western mediterranean cruise 2025

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Enjoy 75% off your second guest’s cruise fare and get bonus savings of up to $200. Plus, additional guests in your stateroom sail free on select sailings.

Western Mediterranean Cruises

Unrivaled culture, art, and cuisine at your fingertips.

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Thrilling Cruises to the Western Mediterranean

Spend your days marveling at breathtaking art, savoring delectable cuisine, and visiting historic landmarks on one of our award-winning Western Mediterranean cruises. Choose from exciting itineraries that visit some of the most stunning destinations in Italy, France, and Spain.

Experience the magic of this region on a Mediterranean cruise to sun-soaked ports of call. Marvel at the Sistine Chapel in Rome, and admire the eclectic architecture of Gaudí in Barcelona. Inhale the aroma of the lavender fields of Provence, or relax on a golden sand beach in Palma de Mallorca. Some itineraries whisk you even deeper into the region, featuring the glorious island of Malta and the beautiful Croatian coast.

Western Mediterranean Cruise Highlights

Masterpieces of art.

The Western Mediterranean is packed with artistic treasures. In Barcelona, marvel at La Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s dazzling basilica. Head to Florence’s Uffizi Gallery to see pieces by Renaissance masters including Da Vinci and Botticelli, or stop by the Galleria dell’Accademia and admire Michelangelo’s exquisite statue of David. From Nice, visit arty St. Paul-de-Vence for the spectacular Fondation Maeght sculpture garden and to see the grave of Marc Chagall.

Fantastic Food & Drink

Feast your way around the coastlines of the Western Mediterranean, savoring delicious regional specialties as you go. Try paella in Valencia, and share a plate of tapas and a chilled glass of  jerez while listening to flamenco music in Seville. Sip a cappuccino in sunny Portofino and cool off in Sorrento with homemade gelato. In Rome, the iconic pasta dish is cacio e pepe, while Marseille is famed for its bouillabaisse, a rich and tasty fish stew.

Captivating History

A cruise to the Western Mediterranean is a chance to explore some of history’s most fascinating landmarks. Step inside Rome’s Colosseum, the world’s largest ancient amphitheater, dating back to 70 AD. Visit the Royal Alcázar Palace in Seville, and marvel at the intricate facade of this stunning 12th-century monument. In Valencia, head to the cathedral to see what’s considered the actual Holy Grail. Pisa, meanwhile, is where you’ll find the dramatic Leaning Tower.

Featured Ports

Rome, italy.

Italy’s charismatic capital has it all: epic monuments, chic shopping, fine dining, and leafy parks. Gaze in wonder at the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Roman Forum, and the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel, its ceiling painted by Michelangelo. Stroll the leafy gardens of Villa Borghese and take in the vastness of St. Peter’s Square. Stop for coffee and gelato in buzzing Piazza Navona—and remember to toss a coin into the baroque Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to the Eternal City.

Cannes, France

Get swept up in the glamor of Cannes, home of the ritzy annual film festival. Feel like a Hollywood star as you stroll along the palm-lined La Croisette promenade, where you can shop at upscale boutiques or people-watch in an outdoor café. Head to one of the surrounding beaches and swim in the warm Mediterranean Sea. Take a scenic drive to other seaside towns in the French Riviera, including Antibes, Nice, and Monte Carlo.

Valencia, Spain

With its futuristic buildings, long, golden beaches, and Gothic cathedral, Valencia exudes both beauty and confidence. Visit the dazzling City of Arts and Science, an entertainment complex designed by superstar architect Santiago Calatrava. Shop for saffron and spicy sausages at the Mercado Central. Stroll the lush Turia Gardens, a delightful urban park occupying a former riverbed that winds through the city. And don’t leave without sampling paella, which originated here.

Western Mediterranean Cruise Itineraries

Embark on an exciting Western Mediterranean cruise from April until November on an unforgettable itinerary ranging from seven to 14 nights. On most sailings, you’ll visit at least seven different ports throughout your journey. While the majority of these cruises spend at least one day at sea, some longer itineraries spend up to three days at sea, so you can unwind and enjoy the ship. Cruises to the Western Mediterranean depart from Barcelona, Rome, Athens, Ravenna, and Southampton.

Itineraries

Why sail to the western mediterranean with celebrity cruises.

On a Celebrity cruise, you’ll discover some of the most spectacular destinations in the Western Mediterranean in the comfort of one of our sleek, contemporary ships.

Indulge in spacious staterooms, cutting-edge venues, and world-class restaurants with delicious menus designed by a Michelin-starred chef. For a truly unforgettable trip, elevate your vacation with a stay at The Retreat® , where you’ll sleep in a breathtaking suite and enjoy exclusive access to a private restaurant, lounge, and more.

Aboard Celebrity Ascent, you’ll find cutting-edge entertainment, the leafy Eden lounge, and the innovative Magic Carpet, an al-fresco lounge cantilevered over the side of the ship. You could choose Celebrity Eclipse or Celebrity Equinox, both of which offer the Lawn Club, a fragrant, grassy space for picnics and lawn games on the upper deck. Or Celebrity Constellation, beloved by our regular guests and recently refitted.

View All Cruises to the Western Mediterranean

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Mediterranean Cruises and Cruisetours

Experience the cuisine and culture of italian and greek cruises.

Best Cruises for Food Lovers

Food & Wine Magazine

On a Mediterranean cruise with Princess®, explore the homes of Greek gods, Italian artists and multicultural treasures. As you walk down bustling roads and beaches, cultures and history fill the air. Uncover divine legends at the Acropolis, admire religious relics at Dubrovnik’s Cathedral or climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa and soak up sweeping views of the emerald landscapes.

Mediterranean Cruise Options

Mediterranean (From Barcelona)

The gateway to greatness

On these Mediterranean cruises, travel from Spain through some of Europe’s most famous ports as you make your way to Italy. Begin in Barcelona where archaic artwork is on display throughout the city. Then saunter through the lavender fields of Provence when you cruise to Marseille. Or visit Il Campo dei Miracoli, also known as “The Field of Miracles,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of Pisa

Mediterranean & Aegean (From Rome)

From one sea to another

Embark on a Mediterranean cruise through the Aegean Sea and stroll through highlights of Italy and Greece while also visiting hidden gems like Montenegro. Sail along the Amalfi Coast and tour ancient ruins, including Pompeii. Then cruise to Mykonos, where windmills and bright white architecture accent the turquoise sea. Continue indulging in dreamy landscapes in Athens where mythology comes to life.

Mediterranean & Adriatic (From Athens)

Culture, cuisine and connections

Marvel at world-renowned landmarks on a Mediterranean cruise through the Adriatic Sea. Arrive into Athens early to explore the original Olympic stadium. Then sail to the black-sand beaches of Santorini before feasting your eyes on the culinary creations of Italy. Fill up on pizzas and pastas in Sicily and Naples before cruising into Barcelona.

Mediterranean Cruisetours

13 - 31 Nights

Highlights of Spain Cruisetour

3 nights Madrid

1 night Valencia

2 nights Barcelona

Escorted by a Tour Director

Then board your Mediterranean cruise

Explore Gibraltar, Provence, Genoa and Florence

Select sightseeing included

Most meals included

13 - 27 Nights

Classic Italy Cruisetour

2 nights Venice

2 nights Florence

2 nights Rome

Then sail to Naples and Sicily, depending on your itinerary

Longer Mediterranean cruisetours may also visit ports in Greece, Turkey, France and beyond

11 - 25 Nights

Best of Greece Cruisetour

1 night Athens

1 night Nafplion (only on 2024 cruisetours)

1 night Delphi

1 night Kalambaka

Mediterranean Cruise Ports of Call

Discover some of the world-renowned destinations that await you on a Mediterranean cruise with Princess.

Rooted in Greek mythology, Athens is alive with stories from civilizations of the past. On a cruise to Europe departing from Athens, arrive early to tour the remains of ancient lores — like the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Acropolis — dine at the city’s lively tavernas and admire iconic sculptures bathed in natural light within the Acropolis Museum.

Until it was popularized by the 1992 Olympics, Barcelona was a hidden gem amidst Europe’s diverse landscapes. Now it’s widely recognized for its architectural masterpieces and spirited customs. On European cruises from Barcelona, leave enough time before you depart to visit Park Güell — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and feel inspired by the colors and unique artistry that lies in the park and throughout the entire city.

As one of the greenest islands in Greece, Corfu is an emerald treasure amidst the colorful Mediterranean landscape. From Paleokastritsa, hike to the mountaintop for unparalleled views of the Ionian Sea. Or get a taste of Corfu when you team up with a famous chef, and handpick local produce that they’ll use to prepare your lunch. Experience it all on a Greek cruise with Princess.

On a Mediterranean cruise to Livorno, travel to Florence or Pisa where artifacts abound. Capture snapshots of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, stop by Michelangelo’s David statue at the Accademia and walk up to the “Gates of Paradise” at the Baptistery. Or explore the countryside and meander through the region’s rolling hills that bear vineyards and green olive groves.

Nestled within Boka Bay lies a medieval gem. Kotor is enrobed in ancient houses, palaces and churches that speak to its 12th-century origins. On a Greek cruise, dine on Montenegrin cuisine in the home of a local chef, appreciate 14th-century Venetian art at St. Tryphon’s Cathedral and taste regional wines along the riviera. Or see another side of the city when you kayak through the tunnels of Lipa Cave.

