How to get there

• Most Mediterranean itineraries include a short flight from the UK to Genoa, Palma or Athens, thereby avoiding the Bay of Biscay and offering instant sunshine.
• Alternatively, passengers may take a coach, a train or drive to the Mediterranean port. Others may opt for a cruise sailing from and returning to the UK.

Anchor down

• Many people, particularly first time cruisers, choose to combine a week afloat with a week ashore. The most common cruise and stay areas are Majorca, Cyprus and the French Riviera.
• An alternative way of combining land and sea is to take a short cruise during your land-based holiday. Cruises of one, two and three nights are available from Cyprus.

Passport - money - jabs

• All your travelling arrangements will be taken care of once onboard, however you should bear in mind that you will need a valid passport with at least six months left before expiry. British passport holders visiting Algeria and Egypt require visas.
  Vaccinations against tetanus and polio are recommended for all holidays. Additional immunisation against Hepatitis A and typhoid is advised for visits to Egypt, Israel, Morocco, Turkey and Tunisia. Consult your doctor for complete advice.
  Pounds sterling and dollars are the most common onboard currencies. Mediterranean cruises can include several currencies. All the cruise companies listed offer onboard foreign exchange services.