The Mediterranean region is rich with culture and history. Much of western artistic and literary tradition can be traced to the Mediterranean region where ancient Greek and Roman civilizations set the standard for philosophy. Further into the west, Hebrew and Arab cultures have also influenced nations along the Mediterranean Sea. The region is vibrant and colorful, and going on a Mediterranean cruise can let people see it all in one go.
The journey begins in the Iberian Peninsula, which cradles Portugal and Spain. The Peninsula was called Iberia by the Ancient Greeks, describing the entirety of the peninsula, setting the Pyrenees as the border. The term Hispania, however, was given by the Romans who have largely influenced the culture and the language. The "Romantic" Spanish language was borne from the Latin influence; this is also why Hispanic America is also called "Latin" America.
The expansion of the Roman Empire in ancient times was what influenced much of the Mediterranean in the first place. Evidence of this can be seen when cruise passengers visit Rome and Naples in Italy. This is where history's greatest philosophers and poets came from. One may be reminded though that the culture of Rome is in turn, largely influenced by Greece.
