Mediterranean cruises have always been a big hit with tourists looking to enjoy the good life on the high seas. It’s the second biggest cruising region in the world, attracting 5.5 million tourists in 2023. The number of cruises on offer allow passengers to choose from a wide range of options.
Travellers can opt to tour the Eastern or Western Mediterranean or both, or focus on specific areas such as the Greek islands, Spain and Portugal or Italy and France. Cruise lengths range from less than a week to a month or more. Shorter cruises mean they can easily be included as part of a longer holiday.
Cruises that include Spain are particularly popular, especially those that call in at Barcelona.
The city’s cruise port is currently ranked as the largest one in the Mediterranean, as well as being the world’s fourth busiest.
It set a new record for cruise ship traffic last year, welcoming 3.65 million passengers — a 2.4% increase from 2023 figures.
The port also hosted the America’s Cup in 2024, which was won by Emirates Team New Zealand.
José Alberto Carbonell, the port’s president, described the competition as being an “enriching challenge” and a “huge excuse” to accelerate several investments, such as the zero-emissions ferry shuttle.
Looking forward to 2025, Carbonell believes the number of cruise stops will increase, but the docking boats will be smaller.
However, local city officials are looking to limit the number of cruise ships arriving at the port, partly in response to growing public anger over mass tourism.
Barcelona’s council has urged the port authorities to reduce the number of terminals from seven to five.
The port is conveniently located from down town Barcelona, just three kilometres away.
The city is a big favourite for British travellers, and is known for its art and architecture.
The fantastical Sagrada Família church and other modernist landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí dot the city.