As the largest port in the Mediterranean, Marseille is the gateway to opportunity. On a Mediterranean cruise, spend the day in Arles, and explore the landscapes that inspired much of Van Gogh’s artwork. Stroll through the MuSaMa, a soap museum, and create your own blend alongside a master soap maker. Or roam the city’s most popular landmark, Notre-Dame de la Garden, a Catholic basilica that overlooks the city.

Famous for its beaches and spirited lifestyle, Mykonos is the heartbeat of Greece. Embark on a jeep safari past the city’s windmills, lighthouses and lakes. Walk past temples and marble-lined sanctuaries in Delos, the birthplace of famous Greek gods. Or soak up a day of relaxation on the beach with the city’s Cycladic architecture as your backdrop — all on a Greek cruise with Princess.

Italy’s capital city is something of a dream. Grand chapels and stone angels line the roads, whispering secrets of Rome’s past. On a cruise to Europe from Rome, arrive early to toss a coin into Trevi Fountain. Legend has it, you’ll be guaranteed return to The Eternal City. Then walk in the footsteps of Emperors at the Colosseum, and receive a blessing from the Pope at St. Peter’s Square.

Santorini is the epitome of Greece. Wander into the welcoming cafes in Oia, a village teeming with whitewashed buildings and blue-domed roofs. Continue to some of the world’s oldest vineyards and taste the bouquet of wines produced on the island, making sure to visit the black-sand beach of Kamari before heading back to your Mediterranean cruise ship.

Why Cruise the Mediterranean

In lands where the culture is as flavorful as the cuisine, the splendor of the Mediterranean speaks for itself.

World-Class Dining

Captivating cuisine

With mouthwatering entrees and confections, the Mediterranean invites you to embark on a gourmet tour through iconic cities. Reawaken your taste buds with Italian classics like pastas, pizzas and gelato. Or fill your plate with gyros, keftethes and baklava on a Greek cruise. From breakfast to dinner and every delectable dessert in between, the best is before you with Princess.

Bold reds and crisp whites

The countryside of Italy and Greece are home to some of the most flavorful wines around the globe. With sun and warm temperatures year-round, vineyards are flourishing with grapes by the harvest season. Sip on Italy’s red wines, or sample Greece’s white blends. From sweet Lambruscos to earthy Bordeauxs, fill up your glass on a Mediterranean cruise with Princess.

Ancient Ruins

Where history comes to life

From towers and temples to cities and shorelines, the Mediterranean is sprinkled with remains of civilizations past. Step back in time on a tour through ancient ruins on a Mediterranean cruise with Princess. Imagine life as a gladiator at the Colosseum, explore Greek mythology at the Parthenon and discover the archeological excavations of Pompeii — a lost city and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Art Galleries & Museums

Artistic ingenuity abounds

From the treasures on land to the jewels within museums, the Mediterranean is a true work of art. On an Italian cruise, see portraits from the Renaissance period at the Uffizi Museum in Florence, and admire Michelangelo’s masterpieces at the Vatican Museum in Rome. Or walk in the footsteps of celebrated artists that called these regions home — like Picasso and Dali — and allow their work to spark your creativity.

Sun-Kissed Beaches

A vision of natural beauty

Visions of sparkling coasts and crystalline waters welcome you to the Mediterranean. Dip your toes on the black-sand coast of Santorini on a Greek cruise. Head to Salerno to spend the day in Positano relaxing on the white beaches and admiring the pastel houses that decorate the cliffs around you. Or travel to Mykonos with your loved ones and daydream on the city’s long stretch of golden sand and stroll in the sunshine.

Mediterranean excursions

Our award-winning Mediterranean cruise shore excursions bring you to iconic beaches, landmarks and ancient artifacts. See the yacht-lined shores of Kotor while riding on a tuk tuk, an electric rickshaw. Savor the flavors of “Koum Kouat” liqueur, created from Corfu’s exclusive citrus plant. Or stroll along the streets of Dubrovnik’s Old town, one of the most well-preserved medieval cities in the world.

Local connections

From chefs and beverage makers to artists and guides, meet the many personalities that call the Mediterranean home with our Local Connections program. On a Mediterranean cruise, voyage to an olive tree farm just outside of Provence, and join your hosts for a unique olive oil tasting. Or explore the Archaeological Museum of Naples with a local artist, and accompany them for lunch to dive even deeper in Italy’s art scene.

More ashore

Enjoy even more opportunities to experience the colors, cultures and flavors of the Mediterranean with More Ashore late-night departures and overnight stays. Witness the beautiful sunset in Mykonos on a Greek cruise. Sit front-row for a flamenco dance, and savor a paella dinner during an evening in Barcelona. Or stroll the illuminated streets of Genoa with gelato in hand after a traditional Italian dinner.

Mediterranean Cruise Onboard Experience

Curated comfort, world-class entertainment and international flavors await you.

Accomodations

Your home away from home

Your stateroom is where you rest and recharge between adventures. That’s why every room is equipped with the expertly designed Princess Luxury Bed, 100% Jacquard-woven cotton linens and our SLEEP program created by a board-certified sleep expert. From interior cabins to full suites, unwind in any of our staterooms, and enjoy peace of mind with the option of connected rooms for families of four or more traveling together.

Flavors that inspire

From the zest of Provencal ratatouille to the sweetness of Greek Halva, the Mediterranean is bursting with flavor. On board most Princess ships, indulge in a pasta dinner at Sabatini’s℠, or savor local seafood at Crown Grill. While ashore, treat yourself to gelato in Italy or churros in Spain. From ship to shore, appease your appetite with one-of-a-kind dining experiences on every Mediterranean cruise itinerary.

Entertainment

Find your joy

Embark on adventures by day, and indulge in entertainment by night. Watch Movies Under the Stars® at our 300-square-foot outdoor theater. Attend original productions from Broadway legend Stephen Schwartz, composer of  Wicked . Or learn traditional moves, like Flamenco or Irish stepdance, and listen to popular music from the destinations on your itinerary. On a European cruise with Princess, the choice is yours.

Celebrations and Romance

Love blooms on the Love Boat

It's difficult to imagine something more romantic than sailing through the alluring cities and charming countryside of Europe. While on board your European cruise, we cater to your sentimental side with private dining on your balcony — like breakfast for two or a sunset dinner — honeymoon packages, flowers and chocolates delivered to your room and couples-only massages in the Sanctuary.

Youth & Teen Center

Step outside the classroom

Our European cruises were crafted with every guest in mind — even the younger ones. From 6-month old babies to 17-year old teens, kids can unwind and relax or play and explore. In partnership with Discovery™, kids can learn even more with special insights about Italy, Greece and everywhere in between. With engaging activities on board and ashore, kids can see history books come to life before their eyes.

Vegas hits the seas

Experience the thrill of cards, dice, roulette and blackjack at the casino onboard our European cruises. Learn from experts — like our staff or perhaps other guests nearby — and put your skills to the test. More casual players can pull up a seat at the slot machines for the same adrenaline at their own speed. For an afternoon full of games, join fellow travelers for Bingo, or compete in scheduled group tournaments.

Ships sailing Mediterranean cruises

Our Princess fleet includes ships that range from small to large vessels. From a balcony stateroom, marvel at breathtaking shorelines passing by before enjoying international cuisine in one of our many eateries during your Mediterranean cruise.

Star Princess®

Sun Princess®

Sky Princess®

Enchanted Princess®

Majestic Princess®

Caribbean Princess®

Emerald Princess®

Island Princess®

European Cruise Articles

Read about storied attractions, charming history, diverse cultures and preparation advice for cruising Europe.

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Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty and protect you if your flight is late or canceled.

EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages.

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We get you where you need to go

Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

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Stay longer and relax

Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative.

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Mediterranean Europe Cruises

Explore ancient glories, modern delights and stunning beauty on an unforgettable Mediterranean cruise vacation. From Rome, Italy’s legendary Colosseum to trend-setting Barcelona, Spain; every day is filled with iconic cityscapes and landmarks, flaxen beaches, and remote coastal villages. Choose from an array of carefully curated itineraries, destination ports, and breathtaking destinations to make your luxury Mediterranean cruise dream a reality.

• Mediterranean Destinations
• Mediterranean Ports
• Mediterranean Shore Excursions
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Explore the Different Regions of the Mediterranean

Italy & Amalfi Coast

Travel from remote coastal, seashell-pink villages to iconic destinations like the Eternal City of Rome, Vatican City, and the Amalfi Coast. Incredible food and wanderlust-inducing sights await you in Italy.

Greece & Greek Isles

Immerse yourself in ancient wonders and once-in-a-lifetime excursions along with some of the bluest water on earth in the Greek Isles.

Croatia & Adriatic Coast

Dubrovnik’s massive walls, centuries of storied history, and a location snug to the serene Adriatic Sea, make a Croatia cruise a tempting endeavor.

No visit to Spain is complete without exploring Barcelona’s La Boqueria Market or tantalizing your tastebuds at a Food & Wine favorite restaurant in Grenada.

With ancient wine cellars, medieval castles stacked on idyllic hillsides, and numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, Portugal satisfies every travel wish.

Make the Most of Your Europe Cruise Vacation

Peruse our convenient Mediterranean departure ports. Whether you’re interested in a 7-day cruise or a long voyage, your dream port is where the adventure begins.

Cruises from Barcelona, Spain

Cruises from Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

Cruises from Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Cruises From Trieste (Venice), Italy

Europe Departure Ports

Featured mediterranean cruise ports.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Experience Dubrovnik charms on a Croatia cruise, from its red-orange rooftops to vistas of the deep blue Adriatic.

Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor is a maze of medieval beauty set on a bay with rolling mountains behind it. Walk along the Old City walls all the way up to Kotor’s fortress, where you’ll be treated to an overlook of red-orange rooftops.

Santorini, Greece

Santorini, the jewel in the crown of Greece's Cyclades, is best known as the island with the giant volcanic caldera at its heart.

Cadiz (Seville), Spain

Cádiz is a 3,000-year-old triumph with ancient history around every cobbled corner. Andalusian horse shows, 18th-century watch towers, and baroque churches will keep your camera busy.

Santa Cruz (Tenerife), Canary Islands

Escape to the Canary Islands to relax on soft golden beaches, ride a cable car to the top of Mount Teide, or explore the colorful plazas and mansions of San Cristóbal de La Laguna.

Lisbon, Portugal

Discover a fascinating mix of old and new with time-worn castles and white-domed cathedrals amid chic eateries and shops.

View all Mediterranean Cruise Ports

Featured mediterranean cruise shore excursions.

Shore Excursions help you connect deeply to the people and places you visit. 

A Walk Through Cádiz & The Flamenco Dance

Corfu winery with food & wine magazine, athens & the acropolis, mediterranean cruise travel tips.

Find out what to experience on your Mediterranean cruise. Read insider tips and recommendations for things to see and do in beloved European destinations.

Best Time for a Mediterranean Cruise

While the Mediterranean is incredible during summer, spring, and fall, the best time to visit depends on what you want to experience.

Mediterranean Food: Ties that Bind a Region

Calling all foodies. Learn about the origins and significance of Mediterranean food. Read about health benefits, key ingredients, and dishes to try on Mediterranean cruises.

Packing List for a Mediterranean Cruise

Whether you choose to immerse yourself in the history, culture, and stunning views in Greece, Italy, or Spain, pack smart, so you’ll be comfortable and stylish on your Mediterranean cruise excursions.

Featured Collectors' Voyages Back-To-Back Cruise Itineraries

Collectors' Voyages are combined back-to-back itineraries to make your Mediterranean cruise a longer journey. Span continents and oceans and travel to more seldom-seen destinations. Relish in more days at sea to unwind and more European cruise ports to discover. A Collectors' Voyage lets you unpack once and still see so much of the world. 

Europe Cruise Onboard Experience

Travel to Europe’s most fascinating destinations on perfectly sized cruise ships offering unmatched service and an award-winning onboard experience. Enjoy entertainment for every preference and the best live music at sea.

Onboard Entertainment

Dining Experiences

Onboard activities, add to your cruise to the mediterranean.

Add flights and hotels before or after your cruise (or both!). Arrange ground transportation to create a custom cruise vacation package.

Find Flights To Europe

Book flights that depart and arrive in time for Mediterranean cruises with Holland America Line Flight Ease®. Find low prices, loads of options, and enjoy flexibility and support should plans change.

Add a Hotel Package

Extend your luxury Greek and Italian cruise. Add a hotel package to your Mediterranean cruise and indulge in an unforgettable overnight departure or arrival city.

Plan Ground Transportation

On Mediterranean cruises, we make it easy to schedule transfers between the airport and cruise ship. Arrange ground transportation ahead of time and breeze to and from your Mediterranean cruise.

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• Expeditions
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• Barcelona to Rome (Civitavecchia)
• Rome (Civitavecchia) to Barcelona

Iconic Western Mediterranean

• From $2,799
• 5 Guided Tours
• 4 Countries
• Dates & Pricing
• 2024 2025 2026
• Barcelona to Rome (Civitavecchia) Rome (Civitavecchia) to Barcelona

Iconic Western Mediterranean Map

Explore France’s Riviera & Tuscany

France’s famed southern coast and Italy’s Renaissance treasures take center stage on this eight-day Mediterranean sojourn. Immerse yourself in Catalonian and Tuscan art, architecture and history during overnights in Barcelona and Tuscany. In the South of France, call on historic Montpellier and picturesque Marseille, and visit Monte Carlo, Monaco’s glamorous city by the sea.

SPRING SALE

Viking Inclusive Value

Pricing that covers everything guests need—and nothing they do not.

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center.

Self-service launderettes

Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge

24-hour room service

Your Stateroom Includes:

King-size Viking Explorer Bed with luxury linen

42" flat-screen LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand

Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Direct-dial satellite phone & cell service

Security safe

110/220 volt outlets

Ample USB ports

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Pre: Best of Barcelona

From $2,499 | 3 Nights

Pre: Barcelona

From $799 | 2 Nights

Pre: Madrid

From $899 | 2 Nights

From $999 | 2 Nights

Post: Ultimate Italy—Tuscany

From $1,699 | 3 Nights

Post: Ultimate Italy—Umbria

From $1,999 | 3 Nights

Post: Parma & Bologna

From $2,199 | 3 Nights

Post: Ultimate Italy—Sicily

Post: Best of Rome

On this itinerary, your Viking Resident Historian is delivering the following iconic lectures:

• - The Italian Renaissance
• - History of France
• - History of Spain
• - The Bayeux Tapestry

Viking Resident Historian

As part of our onboard cultural enrichment program and commitment to destination-focused learning, our Viking Resident Historian faculty provides guests with lectures and roundtable discussions on the arts, architecture, music and culture of upcoming ports and various aspects of world history.

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Best Mediterranean cruises in 2024 and 2025

Editor's Note

The Mediterranean region has it all — amazing food and wine, famous historical and cultural landmarks, scenic seaside towns and gorgeous island beaches.

You'd be hard-pressed to sample Spain , France , Italy and Greece on one land tour without transportation nightmares. A Mediterranean cruise, however, is the perfect way to get a taste of many coastal countries with ease as you transit between destinations while you sleep aboard your ship.

Whether they operate tiny ships with a few hundred passengers or giant megaships with several thousand people, most cruise lines have vessels summering in the Mediterranean. Some even sail the region year-round.

Most Mediterranean cruises focus on one region (usually the eastern or western halves of the coastline), but longer itineraries might encompass more. While choosing a ship is important, so is picking which route to take and which countries you want to see.

Consider what's on your bucket list. Cruise lines offer a variety of options, making it possible for culture vultures, beach lovers, history buffs and family travelers to prioritize different ports of call and onboard amenities.

Here are some of the best Mediterranean cruises departing in 2024 and 2025 to whet your appetite for a European adventure by sea.

For more cruise guides, news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Best cruise for romantics: Windstar Cruises in the rivieras

For romance seekers, few experiences beat a cruise that lingers along the French and Italian rivieras. France's Cote d'Azur, with its coastal mountains and crystal blue sea, has inspired artists and romantics for centuries. The equally stunning Italian coast is perfect for romantic strolls around secluded harbors or an indulgent, delectable lunch at a table for two overlooking the ocean.

Another popular port of call on Riviera itineraries is Monaco, where you might visit the royal palace of the Grimaldi family and stop by the glamorous Monte Carlo Casino to pretend you are James Bond enjoying a night on the town.

Related: Western Mediterranean vs. Eastern Mediterranean cruises: Which itinerary will I like more?

You'll find these cruises on small and luxury ships, but our pick for romance is Windstar Cruises ' seven-night "Yachtsman's Harbors of the Rivieras" sailing between Rome and Barcelona (or vice versa) on multiple spring, summer and fall dates in 2024 and 2025.

The five-masted Wind Surf is as picture-perfect as the ports you'll visit, and the 342-passenger ship can follow all the luxury yachts into smaller harbors and off-the-beaten-track destinations. Your onboard meals, with many dishes created by James Beard-affiliated chefs, might even rival the fresh Mediterranean cuisine you'll find in port.

Ports of call vary by sailing date but can include Port-Vendres, Sanary-sur-Mer and Cannes, France; Monte Carlo, Monaco; and Portofino and Portoferraio, Italy. For the ultimate Riviera experience, book one of Windstar's Prix du Monde sailings with exclusive access to the Formula One racing events.

Best cruise for budget-conscious travelers: Celestyal Cruises in the Greek isles

Visiting the Greek islands is a magical experience. Lessons in ancient history and the development of Western civilization come to life surrounded by astounding natural beauty.

Your jaw might drop as your ship navigates the sunken caldera that leads to Santorini, where whitewashed villages dot the tops of steep cliffs. In Mykonos, you can head to one of the island's famous beaches or catch a ferry to explore the ancient ruins of Delos, known as the birthplace of Apollo. Budget-conscious travelers can skip the tours and stroll the narrow streets and city walls of the Old Town of Rhodes.

Related: Best Mediterranean cruise tips to enhance your European vacation

For less pricey ways to see the Greek isles, consider Celestyal Cruises , which sails three- and four-night mini-cruises in addition to affordable one-week sailings. A four-night cruise packs a lot into a short sailing with visits to Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes, Heraklion and Santorini, as well as Kusadasi, Turkey. Don't forget to spend time in Athens, Greece, before or after your cruise.

Celestyal's two ships carry between 1,200 and 1,700 passengers, so you'll enjoy all the amenities of a large cruise ship — such as multiple pools, restaurants and bars, and spa and fitness facilities — without feeling inundated with many thousands of fellow cruisers.

