In cruising terms, this region encompasses the eastern and western Mediterranean and provides access to a range of countries from a large number of ports. With long dry sunny summers, the Mediterranean climate is conducive to vacations (Boniface and Cooper, 2005). The region offers a great diversity of attractions, including historical sites, sophisticated cities, and beach playgrounds, all within relatively accessible cruising parameters (Mancini, 2000). The distances between ports and attractions allow cruise planners to schedule itineraries in this region to take advantage of the best timing and economical fuel consumption and, in addition, to take advantage of high-caliber supply networks.

The Mediterranean is popular with many cruise passengers. US passengers can take advantage of "grand-tour" approach to visiting Europe and facilitate border crossings, minimize language problems, and maintain a desired level of comfort. One drawback for US passengers can be the need to fly long distances to board the ship, although passengers are served by a multiplicity of arrival airports that provide easy access to base ports. Another factor that concerns some passengers is political unrest in countries and regions close to the Mediterranean. Passenger concerns about destinations are easily remedied by changing itineraries a factor that has helped to generate the growth in popularity of cruising.

UK and European passengers have relatively easy access to the Mediterranean. P&O Cruises, Cunard, Saga Cruises, and other cruise brands operate a variety of cruises that depart from the UK. Other cruises that depart from the Mediterranean are usually between 1...