Mediterranean vs Caribbean – Cruise Destination Focus
Barcelona or the Bahamas? Athens or Anguilla? What about Barbados and Rome, or Mykonos and St. Maarten? Trying to decide between an exciting Mediterranean getaway and a sunny cruise to the Caribbean can feel near-impossible at times – and for good reason. They both come complete with stunning scenery and sunshine in abundance, once-in-a-lifetime excursions and experiences, plenty of ancient ruins for history buffs to explore… At a glance, it’s quite tricky to work out why you would want to pick one over the other – especially if you don’t have a specific destination in mind.
But, when you take a moment to look a little deeper, it becomes clear that – while both excellent options in their own way – the Mediterranean and the Caribbean are two very different cruise destinations.
Anguilla in the Caribbean, or Nafplio in Greece?
If you want to know why that is – and you’re wondering what you should expect from each destination along with what the major differences between the two are – then, you’re in the right place. Below, we’re going to run through everything you need to know about each destination, some of the most exciting upcoming itineraries sailing to both, and which cruise lines you should look out for when it comes to booking your own cruise – all while answering some frequently asked questions, too!
Contents:
- What to expect from a Mediterranean Cruise?
- What to expect from a Caribbean Cruise?
- Major Differences Between a Mediterranean Cruise and a Caribbean Cruise
- Which is Better for Families, the Mediterranean or the Caribbean?
- Which is Better for Couples, The Mediterranean or the Caribbean?
- Final Verdict: Which Destination Should You Choose?
- Top Cruise Lines Sailing to the Mediterranean
- Top Cruise Lines Sailing to the Caribbean
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Mediterranean and Caribbean
What to expect from a Mediterranean Cruise?
Mediterranean cruises are an incredibly popular option for a variety of reasons, a major one of those being how close this sunny destination is to major U.K. ports like Southampton and Portsmouth. Home to certified wonders of the world and remarkable ancient ruins, culture-rich cosmopolitan cities and flavourful yet familiar cuisines, and summers where the temperatures are as high as the sun in the sky, cruises through the Mediterranean Sea to southern Europe really do offer a little bit of something for everyone.
On itineraries sailing to Mediterranean destinations, you’ll typically find fewer sea days – with ports geographically quite close to one another – and voyages that can vary in length from a long weekend to more than 20 nights of sun-filled fun. Depending on the cruise you embark on, you’ll also find Mediterranean voyages have overnight stays sprinkled in – meaning you’ll have even more time to enjoy some of the sensational stops on your getaway. And, when you couple this with the fact that you can hop on a Mediterranean-bound cruise from the United Kingdom, or ports that are just a short flight away, there’s not going to be any jet-lag to contend with either.
When you couple all of this with the fact that a lot of Mediterranean cuisine is already quite popular in the UK – think pizzas and pastas, gyros and falafel, seafood salads and kebabs – cruising in this part of the world can feel a little more familiar than elsewhere, while still offering fresh experiences and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.
What to expect from a Caribbean Cruise?
On the other – equally exciting – hand, a Caribbean cruise can be a fantastic opportunity to catch the sun any time of year, thanks to its tropical climate. With white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, colourful cuisine and vibrant culture, island-hopping here can be an entirely different experience to cruising through the Mediterranean – but no less enjoyable!
One thing that makes a Caribbean cruise well worth looking forward to is the shore excursions available; snorkeling, parasailing, and scuba diving are popular activities while on the water, meanwhile, you’ll find yourself with the chance to quad-bike, zip-line, and more while ashore. You’ll also find that most major cruise lines have private islands in the Caribbean, with the best cruise line private islands a veritable paradise for you to indulge in during your itinerary.
You’ll also find far more ‘fly-cruises’ and ‘cruise & stay’ packages available when looking at getaways to the Caribbean – an area of the world that’s between five and six hours behind the United Kingdom. So, while you may have to contend with a little bit of jet-lag if you decide to embark on a Caribbean cruise, you will also find there’s often the option to fly out before your departure date, or stay a day or two before flying back.