Best cruise for history lovers: Viking in the Eastern Mediterranean

Eastern Mediterranean cruises of a week or more immerse you in multiple ancient civilizations and take you to the historical places you have traveled to see, including several UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Extraordinary itineraries visit Athens for the Acropolis; Istanbul for the Blue Mosque and the Topkapi Palace; and Kusadasi for the impressive ancient city of Ephesus and sites associated with the Virgin Mary. In Dubrovnik, Croatia's medieval Old Town (a filming location for HBO's "Game of Thrones") will wow you; from Naples, Italy, you can explore the ancient city of Pompeii.

Cruises that start or end in Rome will treat you to such sights as the Roman Colosseum and the Vatican.

Related: Best Mediterranean cruise shore excursions

True history lovers will not be satisfied with only a week in this rich landscape. Choose Viking for your Eastern Mediterranean cruise, and look for longer itineraries, such as the 15-day "Ancient Mediterranean Antiquities" sailings throughout 2024. The one-way sailing between Rome and Istanbul hits most of the ancient civilization highlights: Naples and Sicily, Italy; Rhodes, Crete and Athens, Greece; and Ephesus, Troy and Istanbul, Turkey.

Viking also offers complimentary shore excursions in every port, so you'll have access to knowledgeable guides who can explain the historical sites you're touring. On board, you'll find a comfortable home base on Viking's 930-passenger identical ships, with multiple included dining venues, inviting lounges done in Scandinavian-inspired decor and comfortable cabins with thoughtful details, such as quiet-closing drawers and heated bathroom floors.

Best cruise for explorers: Celebrity Cruises in the Holy Land

Travelers who really want to double down on the ancient civilizations should look for longer Eastern Mediterranean cruises that combine Greece, Turkey and Italy with port calls in Egypt, Jordan and Israel. Depending on the specific Holy Land itinerary, you might see Cairo and the pyramids of Giza, Jordan's ancient rose-hewed rock city of Petra and biblical locations in and around Jerusalem.

Celebrity Cruises is a terrific choice for your Holy Land cruise, as the company offers 10- and 11-night Egypt and Israel sailings. For example, a 10-night, round-trip Athens cruise visits Haifa and Ashdod, Israel (for Jerusalem) and Alexandria, Egypt, with overnights in each port except Haifa. The extra time in port allows for overnight tours, so you can venture farther into each country to see all the key sites. The 11-night version adds a stop in Kusadasi, Turkey, for a visit to Ephesus.

Celebrity's ships are known for their foodie culture, with multiple specialty restaurants, as well as a happening bar scene. (Do not miss the martini flights.) With a range of rooms, from windowless inside cabins to comfortable suites, you can tour the Holy Land at any price point.

Best cruise for culture vultures: Norwegian Cruise Line in the Western Mediterranean

For foodies, fashionistas and art lovers, it's hard to top a Western Mediterranean cruise to the renowned resort towns and famed coastal cities of Italy, France, Monaco and Spain.

This is your opportunity to see Antoni Gaudi's fantastical Sagrada Familia church and other creations in Barcelona; visit Michelangelo's David sculpture and other Renaissance treasures in Florence, Italy; hang out at the casino in Monte Carlo; and stop in dreamy Nice, France, for its Matisse and Chagall museums.

You can shop for Italian, French and Spanish designer fashion when you're not dining on the best Italian pasta and gelato you've ever tasted — or bouillabaisse and escargot in France, or paella and tapas in Spain. All are accompanied by local wines, of course.

Related: How I skipped the cruise ship tour in Italy and had a better, cheaper adventure on my own

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a variety of Western Mediterranean cruises to key ports in Spain, Italy and France. The line's newest ship, Norwegian Viva, sails the Med in the spring, summer and fall of 2024 and 2025. Its nine- to 11-night cruises call on a variety of major ports. For example, an 11-night cruise on select dates in 2024 sails from Rome to Lisbon, Portugal, and visits Livorno, Italy (for Florence and Pisa); Villefranche-sur-Mer (for Nice and Monaco) and Marseille, France; Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, Motril and Cadiz, Spain (for Seville); and Gibraltar in the United Kingdom.

It's a shame that the itinerary has no sea days because the ship offers plenty to keep cruisers busy on board. There's a wealth of dining options, from the Italian cuisine-serving Onda by Scarpetta to a trendy food hall, plus a go-kart track, multistory twisty slides and a bar serving sustainable craft cocktails.

Best cruise for families: Royal Caribbean in the Mediterranean

When looking at a cruise with children , you'll want to mix time exploring on land with playtime on the ship, whether in the kids club or with attractions like video arcades and waterslides. Look for an itinerary that includes one or more fun-filled days at sea.

Kids will enjoy such sights as the Roman Colosseum, where they might pretend that they are gladiators; the flower market in Nice, France; and the Leaning Tower of Pisa (on a shore excursion from Livorno, Italy). Take them to the beach in the Greek Isles, and eat pizza in Naples, Italy. If you can find a cruise that includes the Italian seaside villages of Cinque Terre (accessible from Genoa, Livorno and Portofino), fans of Disney's animated feature "Luca" will be ecstatic.

Family favorite Royal Caribbean has a variety of ships and itineraries sailing around Europe, but a top option is a seven-night Western Mediterranean cruise aboard Oasis of the Seas. The round-trip itinerary departs from Rome. Additional ports of call include Naples and La Spezia, Italy (for Florence); Palma de Mallorca, Spain; and Marseille, France. Sailings depart beginning May 2024.

Related: The 6 classes of Royal Caribbean cruise ships, explained

Family-friendly entertainment on board is plentiful. On sea days, you'll have access to three main pool areas, a kiddie splash zone, surfing simulators, a miniature golf course and even a zip line.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginner's guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Oceania Debuts New Mediterranean Sailings for 2025

• April 27, 2024

Oceania Cruises announced new 2025 Mediterranean itineraries, ranging from nine to 56 days, according to a company statement. 

The line’s Marina and Nautica will set sail in the Mediterranean, Aegean and Adriatic.

The 16 new voyages feature destinations including Athens, Barcelona, Istanbul, Rome and Lisbon, allowing guests to explore resort towns such as Monte Carlo, Cannes, Positano and Sorrento.

“Oceania Cruises is rightly renowned for its inventive and captivating itineraries, and our array of 2025 Mediterranean sailings is the perfect way to spotlight one of the most popular and exciting cruise regions of the world,” said Frank A. Del Rio, president of Oceania Cruises. “With shore excursions to inspire everyone, from active adventurous types to history buffs to foodies, our small, luxurious ships are the perfect way to discover this majestic region of the world.”

New 2025 Mediterranean Itineraries include:

• Barcelona to Athens, May 26, 2025, nine days: Barcelona, Valletta, Rhodes, Ephesus (Kusadasi), overnight in Istanbul, Mitilini (Lesbos), Athens 
• Istanbul to Athens, October 16, 2025, 11 days: One overnight stay in Istanbul, Pergamum (Dikili), Bodrum, Ephesus (Kusadasi), Santorini, Rhodes, Limassol, Marmaris, Heraklion (Crete), Mykonos, Athens.
• Athens to Barcelona, October 27, 2025, 11 days: Athens, Split, Kotor, Corfu, Katakolon, Messina (Sicily), Valletta, Tunis, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona.
• Athens to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, October 27, 2025, 21 days: Athens, Split, Kotor, Corfu, Katakolon, Messina (Sicily), Valletta, Tunis, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona, Malaga, Seville (Cadiz), Casablanca, Agadir, Arrecife (Lanzarote), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Funchal (Madeira), Santa Cruz de la Palma, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
• Istanbul to Athens, July 27, 2025, 12 days: Istanbul, Pergamum (Dikili), Izmir, Samos, Bodrum, Rhodes, Antalya, Alanya, Limassol, Kos, Heraklion, Santorini, Athens.
• Rome roundtrip Grand Voyage, July 7, 2025, 46 days 
• Venice to Rome Grand Voyage, July 17, 2025, 36 days.

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Western Mediterranean CRUISES

A Western Mediterranean cruise is not only an opportunity to relax on holiday, it is a gateway into new cultures, new cuisines, and a plethora of adventures! An MSC cruise to the western Mediterranean is a chance to see several cities and countries all on one cruise.

One of the best locations in the Western Mediterranean is Spain , and rightly so with must-see ports like Barcelona , or Valencia . Spanish ports have the perfect balance of delicious food, beautiful beaches, and amazing attractions. When you book cruises in the Mediterranean  with MSC, you will find many of our sailings embarking from Barcelona – a city that never ceases to amaze its visitors. You’re spoiled for choice in Barcelona, from the excellent local food found in and around La Boqueria, to the scenic views on Barceloneta beach. And who can forget the architectural wonders of Antoni Gaudi such as Park Guell, and La Sagrada Familia. Western Mediterranean cruises don’t just end there – you can also sail from the French Riviera to the Italian Riveria , and further south to Rome , Florence, Sicily, or even Malta! The French Riviera bolsters iconic cities in the south of France like Cannes, and Marseille. Enjoy the sun, the sea, the resorts and luxury shopping in Cannes. Or get a slice of everyday life by visiting Marseille, where you can find the iconic meal bouillabaisse made from freshly caught fish in the sea, before losing yourself in a lavender field on the countryside.

