Top 10 Italy Cruise Deal Providers
By Jordan Patel | Published: 2024-10-27 | Category: Italy Cruise Deals
About Italy Cruise Deals
This service category involves providers offering discounted vacation packages centered around cruise ship travel to and within Italian ports. These deals typically bundle passage, accommodation, meals, and sometimes excursions or onboard credits.
How We Evaluated
Providers were evaluated based on the variety and frequency of their Italy cruise itineraries, perceived value for money in deals offered, customer satisfaction ratings, and the quality of onboard experience relevant to Italian destinations. Scores reflect a synthesis of public reviews, industry reputation, and typical promotional offerings.
Rating Criteria
- → Italy Itinerary Variety
- → Deal Value & Frequency
- → Onboard Experience (Italy Focus)
- → Customer Service Reputation
- → Booking Platform Ease
The Best Italy Cruise Deals
Viking Ocean Cruises
Visit Website →Offers premium, destination-focused cruises on smaller, elegant ships, primarily for adults, with culturally rich itineraries including Italy.
Target Audience
Mature adults (55+), Culturally curious travelers, Affluent travelers
Service Offerings
Mediterranean & Adriatic Sojourns
Provides itineraries focusing on cultural immersion in Italian ports like Venice, Rome, Florence, and Sicily, often combined with Croatia or Greece.
- Adults-only (18+)
- One complimentary shore excursion in every port
- Beer, wine, soft drinks included with lunch/dinner
- No casinos or kids' clubs
Scorecard (Overall: 8.0 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Inclusive
Premium, all-inclusive pricing covering passage, meals, specific beverages, Wi-Fi, and shore excursions. High price point reflects inclusions and quality.
Pros
- + Destination-intensive itineraries
- + Inclusive value (excursions, drinks)
- + Elegant small ships
- + Excellent service
- + Adults-only environment
Cons
- - Very high price point
- - Limited onboard entertainment variety
- - Not suitable for families
Verdict
"Top-tier choice for affluent, mature travelers seeking a culturally rich, inclusive, and quiet cruise experience focused on Italian destinations."
#9
Location: Wilmington, Massachusetts, USA (Part of World Travel Holdings) Get Directions
Founded: 1998
Cruises.com
Visit Website →A large online travel agency providing a vast inventory of cruise deals, including numerous options for Italy and the Mediterranean.
Target Audience
Price-conscious travelers, Online researchers, Users seeking broad comparisons
Service Offerings
Italy & Mediterranean Cruise Packages
Offers a searchable database of Italy cruises from nearly all major cruise lines, frequently highlighting special offers and discounts.
- Extensive search filters
- Loyalty program benefits
- Agent support available via phone/chat
Scorecard (Overall: 7.8 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Aggregator
Features deals from various cruise lines, often promoting special agency rates, onboard credits, or other incentives.
Pros
- + Massive selection of cruises
- + Good search functionality
- + Regularly features deals and promotions
- + Part of a large travel company
Cons
- - Customer service interaction is agency-based
- - Value proposition varies depending on specific deal vs booking direct
Verdict
"A comprehensive platform for finding and comparing a wide array of Italy cruise deals, often featuring competitive pricing and perks."
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CruiseDirect
Visit Website →An online travel agency specializing in cruises, offering deals from various cruise lines including those sailing to Italy.
Target Audience
Deal seekers, Online shoppers, Travelers comparing multiple lines
Service Offerings
Discounted Italy Cruises
Aggregates Italy cruise deals from multiple cruise lines (like MSC, NCL, Royal Caribbean, etc.), often featuring exclusive perks or lower prices.
- Comparison tool for different lines/itineraries
- Offers agent assistance
- Special promotions like onboard credit or reduced deposits
Scorecard (Overall: 7.8 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Aggregator
Prices reflect the deals offered by the cruise lines, sometimes with additional agency discounts or perks. Value depends on current promotions.
