Cruise · 26 nights · with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Rivieras & Islands of the Mediterranean
A 26-night cruise aboard Fred. Olsen’s Balmoral from Southampton through Portugal, Spain, the French and Italian Rivieras, and the eastern Mediterranean, calling at quieter ports and allowing time to watch the Mediterranean unfold at a leisurely pace.
- Duration
- 26 nights
- Departs
- 30 Sep 2027
- Sails from
- Southampton
- Returns to the same port
- Ship
- Balmoral
- From
- £2,599
- per person, sharing
Highlights
What makes this one worth it
City and fishing port atmosphere in Matosinhos
Gibraltar's views over the Strait
La Spezia gateway to Cinque Terre
Sailing past the smoking Stromboli volcano
Two days in Piraeus close to Athens
About the trip
Fred. Olsen’s Balmoral sets off from Southampton and heads first to Portugal’s Atlantic coast at Matosinhos, where the feeling is of an easy-going city with a fishing port vibe, not far from Porto’s famous tanneries and tiled facades. The itinerary then moves south through Gibraltar, a stronghold with views over the Strait, and onto Spanish Mediterranean ports including Cartagena and Alicante.
The cruise continues along the French and Italian Rivieras. Stops such as Villefranche and Toulon offer time to see Provençal port towns shedding the summer crowds, while La Spezia sits close to the gateway of Cinque Terre’s steep cliffs. Navigating past Stromboli, a volcanic island with smoke that occasionally laces the air, Balmoral’s route gives a slow pulse to island and coastal life. Calls in Malta and Greece’s Piraeus round out the voyage, with Athens within reach for those inclined to stray further ashore.
This is a trip attentive to the changing seas and quieter ports after the summer, with Balmoral sized to slip comfortably alongside smaller harbours. The cruise spends a good proportion of its 26 nights in port, allowing for afternoons spent without rush or fanfare, and views of a Mediterranean that seems, momentarily, to have paused its endless summer demand.
- 1 Southampton
- 2 Matosinhos
- 3 Gibraltar
- 4 Cartagena
- 5 Alicante
- 6 La Spezia
- 7 Villefranche-sur-Mer
- 8 Toulon
- 9 Ibiza
- 10 Amalfi Coast
- 11 Valletta
- 12 Piraeus
Itinerary
The route, day by day
Day 1
Southampton, United Kingdom
Day 2
Matosinhos, Portugal
Day 3
Gibraltar
Day 4
Cartagena, Spain
Day 5
Alicante, Spain
Day 6
Mahon, Spain
When to go
Departures and prices
Lowest price each month, per person.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines confirms exact dates, availability and prices when you book.
Need to know
Before you book
- Price based on
- Two people sharing a cabinThe operator confirms the exact basis when you book.
- Travelling alone
- Check with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
- Flights
- Not needed if you join at Southampton
- What’s included
- Check with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
- Accessibility
- Check with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
- Cabin
- Interior Room
For full details of what’s included, check with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. See the full details on their site
Questions people ask
- How long is Rivieras & Islands of the Mediterranean?
- Rivieras & Islands of the Mediterranean is a 26 nights cruise holiday.
- Where does Rivieras & Islands of the Mediterranean depart from?
- Rivieras & Islands of the Mediterranean departs from Southampton.
- Who operates Rivieras & Islands of the Mediterranean?
- Rivieras & Islands of the Mediterranean is operated by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines aboard Balmoral.
- How much does Rivieras & Islands of the Mediterranean cost?
- Prices for Rivieras & Islands of the Mediterranean start from £2,599, subject to availability.
The operator
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Smaller-ship cruises, many from UK ports
A Norwegian family name in shipping since the nineteenth century, known for smaller ships that can reach the narrower fjords and harbours.
You book with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines directly. They confirm your place, take payment, and look after you from the moment you leave home; Atlas & Passage’s part ends when you click through.
New to United Kingdom? Our United Kingdom guide has the practical essentials: money, plugs, visas and when to go.
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