A week from Barcelona round the western Mediterranean, with stops such as Marseille, Genoa, Rome, Naples and Palma in a single trip. Here's what a Western Mediterranean cruise is like, when to go and how long to stay.
Spain, France and Italy are all in the Schengen area, so the new EU entry checks apply. Your cruise line will tell you which ID to carry ashore. Check entry rules on GOV.UK before you book.
Temperatures are the average daytime high in °C.
The main season runs from April to November. May, June, September and October are the sweet spot, warm enough for the beach but not too hot for sightseeing in Rome or Florence. July and August are hot and crowded at every port, and prices peak in the school holidays. A few ships sail all winter, with cheaper fares and quieter cities, but cooler, changeable weather.
Before or after the cruise, Gaudí's extraordinary basilica in Barcelona. Book timed tickets well ahead.
The port for Rome is about 90 minutes away. The Colosseum and Trevi Fountain fit into a long day.
Walk the streets of the Roman town buried by Vesuvius, then have pizza in Naples, where it was invented.
A walkable old town around the Gothic cathedral, with beaches a short bus ride away.
From La Spezia or Livorno, take a trip to the Leaning Tower or the art and Duomo of Florence.
Boats, fish markets and bouillabaisse, with the hilltop basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde above.
Very. Big family-friendly ships sail this route, with kids' clubs, water slides and family cabins, and nearly every port has a beach or famous sight within reach.
Seven nights is typical, with five or six ports and one sea day. Ten and twelve-night trips add places like Malta, Sicily or the French Riviera.
Fly into Barcelona El Prat Airport. The cruise terminals are about 20 minutes away by taxi or shuttle bus. Some routes also start in Rome (Civitavecchia), Genoa or Marseille.
In many ports you can. Barcelona, Palma and Marseille are easy on foot, but Rome, Florence and Pompeii are far from the ship, so a ship's tour means it won't leave without you.
Put Western Mediterranean cruise on standby with everyone's other ideas. You each spread your points in secret, get one veto, and the draw picks where you go.