Choosing the right Mediterranean cruise company when you live in London involves far more than flipping through glossy brochures or clicking the first ad you see.
With scores of operators competing for attention, London travellers need a clear-eyed look at who really delivers memorable voyages, transparent pricing and reliable local support. This guide spotlights the ten cruise specialists that consistently turn wanderlust into well-planned reality for the capital’s holiday-makers.
When Is the Best Time for Londoners to Sail the Mediterranean?
Shoulder-Season Sweet Spot
May early June and mid-September October deliver 24 °C days, lighter crowds and fares 15–25 % lower than July highs. London airports are calmer, and ships more often secure prime dock space instead of tendering.
High-Summer Considerations
School-holiday sailings (late June-August) guarantee sun but bring 30 °C+ heat, pricier Gatwick/Heathrow flights and long queues at marquee ports like Santorini.
Off-Peak Perks & Drawbacks
November cruises can be half the summer price, giving access to uncrowded museums, but some Greek Isles and Adriatic towns close seasonal restaurants and beaches.
What Travel Documents and Health Prep Do London Cruisers Need?
Passport & ETIAS Updates
You’ll need six months’ validity and at least three blank pages. From spring 2026, UK nationals must secure a €7 ETIAS waiver until then, the 90-day visa-free rule applies.
Health Cover & Vaccinations
A GHIC (or valid EHIC) is useful ashore, but shipboard care isn’t covered. Buy cruise insurance with at least £2 million medical evacuation. Standard UK jabs suffice; no extra shots are required for the Med.
Medication & Paperwork Tips
Carry prescription drugs in original packaging plus a GP letter for controlled substances. Keep printed policy docs and emergency numbers in your daypack in case you need treatment during shore time.
How Can London Travellers Maximise Value on Mediterranean Cruises?
Book-Early or Last-Minute?
Wave Season (Jan–Mar) bundles free drinks or Wi-Fi with reduced deposits; alternatively, GTY cabins released four weeks out can slash brochure fares by 20 %.
Transport & Package Hacks
Take advantage of rail-to-sail refunds some lines credit up to £50 pp for same-day National Rail tickets to Southampton. ABTA/ATOL-bonded UK agents often beat DIY prices by 10–15 % when flights are included.
Loyalty & On-Board Savings
Combine line-specific past-passenger discounts with credit card points or Tesco Clubcard conversions. Pre-purchasing shore tours online and bringing reusable water bottles further trims your on-board spend.
What are the Top 10 Mediterranean Cruise Companies in London?
1. P&O Cruises – “The No-Fly British Classic”
Britain’s oldest cruise brand runs round-trip voyages from Southampton, meaning Londoners can board without airport queues or luggage weight angst. Expect full English breakfasts, West-End-style shows and prices that rarely shock the credit card. New flagship Arvia spends summer loops around Spain, France and Italy, while Britannia covers the Greek Islands in shoulder season.
Signature Strength
Home-port departures that cut out flights and transfers.
Ideal Audience
First-timers and families who love familiar British comforts.
Pricing 7-night Western Med inside cabins from £899 pp.
- Website: pocruises.com
- Phone: 0345 355 5111
- Address: 100 Harbour Ave, London E14 3QH
- Email: sales@pocruises.com
Review ★★★★☆ “Boarded at 1 p.m., sipping tea on deck by 2—smoothest holiday start ever.”
2. MSC Cruises – “La Dolce Vita at Family Prices”
This Italian giant marries neon-lit fun with some of the sharpest lead-in fares on the market. London agents bundle flights to Genoa, Marseille or Barcelona almost daily in summer, while kids under 12 often cruise free. Expect gelato kiosks, Cirque-style shows and a buzzing international crowd.
Stand-out Feature
Generous “kids cruise free” promotions on many Mediterranean dates.
Suited For
Budget-minded families and multigenerational groups.
Pricing Inside cabin + Gatwick flights from £749 pp (child 0-11 £0 fare).
- Website: msccruises.co.uk
- Phone: 020 3426 3010
- Address: 5 Roundwood Ave, Stockley Park, UB11 1FG
- Email: uk.sales@msccruises.com
Review ★★★★☆ “Pizza at midnight, babysitting till late—our teens never said ‘I’m bored’ once.”
3. Royal Caribbean – “Floating Theme-Park to the Med”
Think surf simulators, bumper cars and Broadway shows under one roof. RCI’s London sales hub moves thousands south each year on mega-ships like Wonder of the Seas, packing Naples, Palma and Provence into a single week.
Core Focus
Non-stop, adrenaline-charged entertainment for all ages.
Perfect Match
Thrill-seeking families who value activities over quiet deck space.
Pricing Balcony on 7-night Barcelona round-trip from £1,049 pp.
