Mastering the Med: Planning Your Cruise Like a Pro

The Mediterranean is the most exotic region in Europe. Along its coastlines are a variety of coastal cities, and there are also some great island destinations in the Eastern and Western Mediterranean Sea. They have diverse geographical landscapes and sizzling climates during the summer. With various cruise packages, you can visit many of the great destinations.

Cruise Liners

There are various cruise liners that sail into the Mediterranean Sea. They can come in various shapes and sizes, and a few eclipse 100,000 GRT. As such, there can be a lot packed aboard the various cruise liners, such as swimming pools, gyms, theaters, cinema, and numerous dining lounges.

For cruises into the Western Mediterranean region, consider ships such as the Riviera. This is a new cruise liner that will take you to various Western Mediterranean hot spots. The Norwegian cruise liner Epic is one that transports up to 4,100, and can also give you a good overview of the region. A circus is also included aboard the Epic, which is a more novel addition.

If cruising to the Eastern Mediterranean, ships such as the Nieuw Amsterdam might be worth noting. With them, you can visit the Greek Isles, Istanbul, and Athens. It might also stop at destinations more in the Western Mediterranean. The Seabourn Quest is a smaller cruise ship that also sails to locations further east.

Cruise Destinations

There are many destinations, or stopping points, that are widely included on various cruises. Among them are destinations such as Gibraltar, which is the gateway to the Mediterranean. There, you can climb the 426-meter Rock of Gibraltar, which includes caves and an extensive network of military tunnels.

Barcelona has a large harbor, and so is a destination included on various cruises. This is a city with architectural marvels, such as the Sagrada Família and Barcelona Cathedral. Montjuïc, a broad, shallow hill that overlooks the harbor, is also a great destination in the city. You can visit the fortress at Montjuïc, which includes various military artifacts, or the Palau Nacional Art Museum, before returning to the ship.

Notable cruise destinations in Italy are Rome and Venice. Rome, a little further inland, has some fantastic landmarks. At the Vatican, you can visit the largest cathedral in the world, St. Peter's, or go into the Vatican Museums, which include the Sistine Chapel.

Venice is a city of canals and gondolas on Italy's eastern coast. In Venice, visitors flock to the Piazza San Marco. The Piazza San Marco is the location of the awesome Basilica San Marco, which has huge domes.

Further eastwards, Athens' proximity to the sea makes it an obvious stopping point for cruise ships. There you'll find some fascinating architectural relics such as the Acropolis and Zappeion. The city has various archaeological museums, and sun seekers can check out some of its beaches along the coast.

Mediterranean islands are not left off cruise ship routes either. Among the islands that the cruise ships might stop at is Corsica. Corsica is a French island in the Mediterranean that has a mountainous landscape and plenty of beaches dotted along its coastline. Further eastwards, the Greek Isles, such as Crete and Kos in the South Aegean, might be stopping points. They, too, have sun-drenched sandy beaches to dip in before departing. Not forgetting Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, which includes Europe's tallest active volcano.

What to Pack

Or what not to pack perhaps? Remember that the ship's rooms will probably already include things such as towels, soap, and shampoo. Cups and glasses should also be found in the cruise ship rooms. Nor are travel guide books really required, as the cruise ship will probably include leaflets for further cruise destination details, and perhaps a library. As such, you don't have to pack them either.

If you're planning on spending hours on deck in the sun you should bring some effective sun cream. Swimming trunks should also be packed. As a mobile phones can include a camera, VCR, as well as currency converter options, pack one to reduce your packing requirements.

Whichever cruise you sail on should provide a great taste of the Mediterranean. For further details, check out some of the various cruise websites. There you can find various cruise packages.