CHEAP MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES: SAIL THE SEAS ON A BUDGET!
CHEAP MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES: SAIL THE SEAS ON A BUDGET!

INTRODUCTION: CHEAP MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES: SAIL THE SEAS ON A BUDGET!
Setting sail on the Mediterranean on a cruise is a dream for many, offering a chance to explore multiple countries, stunning coastlines, and historic cities all in one trip. However, you don’t need to empty your wallet to enjoy this amazing experience. With strategic planning and savvy choices, you can embark on budget Mediterranean cruises that provide both value and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re wandering through the ports of Italy or basking in the sun on a Greek island, discover how to plan cheap Mediterranean cruises and make the most of your travel adventure without compromising on experience.
As someone who has lived on the Mediterranean for over a decade, I’m happy to share my inside tips and knowledge to help you make the most of your travels.
(To find out more about the Mediterranean see our related posts, “Mediterranean Budget Travel Guide“, “Ultimate Mediterranean Vacation Planning Guide” and “Guide to the Mediterranean Coast“)
HOW TO SAIL THE MEDITERRANEAN ON A BUDGET?
1: Finding the Best Cheap Mediterranean Cruises and Deals
Tips for Booking Early or Last Minute
This tip is the easiest to take advantage of to help control your travel costs. Book early and you can lock into some lower prices as cruise lines often offer discounts to fill cabins in advance. Booking early also gives you a better selection of cabins and itineraries, which can give you advantages which we will cover further on. On the other hand, last-minute deals can provide significant savings since cruise lines will try to offload unsold cabins at a discount close to departure. This second strategy is great provided you are flexible with travel dates and destinations.

Cruise Lines with Budget-Friendly Options
Several cruise lines are recognized for offering budget-friendly options for Mediterranean travel. Costa Cruises and MSC Cruises often provide low-cost itineraries with a focus on shorter trips and essential services. Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean regularly feature special offers and promotions that lower the cost of Mediterranean journeys. These cruise lines may reduce onboard amenities or provide flexible dining options to manage expenses effectively.
Here are the cruise lines known for offering budget-friendly options specifically for Mediterranean cruises:
- MSC Cruises – Offers cost-effective itineraries and frequent deals in the Mediterranean.
- Costa Cruises – Known for reasonable prices and authentic Mediterranean experiences.
- Norwegian Cruise Line – Provides flexible pricing with discounts on Mediterranean routes.
- Royal Caribbean International – Offers affordable packages with a focus on Mediterranean destinations.
- P&O Cruises – Known for budget-friendly options, especially within the Mediterranean market.
- Carnival Cruise Line – Occasionally offers budget deals for Mediterranean sailings.
- Princess Cruises – Provides competitive pricing with promotions for Mediterranean voyages.
These cruise lines are popular among travelers seeking cost-effective options in the Mediterranean region.
Compare Prices Online
A great way to ensure you get the best deals is to use multiple online sites to compare prices and check for special promotions. These sites will help you identify the best deals by aggregating offers from various cruise lines. Another strategy is to go through travel agents who can sometimes access exclusive discounts not always available online and they can provide personalized guidance tailored to individual needs.

2: Top Affordable Cruise Destinations
Popular Budget-Friendly Mediterranean Ports
Popular ports in the Mediterranean that offer cost-effective options include Barcelona, Athens, and Dubrovnik. Barcelona is known for its vibrant culture and accessible local attractions, making it a favored stop for budget-conscious travelers. Athens provides historical sites and inexpensive walking tours that allow visitors to explore its rich heritage without spending much. Dubrovnik offers scenic views and low-cost local dining options, ensuring travelers can enjoy the city without exceeding their budget. Below is a list of 10 budget-friendly Mediterranean ports that you can refer to when planning your next cruise:
- Barcelona, Spain – Known for its vibrant culture and affordable local attractions, offering budget-friendly experiences for visitors.
- Athens, Greece – Offers historical sites and inexpensive walking tours, allowing travelers to explore its rich heritage affordably.
- Dubrovnik, Croatia – Provides scenic views and low-cost dining options, popular among budget-conscious travelers.
- Rome, Italy – Features accessible historical landmarks and affordable local cuisine, drawing numerous visitors each year.
- Lisbon, Portugal – Offers a rich cultural experience with cost-effective sightseeing and dining experiences.
- Marseille, France – Known for its picturesque views and budget-friendly local activities and dining.
- Palermo, Italy – Provides historical attractions and affordable local markets, ideal for budget travelers.
- Valencia, Spain – Delivers a mix of cultural sites and affordable beach experiences, popular among cruise visitors.
- Kotor, Montenegro – Offers breathtaking landscapes and low-cost excursions, appealing to those looking for budget-friendly travel.
- Split, Croatia – Known for its ancient architecture and affordable local restaurants, attracting budget-conscious tourists.
Discover Budget-Friendly Hidden Gems
A great strategy for keeping your travels on budget is to consider lesser-known destinations. Most people tend to pick the “popular” destinations but this often translates into crowded locations and long lines. For a more relaxing and authentic Mediterranean experience seek out lesser-known destinations as part of your itinerary. Hidden gem destinations in the Mediterranean include places like Kotor in Montenegro and Piran in Slovenia. Kotor provides a mix of natural beauty and historical sites without the higher costs of more popular ports. Piran offers coastal charm and cultural experiences, often at prices lower than more frequented locations. These destinations allow you to enjoy unique experiences and attractions without stretching your budgets and without the crowds.
Avoid Seasonal Peak Prices
This may come as a complete shock, but summer is the busiest time to travel in the Mediterranean! (Who knew? Right?!) A great way to reduce costs is to travel outside of the busy summer schedule, either going in the spring or in the fall when cruise lines reduce their rates with decreased demand. However, the weather in the Mediterranean is still exceptionally nice at this time making this a good way to avoid peak prices and avoid the summer crowds.

