Western Mediterranean cruise ports compared

The western Mediterranean is a great choice if you’re a first time cruiser, or booking a family cruise for a group of people who have very different tastes, because port calls really do offer something for everyone. You can choose from almost every cruise line too – P&O, Fred Olsen, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean … you name it, they sail the western Med, at least in the summer.

So the choice comes down to ports of call. If you’re a combination of suntanners and fun-seekers, a cruise rich in Spanish ports will provide you with great beaches and many attractions built and planned deliberately for the British/American tourist.

If you’re more culture vulture, then it’s good to focus on Malta as well as Spain, because Malta is rich in medieval dungeons, caves and ancient temples, but also has some absolutely lovely beaches. Italy is the ideal cruise destination for those who love history, art and architecture, port calls may include: Rome, Venice, Naples and/or Florence.

For those who want to join the playboy jet-set for a week or so, Monaco is the port call for you – celebrity spotting is easy, there’s the car track to visit, some very exclusive shops and lounging around at the marina can give you yacht envy as well as an haute cuisine lunch.

For gardeners, try to find a cruise that takes in Portugal and Funchal in Madeira: not only is the coastline beautiful, the gardens are some of the best in the world and will impress even the most established horticulturalist.