Information on Luxury Cruises to the Mediterranean

"Carnival Ship Inspiration 1/3-1/8-09" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: kthypryn (Kathy) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.

Types

All major cruise lines (for example Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Norwegian) offer itineraries that sail the Mediterranean. Choose from length of cruise (usually one to two weeks) and your departure port. Determine the type of cabin (choose from interior, ocean view, balcony or suite; suite provides the most space and luxury on board).

What to Pack

Luxury cruises provide the opportunity to dress casual most days of the trip. Bring swim clothes (along with sunglasses, sunblock and a protective hat), comfortable sleepwear, good walking shoes and exercise clothes and one or two formal outfits. For men this would be dark suits or tuxedos (can be rented aboard ship) and ball gowns and fancy dresses for women. Don't forget a camera (and all its supplies), a warm sweater for cool temperatures on board and a waterproof purse or backpack.

Ports of Call

Each port of call offers the opportunity to hike and explore a new city, choosing adventure excursions, shopping sprees or quiet observance of the culture of the town. Take a bicycle tour of Barcelona, walk through caves in Tuscany, relax on a Venice gondola or sea kayak in Dubrovnik.

Activities

Even while out to sea, each cruise ship offers travelers many ways to stay active. Walk or jog the trail on the top level of the ship, participate in a dance lesson, visit the fitness center and spend the evening in one of the many on-board discos.

Considerations

All cruisers must have a valid U.S. passport. Cruising the Mediterranean during the winter provides travelers the most pleasant climate (50s to 70s Fahrenheit) and smallest crowds. Currency on the cruise ships is in U.S. dollars; consider purchasing travelers' checks for purchases made in the ports.