2018 Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean, U.S. News

Do you want to see blue water in Greece? Eat real pizza in Italy? Walk old streets in Spain? A cruise makes it easy. But many ships sail there. The 2018 best cruise lines in the Mediterranean, U.S. News list helps you choose fast.

U.S. News looked at 165 ships. They came from 17 companies. They checked:

  • How good the ship is.
  • What people say.
  • Clean scores from health teams.
  • Cost and stops.

This year they added two new ones: Viking Ocean Cruises and Seabourn. People love small fancy ships now.

Read on to meet the top three. Learn why they win. Get tips to book.

How They Picked the 2018 Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean, U.S. News

U.S. News uses real facts. No guess work.

  1. Experts look at the ship.
  2. Travelers give stars.
  3. Health team checks for germs.
  4. Price and stops matter.

For the sea near Europe, they love many stops. Think Rome. Athens. Nice ports.

One boss said: “We show the best fun on the ship. You pick what you like.”

You can trust this for u.s. news 2018 best cruise lines Mediterranean.

Meet the Winners: Best Mediterranean Cruise Lines 2018

  1. Viking Ocean Cruises – Best stops.
  2. Seabourn Cruise Line – Best fancy feel.
  3. Regent Seven Seas Cruises – Best all-paid.

These are best luxury Mediterranean cruises 2018. Good for grown-ups. Good for pairs.

Viking Ocean Cruises – Top in 2018 Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean, U.S. News

Viking wins first place. They love places.

  • Ship size: Not too big. About 930 people.
  • Trips: 8 to 15 days. Start in big cities.
  • Stops: See old rocks in Greece. Eat in Italy.
  • Free stuff: One trip on land each stop. Drinks with food.
  • Fun on ship: Pool. Hot tub. Good food.

People say: “Viking teaches you history. Guides are smart.”

No kids. Quiet for you and your love. See Viking Ocean Cruises Mediterranean ranking.

Want to know more about fun trips? Check how to pick a cruise.

Seabourn Cruise Line – Fancy and Close in Seabourn Mediterranean Cruises

Seabourn is number two. It feels like a big yacht.

  • Ship size: 458 to 600 people.
  • Trips: 7 to 14 days. Small pretty towns.
  • Stops: Swim in clear water. See rich homes.
  • Free stuff: All drinks. All food. Tips too.
  • Fun: Big rooms. Open deck for stars.

Almost one helper for each person. Happy faces.

Good for couples’ luxury cruise packages. Learn more on luxury travel ideas.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises – All Paid in Regent Seven Seas Mediterranean Itineraries

Regent is third. Pay once. Get all.

  • Ship size: 490 to 750 people.
  • Trips: 10 to 20 days. Go far.
  • Stops: See big churches. Old walls.
  • Free stuff: Plane ride. Land trips. All drinks.
  • Fun: Nice beds. Big windows.

Helpers know your name. Easy rest.

See Regent Seven Seas vs Viking Ocean in the Mediterranean.

Why They Win: Easy Look at U.S. News Mediterranean Cruise Rankings Explained

All three:

  • Small ships. Get close to land.
  • Land trips. Learn new things.
  • Start in luxury cruise lines sailing from Barcelona and Rome 2018.
  • High stars. Clean ships.

Numbers:

  • Viking: Almost 5 stars for stops.
  • Seabourn: Top for help.
  • Regent: Good deal for fancy.

All clean. Safe food.

Pick by you:

  • Love books and old things? Viking.
  • Want hug feel? Seabourn.
  • Hate extra bills? Regent.

Quick Compare: Viking vs Seabourn Mediterranean Cruise Comparison

What?VikingSeabournRegent
People on ship930458-600490-750
Cost for 7 days$3,000$4,000$5,000
Free thingsSomeMostAll
Good forLearnLoveRest

From U.S. News cruise line rankings 2018.

Book Your Trip: Easy Steps for Best Mediterranean Cruise Lines 2018

  1. Pick time: Summer. Hot and fun.
  2. Pick start: Rome for food.
  3. Read words: See Mediterranean cruise reviews 2018.
  4. Save money: Book now.
  5. Ask help: Call the line.

For which cruise line is best for Mediterranean travel in 2018, think what you love.

Other Good Ships in Top Cruise Lines in Europe 2018

  • Crystal: Yummy food.
  • Celebrity: New look. Less cost.

Full list at U.S. News travel rankings and cruise analysis1.

Fun Trip Plans from 2018 Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean, U.S. News

Viking 10-Day Trip

  • Day 1: Big city in Spain.
  • Day 4: See tower in Italy.
  • Day 9: Old city in Greece.

Free walk to big hill.

Seabourn 7-Day Trip

  • Eat fish on beach.
  • See small boats.

Regent 12-Day Trip

  • Free bus to big church.

See Mediterranean ports of call.

Who Loves These? You If…

  • Mediterranean cruise destinations (Italy, Greece, Spain, France) on your list.
  • Want many stops.
  • Like nice help.
  • Can pay a bit more.

Not for big kids groups.

Small Ships: Best Small-Ship Mediterranean Cruise Options 2018

Small =

  • Park near town.
  • No long lines.
  • Friends fast.

Safe Ships: Cruise Health and Safety Inspections (CDC Data)

All got high clean marks. No worry.

New in 2018: Cruise Vacation Trends 2018

  • Small fancy ships up.
  • Pay one time.
  • Learn on land.

FAQs

Why Viking first?

Best stops and free land fun.

Good for two people?

Yes. No loud kids.

Cost?

Viking less. Regent all in.

Full list?

Go here.

Conclusion

Viking, Seabourn, and Regent give top fun. See Spain. Taste Italy. Love Greece. Pick one. Book soon.

See more at Cruise Fever2 or The Littles’ Travel3.

What stop do you want first? Tell me!

References

  1. U.S. News. (2018). Best in Med. https://travel.usnews.com/cruises/best-cruise-lines-in-the-mediterranean/ – Real ranks. ↩︎
  2. Cruise Fever. (2018). Best Lines. https://cruisefever.net/us-news-world-report-names-best-cruise-lines-2018/ – New ships. ↩︎
  3. The Littles’ Travel. (2018). Top Picks. https://www.thelittlestravel.com/vlog/2018/5/30/best-cruise-lines-of-2018-according-to-us-news-world-report – For pairs. ↩︎

Maya Willow

Maya is the voice behind Morrowweekly, where he writes about the overlap between business, technology, and everyday life. He focuses on sharing clear insights and practical ideas that help readers make smarter choices in finance, career, and lifestyle. When he’s not writing, Noah enjoys trying out new tech, planning his next trip, or finding simple ways to make life run more smoothly.

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