Mediterranean Cruise-tours combine land and sea

Royal Caribbean International's "cruisetour" vacations give guests the opportunity to pair a multi-day land vacation package with either a Mediterranean cruise. In 2005, Royal Caribbean is offering four land packages to pair with its European cruises -- one to London and Paris, two to Spain, and one to the English cities of London and York. The cruise line has partnered with Akorn, a division of Abercrombie and Kent and one of the leading customized tour operators in Europe.

Land tour portions range from three to five nights and are escorted by knowledgeable, local tour directors who not only provide historical and expert commentary, but also serve as personal concierges to assist with anything from dinner reservations to show or museum tickets. Also included are four- and five-star hotel accommodations in the heart of the city centers, breakfast each morning, a farewell group dinner, and guided tours of top cultural attractions, as well as free time to pursue individual interests.

Guests on 7-night Splendour of the Seas Mediterranean itineraries or 12-night Brilliance of the Seas Mediterranean/Venice or Mediterranean/Greek Isles sailings can enhance their cruise with a three-night Madrid and Barcelona land tour. A five-night land tour, which includes visits to Madrid, Barcelona and Seville, also is available to Brilliance of the Seas' guests.