Major Differences Between a Mediterranean Cruise and a Caribbean Cruise
What is the difference between the Mediterranean and the Caribbean when it comes to cruising, though? Well, there are a few things to keep in mind if you’re looking at both as an option for your next cruise getaway.
First and foremost, while there are some great beaches in the Mediterranean, if sun-soaking on the sand is top of your agenda, you’ll want to visit the Caribbean. The beaches on the islands here are truly spectacular and you’ll find that you’re more-often-than-not a stone’s throw from a stunning stretch of white sand. On the other hand, if you’re looking for some of the best cruise destinations for walking and hiking, you’ll find the more mountainous Mediterranean has a lot to offer.
It’s also important to think about the time of year you’re hoping to travel and the weather you’ll have to look forward to in both destinations. The best time to cruise the Caribbean can depend on the season, with average temperatures comfortably sitting in the mid-20s during the winter months then rising into the 30s during the summer months (which are also the wetter months, so you’ll be met with a humid heat here).
Meanwhile, when it comes to the Mediterranean, you’ll find the winter months are cooler – and not too dissimilar to the weather we experience in the United Kingdom – while the summer months can reach upwards of 30 degrees. The heat here will also be dryer, as it doesn’t rain as frequently during the summer months as it does in the Caribbean.
It’s also worth considering what sort of food you’ll want to enjoy while you’re on holiday. While most cruise ships are home to a variety of eateries with an equally-broad range of cuisines, the local dishes available in the Caribbean can vary dramatically from what you’ll find when you head ashore in the Mediterranean.
Seafood is popular in both places, but you’ll find Mediterranean cuisine can be far healthier than what you typically find in the Caribbean – which isn’t something you might expect when you consider the fact that there’s a lot of fantastic fresh fruit to enjoy in places like the Bahamas and Barbados.
Roasted meats, jerk barbecues, and succulent stews are all among the popular dishes you’ll find in the Caribbean; meanwhile, the food in the Mediterranean will vary from carbs like pizza and pasta to lightly-dressed salads and grilled meats.
Which is Better for Families, the Mediterranean or the Caribbean?
With a peak season that runs throughout the summer months, the Mediterranean is a fantastic option when it comes to family cruises. Often only requiring a short flight (if any flight at all), and itineraries that vary in length a little more, these cruises can be an easier way to embark on an adventure with children during the school holidays. You’ll also have more options if you’re looking to sail directly from the United Kingdom, a decision that can make your family getaway even more stress-free.
However, if you’re looking to catch the sun with your family during the winter months, the Caribbean is the better option – although, you’ll need to be prepared for more travel time and (on average) longer itineraries. While there are options available that are nine nights and 10 nights long, you may find it harder to squeeze these holidays into the set school holidays – if that’s something you need to consider.
So, on balance, while both have their merits, the Mediterranean is going to be the better option for families looking to embark on a cruise getaway. There’s typically less travel time from the United Kingdom, more agreeable climates during the summer months, more flexibility when it comes to the length of your cruise, and the cuisine will feel more familiar – any picky eaters will have a better chance finding something they’re used to here.
Top Family Cruises in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean
If all this holiday talk has you itching to whisk your family away on a holiday, and you want to know about some of the best upcoming family cruises to both the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, we have some fantastic itineraries for you to check out below.
Mediterranean Family Cruises
- Mediterranean Fly Cruise from Barcelona (7 nights) - Disney Fantasy (May 2025)
- Spanish Flare from Southampton (9 nights) - Independence of the Seas (June 2025)
- Western Mediterranean from Southampton (14 nights) - Arvia (July 2025)
Caribbean Family Cruises
- Bahamas & Perfect Day from Port Canaveral (3 nights) - Utopia of the Seas (March 2025)
- Eastern Caribbean from New York with Stay (12 nights) - Carnival Venezia (June 2025)
- Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day from Miami (7 nights) - Icon of the Seas (August 2025)
Best Family Cruise Lines
Which is Better for Couples, The Mediterranean or the Caribbean?
If you’re cruising without kids, the world really is your oyster – as the saying goes. Both destinations offer a lot to couples – be those romantic couples or otherwise – but it all depends on the type of holiday you’re after.
