A Mediterranean cruise is always special thanks to the wealth of countries and amazing places that can be crammed into one itinerary: the likes of Barcelona, Rome, Dubrovnik and the Greek isles are all common destinations. With cruise lines such as P&O, Thomson Cruises and Cunard regularly exploring Mediterranean waters, some tourists prefer to focus on the western side of the Mediterranean while others venture further east for their trips. Before you leave, remember to organise your travel insurance in case you're forced to cancel your trip for some unforeseen reason. Travel insurance will also come in handy should your baggage decide to take a separate flight from you!

Not only is Venice an excellent starting point for cruises covering the eastern Mediterranean, but it also boasts, of course, a grand splendour of its own, with its narrow canals, numerous secretive backstreets, orchestras playing in the famous St. Mark's Square and other landmarks such as the Doge's Palace. Romantics will want to book a gondola ride; as with any water-based activity though, remember to take care to avoid claiming on your travel insurance.

Venice is merely the tip of the iceberg when it comes to cruising Italy, however. Further down the Italian coast, you'll be astounded by the magnificent art galleries of Florence, including the world-renowned Uffizi. Again, it's important to note before departing on a day trip that accidents occasionally happen and you may need to claim on your travel insurance. The best practice is to check your travel insurance first to ensure all of your planned activities are fully covered.

Another popular destination is Rome, Italy's capital and home of tourist sites such as the impressive Coliseum, the ruin-covered Palatine Hill and intriguing historical treasures such as the Villa Borghese, as well, of course, as the papal seat itself, the Vatican City. Smaller but equally as worthwhile is Capri, with its secluded Blue Grotto, which has been bringing visitors under its spell for almost two hundred years.

Away from Italy, another major draw for Mediterranean tourists is the Côte d'Azur, or the French Riviera. Whilst this section of French coastline is hugely popular and often crowded, it is hard to deny its magnetic natural beauty, while art-lovers will have a chance to sample the works of the masters at places such as Villefranche and Nice. Meanwhile, nearby Monaco with its glitzy opera house and famous Monte-Carlo casino is bound to entertain. As in any tourist-filled area, you should watch your valuables while enjoying Monte-Carlo, to avoid claiming on your travel insurance later.

One truly un-missable city is Barcelona. This Spanish city plays host to many tours which disembark from cruise ships and take in such sights as the unfinished masterwork by the Catalan architect, Antoni Gaudi, the Sagrada Familia Church, as well as the Gothic Quarter, the oldest part of the city, with its cathedral and ancient alleyways. Be vigilant while travelling the city, as thieves may be about; it's best to ensure that you're covered by your travel insurance before embarking on any day trips. Other notable tourist attractions in Barcelona include the city's Picasso Museum, dedicated to the distinctive artist, along with La Ramblas, the famed shopping street.

If you want to experience something different, you might want to explore the spice markets of Marrakech, in Morocco, which combines shades of the Mediterranean with a heady dose of Africa. Some 1,000 years old, Marrakesh is a hub of Moroccan tourism and has successfully retained its historical flavour, with the brick ramparts of old being still visible. Visitors can sample the palaces and mosques of the city, explore the elaborate Saadian Tombs, before stopping off at one of the city's numerous street cafes for a break.

A tour of the coast of Croatia, with a highlight often being walking the fortress walls of Dubrovnik, is usually high on the itineraries of travellers when they consider the east Mediterranean. But a cruise of the east Mediterranean can be wide in scope and may also include an array of Greek islands, such as Corfu and Rhodes, each with their own collection of golden beaches and opportunities to embark on some scuba diving—but before leaping into the water, first check you're covered by your travel insurance!

For a taste of the exotic Middle East, many tourists enjoy a stop-off at Istanbul or Kusadasi, where attractions include visiting the ancient city of Ephesus, taking a Turkish bath or sampling the catch of the day at one of Kusadasi's traditional local fish markets.