3: On-Board Savings Tips
Save on Dining and Entertainment
To help you stay on budget during your cruise, stick with the included meal options offered in the main dining room and buffet, which usually do not have extra charges. Avoiding specialty restaurants and premium dining experiences will also help keep your expenses down. For entertainment, you can attend the complimentary shows and activities offered by the cruise line, such as live performances or themed events. Another way to stay on budget is to seek out free onboard activities like trivia, games, or fitness classes. These are also a great way to interact with fellow passengers.
Choosing Your Cabin and Stay on Budget
As mentioned earlier, booking your cruise early will give you a wider selection of options to select from and at lower rates. Booking early often allows you to take advantage of promotional deals, keeping costs down. One key option to help reduce costs is to choose an interior cabin which is cheaper than the more expensive ocean-view or balcony options. You might also want to consider cabin location, by choosing rooms away from elevators or busy decks. This can provide a quieter experience without additional expenses. These strategies will help you stay within your budget while making sure you have a comfortable trip.
Making the Most of All-Inclusive Packages
A great way to stay on budget and avoid any “extra” fees is to opt for all-inclusive packages while understanding exactly what these plans do or don’t offer. This will help in budgeting for your trip by knowing in advance what most of your costs will be and eliminating a lot of uncertainty in unplanned costs. However, make sure to fully take advantage of the included amenities of your plan such as meals, drinks, and activities. Plan your daily activities around the offerings in the package to enjoy the trip without additional costs. This will help you make the most of the package while keeping the trip budget-friendly.

4: Cost-Effective Shore Excursions
Tips for Exploring Ports On a Budget
A great way to save money on a Mediterranean cruise is to explore the various ports on your own without booking expensive tours. By doing some online preparation before your trip and researching local tourist attractions and local public transportation, you can put together your own self-guided tours. Visit free or low-cost attractions or join budget-friendly “walking tours”. Planning ahead is key to effectively managing time and expenses while exploring different ports.
Budget-Friendly Tours and Activities
Visiting local markets or historical sites with low (or no) entrance fees provides cultural experiences without high costs. Using public transportation to reach various attractions will also help you stay on budget, while still giving you a chance to explore the area. These strategies will help you enjoy each destination without overspending.
How to Find Local Deals and Discounts
When visiting a port, the first thing you will have to navigate is the initial “welcoming committee” of vendors and travel guides that will offer you everything and anything you need at a “bargain” price. Your first strategy here to save money is to do your research before you even hit the port. This way you can avoid the temptation to buy or sign up for the first thing you see. A great way to find local deals and discounts is to check online or use available apps that can help you find discounts on attractions and activities. Checking with local tourism offices can also yield special offers or discount passes that help save money.

5: Packing and Preparation for Budget Cruises
Essential Packing Tips
To avoid extra fees on your cruise, pack light and use a carry-on when possible to reduce baggage charges. Bring versatile multi-use clothing that can be mixed and matched to help reduce the number of items needed. Make sure to check the cruise line’s baggage policy so that you can avoid unexpected charges.
Bring These Items to Save Money
To reduce costs on your trip consider bringing reusable water bottles to avoid purchasing drinks onboard. Bring a good pair of walking shoes: exploring the various ports on foot is your best friend for staying on budget, so treat your feet nicely. Consider bringing a small packsack or daypack, the kind that folds into a small pouch. This will make your excursions more enjoyable by not having to carry plastic shopping bags around to hold your belongings. This will also allow you to pack snacks for your shore excursions and eliminate more expenses. Also, don’t forget your power adapters and cables for your electronic devices to avoid buying expensive replacements during your trip. This last point seems to catch a lot of people off guard.
Be Ready for Changing Weather
When preparing for your cruise, pack layers to handle different temperatures and weather conditions. Remember to bring a lightweight rain jacket, a sweater, and sun protection items like hats and sunscreen. Research the weather for each destination and ensure that you pack appropriately and avoid unnecessary purchases. I like to pack a pair of cargo pants with zippered legs: trousers and shorts in one. Very versatile with lots of pockets. You can argue that they are not very stylish but there is no denying that they are practical. These tips will help maximize comfort and keep your expenses in check.

FINAL THOUGHTS: CHEAP MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES: SAIL THE SEAS ON A BUDGET!
Embarking on budget Mediterranean cruises is not only possible but also incredibly rewarding. By leveraging deals, choosing the right destinations, and being mindful of onboard expenses, you can experience the best of the Mediterranean without straining your finances. Ready to set sail on a budget-friendly voyage? Use the link below to get started!

“Don’t Just Dream It! Do it!”
How about experiencing the Mediterranean firsthand? Use this link for cruiseweb.com to give you an idea of what kind of cruises are being offered. Alternatively, if you want to check out hotel deals on the mainland you can you use the map below to inspire you and plan your next Mediterranean vacation right now!
Reg Auge
Reg holds an MBA, is a former Captain in the Canadian military and has worked as a consultant in industry for over 20 years. From his home in Spain, he has spent the last 10 years traveling throughout the Mediterranean, exploring the various countries and regions. He also regularly runs, windsurfs, and kite surfs, maintaining a healthy and active way of life. Captivated by this Mediterranean lifestyle, he began a Blog last year to inspire like-minded souls to learn about and discover this unique region for themselves.