2019 Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean, U.S. News
The Med calls to folks who love sun, old spots, and good eats. Think bright blue seas and spots like Spain or Greece — a true Venetian (see more) across the world’s most scenic waters.
A cruise makes it easy. You hop on a ship and wake up in new places. No packing each time.
In 2019, U.S. News cruise rankings 2019 helped pick the best ones.
They looked at trips, what pros say, what riders think, and clean scores from the CDC. This fits you if you want safe, fun rides. You care about good food, clean rooms, and stops at Mediterranean cruise ports (Rome, Barcelona, Athens, Santorini). These lines give that1.
U.S. News checked 17 lines and 169 ships.
They want to help you find the right one for cash, fun, or a pot. For Med trips, fancy lines won big. They beat the cheap ones in service and stops.
This guide tells all. It shares why top lines shine. You can plan your trip with no stress. Jump to the top three picks or see booking tips.
How U.S. News Made the List
U.S. News is a big name in picks. Their way to rank is simple and fair. They use:
Trip types: How many ways to see European cruise destinations?
Pro views: What cruise pros like.
Rider words: Real talks on fun and food.
Clean checks: CDC marks for safe ships.
Cost mix: What you get for your buck.
This makes the U.S. News best cruise lines list 2019 one you can trust. It helps quality and safety-conscious travellers. No, just low price. They want high marks in all. See more on their top picks page. Want the full story? Check the 2019 press news.
Top Three for Med in 2019
The 2019 best cruise lines in the Mediterranean, U.S. News put three at the front. All are fancy. They give calm rides with good perks. Read more on Seabourn details or the Viking deep dive.
Seabourn Cruise Line Tops It All
Seabourn Cruise Line Mediterranean got the first spot. Why? High marks from riders and pros. Clean score of 100 from CDC. Ships hold just 458 to 604 folks. That means the staff know you fast.
On board, you get fine eats, spa time, and fun pools. Trips hit Malta, Italy, Greece, and France. One rider said, “It feels like my own boat.”
Great for luxury Mediterranean cruises. Cost? About $400 to $600 a day. But drinks and tips come free. Book via U.S. News deals. See a day on board.
Viking Ocean Cruises for Paris
Viking Ocean Cruises Mediterranean 2019 came next. They won best for best cruise lines for couples. Ships take 930 guests.
Free Wi-Fi, beer, and wine at meals. Talks about old times too.
Stops in Venice, Dubrovnik, and more.
Clean score near 100. No kids under 18. So it’s quiet. One pair said, “We learned so much and ate great Med food.” Fits premium cruise experiences.
Starts at $300 a day. See full news in the 2019 press bit. Dive in at the Viking section.
Azamara Club Cruises for Deep Looks
Third is Azamara Club Cruises. They keep ships in ports longer. So you see night shows or eat local. All drinks and tips are included in the price. Ships have local fun on board.
Good for top Mediterranean cruise lines. Riders like the small feel. Clean and safe too. One said, “Felt like local, not tourist.” Costs $250 to $450 a day. More in Azamara touch.
How Med Ranks Fit Other 2019 Spots
U.S. News 2019 best cruise lines Mediterranean links to other wins. Like:
Best for cash: Celebrity first. Good value in the best Mediterranean cruises 2019.
Fancy: Seabourn again.
Pairs: Viking top.
Kids: Disney, but small in Med.
Fancy beats cheap here. For you who spend on good stuff. Full list at Cruise Fever’s take2.
Compare in Seabourn or Viking table.
Seabourn or Viking?
Pick what you like. Here’s a table:
| Thing | Seabourn | Viking |
| Guests | 458-604 | 930 |
| Feel | Super fancy yacht | Learn spot focus |
| Free stuff | All drinks, tips | Beer/wine, one trip out |
| Good for | Spoil time | Grow mind |
Both do Seabourn vs Viking: best Mediterranean cruises 2019. Book soon for affordable luxury Mediterranean cruises 2019. See more in expanded sections.
What Makes a Top Med Line?
Good ones have:
Lots of trip paths: 7 to 14 days in cruise itineraries in Europe.
Nice on ship: Clean eats, soft beds.
Safe first: High Mediterranean cruise lines with top safety ratings.
Care for you: One staff member for a few guests.
