The Mediterranean is the world's most popular cruise destination — and it is not hard to understand why. In a single week you can sip coffee in Barcelona, throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain in Rome, watch the sunset over the caldera in Santorini and walk the ancient walls of Dubrovnik. No other form of travel lets you experience so much in so little time.

A typical 7-night Western Mediterranean cruise departs from Barcelona or Palma and calls at ports including Marseille, Genoa, Naples, Palermo and Rome. Eastern Mediterranean itineraries tend to depart from Athens or Venice and visit the Greek islands, Croatia, Montenegro and Turkey. Many cruises combine both, giving you a taste of the entire region.

The ships sailing the Mediterranean are some of the most impressive in the world. Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, MSC Virtuosa and Norwegian Epic all offer extraordinary on-board experiences — multiple restaurants, Broadway-style shows, waterparks, spas and everything in between. P&O Cruises and Cunard offer a more traditional British experience for those who prefer a classic atmosphere.

Shore excursions are a highlight of any Mediterranean cruise. In Rome, you can visit the Colosseum and Vatican. In Naples, a day trip to Pompeii is unforgettable. In Santorini, the cable car up to Fira offers views that will stay with you forever. In Barcelona, the Sagrada Familia and Gothic Quarter are unmissable.

The best time to cruise the Mediterranean is May to October, when temperatures are warm and the sea is calm. July and August are the busiest months — if you prefer fewer crowds, May, June or September are ideal. Travelpack and JTA Holidays both offer excellent Mediterranean cruise packages at competitive prices.