While the Caribbean has benefited from the changing pattern of cruising in the aftermath of 9/11, Europe and the Mediterranean (Figure 4.3) are poised to develop exponentially as tensions concerning travel begin to ease (Wild and Dearing, 2004b). Barcelona and Palma in Spain and Venice in Italy lead the rankings list of most visited ports in southern Europe, reflecting a trend for itineraries to be located more toward the west of the Mediterranean or the Adriatic (Wild and Dearing, 2004c). Southampton in the UK has emerged as a leading port for the northern region, being appropriately located to service a diversity of itineraries and, according to Wild and Dearing (2004c), it is close to the types of facilities that allow effective service of passenger and cruise ship needs.

Figure 4.3: Europe and the Mediterranean