In 2019, top-rated Mediterranean cruise lines, according to U.S. News, did the best. They top big lines in help. Learn about key stops.
Fun Stops in Key Spots
Hits like:
Barcelona: See the odd buildings by Gaudí.
Rome: Walk the old fight ring.
Athens: Climb the old fort.
Santorini: See the sun go down.
Top lines add guides. Boosts cruise expert recommendations. Plan your path in a sample itinerary.
Tips to Book Your Trip
Here is how to get set:
Look at ranks: Use U.S. News 2019 cruise rankings for the Mediterranean region.
Hunt deals: Sites for where to book U.S. News-rated Mediterranean cruises 2019.
Add guard: For holds in Mediterranean cruise reviews from U.S. News 2019.
Go soon: For all-inclusive cruise packages.
Check talks: See cruise line ratings and reviews 2019.
Big hint: Go in May or Sep. Fewer folks, same sun. More steps to build your trip.
Who Fits These?
Pairs: Viking or Seabourn for sweet times. Matches the best cruise lines for couples in the Mediterranean 2019.
Grown folks 30-60: Azamara for real feels.
New to it: Seabourn for no-fuss fancy.
Skip if kids need to play. Disney for that, but not top Med. See other good ones.
Other Good Ones for Med
Not top three, but close:
Celebrity: New ships, fair price. Tops the best cruise line for the money.
Crystal: Fancy next up.
Oceania: Eat stars.
They do the best small-ship Mediterranean cruises in 2019. Check the Mediterranean cruise line comparison. Compare to cash lines in the cash lines section.
Fancy Bits on Ships
Seabourn: Fish eggs when you want.
Viking: North spa with snow room.
Azamara: Free night fun in town.
Makes the most luxurious cruise lines for Mediterranean vacations. Details in line deep dives.
Safe and Clean in 2019
CDC marks key. Top got 95 or more. Means:
Clean cook spots.
Good water.
Few sick days.
U.S. News put this in. For trust in cruise health and safety ratings. Full stats in safety stats.
What Riders Said in 2019
From boards: “Seabourn to Santorini. Sunset hike is free. Best.” Another: “Viking Athens. Lecture then site. Mind blown.”
Fits cruise ship reviews. More tales in rider tales.
Plan Your Path
Try a 10-day on Seabourn:
Day 1: Start in Barcelona.
Day 3: Eat in Provence.
Day 5: Rome old bits.
Day 7: Santorini views.
Day 10: End in Athens.
Good for the best European cruise itineraries for luxury travelers. Build more in step by step.
How Much in 2019?
Seabourn: $400-600 each day.
Viking: $300-500.
Azamara: $250-450.
Lots of free. Beats stay on land. Budget in the sample budget.
Why 2019 Still Helps Now
The 2019 best cruise lines in the Mediterranean, U.S. News set the bar3. Lines keep it up. Use for next plans. They show what lasts in luxury travel awards. FAQs in quick asks. Learn also how the development of technology positively affected our wellness — modern travel comfort owes much to tech-driven wellness trends.
More on Seabourn: A Day on Board
Picture this. You wake on Seabourn. Coffee comes to your room. Look out at sea. Breakfast has fresh fruit, eggs any way. Then spa time. Hot stones melt stress. Lunch? Light fish from the close seas.
Afternoon, join a wine tasting. Learn from pros. Or swim in a pool with a sea view. Dinner is big. Chef picks local tastes. Like Greek lamb or Italian pasta. Staff chat like friends. Night? Stars and soft music.
This is why it tops the best European cruise lines 2019. Riders give 4.5 stars on Eats alone. One 2019 review: “Every meal a treat. No lines.”
Ships like Ovation do 7-day runs. From Rome to Barcelona. Stops in Naples for pizza real. Or Cannes for film feel. All with small groups. No big crowds.
Cost breaks down: Base fare covers most. Add trips out for $100-200 each. But free ones too. Like a walk-in port. Book 6 months out for the best room. Back to the top three.
Viking Deep Dive: Learn as You Go
Viking feels like school, but fun. Mornings start with talk. “Rome’s hidden paths.” The speaker shows slides. You nod, excited for the stop.
The ship is clean lines. Wood and light. Rooms have big windows. Some with a step-out spot. Food? Manfredi’s for Italian. Or World Cafe for a mix. Free wine pairs with meals. Try local Greek wine in Athens.
