Splitting the European and North African continents, the Mediterranean Ocean is an expansive body of blue waters and ancient, exotic ports of call. While the weather in December is generally cooler and wetter than the summer months--Rome's average temperature in December is 60 degrees--ports of call in the Mediterranean are more about history and culture than water sports. Destinations like Istanbul, Athens, Barcelona, Rhodes and Alexandria allow passengers the opportunity to explore thousands of years of history, taste some of the world's finest fare and be immersed in incredible art and music. Royal Caribbean offers a 12-day cruise departing three times in December. This epic trip disembarks from Barcelona, making stops in Palermo, Athens, Rhodes, Alexandria and Valetta. Other major cruise lines that ply the Mediterranean in December are MSC Cruises, Costa Cruise Line and Carnival. Seabourn and Silversea, ultra-luxurious cruise lines, also offer Mediterranean cruises