A recent report from U.S. News & World Report ranked the best Mediterranean cruise companies heading into 2026.
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The rankings were finalized using a weighted score composed of three elements: expert ratings, traveler ratings, and health ratings. Health ratings come from the CDC, along with annual ship inspections. Traveler ratings were given the most weight (50%), meaning the list is driven primarily by experiences of normal travelers like you and me.
More specifically, U.S. News ranked its best Mediterranean cruises based on factors like overall rating, scheduled itineraries in the Mediterranean over a two-year period, and the range of those itineraries. Once again, the most important factor is the overall rating based on traveler reviews.
If you’re looking for a short list of the best cruise companies to keep in mind for your next Mediterranean adventure, start here. I’ve got the crème of the crop as ranked by traveler ratings. I’ve kept the original order of the rankings, then added small superlatives to make shopping easier.
Best cruises in the Mediterranean in 2026 for all types of travelers
Viking Ocean Cruises: Upscale experience to popular ports
While it’s not the most affordable cruise company serving the Mediterranean, it’s definitely the best—at least when it comes to 2026 itineraries. Viking Ocean Cruises took the top spot in U.S. News’ rankings for Best Luxury Cruise Lines, Best Cruise Lines for Couples, and Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean.
It took the top spot on this list thanks to its destination-focused routes. They come with free excursions in each port, letting you stretch those gambs in some of Europe’s most scenic, historic cities. That’s an impactful perk for Americans who fly to Europe to go on a cruise—we’re usually looking for immersive cultural excursions, too.
Book a cruise with Viking Ocean Cruises.
Explora Journeys: A slower way to experience the Mediterranean
Explora Journeys is a cruise company known for two specialties: its well-sized rooms and its slower cruising pace. That second element makes it particularly suited for the Mediterranean, where locals still live life slowly. You’ll notice that attention to detail in things like chef-led dining experiences, full-scale spas, and extra excursion time in the French Riviera.
Though pricey, it’s a well-oiled machine—one that launched in 2021 under MSC Group, which also owns MSC Cruises.
Book a cruise with Explora Journeys.
Silversea Cruises: Luxury meets something unexpected
Silversea vessels are slightly smaller than others, making for a more intimate and curated experience. Silversea Cruises is firmly in the luxury space—all suites come with a butler, for example, while dining options are truly diverse and upscale. But that’s not where the more exceptional elements end.
Silversea Cruises is distinct from the best cruises in the Mediterranean because it doesn’t port in all the same stops as others. Instead, you’ll go on day trips in hotspots like Casablanca, Morocco, and can even book routes that dip down to the Canary Islands off the coast of West Africa.
Book a cruise with Silversea Cruises.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises: A luxury take on all-inclusives
Want a Mediterranean cruise that you can book and then forget about? Go with Regent Seven Seas. The luxury cruise line is known for its all-inclusive packages that take the headache out of planning things like shore excursions and on-ship date nights alike. Your room rate grants you access to all shore excursions, plus drinks and gratuities.
Regent Seven Seas also has a reputation for large, spacious rooms, similar to Explora. If you hate feeling cooped up, it’s a great choice—especially considering the sheer number of activities on the calendar.
Book a cruise with Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
Virgin Voyages: Pure joy for the young at heart
I’m a huge fan of Virgin Voyages, no matter the region. Virgin is known for its adults-only itineraries that are chock-full of unique and slightly avant-garde (to use U.S. News parlance) activities. There are pajama parties, unique dining experiences, and wellness programs that let you go on vacation without ‘falling off’. Uniquely, some of its ports include overnight stays.
Personally, I recommend signing up with Virgin Voyages if you’re looking for something fresh and exciting. When I speak with cruise-goers about their experiences, Virgin passengers are the first to rave—and the loudest, too.
Book a cruise with Virgin Voyages.
Oceania Cruises: Great for solo travelers
No need to reinvent the wheel with Oceania Cruises. Its vessels are smaller, leading to a more intimate experience, while its programming is geared toward adults. (It’s not adults-only, but there aren’t usually too many kids on board.) There’s tons to do, from workshops to martini tastings, along with unique spaces like a grand library with thousands of books.
That range of things to do, coupled with its smaller size, has made Oceania Cruises U.S. News’ top pick for the Best Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers. If you’re going to be traveling alone or with a small group that likes to socialize, book an Oceania Cruises itinerary.
Book a cruise with Oceania Cruises.
Celebrity Cruises: Budget-friendly and family-friendly
If you’re new to cruising and don’t have a big budget, stick with Celebrity Cruises. You’ll head to the most famous ports around the Mediterranean, and have non-stop activities to enjoy onboard. It’s also incredibly friendly to families—there’s even a kids’ club, along with nightly entertainment that’s fun for the whole family.
Book a cruise with Celebrity Cruises.
Seabourn Cruise Line: Pure luxury with tailored service
Looking for a truly tailored and luxurious cruising experience? Seabourn Cruise Line has some insane offers for its passengers… including all-inclusive caviar service. With no more than 600 guests on board at any given time, you won’t feel crowded, either. Drinks and meals are included, along with enrichment experiences. Passengers have also raved about the full-suite spa onboard.
Book a cruise with Seabourn Cruise Line.
Azamara: Get off the beaten (cruise) path
Similar to Silversea Cruises, Azamara stands out thanks to its unique list of ports. You can experience places like Kotor, Montenegro, Seville, Spain, and even Rhodes, Greece. (History nerds, rejoice!) If you’re interested, you can even sign up for the AzAmazing Evenings program, which lets you delve into local culture.
Azamara vessels also max out at only 700 guests, meaning you won’t feel overcrowded when taking advantage of its fitness centers, lounges, restaurants, and pools.
Book a cruise with Azamara.
Cunard Line: A bougie pick that’s worth the money
Like Seabourn Cruise Line, Cunard Line is renowned for its truly opulent offers. (There’s a white-glove afternoon tea serving, for example.) Cunard has a long history of offering great service and attention to detail. If you’ve heard of the name before, it might be thanks to Cunard’s famous Queen Mary 2, a passenger ship that offers transatlantic routes between New York and Southampton—and welcomes pooches onboard.
Book a cruise with Cunard Line.