For pairs, it’s gold. Quiet decks for hand-holding. The sun sets over the sea. One 2019 rider: “We talked history all trip. Bonded more.”
Itineraries shine in the best cruise ships sailing the Mediterranean Sea in 2019. Like 8 days from Istanbul. Hits Ephesus’ old town. Turkey gems. Clean score 98. Staff one per two guests.
Add on: $50 for spa. Or free yoga. No kids means grown chat. Cost: $3,599 for 8 days in 2019 terms. Now close. Link to table comparison.
Azamara’s Local Touch
Azamara parks longer. Dock in Mykonos till 10 p.m. Go to the bar in town. Dance under stars. The ship brings singers from Greece. Free show.
Rooms cozy. Balcony for two. Eats: Discoveries for steak. Or pool grill. All drinks in. Try ouzo.
Riders say: “Felt like local, not tourist.” Good for Mediterranean vacation cruises. 2019 scored high on port time. Ships like Pursuit do a 9-day. Barcelona to Rome. Hits Sardinia beach.
Tips: Pack light clothes. Sandals for the deck. Book an amazing free event. Local dinner off the ship. See other lines.
Compare to Cash Lines
Want to spend less? Celebrity is the best cruise line for the money. Ships bigger, 3,000 guests. But fun: Shows, games, and wine class. Med trips $150 a day. But fewer staff members.
Carnival is cheap, too. But loud pool music. Some like it. One comment: “Food is good for the price. Cabins are roomy.” But not top safety. For you, stick to fancy if safe first.
Holland America mid. Good mix. “Right price for quality,” said one. But not Med top. Back to who fits.
Safety Stats from 2019
CDC checked all. Top lines:
- Seabourn: 100/100. No sick outbreaks.
- Viking: 98. Top marks water test.
- Azamara: 96. Good hand wash push.
This cut risk 15% vs low lines. Per the 2019 report. Pack hand gel. Ships have stations. More in the clean section.
Rider Tales: Real 2019 Trips
From boards: “Seabourn to Santorini. Sunset hike is free. Best.” Another: “Viking Athens. Lecture then site. Mind blown.”
Bad? One: “Viking food ok, but pay extra for a good steak.” But most love. Fits reviews.
Build Your Trip Step by Step
- Pick line: Use ranks.
- Choose dates: Shoulder for cool.
- Room type: Balcony for views.
- Add trips: Book pre for save.
- Fly in: Day before dock.
- Pack: Swims, hats, meds.
For cruise travel rankings, add insurance. Covers miss ship.
Sample budget: $4,000 pair for 7 days. Fare $2,800. Trips $500. Flights $700. Link to cost guide.
Other Spots to See on Med Runs
Beyond Big Four:
- Istanbul: Mosques and markets.
- Dubrovnik: Walls like Game of Thrones.
- Provence: Lavender fields.
- Malta: Knight forts.
Lines add maps. Easy walk. Plan in the path section.
Why Fancy Wins for Grown Folks
You, in your 30s-60s want calm. No kid splash. These lines do that. Empty nests love Viking talks. Couples dig Seabourn spa dates.
Stats: 70% riders over 50 in 2019. But young too if you learn keenly. See who fits.
Book Now Hints
Deals in fall for spring sail. Use the code from U.S. News. Or call the agent for perks.
One tip: Suite for lounge access. Extra pamper. Start at the tips.
FAQs
Kid, ok on these?
No under 18 on Viking. Seabour,n yes, but few.
Does food need to be eaten?
Veggie, gluten-free, easy.
Pack what?
Layers. Day hot, night cool.
Conclusion
The 2019 best cruise lines in the Mediterranean, according to U.S. News, point to Seabourn, Viking, and Azamara. They give fancy, safe, Mediterranean luxury cruise awards and rankings. Clean ships, great paths. For which cruise line is best for Mediterranean travel in 2019, go here. Pick by your want: soft, learn, or deep.
Set to go? What spot pulls you: Santorini blue or Roman stones? Start planning with top picks.
References
- PR 2019 News – Out on spots like best cruise line for the money. ↩︎
- Cruise Fever 2019 – Sum with rider views on cruise line reputation and ratings. ↩︎
- U.S. News Best in Med – Ranks and how they pick for U.S. News travel awards. ↩︎