Pros
- + Wide selection from multiple cruise lines
- + Easy comparison shopping
- + Often finds competitive deals and extra perks
- + User-friendly website
Cons
- - Customer service experience is through the agency, not the line directly
- - Onboard experience depends entirely on the chosen cruise line
Verdict
"A valuable resource for comparing Italy cruise deals across multiple lines and potentially finding exclusive agency offers."
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Holland America Line
Visit Website →Focuses on destination immersion and classic cruising elegance, offering longer Mediterranean itineraries often including multiple Italian ports.
Target Audience
Mature travelers, Couples, Destination-focused cruisers
Service Offerings
European & Mediterranean Explorer Cruises
Often features longer, more in-depth itineraries visiting major Italian cities alongside less common ports, emphasizing cultural exploration.
- Mid-sized ships
- Focus on culinary arts and enrichment programs
- 'Have It All' package options
Scorecard (Overall: 7.4 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Variable
Premium pricing. Focuses on value through longer voyages and included amenities in package deals rather than deep base fare discounts.
Pros
- + Excellent destination focus
- + Longer, immersive itineraries
- + Classic, refined onboard atmosphere
- + Strong culinary reputation
Cons
- - Higher price point
- - Fewer short itinerary options
- - Pace may be too slow for some
Verdict
"Best suited for mature travelers seeking longer, destination-rich Italian and Mediterranean cruises with a classic, refined onboard experience."
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Princess Cruises
Visit Website →Offers a traditional yet modern cruising experience with a good selection of Mediterranean itineraries featuring popular Italian stops.
Target Audience
Couples, Mature travelers, Multi-generational families
Service Offerings
Mediterranean Voyages
Provides diverse itineraries covering the Mediterranean, often including Rome (Civitavecchia), Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Naples, and occasionally Venice or Sicilian ports.
- 'MedallionClass' technology enhances onboard experience
- Emphasis on destination immersion
- Mix of large and mid-sized ships
Scorecard (Overall: 7.4 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Variable
Mid-range to premium pricing. Offers package deals ('Princess Plus', 'Princess Premier') bundling amenities. Deals available, especially during wave season.
Pros
- + Comfortable and well-regarded service
- + Good balance of relaxation and activity
- + Innovative onboard technology
- + Solid itinerary options
Cons
- - Fewer dedicated Italy-only routes
- - Can feel traditional to some
Verdict
"A reliable choice for a comfortable Mediterranean cruise including Italy, appealing to a broad range of travelers, with useful tech features."
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Celebrity Cruises
Visit Website →Positioned as 'modern luxury', offering a premium cruising experience with stylish ships, fine dining, and itineraries featuring key Italian ports.
Target Audience
Couples, Foodies, Travelers seeking premium experience
Service Offerings
Italy, Greece & Croatia Cruises
Features Mediterranean itineraries often combining Italy (Rome, Florence, Naples, Venice) with other desirable destinations like the Greek Isles and Adriatic coast.
- Focus on culinary experiences
- Sophisticated ambiance
- 'Always Included' pricing bundles drinks, Wi-Fi, tips
Scorecard (Overall: 7.4 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Variable
Premium pricing tier. 'Always Included' fares bundle popular amenities, potentially offering value. Deals are often less about deep discounts and more about added value.
Pros
- + Premium onboard experience
- + Excellent dining
- + Stylish ships
- + Good service levels
- + Inclusive pricing options
Cons
- - Higher price point
- - Fewer deep discount deals
Verdict
"Ideal for discerning travelers seeking a more upscale Mediterranean cruise that includes Italy, willing to pay for quality and bundled amenities."
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Royal Caribbean International
Visit Website →Offers large, activity-packed ships sailing Mediterranean routes that include major Italian destinations, appealing strongly to families.
Target Audience
Families, Active travelers, Multi-generational groups
Service Offerings
European & Mediterranean Cruises
Provides cruises typically visiting Rome (Civitavecchia), Naples, and occasionally Florence/Pisa (Livorno) or Sicily as part of broader Mediterranean journeys.
