Cruise tourists on the Mainland: Itineraries and Interactions

Abstract

This study is based on fieldwork conducted using participant observation – including both direct observation of/participation in the activities of informers by the researcher, several interviews, and the analysis of pictures and various material – accomplished aboard some cruises (in the Mediterranean Sea) and on the mainland (in some of the destinations). It takes into account the case of cruise passengers who decide to self-manage a destination visit. During fieldwork, I could study some particular forms of interaction taking place on two different levels: the forms of interaction established between passengers and destinations – focusing particularly on Palermo, Italy – and the system of interactions realized between passengers themselves during their visits.