Explora I: a Western Mediterranean week for three generations
Barcelona to Rome with connecting suites, a real kids' program and nobody dressing for dinner.
AdviceWhat we would do in your position
Ask Blackbury Travel
What is the best Mediterranean cruise?
For a family, Explora I from Barcelona to Rome; for a couple, Evrima on the Riviera or Silver Nova down the Adriatic; for grandparents, Regent around the Greek Islands. Go in June or September.
Our answer
In our words.
The Mediterranean rewards two things: a ship that overnights in port and a cabin arrangement that suits the party. Timing matters as much as the line. June and September give you warm sea, open restaurants and half the crowds; July and August are hotter, busier and more expensive.
Explora I's Western Mediterranean week is our family answer because the connecting suites and the children's program are real and the ports suit every age. For a couple, Evrima anchors off Saint-Tropez and Bonifacio where big ships cannot go, and Silver Nova's Adriatic run from Venice to Athens is the best mix of destination and comfort we know.
Grandparents traveling without children do well on Regent's Greek Islands week: everything included, overnights in Mykonos and Santorini, nothing to arrange.
Our promise
We will say no.
We do not recommend a cruise because it is expensive, and we do not put people on the wrong ship. If the ship you have in mind is not right for your party, we will tell you and suggest the one that is, even if it costs less or is sold by someone else. We are an advisor, not a booking engine.
Speak to a specialistThe sailings we name
Where this answer points.
Planning figures per person, not quotes.
Evrima: the Riviera and Corsica on a Ritz-Carlton yacht
Nice to Rome by yacht, with a marina off the stern and a children's program that makes it work for families.
Silver Nova: Venice to Athens down the Adriatic
Silversea's brightest ship through Croatia, Montenegro and the Ionian, with a butler in every suite.
Seven Seas Grandeur: Greek islands with everything included
Athens round trip with excursions, drinks, specialty dining and flights in the fare.
The lines
Who we would book it with.
Explora Journeys
Modern, relaxed, generous with space, and genuinely happy to see children.
- Best for: Three-generation groups who want modern comfort and plenty of room
- Not for: You want a traditional, intimate ship
- Included: dining across most venues; drinks and minibar
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Hotel-style luxury on yachts of roughly 300 to 450 guests, with a surprisingly warm welcome for children.
- Best for: Design-led families and couples who want yacht privacy with real service
- Not for: You want to go somewhere remote or spend two weeks at sea
- Included: all-suite accommodation; dining and most drinks
Silversea
Butler-served suites, serious destinations, and one of the strongest expedition fleets afloat.
- Best for: Couples and well-traveled grandparents, and families with teenagers on an expedition
- Not for: You need a kids' club or a big, lively pool scene
- Included: butler service in every suite; drinks and dining
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
The most inclusive fare at sea, on all-suite ships that take elegance seriously.
- Best for: Grandparents hosting adult children, and couples who want a fully inclusive, elegant week
- Not for: Your party includes young children or you want a casual atmosphere
- Included: all-suite accommodation; shore excursions in every port
Comparison
Read the comparison behind it.
Want us to make the recommendation for your family?
Tell us who is traveling, when and what matters most, and a specialist will name the ships we would book for you, and the ones we would not.