Cruise Vacation

Mediterranean Cruises

Filed under: European Cruise    

To many, the term Mediterranean cruise is an enigma. Passengers are sometimes unaware of what is implied by a Mediterranean cruise. Geographically speaking the Mediterranean seas is part of the Atlantic Ocean that is bounded by Europe to the North, Africa to the South and Asia to the East.

These boundaries make a Mediterranean cruising an ideal option for experiencing a wide variety of cultures on one cruise vacation. It is also this unique boundary system that makes the idea of a Mediterranean cruise so difficult for many to understand.

Popular cruise lines rarely if ever list Mediterranean cruise vacations but they often list European and African cruises among their itineraries. It is important for those researching cruises to understand that cruises along the South side of Europe, the North side of Africa and the West end of Asia, are all very likely actually Mediterranean cruises. The latter commonly referred to as Eastern Mediterranean cruises. Although many embarking on a Mediterranean cruise may not realize the geographical implications of their journey, they are likely to fully understand the beauty that this region has to offer.

Popular Mediterranean Cruise Vacation Itinerary

One popular Mediterranean cruise vacation itinerary includes a twelve day, round trip extravaganza originating and concluding in the port at Rome, Italy. This journey focuses on only the North portion of the Mediterranean Sea. This fun adventure starts in Rome and then journeys to Naples, Italy for a day of offshore adventure. The trip then continues with a day at sea before the luxury liner reaches Croatia for yet another offshore adventure day before the passengers make the journey to Venice, Italy. Here the passengers are allowed two days to soak up the history and enjoy the beauty of Venice. Another day at sea follows and leads to the opportunity for an offshore excursion in Sicily. After a fun filled day in Sicily there is a whirlwind of activity that features portages in Barcelona, Spain, Cannes, France and Livorno, Italy before the floating hotels returns to Rome Italy. This popular Mediterranean cruise itinerary starts off slowly and builds to a crescendo that features three countries in three days.

Ports of Call of a Mediterranean Cruise

Mediterranean cruising vacation offers a multitude of options. Whether you choose to enjoy all three countries that surround the Mediterranean Sea or visit one country exclusively, you are bound to enjoy breathtaking sites that cannot be matched by any other cruise. One of the popular European ports is Rome, Italy where passengers can disembark and explore the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica as well as other historical landmarks of this region. Those disembarking on the port of Barcelona, Spain can enjoy a host of activities including a visit to the Picasso Museum, a chance to soak up local culture by visiting shops and restaurants, bicycle tours through the capital of Catalonia or the opportunity to relax on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. In Sicily, Italy passengers can disembark to enjoy the variety of flowers that grow wild in this region. Passengers may also opt to spend some time relaxing on the beaches of Messina or taking walking tours of the historical region. A Nile Cruise is the best way to experience Egypt.