For travellers after sunset strolls along stunning white-sand beaches following a day of exciting activities like scuba-diving and parasailing, the Caribbean is going to be the better option. However, if indulging in a nice glass of wine after a ramble around some ancient ruins and a trip to an art gallery or two sounds more appealing, then the Mediterranean is going to be the better choice.
It can also be easier to book a Mediterranean cruise if you’re pressed for time off work, with (as we’ve mentioned before) this destination offering more options when it comes to shorter itineraries than those that sail around the Caribbean. Though, ultimately, both destinations offer a lot for couples to enjoy – it’s all about personal preferences here.
Top Cruise Deals for the Mediterranean and the Caribbean
With both the Mediterranean and the Caribbean an excellent option when it comes to cruising as a couple – or, of course, with friends and as a solo traveller – check out some of the most exciting upcoming cruises to both destinations down below.
Mediterranean Cruise Deals
- Canarian Flavours & 7 Nt Gran Canaria Stay (14 nights) - Marella Discovery 2 (Feb 2025)
- Italy, Greece, and Turkey from Istanbul with Stay (9 nights) - MSC Sinfonia (April 2025)
- Starry Nights in Greece & Croatia from Athens with Stay (12 nights) - Resilient Lady (May 2025)
Caribbean Cruise Deals
- Puerto Rican Daze & Caribbean Nights from San Juan with Stay (13 nights) - Resilient Lady (March 2025)
- Eastern Caribbean with Miami Beach Stay (10 nights) - MSC World America (May 2025)
- Bahamas & Perfect Day with Las Vegas and New York Stays (13 nights) - Symphony of the Seas (September 2025)
Final Verdict: Which Destination Should You Choose?
At the end of the day – despite the differences between these two destinations – it’s difficult to definitively decide a winner in the ‘Mediterranean vs Caribbean’ debate. They both just offer so much to enjoy!
Where one destination (the Caribbean) is the better option if you’re after white-sand beaches and active adventures, the other destination (the Mediterranean) is where you’ll find more modern cities and iconic ancient ruins. You’ll be met with welcoming weather (depending on the time of year), relish in stunning scenery, and indulge in fantastic food whether you’re venturing east into the Aegean Sea or westwards across the Atlantic Ocean.
Ultimately, though, the most important thing – when you’re picking between a Mediterranean getaway and island-hopping in the Caribbean – is doing your research.
Currencies can vary more throughout the Caribbean, whereas you’ll find the Euro will work in most Mediterranean destinations. You may also need to consider getting more inoculations and vaccines ahead of a trip to the Caribbean than you might for a Mediterranean holiday.
Then, there’s also the travel time to consider; a flight to the Caribbean can take anywhere upwards of nine hours non-stop, whereas a flight to the Mediterranean will take you less than half that – and that’s only if you’re not sailing directly from the United Kingdom.
Top Cruise Lines Sailing to the Mediterranean
If you’re ready to set sail and embark on an adventure to the magnificent Mediterranean, here’s a run-down of the top cruise lines with itineraries sailing to destinations across southern Europe.
Top Cruise Lines Sailing to the Caribbean
Or, if you think the colourful Caribbean is more your cup of tea (and we can certainly see why), here’s a run-down of the top cruise lines that go island-hopping in this stunning part of the world.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Mediterranean and Caribbean
Is the Mediterranean Sea calmer than the Caribbean?
Largely, yes. Although, for such a sheltered sea, certain parts of the Mediterranean can be quite choppy in bad weather. It really all depends on the season you’re sailing in – and, of course, the weather during your voyage. That being said, though, the Caribbean is likely to be the rougher sailing experience. If you’re particularly prone to suffer from seasickness and you’re not sure the best seasickness remedies will be enough to help, it might be best to avoid the Caribbean.
Is the Caribbean sea warmer than the Mediterranean Sea?
Yes, it is! In tropical areas like the Caribbean, the average water temperature can be anything from 26 to 28 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, in the Mediterranean, the water temperature – on average – is around 20 degrees Celsius. This will vary depending on the time of year and the weather, but the Caribbean Sea is going to be a little warmer than the
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