The Italian Riviera holds many attractions, such as Portofino – the vibrant fishing village near Genoa. Carry on sailing, and many of our itineraries include a stop in fabulous cities like Livorno (Florence), Naples, and even Civitavecchia (Rome). Our ships will dock in Civitavecchia, and after a short transfer to Rome, you will be dazzled by the eternal cities’ historical sites, mouth-watering food and perfect climate during the summer. Rome is known as the eternal city for many reasons, but predominantly for its wealth of ancient landmarks from ancient Roman, including the world-renowned Colosseum. Any fans of Italian food will be pleased to find many spots to try local pasta dishes such as Carbonara, and Cacio e pepe. The Western Mediterranean holds many more wonders, so experience it for yourself and book a western mediterannean cruise for 2024 - 2025.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN Ports

MSC Western Mediterranean Cruises 2023-2023 brings you to some of the best ports the Mediterranean has to offer.

All port information for Western Mediterranean Cruises 2023-2024 can be accessed by clicking below.

Marseille, France

Genoa, Italy

Barcelona, Spain

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10 Night Western Mediterranean Cruise

Your ship voyager of the seas.

DISCOVER ADVENTURE ON EVERY DECK

Typhoon℠ and Cyclone℠

Teen Spaces

FlowRider ®

Adventure Ocean ®

Gourmet globetrotting.

Chops Grille℠

Giovanni's Table

Chef's Table

Shows that hit every high note.

Broadway Rhythm & Rhyme

Ice Skating Shows

Schooner Bar

Day 1: barcelona, spain.

SKY HIGH DELIGHTS

SEAS THE DAY

LOCAL CUISINE

Day 2: Ajaccio, Corsica

popular Shore Excursions

Amazing experiences coming soon..

See Napoleon's Roots

Old-Town Charm

Naturally Adventurous

Local Cuisine

Day 3: Sardinia, Italy

Sink Into Soft Sand

Go Column-Hopping

Flamingos Galore

Day 4: Sicily, Italy

The Pulse of Palermo

Drama at the Opera

Between Earth and Heaven

Day 5: Cruising

The Perfect Storm℠

Ice Skating

Day 6: santorini, greece.

VOLCANIC WONDERS

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

THE GLASS HALF FULL

Day 7: Athens, Greece

Take Me to Church

Mediterranean Romance

Boats and the Bronze Age

Day 8: Mykonos, Greece

COASTAL COSMOPOLITAN

INTO THE BLUE

DIG UP THE PAST

Day 9: Cruising

Main Dining Room

Café Promenade

Day 10: naples / capri, italy.

Go Underground

Church Bells Ring

Day 11: Rome, Italy

ANCIENT AND AMAZING

ADVENTURE SQUARED

SACRED SPACES

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Oceania Cruises unveils exquisite 2025 Mediterranean sailings

Oceania Cruises , renowned for its culinary and destination-focused approach to cruising, has unveiled an enticing lineup of new 2025 Mediterranean sailings ranging from 9 to 56 days. These voyages are designed to transport guests to some of Europe's most captivating destinations aboard the ships Marina and Nautica ships.

The itineraries feature 16 unique voyages that encompass iconic islands in the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Adriatic seas, along with beloved European resort towns, bustling cities, and lesser-known ports of call. Guests will have the opportunity to explore cities like Athens (Piraeus) , Barcelona , Istanbul , Rome , and Lisbon , while meandering from lively jet-set resorts such as Monte Carlo , Cannes , Positano , and Sorrento to hidden gems like Tirana and Sarande in Albania, Trapani in Sicily, Calvi and Propriano in Corsica, and Sibenik in Croatia.

Oceania's extensive selection of small-group, immersive shore excursions allows guests to rediscover familiar destinations from a fresh perspective or explore new places for the first time. For instance, in Santorini , travelers can opt for an adventurous tour of the island's active volcanoes, while in Montenegro, they can discover a new facet of Kotor by exploring Europe's southernmost fjord, Boka Bay.

The 1250-guest Oceania Marina will undergo a comprehensive refurbishment in May 2024. This refurbishment will introduce two new dining venues: Aquamar Kitchen, a wellness-inspired dining spot introduced on Vista this year, and an al fresco evening Pizzeria serving exquisite Italian dishes including pizzas and burrata with stunning sea views. Additionally, an expanded poolside ice cream parlor will offer milkshakes and smoothies. All Penthouse Suites and bathrooms will be completely reimagined, and the ship's public areas will be refreshed.

Among the notable itineraries announced are:

• Barcelona to Athens, departing 26 May 2025, for 9 days: Visiting Barcelona, Valletta, Rhodes, Ephesus (Kusadasi), with an overnight stay in Istanbul, Mitilini (Lesbos), and Athens.
• Istanbul to Athens, departing 16 October 2025, for 11 days: Featuring an overnight stay in Istanbul, and visits to Pergamum (Dikili), Bodrum, Ephesus (Kusadasi), Santorini, Rhodes, Limassol, Marmaris, Heraklion (Crete), Mykonos, and Athens.
• Athens to Barcelona, departing 27 October 2025, for 11 days: Including stops at Athens, Split, Kotor, Corfu, Katakolon, Messina (Sicily), Valletta, Tunis, Palma de Mallorca, and Barcelona.
• Athens to Santa Cruz de Tenerife , departing 27 October 2025, for 21 days: Covering Athens, Split, Kotor, Corfu, Katakolon, Messina (Sicily), Valletta, Tunis, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona, Malaga, Seville (Cadiz), Casablanca, Agadir, Arrecife (Lanzarote), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Funchal (Madeira), Santa Cruz de la Palma, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Oceania Cruises debuts new Mediterranean Sailings for 2025

Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, has debuted an array of new 2025 Mediterranean sailings, ranging from nine to 56 days, to whisk guests to some of the most breathtaking destinations in Europe. The line’s  Marina  and  Nautica  will set sail on enticing voyages taking in iconic islands in the Mediterranean, Aegean and Adriatic; well-loved European resort towns and bustling cities, and lesser-known ports of call.

Cities including Athens, Barcelona, Istanbul, Rome and Lisbon frame the 16 voyages, allowing the ships to meander from lively jet-set resort towns such as Monte Carlo, Cannes, Positano and Sorrento, to hidden gems including Tirana and Sarande in Albania; Trapani in Sicily; Calvi and Propriano in Corsica, and Sibenik in Croatia.

Thanks to Oceania Cruises’ extensive set of small-group, immersive shore excursions, guests can rediscover previously-visited favourites through a new lens, or discover new places for the very first time. For example, whilst in Santorini, travellers can choose an adventurous tour of the island’s active volcanoes, or whilst in Montenegro, see a new side of Kotor by exploring Europe’s southernmost fjord, Boka Bay.

“Oceania Cruises is rightly renowned for its inventive and captivating itineraries; and our array of 2025 Mediterranean sailings is the perfect way to spotlight one of the most popular and exciting cruise regions of the world,” stated Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises.  “With shore excursions to inspire everyone, from active adventurous types to history buffs to foodies, our small luxurious ships are the perfect way to discover this majestic region of the world.”

New 2025 Mediterranean Itineraries  

The 1,250-guest ship,  Marina , will undergo an expansive refurbishment in May 2024. The refurbishment will include the addition of two new dining options: Aquamar Kitchen, the new wellness-inspired dining venue which debuted on  Vista  this year; and the al fresco evening Pizzeria, serving spectacular Italian dishes including pizzas and burrata with stunning seascape views; plus an expanded poolside ice cream parlour serving milkshakes and smoothies. All Penthouse Suites and bathrooms will be completely reinspired, and the ship’s public areas will be refreshed.

Barcelona to Athens, 26 May, 2025, nine days: Barcelona, Valletta, Rhodes, Ephesus (Kusadasi), overnight in Istanbul, Mitilini (Lesbos), Athens

Istanbul to Athens, 16 October, 2025, 11 days: One overnight stay in Istanbul, Pergamum (Dikili), Bodrum, Ephesus (Kusadasi), Santorini, Rhodes, Limassol, Marmaris, Heraklion (Crete), Mykonos, Athens.

Athens to Barcelona, 27 October, 2025, 11 days: Athens, Split, Kotor, Corfu, Katakolon, Messina (Sicily), Valletta, Tunis, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona.

Athens to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 27 October, 2025, 21 days: Athens, Split, Kotor, Corfu, Katakolon, Messina (Sicily), Valletta, Tunis, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona, Malaga, Seville (Cadiz), Casablanca, Agadir, Arrecife (Lanzarote), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Funchal (Madeira), Santa Cruz de la Palma, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Oceania Cruises Announces Free Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay for 2024 and 2025 Sailings

Oceania Cruises Welcomes Giada De Laurentiis as Brand and Culinary Ambassador

Oceania Cruises Unveils 2025-2026 Tropics and Exotics Collection

Oceania Cruises announces Giada De Laurentiis as Brand and Culinary Ambassador

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The top 10 biggest cruise ships in the world

M odern cruise ships continue to grow in size, with the biggest cruise ship, the Icon of the Seas , launching at the start of this year, and her sister ship the Star of the Seas expected to surpass her in size.

Both of these ships are operated by Royal Caribbean International, which operates five of the ten largest cruise ships in the world. Carnival Corporation, arguably the biggest cruise company in the world, features three times on the list through its subsidiaries P&O Cruises and Costa Cruises.

All of the heaviest cruise ships in the world were built within the last 20 years, although the majority – six of the ten – were built within the last five years.

So, here are the top ten biggest cruise ships in the world, by gross tonnage. 

