Ceuta's Mediterranean cruise tourism expands as Red Cross rescues migrants

Barcelona’s port has become a major gateway for Mediterranean cruise itineraries, with ships departing for destinations such as Marseille, Genoa, Naples, Civitavecchia, Livorno, Valletta and Casablanca. The cruise model is promoted as a way to turn the journey itself into an experience, letting travelers enjoy varied cultures, cuisine and entertainment while staying on board, rather than treating travel as a series of transfers.

A team of more than 20 volunteers from the Red Cross operates the semi‑rigid vessel Hipatia out of Ceuta’s harbor, conducting patrols to locate and assist people attempting dangerous crossings from Morocco. The volunteers, many trained in first aid and maritime rescue, also collect marine litter and aid injured marine animals. As one volunteer explained, “the goal is that no one dies drowned,” and they routinely intervene when migrants or debris are spotted in the busy Mediterranean waters surrounding the Spanish enclave.