If you are vacationing on a Mediterranean cruise during the next few years, chances are your voyage will begin in Barcelona, Spain. Lucky you.

Starting in summer 2011, Barcelona will be home to three of the half dozen largest cruise ships in the world, Norwegian’s new Epic, Carnival’s new Magic and Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas.

With the addition of these ships, the cruise fleet, already substantial, will sail each summer week with some 20,000 vacationers headed for the Mediterranean.

On Las Ramblas, above, hoping for tips

You will be rewarded if you add at least one night, before or after your cruise, in Barcelona, one of the favorite cities to visit for Americans touring Europe.

Downtown, near the port and especially along the famed wide walking street Las Ramblas, Barcelona pulses with street performers, strolling crowds of all ages, and a slew of pickpockets.

Read more about Barcelona in this article at  TheTravelMavens.com