- Website: royalcaribbean.com
- Phone: 0344 493 4005
- Address: 1 Artillery Ln, London E1 7LP
- Email: ukres@rccl.com
Review ★★★★☆ “Kids hit the FlowRider while we booked spa time—everyone happy, zero compromise.”
4. Celebrity Cruises – “Modern Luxury, Mediterranean Style”
Celebrity’s Edge-class ships bring outward-facing “infinite verandas,” world-class wine lists and art-filled public spaces. London couples lap up chef-curated shore dinners in Mykonos and cinema-under-the-stars on sea days.
Distinctive Edge
Design-forward ships where every space feels like a boutique hotel.
Best Suited For
Food-and-wine lovers who’d trade water-slides for sommelier-led tastings.
Pricing 7-night Greek Isles veranda from £1,399 pp (drinks, Wi-Fi, tips in).
- Website: celebritycruises.com
- Phone: 0800 240 4286
- Address: 160 Great Portland St, London W1W 5QA
- Email: ukinfo@celebritycruises.com
Review ★★★★★ “From ceviche masterclass to rooftop garden cinema—premium without pretence.”
5. Norwegian Cruise Line – “Free to Cruise Your Way”
NCL’s flexible fare lets guests bolt on drinks, Wi-Fi or dining for one flat fee. 2025 sees Norwegian Viva sailing Rome Barcelona with Heathrow flights included, while London agents rave about the solo-traveller studio cabins.
Hallmark
“Free at Sea” bundles that trim bar bills and dining surcharges.
Tailored To
Independent travellers and sample-everything foodies.
Pricing Inside cabin + two perks from £879 pp.
- Website: ncl.com
- Phone: 0333 241 2319
- Address: 30 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, E14 4QJ
- Email: ukpartners@ncl.com
Review ★★★★☆ “Picked Wi-Fi and speciality dining—left the ship owing nothing extra.”
6. Silversea Cruises – “All-Inclusive Elegance Afloat”
Carrying barely 400 guests, Silversea’s suites come with butlers and caviar on demand. London connoisseurs relish private Liszt recitals in Dubrovnik’s Rector’s Palace just one of many bespoke shore events.
Unique Appeal
Small-ship access to boutique ports plus truly all-inclusive pricing.
Most Appeals To
Seasoned luxury travellers who prefer Champagne to conga lines.
Pricing Mediterranean suite from £3,450 pp (everything but souvenirs included).
- Website: silversea.com
- Phone: 020 7340 0700
- Address: 40 Berners St, London W1T 3NA
- Email: reservations.uk@silversea.com
Review ★★★★★ “Crew had our names memorised by day two; Portofino felt like our private backdrop.”
7. Azamara – “Stay Longer, Experience Deeper”
Azamara overnights in marquee ports, letting guests blend into local nightlife rather than sprint back at 5 p.m. London culture buffs praise the complimentary AzAmazing Evenings think flamenco at Seville’s Alcázar or string quartets in Split.
Defining Trait
Late-night or overnight stays that turn port calls into mini city-breaks.
Fits
Curious travellers who prioritise immersion over water-parks.
Pricing Club Veranda from £1,499 pp (gratuities & drinks tipped in).
- Website: azamara.com
- Phone: 01932 834143
- Address: 1 Bede Island Rd, Leicester LE2 7EA (UK office)
- Email: uk.sales@azamara.com
Review ★★★★☆ “Sipped ouzo at midnight in Mykonos town—no gangway queues, pure magic.”
8. Marella Cruises – “The All-Inclusive Brit Abroad”
Part of TUI, Marella bundles Gatwick flights, luggage and tips into one up-front fare. Ships are mid-size, entertainment is proudly British and formal nights are entirely optional.
Prime Advantage
One-price packages that remove every budgeting headache.
Serves
Value seekers who like their holiday costs settled before take-off.
Pricing Outside cabin + flights Palma RT from £829 pp.
- Website: tui.co.uk/cruise
- Phone: 020 3451 2688
- Address: 149 Oxford St, London W1D 2JF
- Email: cruises@tui.co.uk
Review ★★★★☆ “Paid once, pocket-dialled nothing on board—stress-free sunseekers’ paradise.”
9. Cunard – “Sail Like Royalty, Even in the Med”
White Star butlers, ballroom nights and string quartets define Cunard’s take on Mediterranean glamour. London passengers can still sail round-trip Southampton on Queen Victoria, avoiding airports yet arriving in style at Rome or Cannes.
Flagship Quality
Grand ocean-liner traditions—from afternoon tea to masked balls.
Geared Toward
History buffs and black-tie aficionados who love a sense of occasion.
Pricing Inside cabin 7-night Med from £1,249 pp.
