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..

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For one price, you get a stateroom, meals and a variety of entertainment every night – from lavish production shows to chamber music. Dining can be casual or formal, and 24-hour room service is provided at no charge.

Although you get to visit several different places on a cruise, you’ll spend less time hauling your luggage and more time relaxing. When you arrive dockside, your luggage is whisked away to your stateroom, and you only have to unpack once during your trip.

A cruise is a great way to see new places, too. For instance, Holland America Line’s fleet of 13 ultramodern cruise ships sail to the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Hawaii, Eastern Canada, South America, Asia and even Antarctica.

On a typical seven-day voyage, you’ll visit three or four ports of call, usually spending plenty of time in port to explore on your own or participate in organized shore excursions.

And though you’ll experience a level of personalized service that surpasses any vacation ashore, Holland America Line cruises are quite affordable. For as little as $125 per person per day, you can enjoy port-intensive itineraries, a wide range of shipboard activities, Vegas-style entertainment and fine dining, all while being pampered to your heart’s content.

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Picture a cruise ship like a floating village or small town at sea. As with any unfamiliar place you go to, you should get to know the lay of the land, so to speak. No one is going to be just like you; people from all over the world, from different cultures and religions are sharing the same floating space as you are. Everyone should learn how to live in harmony for this short stay so that all of you will have the best vacation possible.

Some cruisers have been to their share of ports and know what to do. However, newbie’s need to pay some attention to their surroundings. Read the literature about the ship’s activities. And if there is any doubt about something, ask a member of the cruise ship’s personnel. Now, let’s talk about some of those unspoken shipboard “rules:”

Cool it with the complaints – You are on vacation! Nothing is more unattractive than a grown-up whining like a child over something like waiting in line. You know that saying “When in Rome?” Well, it is your vacation. No worries, no deadlines, no being late to anything … you’re on a ship and nothing on board is going anywhere. Say hi to the people next to you; challenge someone to a game of paper, scissors, rock to break up the monotony.

Respect the Dress Code Guidelines – Cruise ships will often post some clothing guidelines for dinner or live entertainment for that day. If you don’t follow the guidelines, you will not be thrown off the ship. However, you would feel mighty uncomfortable wearing your Bermuda shorts and flip flops to a semi-formal dinner or dance.

Say so long to the seat savers and line cutters- It is a bit exasperating to take the time to arrive at a decent hour to catch the next lounge act only to have a sea of coats draped over chairs and no bodies in the seats. And line cutters, shame on you. It is one thing for you to stand in line and have your spouse join you after a quick trip to the rest room. It is a whole new ballgame letting in your twenty newfound friends from the poker tables cut in line.

No hogging of the gym equipment/hot tub/lounge chairs/computers, etc. – There are possibly several thousand other people who at some point want to use stationary bike or hot tub privileges. Be mindful of others who are discreetly waiting without complaint for their turn.

Designated smoking areas – There are specific areas just for smokers on board. Do not be selfish and light up at the dining room table while others are eating. Here’s a big clue: if you see ash trays, you can light up.

These unspoken rules sound perfectly logical don’t they? Yet, some cruisers forget themselves in their quest for a good time and other people suffer for it. If you are unsure of something, ask. Let your common sense rule. And don’t worry, it won’t get in the way of your good time.

You’ve got your cruise booked and are counting the days until you set sail. However, there are a few things for you to do before you even start to think about packing. Check with the cruise line to see what vaccinations, if any, are needed for your journey. You’ll have to make a trip to your doctor to get current on any shots.

While you are at the doctor, ask them about tips on staying healthy and avoiding the flu or colds before you depart for your cruise. It is no fun having to travel sick or canceling all together. Also ask about seasickness remedies. Some of these medications are prescription only.

Stock up on any other prescription medications just in case they are scheduled to run out during your trip. Often, insurance companies will make exceptions and allow a prescription to be refilled early if you are traveling with no access to a chain pharmacy. One last thing – get a letter from your doctor on official letterhead listing your prescriptions and stating that they were all legitimately prescribed for you. If you have to go through customs, a letter will sometimes keep you from being detained while your medication is inspected.

If you are on a special diet, let the cruise line be aware of this fact when you book your cruise. Most diets are easily accommodated, but it is always better to be safe than sorry. A few weeks before you depart, check in with the cruise line again to go over your reservations and special needs diet.

Pack a small first aid kit for those “just in case” emergencies. Include antacids and anti-diarrhea medications for those episodes of “Montezuma’s Revenge” that seem to strike no matter where you travel. Aspirin, antibiotic cream and aloe vera gel for sunburns also come in handy.

Stow away sunscreen, moisturizer and lip balm in your luggage too. When you are having too much fun outdoors, you tend to forget things like sunburn. Be sure to apply the sunscreen lotion before heading outdoors. Moisturizer and lip balm keep your skin soft. Sometimes the temperature changes from the cold air conditioner to the heat outside can wreak havoc on the skin and dry it out.

In addition to the sunscreen, protect your skin by wearing hats and sunglasses. When you are on the ship’s deck gazing at the waves, the sun’s reflection off the water can be pretty bright. The sunglasses will protect you from harmful UV rays from the sun. Of course, the hats will shield you from the sun’s rays and possible sunburn on your ears and face, two places that people sometimes forget to apply sunscreen lotion.

With the right preparation and precautions, you are well on your way to a healthy and happy first cruise. And when in doubt about something, ask your cruise line. They want to make sure your cruising experience is trouble-free. After all, they want you to sail with them again.

There are cruises that go around the world. Your options could lead to Alaska or Venice and everywhere in between. Some factors that may help in their decision-making are any ports that may want to visit, or city of departure you prefer. You can depart from a city near your home or a city you have always wanted to visit. This will limit the options of loading of ships homeports.

Once you know where to go, your next step is to decide which cruise company and the ships you want. Today cruise ships are some of the most innovative and advanced ship in history. They offer many features that suit all tastes. Some of the features include rock-climbing walls, self-leveling pool tables, ice skating rinks, and many shops and restaurants. These are just some of many examples of what to expect from a cruise ship. There are many more amenities, and exciting activities that will make you forget to leave the ship, even when you are in a port.

When choosing a cruise, there are certain factors that will face a reservation before booking. First, read consumer reports on the services of a ship. After confirming that in fact stop at the places they say. Remember that a happy occasion can easily become a very frustrating one quickly. The only way to prevent this is to be prepared and do your research.