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Featured Voyages

Image by Christopher Politano
Image by Rahul Chakraborty

Cunard

Mediterranean

  • Southampton, England, UK

  • Cartagena, Spain

  • Civitavecchia (tours to Rome), Italy

  • La Spezia (tours to Florence or Pisa), Italy

  • Marseille, France

  • Malaga (tours to Granada), Spain

  • Gibraltar

  • Southampton, England, UK

MSC Cruises

Mediterranean

  • Civitavecchia

  • Genoa

  • Marseille

  • Valencia

  • Ibiza

  • Day at sea

  • Cagliari

  • Civitavecchia

Image by Svetlana Gumerova

Lisbon, Portugal

 

Cruising into Lisbon offers a stunning first impression, with pastel-coloured buildings, hillside trams, and the Tagus River glistening below. This charming capital mixes old-world character with vibrant street life, just minutes from the cruise terminal.

Image by Christopher Politano

Dubrovnik, Croatia 

 

Encircled by medieval stone walls and perched beside the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is a living postcard. Wander the cobbled streets of the Old Town, soak in sea views from the city walls, or explore filming spots from Game of Thrones — all within easy reach of the port.

Travel Tips for Cruising in Australasia

Visas & Entry Requirements

  • Most European cruise ports fall within the Schengen Area, which allows for easy travel between participating countries.

  • UK citizens can visit Schengen countries visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, but be sure to track your days if visiting multiple countries.

  • Some itineraries may include non-Schengen ports like Turkey, Montenegro, or Egypt — always check specific visa rules before travel.

Language & Communication

  • English is widely spoken in tourist areas and cruise terminals, but learning basic phrases in the local language is always appreciated.

  • Signage is generally multilingual in major cruise ports.

  • Most European countries have excellent mobile networks and Wi-Fi access, especially in port cities.

Culture & Etiquette

  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites — shoulders and knees should be covered in churches, cathedrals, and mosques.

  • Tipping isn’t mandatory in most European countries, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% is appreciated in restaurants.

  • Many museums are closed on Mondays, and some shops may close for siesta in Mediterranean regions.

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Currency & Payments

  • The Euro (€) is widely used across Europe, including in countries like Spain, France, Italy, and Greece.

  • Some countries — like Norway (NOK), Croatia (EUR from 2023), and Turkey (TRY) — use their own currencies.

  • Contactless payments and cards are widely accepted, but carry small cash amounts for local markets, cafés, or small towns.

Weather & Seasons

  • Cruise season runs mainly from April to October, with peak travel in July and August.

  • Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer milder weather and fewer crowds.

  • Northern Europe (e.g., Baltics, Norway) can be cooler year-round, so pack layers even in summer.

  • Getting Around

  • Many ports (e.g., Barcelona, Venice, Dubrovnik) are right next to the old town or city centre — perfect for walking.

  • Europe’s public transport — metros, trams, and buses — is clean, reliable, and affordable.

  • Ride-hailing apps like Uber or Bolt are available in some cities, but local taxis or shuttles are often the best bet from the port.

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