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Embarking on a European cruise is an exciting adventure, and choosing the right airport can significantly impact your journey for the better. Flying into a major European hub offers numerous advantages, from world-class facilities to convenient access. These airports serve as gateways to a variety of cruise destinations, making them ideal starting points for your voyage with Cunard.

Heathrow is one of the world’s busiest airports, boasting an extensive network of flights all around the world with a variety of airlines. Its proximity to Southampton, a major Cunard cruise starting point, makes it a popular choice for many cruisers. Read our guide for more.

For those embarking on a cruise from Southampton, this airport offers the ultimate convenience. While smaller than Heathrow, it provides easy access to the city and the cruise terminal in as little as 25 minutes by car.

With its vibrant city atmosphere and efficient transportation links, Barcelona is a fantastic option for exploring Spain before or after your cruise, which Cunard offers many for uncovering the hidden treasures of the Mediterranean.

Rome's main airport is well-connected to global destinations and offers convenient transfers to the Civitavecchia cruise port. Flying to Rome is an excellent choice for exploring the wonders of Italy, the Mediterranean and the rest of the Adriatic. Read our guide for more.

Rome Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO). Italy

Known for its efficiency and modern facilities, Amsterdam Schiphol is a European travel hub, perfect for starting your next adventure. With its excellent public transport system, reaching the Rotterdam cruise terminal is a breeze, in approximately an hour by car or public transport.

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), Netherlands

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One of the most obvious factors to consider is the airport's distance from your Cunard cruise departure port. While some airports are located right on the doorstep of the port, such as Barcelona which is around a 30-minute drive to the cruise port, others may require a slightly longer journey such as London Gatwick or Heathrow to Southampton cruise port. Researching the closest airport to your chosen departure point will save you time and hassle, making your journey more stress-free and relaxed.

A pleasant airport experience enhances your overall journey and can really set the tone for your cruise. Look for airports with a wide range of amenities such as comfortable lounges, delicious dining options, retail therapy opportunities and any nice added extras. For example, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has a small sampling of artworks from the famous Rijksmuseum so you can peruse a selection of famous 19th-century Dutch paintings, which regularly rotate within the main museum’s collection.

Another key factor to consider is the availability of direct flights from your home city to the departure city airport. With Cunard, we like to keep things simple and give you added peace of mind when you travel with us, so you can <a href="https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/advice-and-policies/flights">add a flight to many cruises</a> which begin or end in a port other than Southampton. Also, look for airports with excellent connections to other major cities in the region, especially if you plan to extend your trip before or after the cruise.

Researching transportation options from the airport to the cruise port is another vital part of ensuring a smooth journey. Taxis, shuttle services and public transport like buses and trains are common choices and easily accessible. Consider factors like cost, convenience and luggage allowance when choosing the best one for you and your travelling group. Just remember, if you book a <a href="https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/cruise-types/fly-cruises">fly-cruise with Cunard</a> and have booked flights through us, it includes your transfer so no need to book anything for yourself.

Paris offers a blend of culture, famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, fashion and exquisite cuisine. Charles de Gaulle Airport serves as a gateway to Paris and also provides easy access to our cruises from Le Havre.

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), France

For discovering more of the Adriatic and Eastern Mediterranean, Venice Marco Polo Airport is a convenient option for cruisegoers. Immerse yourself in the city's charm, maze of canals and historic sights before setting sail.

Gorgeous view of the Grand Canal and Basilica Santa Maria della Salute during sunset with interesting clouds, Venice, Italy; Shutterstock ID 115516789; Invoice Number: -

Copenhagen Airport is a modern facility serving as a hub for Baltic cruises. Its efficient operations and proximity to the city's cruise terminals make it a popular choice. Plus, if you choose to spend time in Copenhagen, you’ll love exploring Tivoli Gardens, the impressive Royal Palaces and cycling around the harbour area of Nyhavn.

The first places most people think of are Rome and Athens, due to their unique historical and cultural sights. Cunard also visits Spain - Barcelona features amazing Gaudi architecture that's well worth a look - Southern France - famous for its vineyards - and Croatia, where lesser-known but just as impressive historic sites await.

What are the best places to visit in the Mediterranean?

The best weather in this region is from April until November, and Cunard visits the Mediterranean within this window. If you're looking for a tan and don't mind the heat, travel in June or July, but if you prefer milder temperatures book your cruise in the autumn months.

What is the best time of year to cruise the Mediterranean?

Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Malta, Croatia, and Greece all use the Euro. Gibraltar uses the Gibraltar Pound, (although Pound Sterling and Euros are unofficially accepted in parts).

What is the currency in the Mediterranean?

The Mediterranean has a changeable climate, depending on the season, but dry, hot and sunny days are to be expected in the peak summer months and often during spring and into autumn. It's not out of the question for temperatures to exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in July or August while even September and October can herald warm and pleasant weather. If you're hoping to spend time relaxing on some of the Mediterranean's sandy beaches, it's best to avoid travel during November to March when temperatures are cooler and days can be fresh and rainy.

What is the weather like in the Mediterranean?

A variety of languages are spoken in the Mediterranean. In Spain, where Spanish is the official language, you'll also find regional languages including Catalan, Galician, Basque and Occitan. Spanish is also spoken in Gibraltar, even though the official language of Gibraltar is English. Similarly, in Malta both Maltese and English are spoken.
In France the native language is French, in Italy it's Italian, in Greece it's Greek and in Croatia it's Croatian. French is also the official language of Monaco but you'll encounter Italian spoken by much of the population here too.

What languages are spoken in the Mediterranean?

Depending on the time of year, you'll need cool clothes and comfortable shoes for exploring the exciting ports along your journey. A sunhat and sunscreen are a must in the summer months, and would be wise in the autumn too, as the sun can still be strong in September and October. For evenings on deck bring light jackets for when the temperatures cool.
For more details and suggested packing lists, see our special guide on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/cruise-destinations/mediterranean/mediterranean-cruise-packing-guide">what to pack for Mediterranean cruises</a>.

What should I pack for a Mediterranean cruise?

There are twenty sovereign countries that surround the Mediterranean Sea: Spain, Gibraltar, France, Monaco, Italy, Malta, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia &amp; Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Turkey, Syria, Cyprus, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco.
Cunard typically sails to countries on the Southern European Coast; Spain, Gibraltar, France, Monaco, Italy, Malta, Croatia and Greece. Be sure to check our exciting itineraries for more details.

Which countries are in the Mediterranean?

UK and EU citizens, residents of Schengen countries, plus residents of the US, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan and New Zealand don't currently require a visa to travel to the Mediterranean, provided the duration of stay is less than 90 days.
Some countries within the Mediterranean require a minimum 6-month validity on your passport, so it's advisable to check the local requirements of the countries included in your Mediterranean cruise itinerary.

Will I need a visa for a Mediterranean cruise?

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Best European airports to fly into to start a cruise

Choosing the right airport

Top European airports for cruisers

London Heathrow Airport (LHR), UK

Southampton Airport (SOU), UK

Barcelona EI Prat Airport (BCN), Spain

Rome Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO). Italy

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), Netherlands

Additional notable airports

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), France

Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), Italy

Copenhagen Airport (CPH), Denmark

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Fly with Cunard

Book your next voyage

Fly with Cunard