Italy Cruises

A cruise to Italy is a great idea all year round, so choosing which month to visit will depend on your priorities. If you're looking for the best weather, so that you can ditch the jacket and hit the beach, the summer season during July and August is ideal. Most of Italy's coastal towns also choose these months to put on outdoor concerts and festivals. Italy cruises in spring and autumn also have many benefits, including fewer crowds, allowing for smooth viewing of sights like the Sistine Chapel. The weather at these times is slightly milder, too, averaging 15°C-24°C between April and June and 18°C-27°C in September and October. Winter is also a great time for your Italy holidays. The months of November to March are considered low season, so you'll have even more space to explore all the world-famous sites that Italy is known for.

Coastal Italy has a mild Mediterranean climate, making an Italy cruise viable at any time of year. The months of June, July and August see the least amount of rainfall and the most sunshine, with average temperatures ranging between 27°C and 32°C. September is still warm, with average highs of 27°C, although things start to cool down by the end of autumn. Winter brings with it some rainfall and a cooler climate, though average highs can reach 16°C in southern coastal regions. March, April and May are slightly drier and the air is warming up. By May, average daily highs can reach 24°C.

Our Italy cruises stop at over a dozen different ports, each worth visiting in its own right. Venice, for example, offers architectural gems and its famous canals, while Naples affords access to the historical site of Pompeii. In Genoa, eat the best pesto you'll ever taste, as this is the area where the sauce originated; learn about Sardinia's storied past in Cagliari; or use La Spezia as a base to explore the famous Cinque Terre on your Italy holidays. Other ports available on your cruise to Italy include Palermo, Messina and Siracusa in Sicily, Livorno (for Florence), Bari, Trieste, Ancona (Urbino) and Brindisi (Lecce), each one offering plenty to discover.

Cruises with MSC Cruises cover a wide range of pricing points, meaning that there's a dream holiday available to suit every budget. Ensure you get the best value by booking one of our Italy cruise deals.

Thanks to Italy's Mediterranean climate, much of the year is warm and sunny. That means sunglasses, hats and sunscreen are packing essentials for one of our Italy cruises. For days on the beach you'll need swimwear and flip-flops; for days out sightseeing, lightweight clothing in breathable materials and comfortable walking shoes are ideal. Pack a light jacket or jumper to keep away the evening chill, and some warmer layers and a raincoat during the colder months. Also make sure to bring a couple of smarter outfits, so you can embody Italian style during any formal dinners or events onboard your cruise to Italy.

The Euro (€) is Italy's official currency. It was adopted in 1999 but physical euro coins and banknotes only replaced the Italian lira in 2002.

Italy uses Central European Time (CET), but observes daylight saving time during the summer. That means you'll always be one hour ahead of the UK during your Italy holidays.

Our Italy cruises may include stops in other Mediterranean countries, such as Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, Turkey, Tunisia, Spain, France and Portugal. If you're booked on to one of our World Cruises, the itinerary could also feature incredible destinations such as Egypt, Morocco and Brazil.

Booking an Italy cruise? Try a Fly & Cruise package for a hassle-free holiday that transports you from Manchester or Dublin to begin your cruise in Barcelona or Venice. Or depart from Belfast to board your ship in Palma de Mallorca. Alternatively, fly from Glasgow, Edinburgh or Dublin to set sail from Rome.

Italy genuinely has it all. From its coveted dolce vita lifestyle and delicious gastronomy to renowned historic sites, art and fashion, and natural beauty. It's difficult to pinpoint what the boot-shaped country is famous for, since - in reality - it's famous for almost everything. Perhaps the cuisine is the first thing you think of. The birthplace of pasta, pizza and gelato, Italy is the ultimate foodie destination. Its wines are also acclaimed. Taste Chianti from Tuscany and Prosecco from the Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia regions on your Italy cruise. Maybe it's Italy's vast and interesting history that appeals. Immerse yourself in the past on your Italy holidays via visits to historical sites and ruins such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon in Rome, and the ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, both buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Erudite travellers might be familiar with Florence's Uffizi Galleries, which house Italian Renaissance masterpieces such as Botticelli's The Birth of Venus and Da Vinci's Annunciation. Italy is also the birthplace of opera and has spawned many famous composers, including Verdi and Puccini. Nature-lovers are also drawn to Italy for its beautiful beaches along the Sardinian, Sicilian and Amalfi coasts, as well as the rolling hills and verdant vineyards of Tuscany, and glacial lakes such as Como and Garda in the north. This area is also home to the Alps, a great destination for hiking and skiing.