10. P&O Cruises MS Arvia : 185,581 gross tonnes

The MS Arvia is P&O Cruises’ fourth ship to be built by German shipyard Meyer Werft. Weighing in at 185,581 gross tonnes, the 345m (1,130-foot) Arvia is slightly larger than her sister ship, the MS Iona . The 20-deck ship is the largest ship commissioned for the British cruise market and has a maximum passenger capacity of 6,264 passengers, with 1,800 crew onboard. 

The ship is the second liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered Excellence-class vessel for P&O, following the Iona . Arvia is powered by a 61,760kW LNG drive system, with a propulsion power of 37 megawatts. The LNG-powered propulsion system allows the vessel to sail at a maximum speed of 21.5 knots.

After being floated out in August 2022, the Arvia mainly operates itineraries around the Caribbean or the Mediterranean.

9. Costa Cruises – Costa Smeralda : 185,010 gross tonnes

The Costa Smeralda is the first LNG-powered vessel in the Costa Cruises fleet. With a gross tonnage of 185,010gt, the 20-deck Excellence-class ship measures 337m (1,106 feet) in length. The second LNG-powered cruise ship to enter operation in the world, she has a maximum capacity of 6,554 passengers with 1,646 crew and a service speed of 21.5 knots.

Construction of the Costa Smeralda began at the Meyer shipyard in Turku, Finland, in September 2017. Meyer Turku collaborated with the Meyer Werft Papenburg shipyard to develop and integrate the LNG propulsion plant for the ship. She is fitted with four 16-cylinder, Caterpillar MaK 16VM46DF engines, with 15.4 megawatts (20,710 horsepower) output per engine, resulting in a maximum power of  37 megawatts (50,000 horsepower).

The ship, which was named after the Emerald Coast of Sardinia, entered service in December 2019 , departing Savona on its maiden voyage in the Mediterranean, where it has sailed since.

8. Costa Cruises – Costa Toscana : 186,364 gross tonnes

The Costa Toscana is the sister ship of the Costa Smeralda and is also powered by LNG . measuring 337m (1,106 feet) long and weighing in at 186,364 gross tonnes, the Toscana has a maximum capacity of 6,338 passengers and 1,678 staff across her 20 decks.

Like her sister ship, the Toscana was also built at the Meyer shipyard in Finland, with construction completed in 2021. She is also powered by four MaK-Caterpillar engines, with a total power of 57.2 megawatts (76,706 horsepower), and two ABB Azipod motors , resulting in a service speed of 17 knots.

Named in homage to the Tuscany region of Italy, Costa Toscana mainly sails around the Mediterranean Sea but Costa Cruises has also used the ship to sail itineraries further afield, such as around Brazil and the UAE.

7. MSC Cruises – MSC World Europa : 215,863 gross tonnes

The only entry in the top ten from MSC Cruises, MSC World Europa measures 333m (1,094 feet) in length. With 215,863 gross tonnage, she can house more people than any other ship in the MSC fleet: up to 6,762 passengers across 2,633 cabins spread over 22 decks, in addition to 2,138 crew.

Built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France, the World Europa ’s LNG-power propulsion system was subcontracted to Finland-based Wärtsilä. Five LNG-powered, 14-cylinder Wartsila 46DF dual-fuel engines power the vessel, with a propulsion power of 44 megawatts ( 59,005 horsepower). She also features nitrogen oxide reduction (NOR) units, two Wartsila LNGPac fuel storage and supply systems, seven thrusters, and two fixed-pitch propellers. 

The MSC World Europa was floated out at the end of 2021 and was initially used as an accommodation vessel for fans attending the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with the ship berthed at Doha Port in Qatar during the tournament. Following the competition, the ship subsequently travelled several routes around the UAE, before sailing to the Mediterranean, where it has sailed itineraries since.

6. Royal Caribbean International – Allure of the Seas : 225,282 gross tonnes

The first of many entries on this list operated by Royal Caribbean, Allure of the Seas weighs in at 225,282 gross tonnes. Measuring 362m (1,187 feet), she is only 50mm (2 inches) longer than her sister ship the Oasis of the Seas . The Allure has a maximum capacity of 6,780 passengers and 2,200 crew across 18 decks.

Built at the Turku Shipyard in Finland, the Allure took two years to build , floating out in 2010. She features six Wärtsilä 46 diesel engines with a total power output of 97 megawatts (130,053 horsepower). It is propelled by three electric Azipod azimuth thrusters. The ship can travel at a cruising speed of 22 knots.

With a homeport of Galveston, Texas in the US, the Allure mainly serves itineraries around the Bahamas but she is scheduled to sail routes around the Mediterranean in 2025.

5. Royal Caribbean International – Oasis of the Seas : 226,838 gross tonnes

The oldest ship on this list, the Oasis of the Seas has been in service for over a decade. She was the biggest cruise ship at the time when floated out in 2009, with a gross tonnage of 226,838gt and a length of 360m (1,181 feet). The Oasis has a maximum capacity of 6,699 passengers and 2,181 staff across 18 decks.

The Oasis took two years to build at the Meyer shipyard in Turku, Finland, with the keel laid on 12 November 2007 and the ship arriving at her homeport of Port Everglades in Florida, US, on 13 November 2009.

The Oasis is powered by eight Wärtsilä V12 diesel engines, which generate 5.6 megawatts (7,500 horsepower) each, alongside four bow thrusters. The main propulsion system consists of three 20-megawatt (26,820 horsepower) electric Azipod motors, resulting in a combined propulsion power of 82 megawatts (109,964 horsepower) and a standard cruising speed of 23 knots.

The Oasis mainly operates routes around the Caribbean, but occasionally repositions to offer itineraries in the Mediterranean.

4. Royal Caribbean International – Harmony of the Seas : 226,963 gross tonnes

The third Oasis-class ship built by Royal Caribbean, Harmony of the Seas weighed in bigger than her existing sister ships at launch in 2016, with 226,963 gross tonnage, but she has since been surpassed by newer vessels. With a total length of 362m (1,188 feet), Harmony has a maximum capacity of 6,780 passengers and 2,300 staff across 18 decks.

Royal Caribbean placed an order with STX France for the construction of Harmony of the Seas in December 2012. The first steel for the ship was cut at STX France’s Saint-Nazaire shipyard in September 2013, while the keel-laying ceremony was held in May 2014.

The Harmony is powered by three 18.9-megawatt Wärtsilä 16V46 16-cylinder main generator diesel engines and three Wärtsilä 12V46 12-cylinder engines producing 13.9 megawatts each. The propulsion power is provided by three electric Azipod azimuth thrusters and manoeuvring is assisted by four 5.5-megawatt Wärtsilä CT 3500 tunnel thrusters. The propulsion system results in 82 megawatts (109,964 horsepower) and enables the ship to sail at a standard speed of 23 knots.

Harmony of the Seas embarked on her inaugural seven-night Western Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona, Spain, in June 2016, and currently operates itineraries around the Western Caribbean from her homeport of Galveston, Texas in the US.

3. Royal Caribbean International – Symphony of the Seas : 228,081 gross tonnes

At launch in 2018, the Symphony of the Seas surpassed the Harmony as the biggest cruise ship, weighing in at 228,081 gross tonnes. Measuring 361m (1,185 feet), the Symphony has a maximum capacity of 6,680 passengers and 2,200 staff across 18 decks and was the testing ground for Royal Caribbean's new muster drill . With a total length of 361m (1,185 feet), She is roughly 30 metres (98 feet) longer than the largest military ships , the US Nimitz-class aircraft carriers and the USS Gerald R. Ford .

The keel-laying ceremony for the Symphony of the Seas was held in October 2015 at STX’s Saint-Nazaire shipyard in France, and the ship sailed out in June 2017. She is powered by six diesel sets, each composed of three Wärtsilä 16V46D engines and three Wärtsilä 12V46D engines, as well as three 20-megawatt electric Azipod main engines – resulting in 82 megawatts (109,964 horsepower) of propulsion power and a standard cruising speed of 22 knots.

The Symphony commenced her seven-day maiden voyage from Barcelona in April 2018, and since then has mainly operated itineraries around the Caribbean from her homeports of Miami, New York, and Fort Lauderdale.

2. Royal Caribbean International – Wonder of the Seas : 235,600 gross tonnes

Royal Caribbean's flagship, Wonder of the Seas is the fifth Oasis-class cruise ship built for the cruise company. Weighing in at 235,600 gross tonnes, the Wonder was the largest ship in the world when she was completed in January 2022. Measuring 362m (1,187 feet) in length, the 18-deck Wonder has a maximum capacity of 7,084 guests across its 2,867 staterooms, as well as housing 2,369 crew.

Built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, Wonder is powered by two Wärtsilä 16V46D engines and four Wärtsilä 12V46D engines; and uses three 20-megawatt electric Azipod engines for propulsion, combining for a propulsion power of 82 megawatts (109,964 horsepower and a standard cruising speed of 22 knots.

The Wonder sailed her maiden voyage in March 2022 from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and has since served itineraries around the Caribbean from her homeports of Miami and Cape Canaveral.

1. Royal Caribbean International – Icon of the Seas : 248,663 gross tonnes

Weighing 248,663 gross tonnes and measuring 365 metres (1,1967 feet), the Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world. Christened on 23 January 2024, the Icon has a maximum capacity of 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew across 20 decks. She is the lead ship of the new Icon-class, with a sister ship the Star of the Seas due to be delivered in 2025 and another ship planned for delivery in 2026.

