Mediterranean Cruise Expert Guide

A Mediterranean cruise is without doubt the most varied type of cruise available. There are more than 120 seaports around the Mediterranean coastline, offering numerous combinations of cruise vacations over one-week, two-week or longer trips.

A huge clash of cultures await all who opt for a Mediterranean cruise. You can visit no less than 17 different countries, including such nations as Spain, Italy, Greece and Egypt. Each nation has its own unique attractions, all of which you can sample as your cruise ship gracefully sails around the calm blue Mediterranean Sea.

More than 50 companies offer cruises along varied routes in the Mediterranean. Some companies specialize in providing Western Mediterranean cruises, concentrating on ports of call around Portugal, Spain, France, Italy and Morocco. Other companies offer Eastern Mediterranean cruises which take in Croatia, Greece, Turkey and countries in the Middle East. Popular specialist Mediterranean cruises include a tour of the North African nations, a Mediterranean islands cruise that visits the island nations of Cyprus and Malta, as well as cruises around the Greek Islands. If you're after a longer vacation, it is possible to arrange a cruise itinerary that takes you around most if not all of the Mediterranean nations.

History, culture, grand cities, ancient monuments, romantic islands and breathtaking views are all within easy reach on a Mediterranean cruise. In the Western Mediterranean you can discover the traditional white Andalucian villages of Southern Spain, sample the world-famous Manzanilla sherry in Cadiz and visit the cultural hub of Europe in the shape of Barcelona,before travelling onwards to the French Riviera.

A cruise that takes in the wonderful coastline of Italy yields such treasures as the dormant volcano of Mt Vesuvius, ancient Pompeii and the stunning city of Rome. The islands of Sicily and Sardinia hold many delights too on a Western Mediterranean cruise.

In the Eastern Mediterranean, cruise passengers can discover the spectacular Croatian coastline and its beautiful city - Dubrovnik, before diving southeastwards to sample classical Greece and its sultry islands. The island of Crete is always worth a visit, if only for the historic Palace of Knossos.

A visit to the holy city of Jerusalem is a worthwhile excursion from both Israeli ports - Haifa and Ashdod - on a Mediterranean cruise of the Middle East. Egypt's Port Said is well worth a visit too. Port Said provides access to the world famous Suez Canal, which takes vessels into the Red Sea and onwards in to the Arabian Sea.

The Mediterranean region has seen many a civilization rise and fall. It is a crucible of human evolution and is rich in relics left over by more than 6,000 years of occupation. If you've ever wanted to discover what it felt like to be an Egyptian pharaoh, Roman warrior or a Greek philosopher, a Mediterranean cruise can give you just that opportunity...

John Metcalfe is the author and web publisher of A to Z Cruises your #1 source
for cruise information, discounts and great deals! Visit http://www.azcruises.com
now to book your very own dream Mediterranean Cruise vacation.

More Resources

Unable to open RSS Feed $XMLfilename with error HTTP ERROR: 404, exiting

More Cruising & Sailing Information:

Related Articles

Exploring the Exotic - Antarctica Cruise
Antarctica is one of the great unexplored areas of the world. It wasn't until the last fifty years that there has been any appreciable exploration or study of the vast frozen continent.
Cruise The Nile of Cleopatra
For centuries, the Nile River has been at the center of life in Egypt. The ancient Egyptian civilization relied on the flooding of the Nile to create fertile land for farming in an otherwise desert landscape.
What Is Best For You; An Inflatable Kayak Or A Hard-Shell Kayak?
If you are buying a kayak for the very first time it is very exciting but there are a lot of things that you need to consider and to think about. You will need to consider what type of kayak you need for the type of activity you will be doing with it.
10 Thoughts On Picking a Cruise Ship Cabin
The best advice is to be informed about cabins and pick the right cabin for you among the thousands available on a cruiseship.1.
Taking A Paddleboat Cruise
In May my husband and I took a wonderful steamboat trip on the Colombia River, 1,240 miles long, and Snake River, 1,038 miles long, aboard the American West's Empress of the North. This is the first time we had ever done a "niche" type cruise and we thoroughly enjoyed it.
Stocking up Your Boat
There, you have just got a boat. A nice new hobby for the weekend and it is time to stock it out.
How To Save Money On Cruises
1. If you're 55 or older, you can get senior citizen discounts.
Asia Cruises: A Journey in the Exotic World
Asia Cruises: Lasting Impressions of Culture and TraditionAn Asia cruise is a voyage of discovery, an experience of cultural extravaganza of Asian civilizations. Asia is biggest continent with the lengthiest coastline and the highest mountains of the world, the Himalayas.
Shape Up and Ship Out
For some, the ideal cruise consists of a lounge chair, gourmet food, and many, many drink umbrellas. And while I admit that sounds wonderfully seductive, there are those whose ideal cruise is a bit more active.
Simple Things for the "Sailing Life"
Owning a boat has an oxymoronic quality to it. "The simple life" can be pretty complex--I think of it as having a plane, a car, and a house compressed into a very small space.
Fun and Fat Free Cruising
This year more than 10.5 million people will go on a cruise.
Whats Involved With Honeymoon Cruise Packages?
With so many honeymoon cruise packages to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which one will provide the most romantic and relaxing environment for you and your loved one. The following tips should be helpful to anyone planning for honeymoon cruise vacations.
Kid-friendly Cruises
Kids and vacation - trying to find the perfect option can be a real challenge but with a kid-friendly cruise, it does not have to be. If you were like most parents, you want to take your family on a special vacation, some place different, fun, adventurous, and affordable.
Places to See On Your Alaska Cruise, Welcome To Juneau!!
Well my sister in law is in town this week and we're playing tourist here in Juneau. Very funny how folks react to us because we're locals.
Alaska Cruise Expert Guide
The Alaska cruise is a breathtaking adventure thatyou'll never forget. Giant snow-capped mountains,sparkling glaciers, thick pine forests rising up from theshoreline and abundant wildlife vie for your attentionin this dramatic landscape.
Airboats - The Right Boat For Many People
The state of Florida is filled with lakes, swamps and unchartered territory that can only be reached by airboat. Airboat popularity continues to rise in Florida and boating enthusiasts are making new airboat purchases everyday.
Mediterranean Cruise Expert Guide
A Mediterranean cruise is without doubt the most varied type of cruise available. There are more than 120 seaports around the Mediterranean coastline, offering numerous combinations of cruise vacations over one-week, two-week or longer trips.
River Cruises Can be Such a Rich Experience
Exploring Europe can be such a unique experience with a River Cruise. You just unpack once on this floating hotel and there you go cruising with river cruises over magnificent castles, significant towns and cities, appealing villages and lavish vineyards.
Yacht Competition Racing for the Disabled Takes Off!
Yacht racing, though it may seem like "a breeze" to spectators (to turn a phrase), is really a lot more complicated than it looks. Anyone who's ever been involved in a "backyard regatta" or a world-class yacht race will tell you: This is a sport that requires very savvy technical skills and a strategic mind.
World Cruise - A Relaxing Experience
Have you ever thought what it would be like to just relax quietly under the sun and at sea-no hustling or bustling, far away from the madding crowds in a casual attire and in clean air and just a small group of likeminded people as company? You are on a World Cruise- around the world, Australia and New Zealand, the Orient, South America, South Pacific, Asia, Europe and the Mediterranean. The ships are equipped with spacious, well-furnished cabins with private facilities having a well-upholstered lounge, a library, good deck space and a small pool.