa has modern, prestigious ships built for comfort, gastronomy and entertainment:

• Costa Toscana (2021, Excellence class, 5,300+ passengers): serving the Mediterranean with high ecological performance.

• Costa Smeralda (2019, Toscana twin, same capacity): a wide variety of cabins and common areas, Italian style.

• Costa Diadema (2014): 4,900 passengers, expert in European itineraries.

• Costa Fascinosa, Favolosa, Deliziosa, Pacificà and Fortuna (2003-2012): "Vista" or "Concordia" ships, between 2,800 and 3,800 passengers, for the Mediterranean and Caribbean.

• Costa Serena (2007): Concordia-class vessel adapted to routes between Asia and the Mediterranean.

Costa Experience

Each ship offers a full boardThese include top-of-the-range Italian cuisine, swimming pools, spas, kids' clubs, night-time entertainment and themed cafés. Innovations include "à la carte" Wi-Fi connection and targeted programs (nature, golf, families), with children often free on board.

In a nutshell, Costa Croisières offers tours to suit all tastes: Mediterranean, Nordic, tropical or intercontinental, served by a varied fleet of ships - from the very large (Smeralda/Toscana) to the more family-oriented - guaranteeing a unique Italian experience at sea.

Thomas Croisières

Thomas Cook Cruises does not operate its own ships, but offers a selection of itineraries in partnership with global cruise lines. Here's an optimized overview (≈ 300 words) of the tours on offer and the ships available:

Suggested routes

• River & coastal routes in Europe 2 to 5-night escapades around the Mediterranean, the Black Sea, Greenland or the Norwegian fjords. Thomas Cook offers these experiences through partners such as Fred Olsen, Riviera Travel or Cruise118 .

• Islands and sun Tours to the Canary Islands, the Caribbean, the Bahamas or the Philippines, often combined with seaside vacations, via Costa, MSC, Norwegian or Cordelia Cruises.

• Worldwide routes Costa Serena: world tours lasting several weeks, covering Asia, Oceania and South America, in partnership with luxury ships chartered via Costa Serena.

Available ships

Thomas Cook access facilitates access to several classes of ships via its partners:

Thomas Croisières highlights

• Flexibility A variety of durations, from weekends to round-the-world tours.

• Attractive rates with "coste-à-coûte" options and advance or last-minute bookings .

• 24/7 support Customer service before and during the cruise.

• Total protection ATOL, ABTA guarantees and flexible terms with no hidden charges.

In a nutshellThomas Cook acts as an intermediary between you and the major companies, offering a complete range of tours, from mass-market to niche vessels, combining reliability, diversity and comprehensive service.

CFC Cruises

CFC Cruises (Compagnie Française de Croisières) is a young company founded in 2022, a subsidiary of the British Ambassador group, which offers a wide range of cruises. francophone cruise focused on French elegance.

Single ship : Renaissance

Visit Renaissanceformer MS Maasdam (1993), was refurbished in France (Damen shipyard in Brest) to become a 219 m, 55,575 GT liner, able to accommodate 1,100 passengers and 560 crew.. It boasts a 100 % French-speaking crew, fine dining and an upscale atmosphere..

Suggested routes

• Northern Europe & fjordsdeparting from Le Havre or Dunkirk, itineraries to Norway, Iceland and the Faroe Islands with long stopovers and spectacular scenery.

• Mediterranean & Islands: escapes from Marseille to Corsica, Sardinia, the Adriatic, Greece and Tunisia, with authentic and cultural packages.

• Caribbean & transatlanticSun cruises from the French West Indies, with exotic ports of call from winter 2025/26 onwards .

Highlights

• Original itineraries for francophones

• Full board, optional guided excursions

• Premium offer with attentive service and entertainment

In a nutshell, CFC Cruises is distinguished by its authentically French proposition: a single renovated ship, carefully selected ports of call, a French-speaking welcome and an elegant, intimate experience.

La Croisière s'amuse

La Croisière s'amuse (original title: The Love Boat) is an American TV series that ran from 1977 to 1986, and left its mark on an entire generation. The concept? Each episode offers three parallel storylines aboard the liner Pacific Princesswith, inevitably, budding romances, misunderstandings and reunions. The formula - heart, humor, scenery and escapade - continues to inspire the collective imagination..

Universe and format

The action takes place entirely at sea, during the various ports of call. Visit croisière s'amuse perfectly evokes the idea of a floating palacewhere tourists and crew forge strong bonds for the duration of a voyage. These liners, often from the Princess Cruises fleet, embody the charm of onboard travel, between comfort and romance.. The universe blends relaxation and glamour, punctuated by sentimental storiesand a mythical theme song performed by Jack Jones, replaced in season 9 by Dionne Warwick..

Typical narrative structure

Each episode follows a well-established structure:

1. A couple reunites or separates, then grows closer together.

2. Two strangers meet, seduce each other, then experience an unlikely encounter.

3. Crew issues - between conflict and reconciliation.

This rhythm ensures a light, upbeat and entertaining tone, which is what gives thea series.

Success and repercussions

Broadcast from 1980 in France (TF1, RTL, TMC...), the series became a cult hit.. The series garnered several Golden Globe nominations in the comedy/musical category (1978-1981). With 249 episodes over 9 seasons, it remains one of the series that has had a lasting influence on cruise culture. A spin-off (NEW WAVE) is broadcast in 1998-1999.

The liner Pacific Princessnow decommissioned, symbolizes the golden age of these television escapades, like a floating hotel to bring fiction to life.

Heritage and nostalgia

The series is today the emblem of an era when cruising represented elegance and insouciance. On the networks, videos and testimonials on YouTube, Facebook or Instagram celebrate this memory with affection.

Themed events, such as 80s cruises on Costa or MSC ships, take up the concept: retro ambience, disco music and costumes inspired by the era. Love Boat.

Why is "La croisière s'amuse" still a phenomenon?

• Consumable romance love stories that heal, in less than an hour.

• Diversity of passengers and stopovers Each episode features passengers from all horizons, in exotic ports of call.

• Warm setting the liner Pacific is both setting and character, giving the adventure an intimate dimension.

Conclusion

The series is much more than a series, it's an invitation to travel, in a maritime fairytale, where the boat embodies the theater of human emotions. Nostalgia, love and travel mingle in a light-hearted atmosphere imbued with timeless charm. Even today, this series continues to inspire cruise enthusiasts and lovers of the imaginary.

To find out more, visit Wikipedia article on cruises.