- Large ships with numerous activities (rock climbing, surfing simulators)
- Extensive kids' programs
- Variety of dining options
Scorecard (Overall: 7.6 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Variable
Mid-to-high range pricing. Deals exist but might be less frequent or deep compared to value lines. Price reflects ship amenities.
Pros
- + High-energy ships with lots to do
- + Excellent family features
- + Strong brand reputation
- + User-friendly booking
Cons
- - Fewer Italy-intensive itineraries compared to MSC/Costa
- - Larger ships may mean crowded ports
- - Can be pricey
Verdict
"Best for families and active cruisers prioritizing onboard activities who want to include major Italian ports in a wider Mediterranean trip."
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Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
Visit Website →Known for its 'Freestyle Cruising' concept, offering flexibility and numerous dining/entertainment options on cruises visiting popular Italian ports.
Target Audience
Families, Couples, Solo travelers, Active travelers
Service Offerings
Mediterranean & Greek Isles Cruises
Features itineraries often including key Italian ports like Rome (Civitavecchia), Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Naples, and sometimes Venice or Sicily.
- 'Free at Sea' promotional offers common (drinks, dining, wifi)
- Wide range of onboard activities
- Multiple dining venues
Scorecard (Overall: 7.4 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Variable
Mid-range pricing, but 'Free at Sea' promotions can significantly alter the value proposition. Deals are frequent.
Pros
- + Flexible 'Freestyle' concept
- + Frequent promotional deals ('Free at Sea')
- + Modern ships with many amenities
- + Good range of itineraries
Cons
- - Base fare can be higher before promotions
- - Can feel busy; upselling onboard
Verdict
"A solid choice for travelers seeking flexibility and inclusive promotional deals on popular Italian itineraries."
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Costa Cruises
Visit Website →Italy's flagship cruise line, offering an authentically Italian onboard experience and numerous itineraries focused on its home country.
Target Audience
Europeans, Families, Travelers seeking Italian culture
Service Offerings
Cruises from Italian Ports
Specializes in Mediterranean cruises departing from and visiting multiple Italian cities, emphasizing Italian food, style, and entertainment.
- Strong focus on Italian culture onboard
- Frequent departures from Italian homeports
- Partnerships with Italian brands
Scorecard (Overall: 8.0 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Variable
Competitive pricing, particularly for Mediterranean sailings. Deals often available, especially in shoulder seasons.
Pros
- + Authentic Italian experience
- + Deep knowledge of Italian destinations
- + Wide variety of Italy-centric routes
- + Good value
Cons
- - Primarily caters to European tastes
- - Service can be inconsistent according to some reviews
Verdict
"The go-to line for an immersive Italian cruise experience, offering strong value and unparalleled focus on Italy."
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View Top Ranked Provider
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MSC Cruises
Visit Website →A major European cruise line with a strong focus on Mediterranean itineraries, frequently featuring multiple Italian ports.
Target Audience
Families, Couples, Value-conscious travelers
Service Offerings
Italy & Mediterranean Cruises
Offers a wide range of Western and Eastern Mediterranean cruises heavily featuring Italian ports like Genoa, Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples, Venice, Palermo.
- Various ship classes available
- Seasonal promotions common
- Kids Sail Free deals often available
Scorecard (Overall: 8.0 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Variable
Prices vary greatly based on itinerary length, season, ship, cabin grade, and active promotions. Generally considered good value.
Pros
- + Extensive Italian port coverage
- + Modern fleet
- + European ambiance
- + Competitive pricing and deals
Cons
- - Onboard experience can feel crowded
- - Customer service reviews vary
Verdict
"Excellent choice for extensive Italian itineraries and value, particularly for those seeking a European-centric experience."
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Final Recommendation
The Italy cruise market offers diverse options, from value-focused European lines like MSC and Costa offering extensive local itineraries, to activity-packed ships from Royal Caribbean and NCL, and premium experiences via Celebrity, Holland America, and Viking. Online travel agencies like CruiseDirect and Cruises.com provide excellent platforms for comparing deals across multiple providers.
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