by Wendy Perrin

"I've been searching for a cruise focusing on the Southern/Eastern Mediterranean and Northern Africa," writes Inna Tarasula. "While some ships do make stops at the ports of Alexandria, Port Said, Casablanca, Tunis, Tangier, Tripoli, Banghazi, Valletta, Iraklion, and Limassol, usually the itineraries include only one of these fascinating places, mixed in with more conventional destinations. Is there a cruise that travels exclusively to the Southern Mediterranean?"

Good question. I too have found that most cruise ships sailing in the Med call at only one or two of these interesting ports at most, and it's a damn shame. Usually you need to look at the smaller ships with an educational-touring bent, such as Swan Hellenic (see this North African itinerary, for instance). Any of you cruise junkies out there have a suggestion for Inna?  Thanks!