Built by Meyer Turku in Finland, the Icon is the first ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet that can be powered by LNG. It uses three Wärtsilä 14V46DF and three Wärtsilä 12V46DF for its main generator engines, which provide 67.5 megawatts of energy to run the ship. She is propelled by three 20-megawatt Azipod thrusters as well as five 4.8-megawatt Wärtsilä WTT-45 CP bow thrusters, with a cruising speed of 22 knots.

After sailing her maiden voyage on 27 January 2024, the Icon now sails year-round itineraries of seven-night trips around the Eastern and Western Caribbean from her homeport of Miami, Florida.

"The top 10 biggest cruise ships in the world" was originally created and published by Ship Technology , a GlobalData owned brand.

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The Successors of St. Stephen of Perm

In memory of three holy hierarchs of perm.

Maria Marchenko

Here I am, O Lord, send me. Here I am, O God, in good time. And I shall glorify Thy Name, Here I am, O Lord, here I am.

Though the rays of Christ’s light did struggle through into the depths of the pagan forest, there were still many villages that, as before, had not yet heard the Gospel. Now, after the death of St. Stephen whom they hated, the pagan priests who were scattered across the Urals and had seemingly lost ground, hoped to get even with the newly-established Church of Perm. Among their plans were to bring their former flock back to the old beliefs, destroy the altars erected by St. Stephen, and resume their economic exploitation of the peace-loving Zyryans [“Zyryane”: the old-fashioned Russian name for the Komi—the people of what is now the Komi Autonomous Republic, belonging to the Finno-Ugric family.—Trans.]. Most of the shaman priests came from the Vogul people [“Voguly”: the obsolete name of the Mansi—the indigenous people living mainly in the Ob River basin in Western Siberia and related to the Finno-Ugric family; now most of them live in the Khanty-Mansi autonomous area within Russia’s Tyumen region.—Trans.] who converted to Orthodoxy very reluctantly.

The new diocese’s link to the Moscow Metropolis seemed (and was in many respects) nominal and illusory; in the late fourteenth century it was still extremely far from there to the Grand Prince (and the Metropolitan) of Moscow. The defenselessness of local clerics in the face of a hostile and often aggressive population frightened the newly-arrived priests and jeopardized the clergy who were Zyryan converts. Moreover, the new diocese needed not just priests but missionaries who were ready to put their lives at risk in open conflicts with the rebellious Ostyaks (the Khanty and the Mansi). It needed monks who were not bound to their families and children. This caused a shortage of clergy.

Another threat came from local government officials ( zemsky dyaks ) who as secular masters were gradually taking over the authority of bishops who governed the huge territory. This territory fell under the patronage of the Grand Prince of Moscow primarily under the auspices of the religious solidarity of Moscow and the newly-converted people of Perm, but the laws of the development of Muscovy demanded rendering to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and sometimes these demands took cruel and even bloodthirsty forms.

The Archbishopric of Novgorod was indignant with Moscow, believing that the self-seeking Muscovites had lawlessly appropriated the territories that had belonged to the See of Novgorod from time immemorial 1 . Thus, some dishonest Church figures from among the ambitious lobbyists for Novgorod imperialism were ready to help the pagans who resisted the Muscovite expansion.

Thus St. Stephen’s work was threatened with serious danger. However, leaving the people of Perm physically, the holy hierarch had promised to remain with the Zyryans spiritually after his repose, provided they remain faithful Orthodoxy and keep their love for it. That is why after his repose, missionary work in his diocese was continued by three worthy successors: Sts. Gerasim, Pitirim and Jonah.

But Isaac, St. Stephen’s immediate successor in the diocese of Ust-Vym 2 , spent most his archpastoral ministry in Moscow, because being close to senior representatives of the Church hierarchy was his top priority as a hierarch. It is unknown whether his intercessions with the Metropolitan for the newly-converted Zyryans were successful; but what is known is that the name of Isaac was all but forgotten in the annals of Perm history, and his memory was almost erased and replaced by his immediate successors’ missionary exploits; because they preferred to share in the sorrows and joys of their flock in situ rather than send them exhortations from faraway Moscow.

St. Gerasim, the betrayed and murdered bishop

St. Gerasim’s self-sacrificing missionary endeavors, along with his consistent and energetic policy in the administrative sphere not only set the region’s development on the most progressive path but also provoked the envy of the less talented or charismatic functionaries of the state machine. The latter, wishing to get even with St. Gerasim who, in their view, exceeded his authority, decided to make use of the Vogul people’s deadly hatred for him. Officially, the local government officials who acted in collusion were right—St. Gerasim organized “groundwork at the bishop’s residence for the construction of a church” and entered into “conflict with the prince’s administration over disputed land ownership.” 5 In all probability, the bishop wanted to expand his estate (the bishop’s settlement [ vladychny gorodok .—Auth.] on the territory of which a bishop was equal to a feudal lord) without the secular authorities’ permission and get a part of the population involved in the work (compulsory but made to appear voluntary) on renovating a dilapidated church in Ust-Vym.

What made St. Gerasim firmly demand obedience to himself of the Prince of Moscow’s subjects in matters that were subject to Church jurisdiction? The fact is that the holy bishop presumed “in all fairness” Moscow government officials’ progress, along with cultural development and improvement in living conditions of inhabitants of humble Zyryan villages were the direct and immediate result of the success of Orthodox mission; and, therefore, there was nothing more important both for Moscow functionaries and local pastors than expanding the territory around the bishop’s residence and repairing the crumbling church.

But St. Gerasim’s opponents thought otherwise. Through slander they made a member of his household, a baptized Vogul, begin to hate him, and persuaded the man to murder the bishop for patriotic reasons, standing up for his people whom St. Gerasim supposedly persecuted. The most cynical thing about this treacherous murder was that it was committed by someone whom the saint had once taken into his home for care and for spiritual guidance. According to St. Gerasim’s plan, this Vogul would have eventually become a pastor and a missionary among his fellow-tribesmen.

On that fateful day, during a prayer service, the madman waited until St. German turned his back, grabbed his omophorion and strangled him with it. This is how the Vychegda-Vym Chronicle, written by the clergy of the Ust-Vym Monastery of the Archangel Michael in the late sixteenth century, recounts his tragic murder: “Bishop Gerasim of Perm has been murdered several stadia [an ancient measure of length, about 185 meters.—Trans.] from the bishop’s settlement, in the place called Mys 6 .”

St. Pitirim the Martyr

Chudov Monastery was known as the royal monastery, and its abbot would become a close advisor to the Grand Prince of Moscow. As abbot of Chudov Monastery St. Pitirim may have baptized the future Grand Prince Ivan III of Russia (1462—1505) in infancy, and after the news of the martyrdom of St. Gerasim of Ust-Vym had reached Moscow, the Metropolitan chose him as candidate, not without the influence of, or rather, on the initiative of the Grand Prince. St. Pitirim must have been shocked by St. Gerasim’s martyrdom; there was invisible warfare on the metropolia’s eastern frontiers, and representatives of the senior Moscow clergy were becoming its victims. By that time the fratricidal war between Princes Vasily II the Blind and appanage Prince Dmitry Shemyaka was already raging in Rus’. Its battlefront was precisely in Perm, and the bishopric couldn’t avoid “hostilities”. The future holy hierarch willy-nilly had to engage in bigtime politics. Well aware of this, he consciously and readily took the bishop’s duties on himself with humility and made his way to St. Gerasim’s bereaved flock.

In those first months, scrupulous analytical work to determine the strategy for future missionary work was carried out in the bishop’s office, St. Pitirim’s desk was covered with maps that he and his companions had drawn and marked. Long-time residents of the bishop’s quarters from among the clergy who had concelebrated with St. Gerasim reported to St. Pitirim what, when and how the people of Perm had been evangelized, in which districts of the region the inhabitants were the least enlightened by the missions of Sts. Stephen, Gerasim and their disciples, and where the pagan high priests whom St. Gerasim exposed had fled. It was finally decided to start a missionary campaign in the area of the Vashka basin, settled by the Udoren people. It was there, in the area called Udora, that the bastion of paganism (contemporary to St. Pitirim) was concentrated; it was there that the spiritual leaders of idol-worship and their followers had settled after being banished by St. Stephen several decades before.

By his personal example St. Pitirim instructed his priests how to find words that would reach the hearts of ordinary people. Those were the words of consolation and support, words that really staggered a populace who lived by the laws of vendetta and in the wildest pagan ways: “And he baptized and converted many, since those people were ignorant and notorious for their cruel customs; the blessed man enlightened and taught them in faith with great humility.” According to the Vychegda-Vym Chronicle, the success of the mission was full and unconditional: “Bishop Pitirim converted the Udoren people at the Vashka River to the holy faith, gave them abbots and priests, and erected holy churches there.”

Wandering across his diocese’s outlying districts, the holy bishop didn’t forget the people of Perm who made up the heart of his flock. St. Pitirim would often give targeted support to residents of Zyryan settlements, generously distribute alms from his private sources, and, most importantly, intercede with the Grand Prince to reduce the amount of tribute the people of Perm were obliged to pay.

Over his tenure the holy bishop visited Moscow several times to take part in the events that would be epoch-making for his contemporaries. The first of them was associated with the Synod of the Russian Bishop’s anathema of Prince Dmitry Shemyaka, who had blinded Grand Prince Vasily II of Moscow (1425–1462) in order to seize power and remove his most dangerous and legitimate rival from the political scene. It is remarkable with what unanimity Church figures (monks, like St. Gregory of Pelshem, as well as bishops) took Prince Vasily’s side in this political struggle.