- Website: cunard.com
- Phone: 0344 338 8641
- Address: Victoria St Sales Centre, London SW1E 5JL
- Email: enquiries@cunard.com
Review ★★★★☆ “Dress code elevated the mood—felt like Downton Abbey on the water.”
10. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines – “Small Ships, Big Character”
Family-owned Fred. Olsen operates compact vessels that slip into lesser-known ports Elba, Giardini-Naxos, even Sete on certain sailings. The onboard vibe is clubby, with guest lecturers delving into Med history over scones.
Key Differentiator
Sub-1,400-guest ships reaching harbours mega-liners physically can’t.
Recommended For
Mature travellers who rate culture over carousel rides.
Pricing Ocean-view cabin from £1,099 pp (tips extra).
- Website: fredolsencruises.com
- Phone: 0800 035 5130
- Address: Flagship House, Ipswich IP1 5PB (London via agents)
- Email: sales@fredolsen.co.uk
Review ★★★★☆ “Docked metres from old-town Kotor while giants tendered offshore—worth every penny.”
How Do You Choose the Best London-Based Cruise Specialist for Your Mediterranean Holiday?
| Company | Avg. Google Rating | 7-Night Lead-In Fare* | Best For | Stand-Out Perk |
| P&O | 4.4 ★ | £899 pp | No-fly cruises | Southampton departures |
| MSC | 4.3 ★ | £749 pp | Budget families | Kids sail free |
| Royal Caribbean | 4.6 ★ | £1,049 pp | Thrill-seekers | Surf simulator |
| Celebrity | 4.7 ★ | £1,399 pp | Food & wine lovers | Eden venue |
| Norwegian | 4.4 ★ | £879 pp | Flexible planners | “Free at Sea” bundles |
| Silversea | 4.8 ★ | £3,450 pp | Luxe connoisseurs | Butler service |
| Azamara | 4.5 ★ | £1,499 pp | Port immersion | Overnight stays |
| Marella | 4.2 ★ | £829 pp | All-inclusive fans | Flights & tips |
| Cunard | 4.6 ★ | £1,249 pp | Tradition buffs | Gala evenings |
| Fred. Olsen | 4.3 ★ | £1,099 pp | Culture-focused | Smaller ports |
*Fares checked March 2025.
Quick Decision Tips
- Under £900? Focus on MSC or Marella.
- Travelling with kids? Royal Caribbean excels.
- Crave fine dining? Celebrity or Silversea.
- Hate airports? P&O and Cunard sail round-trip Southampton.
What Are the Average Costs and Inclusions for London Mediterranean Cruise Packages?
Cost Breakdown
Seven-night cruises generally run £749 – £1,399 pp in an inside cabin, plus port fees (£80 – £120 pp) and gratuities (£8 – £15 pp / day if not included).
Hidden Fees to Watch
- Specialty dining surcharges (£20 – £50 pp)
- On-board drink package mark-ups
- Shore-excursion premiums vs. DIY tours
Money-Saving Hacks
Travel in May or late September, and book during Wave Season (Jan-Mar) to snag reduced deposits and onboard credit.
What Else Should London Travellers Know Before Booking a Mediterranean Cruise?
Visas & Health
UK citizens can visit Schengen ports visa-free for up to 90 days until ETIAS starts (expected spring 2026).
Peak vs. Shoulder Season Weather
Expect 28 °C summer highs; bring layers for cooler Adriatic evenings in May and October.
Packing Essentials
EU plug adaptors, SPF 30+, cathedral-appropriate clothing and anti-motion wristbands for open-sea days.
Conclusion
The ten Mediterranean cruise companies spotlighted here prove that London holiday makers can sail to sun-drenched shores without sacrificing service or budget. Match your priorities whether no-fly convenience, family fun or small-ship luxury and book early for the best cabin choice. The Med awaits with culture, cuisine and crystal-blue seas.
FAQs About Mediterranean Cruise Companies in London
Why do many Mediterranean cruises depart from Southampton?
London lacks a deep-water cruise terminal; Southampton’s port infrastructure accommodates larger ships.
Are drinks packages worth it?
If you average six or more premium drinks a day, packages usually pay off.
Which line is best for solo travellers?
Norwegian and P&O both offer studio cabins with low or no single supplements.
Can I board mid-itinerary at a European port?
MSC and Costa allow “partial embarkation,” but UK passengers must arrange approval in advance.
Do cruise lines cater for vegan or gluten-free diets?
Yes—Celebrity, Royal Caribbean and Cunard provide dedicated menus when notified.
How early should I book for peak summer sailings?
Twelve months out secures the widest choice; late deals exist but cabin location is limited.
What exactly is Wave Season?
January – March, when cruise lines run their biggest UK sales with added perks.