Mediterranean Cruise Information

Cruises are a form of travel that is gaining popularity every year. According to the "Travelers' Health Yellow Book" published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 10.8 million people took North American cruise vacations in 2004. The North American cruise industry has experienced an average passenger growth rate of approximately 8 percent since 1980. Moreover, this organization also reports that one of the most popular cruise destinations is the Mediterranean, second only to the Caribbean.

The Facts

Mediterranean cruises sail to Europe's most spectacular coastal cities. Many of Europe's finest resorts and most popular cities are found along the coastlines, which make Mediterranean cruises alluring. These cruises are designed to offer travelers a relaxing and historical getaway to the ancient coastlines of Europe's Mediterranean cities. Moreover, they offer insight into Europe's culture, architecture, dazzling beauty and sophisticated atmosphere.

Types

The Mediterranean consists of two geographical regions with Italy serving as the dividing line. Italy is the focal point of any Mediterranean cruise and separates the Western Mediterranean from the Easter Mediterranean. The Western Mediterranean includes the islands and ports along the southern coast of France and Spain, whereas the Eastern Mediterranean includes those in Greece, Turkey, and the cities along the Adriatic. Western Mediterranean cruises usually depart from Barcelona or Rome, and Easter Mediterranean cruises usually depart from Rome, Venice or Athens.

Function

The Mediterranean usually always offers favorable weather, so it is possible to find a cruise for this destination year round. However, most Mediterranean cruises depart between May and October. Mediterranean cruises usually last between 7 and 14 nights. They can depart and return to just about any major port. Almost all major cruise lines, such as Windstar and Princess Cruises, offer cruises to Mediterranean ports. Mediterranean cruises serve as a way for travelers to visit several major European destinations in one economical, yet luxurious trip. The cities that the cruises visit depend upon their itineraries.

Itineraries

Each Mediterranean cruise contains an itinerary. The itinerary outlines all the ports at which the cruise line will stop. Western Mediterranean cruises visit the cities of France, Spain, Italy and other cities along the Southern coast. Eastern Mediterranean cruises stop at the ports of Greece, Turkey, Italy and cities along the Adriatic. Some Mediterranean cruises even visit the ports of the Holy Land, including Jerusalem, Nazareth and Egypt. There are numerous things to do on a Mediterranean cruise from fine dining and wine tasting to enjoying splendid art and architecture.

Considerations

Air departures from the United States to the Europe use leave early in the afternoon and travel overnight to arrive in Europe early the following morning. It is ideal for travelers to consider investing in hotel packages prior and subsequent to their cruises so they can enjoy the cities on both ends of their itineraries and to ensure they are well-rested for their cruises. Moreover, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Travelers' Health Yellow Book advises travelers to be health conscious when traveling on cruise ships. There have been reported disease outbreaks on cruise ships in the past. Such outbreaks among travelers from different countries could lead to the spread of disease.