Later, the modern historian Alexander Zimin (1920–1980) would say that Shemyaka fell victim to his own defeat. If the outcome of that conflict had been different, history with its historiographers would have taken his side 7 . However, the rigor of the hagiography’s heroes casts serious doubts on this hypothesis. The White Lake Monastery elders allowed Vasily to break his vow of not laying claim to Moscow, giving him full freedom to act. The Church hierarchs came to the capital occupied by Vasily to demonstrate their loyalty to him. One of the senior Church representatives of great authority who showed unconditional support for Vasily was Bishop Pitirim. He knew like no one else how much suffering Shemyaka’s ruinous campaigns had caused ordinary Russian people. Engaging the Perm Diocese’s most hardened enemies (the Vogul people and the inhabitants of Vyatka) for his purposes, Shemyaka scored repeated successes in his acts of banditry—blood was shed, and people in St. Pitirim’s flock were dying. Later Shemyaka took vengeance on the people of Perm by executing the Perm captains Emelka Luzkov and Euphemius Ezhvin for their willingness to fight on the side of the people of Veliky Ustyug, whose lands were being ravaged by his regiments 8 .

A few years later, Bishop Pitirim preached to the people of Vyatka who had cooperated with the rebellious prince’s excessive ambitions, and his words had a direct effect: Having laid siege to Ust-Vym in 1450, the Vyatchane’s army suddenly withdrew, leaving the town intact. The population of Perm remained indifferent to Dmitry’s calls. Everything seemed to indicate that the prince’s cherished ambitions were crumbling to dust, and the uncompromising and energetic Bishop Pitirim had largely contributed to that.

Shemyaka was determined to capture the bishop during one of his trips and by means of persuasion or promises force him to repeal the anathema against him. It remains unknown whether Dmitry hoped that psychological contact and mutual understanding might come during their talk tete-a-tete, or whether he believed in his own powers of persuasion, or had prepared some arguments which would justify his aggressive policy in the lands of Russia’s north, or perhaps meant to influence the bishop by threats and promises. 9 In any case, his main aim was to win St. Pitirim over.

This is how the Vychegda-Vym Chronicle describes this event: “In 6960 (1452) the cursed Shemyaka caught Bishop Pitirim on his way to Moscow, brought him to Ustyug, put him in jail and tortured him there; but the hierarch stood firm and did not repeal his anathema.” While in Ustyug in 1452, Dmitry followed all the movements of the Russian Church’s authoritative hierarch closely; and as soon as one of the prince’s spies reported St. Pitirim’s scheduled trip to Moscow, with the departure date and accompaniment (the bishop preferred to travel light, caring more about speed of travel than safety), Shemyaka didn’t fail to make use of such favorable circumstances.

St. Pitirim spent several months in confinement. Since the bishop yielded to no persuasion and flattering promises had no effect (Shemyaka saw in St. Pitirim a severe exposer of his heinous crimes, personal cruelty and dissoluteness), the prince’s arguments took another turn: he considered a prison cell, short rations, and threats of reprisal to be faster and safer means than heart-to-heart talks and attempts at self-justification. But that was in vain: St. Pitirim’s thoughts, words and deeds were only: “I am ready to die.” And St. Pitirim would have done his archpastoral duty and shown the cunning prince that he would not find the bishop to be a reed shaken with the wind (Lk. 7:24). However, this time God saved His servant’s life: The Muscovite army that was moving towards Uglich forced Dmitry to hastily retreat to Veliky Novgorod—the last bastion of anti-Moscow sentiment. St. Pitirim was released and resumed his archpastoral ministry with new enthusiasm.

The most important event St. Pitirim took part in was the Church Council of 1448 at which the Metropolitan of Moscow was elected and his appointment was confirmed without the Patriarch of Constantinople’s approval, for the first time in several centuries. In effect, the approval of the Synod of Russian Bishops of Bishop Jonah of Ryazan as the Metropolitan of Moscow meant the beginning of Russian autocephaly. This event seemed uncanonical to many hierarchs of the age, and the legitimacy of Jonah was questioned. Under the current circumstances (the falling away from Orthodoxy of Constantinople’s protégé Isidore, disorder in the Byzantine Empire) St. Pitirim couldn’t remain indifferent and expressed his stance with his characteristic straightforwardness and firmness: There shall be Russian autocephaly! With all the disadvantages that “breaking the cord” (connecting the Russian Church with Constantinople) entailed, now there was no alternative.

St. Pitirim’s life ended at the height of his archpastoral activity. Many years before, when he was being consecrated, standing by the gravestone of his predecessor in the Perm diocese St. Gerasim, St. Pitirim had been well aware that he could hardly expect a peaceful repose on his bed, surrounded by grateful disciples. The archpastoral ministry in a Perm that had not yet submitted to the Prince and the Metropolitan of Moscow was fraught with risks. On August 19, 1455, soon after a successful missionary journey to Great Perm and Cherdyn, after the end of the Sunday Liturgy at the Church of the Annunciation in Ust-Vym, St. Pitirim together with other clergymen and parishioners headed for a field between the Vym and the Vychegda to hold a prayer service 10 . But several miles away the Vogul Prince Asyka and his son Yushman were lying in ambush. Perhaps they decided to get even with St. Pitirim for baptizing the Vogul people living along the Pechora River, or they just seized the opportunity to make short work of their long-time antagonist in the person of the Bishop of Perm during another raid: “They were angry with the holy father because, contrary to their wishes, he tried his best to convert pagans to Orthodox faith and baptize them 11 .”

According to one version, some of the Vogul people found out about St. Pitirim’s plans by making inquiries with someone from a group of “heathen” who “had sailed up the Vychegda for a certain undertaking… in five days’ walk distance, in the place called Yur 12 .” When the whole procession appeared in the field of vision of Asyka’s detachment, the heathen rushed towards the defenseless worshippers from their hiding. Seeing the enemy, the holy bishop instantly ordered his companions to escape, hoping at the cost of his life to cover their retreat to the fortifications of Ust-Vym. St. Pitirim realized that he was the main target of the heathen attack and it was unlikely that his flock would be pursued. The holy hierarch met his death without murmuring, without making any attempts to defend himself: “And, seizing the saint with fury, they took turns beating him, tormenting him and putting the innocent man to death.” 13 The bishop’s body, which lay unburied for forty days, remained incorrupt, and his relics were enshrined at the Church of the Annunciation in Ust-Vym to the left of St. Gerasim’s shrine.

St. Jonah, baptizer of Great Perm

Over the course of St. Jonah’s tenure in the bishopric of Perm the political situation in the region considerably improved: Moscow, in the person of Vasily the Blind and his heirs, completely crushed the opposition of local pagan princelings who would gather savage hordes to lay waste to peace-loving Zyryan towns and villages, along with the envious raiding bands of Novgorodians 15 (in fact no less pagan) who threatened the region’s development. The prayers of the holy men were answered, and St. Jonah died in advanced old age with a sense of accomplishment: The clouds that had been gathering over St. Stephen’s legacy were scattered by the labors and prayers of the holy men. “What lies in store for Perm?” the venerable elder Jonah asked himself on his deathbed in 1472. But the answer didn’t come immediately: New Christians would be born; they too would pray to Christ in this land and in the churches consecrated by him and his predecessors, after his death, after the death of his successor, and so on till the end of time. St. Jonah’s remains were laid to rest in the shrine containing the relics of Sts. Gerasim and Pitirim.

The the ministry of these three holy hierarchs of Perm who contributed to the enlightenment of the pagan tribes in northeastern Russia’s border regions in the fifteenth century is a story of how at the right time and place, there were men found in the Russian Church who fearlessly answered the Lord’s call, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?: Here am I; send me (Is. 6:8).

Maria Marchenko Translated by Dmitry Lapa

Pravoslavie.ru

1  In 1385, “the Bishop of Novgorod was very angry with Pimen: how dared he establish a diocese in Perm, the age-old dominion of Novgorod? And he sent soldiers to take the Perm Diocese by force of arms.”

2  The so-called “bishop’s settlement” at the confluence of the Vym and the Vychegda Rivers.

3  The Vychegda-Vym Chronicle, p. 25.

4  M.B. Rogachev. The Perm Diocese in the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Centuries. P. 45.

5  The Vychegda-Vym Chronicle, p. 25.

6  Ibid.

7  A.A. Zimin. A Knight at the Crossroads: the Feudal War in Russia in the Fifteenth Century. Moscow, 1991.

8  It was the danger of war from Dmitry Shemyaka, threatening Great Perm, that caused Vasily the Blind to introduce the institution of “chief officer of the local administration” (namestnik) on that territory In 1452, Princes Ermolai and Vasily of Vereya became the first chief officers of the local administration.

9  You can always offer a metropolitan diocese to an unduly ambitious bishop.

10  According to another version, the assault took place on his way back from one of his missionary journeys: “The saint was seized during a journey like a defenseless lamb.”

11  The Tale of the Bishops of Perm. P. 72.

12  Ibid, p. 71.

13  Ibid, p. 73.

14  The Vychegda-Vym Chronicle. P. 26.

15  The Vychegda-Vym Chronicle in a solemn manner announces the military campaigns of Grand Prince Ivan III and the success of the military commander (voevoda) Prince Daniel of Kholm as an event that was directly related to the lives of the people of Perm // The Vychegda-Vym Chronicle, p. 26.

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