Ocean Realm

The Mediterranean is the topic for this part of our cruise holidays guide…

If you’re looking for a cruise with a wide variety of locales you can do no better than a Mediterranean cruise. There are 17 countries, and over 120 seaports, around the coastline of the Mediterranean, so there are many cruise vacation combinations available on trips that last a week, two weeks, or longer.

Mediterranean cruises are offered by more than 50 companies, and cover a wide variety of different routes. While some companies concentrate on ports of call all over the Mediterranean, such as Portugal, France, Spain, Morocco, and Italy, some provide service to just the Western Mediterranean. There are even companies that cater to those who want to visit the Eastern Mediterranean, which include countries like Croatia, Greece, Turkey, or even the Middle East.

Cyprus, Malta, and other Greek Islands are popular destinations among Mediterranean cruise lines, along with North African ports. If it’s a longer trip that you seek you can arrange for a cruise itinerary that will take you to most, if not all, of the various Mediterranean locales.

History, culture, grand cities, ancient monuments, romantic islands and breathtaking views are all within easy reach on a Mediterranean cruise. The Western Mediterranean is home to the world-renown Manzanilla sherry of Cadiz, the classic white Andalucian villages of Southern Spain, the cultural hub that is Barcelona, and of course the French Riviera.

Cruising along the coats of the Italian peninsula is a popular way to view such cultural and historical sights as Mt. Vesuvius, Pompeii, and the fantastic city of Rome. The islands of Sicily and Sardinia are also not to be missed on a Western Mediterranean cruise. Passengers enjoying an Eastern Mediterranean cruise will view the gorgeous Croatian coastline and the beautiful city of Dubrovnik before heading down to the southeast to experience Greece and its lovely islands. The island of Crete is always worth a visit, if only for the historic Palace of Knossos.

And of course, there is the holy city of Jerusalem - a deeply rooted city that can easily be reached by both ports in Israel - Haifa and Ashdod - while cruising the Middle East. Port Said, in Egypt, is also a notable locale to visit on your cruise. From Port Said one can see the famous Suez Canal which will allow a vessel to drift into the Red Sea and beyond into the Arabian Sea.