Semih
Travel editor at Reisedrop · 2026-09-15
The short answer: Western Mediterranean for a first cruise (easy travel from Switzerland, major cities), Eastern Mediterranean for Greek island dreams, the Adriatic for culture in a compact area. Here’s the honest comparison of the three main routes.
Western Mediterranean: the perfect introduction
Genoa or Savona as the departure port (train from Zurich!), then Rome, Naples, Sicily, Barcelona, Marseille: the western route is the best of Italy, Spain and France in one week. Big choice of ships, year-round departures, fair prices. The only real downside: the ports are large and the journey into the centres can be quite long.
Eastern Mediterranean: postcard Greece
Santorini at sunset, Mykonos, Crete, often with Istanbul or Ephesus as well: the eastern route is the most photogenic. The starting point is usually Athens or Trieste, so the journey is longer and more expensive. In return, this is where you get the moments cruises were invented for: no one forgets sailing into the caldera of Santorini.
Adriatic: culture on a tight timetable
Venice (or rather Trieste/Ravenna), Dubrovnik, Kotor, Corfu: short distances mean more time ashore and fewer sea days. The Adriatic is perfect for culture lovers and photographers – sailing into the Bay of Kotor is one of the most beautiful approaches in Europe. In July/August, though: crowded. Choose May or September.
Which route suits whom?
First cruise or travelling with children: West (short journey, lots of variety). Honeymoon and island romance: East. Culture and architecture: Adriatic. And if you can’t decide: there are 10- to 12-night routes that combine West and East – the supreme discipline.
Fancy exactly this? Zazou, our travel assistant, puts flights, hotels and a route together in seconds - and tells you honestly when it gets cheaper.
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