Any advice on cruises in the mediterranean?

[will7678]

So my wife and I have been on 4 cruises so far (with a 5th planned). The next time we book one I am seriously thinking about springing for a Mediterranean cruise. Anyone out there have any tips? Specifically for someone coming from the east coast (Upstate NY). Are there any times that are best to book a cruise from a price standpoint? It seems like we will be spending around $2K for plane tickets so it would be nice to save a bit on the cruise portion. Also should we plan on getting in a day early and staying at a hotel? I have never flown to Europe so I'm not sure if there are often delays and we should keep a safety net of a day prior in order to make sure we don't miss the boat.

 

Are there any must see ports or cruise lines that are just better? We have only cruised Carnival so far but are certainly not opposed to branching out. One of my wife's dream spots is Greece so we will definitely pick a cruise with port visits in Greece.

 

Also should we consider booking through a travel agent since neither of us have any familiarity with Europe at all?

 

Thanks!

[Keith1010]

First off you can get a lot of information on the Ports Of Call Board.

 

First when you look at cruises look carefully at the ports of embarkation and disembarkation.

 

Consider how easy or difficult it will be to get to and from them via flights.

 

Also, I would advice arriving a few days pre cruise so you get over jet lag, not worry about the impact of a cancelled flight would have making the cruise, and also having time to recover any luggage should it go astray.

 

So factor in if it is a city/port you would like to spend extra days seeing.

 

Yes, you should get a TA to help you.

 

You wil find lots of options out there in terms of itinerary and cruise lines. Look at others including Princess, Celebrity, Holland just to name a few.

 

Keith

[Jacs]

I would always fly in a few days early just so I can spend extra days exploring the departure city, most popular departure cities are Venice, Rome and Barcelona, why would you want to miss exploring those amazing cities if you have never been to Europe before!?!

 

When we did a Med cruise we flew into Milan and then trained it down to Rome. We had been to Rome for 5 days on a previous land holiday so we just had the 1 night. Post cruise we got the train up to Turin and stayed 2 days before flying home again.

Edited July 8, 2015 by Jacs

[morbihan]

I would start from either Rome or Venice and spend as much time as possible in both.

 

No point in coming all the way from America and paying all that money for a flight and just doing a cruise.

 

The first cruise we took in the Med we visited the Greek Isles. Fabulous. This last time it was Croatia and the Dalmation coast.

 

I am an enormous fan of Venice. Love it. We rent a flat so less expense to stay longer. Did the same in Rome.

[Floridiana]

Excellent advice from my pre-posters.

Fly in early, a few days is best. Explore the cities of embarkation and disembarkation if you have sufficient time. Check out which flights to which cities are most reasonable. And yes, use a reliable and experienced travel agent. They know all of this already!

[Musigurl]

Consider a cruise that starts in one port and end in another -- and then plan on spending an extra day or two (or three). You're flying all that way -- might as well get in as many places as possible!

[Essiesmom]

When cruising Europe, and especially the Med, they are usually very port intensive, few sea days or free time spent onboard, so itinerary is more important than cruise line or ship. It is just your floating hotel/restaurant. So I would decide where I want to go first. Get a copy of Rick Steves' Mediterranean Cruise Ports, read about the ports and what there is to see/do, and then start building a list of places you really want to see. Chances are, you won't be able to fit them all into one cruise.

How long can you spend away? The Med. cruises are divided into Eastern and Western. To see ports in both areas, you would need at least ten days on the ship, not including pre-cruise stay.

When you have compiled a list of ports, go to http://www.cruisetimetables.com and go to the second list, destinations. Click on the ones highest on your list, then the time you want to be there. It will show you who is calling there, and their itineraries. Play around. Have fun planning! EM

[nolatravelgirl]

Agree with others that on Med cruise the start and end ports are important and are generally wonderful cities. It is much different than a typical carnival cruise departing Florida where you just fly in late the evening before (or day of) so you can board as early as possible so that you can begin your vacation.

 

I am doing a Med cruise starting in Barcelona and ending in Venice. I am flying in two days before and plan on fulling making use of my last morning in Barcelona. No need to be first in line at the cruise buffet restaurant when I could have a lovely snack and stroll around Barcelona.

[iancal]

Here is another perspective on air.

 

We have found that airfare within Europe is very inexpensive. We have often found that we can take advantage of 'point' fares and do a multi destination ticket or do one ways with the same carrier. This Sept we are flying into Athens and flying home from Paris. Both segments were rock bottom prices and the fare from Crete to Paris was under $100. We have done this type of travel for the past several years. It has enabled us to make the most of our vacation time and our vacation dollars.

 

Also be aware of airports. Two years ago we were flying from Italy to S. Africa. The savings we enjoyed by flying out of Milan instead of Rome or Venice actually paid for a few days in Lake Como for us.

 

Take a look at cruise air offered by the cruise lines. Just be aware that once in a while buying two segments on cruise air(going and return) can actually be less expensive that a return ticket. Not certain why, but never assume that the return ticket option will always be the cheaper of the two.

Edited July 8, 2015 by iancal

[Hlitner]

Ok, we will post some tips. Consider flying-in several days early (if possible) and staying a few days after the cruise. Fight to get more time (and money) so that you can maximize your time in Europe....which makes sense given the high airfare. Consider a cruise that begins and ends in different ports as this is a great way to explore 2 areas (before and after the cruise). So called "Open Jaw" airfares usually allow you to purchase airline tickets for about the same cost as a regular round trip ticket.

 

As to itinerary, pay attention to the times in each port and the day of the week. Keep in mind that Sunday's can be very quiet in many European places (with many closures) and many museums (and some sites) are closed one day a week (usually on either Sun, Mon or Tues). So plan accordingly. Many folks are very disappointed to find themselves in Civitavecchia (port for Rome) on a Sunday when much of the Vatican is usually closed.

 

You can also save a substantial amount of money by doing some (or all) ports on your own. There are some excellent guide books on the market (such as the Rick Steves book) to help with this decision making. It can also be less expensive to simply get together with some others via the CC Roll Call board to split the cost of private tours.

 

As to the time of year, we prefer the so-called shoulder season which would be from mid-April thru mid-June and also in the fall (after labor day). Prices for both cruises and airfares can often be lower once you get out of the very busy summer season.

 

Hank

 

Hank

[zqvol]

One last tip, IF you can afford it forget the mass market lines and get on one of the upscale lines. Windstar may be the most affordable of those. They tend to spend a lot longer in port than the mass markets because they are not interested in milking you for money on board. Also look at an Athens round trip or an Athens - Istanbul cruise if your wife wants the Greek isles.

 

Another good thing if you can afford it is to do back to back cruises. We did Venice - Dubrovnik followed by Dubrovnik - Athens. No duplicate ports and no sea days.

[Putterdude]

Summer and early fall is very hot and humid in the Mediterranean so if you are not used of these conditions be prepared.

[Marseydotes]

The previous posters have offered good advice. Try to think of your ship as more your hotel room than a place to play. There will be little time for shipboard activities, and you will be tired.

Remember that you cannot see everything, so do your research, prioritize, and plan! On our first trip to the Med, I tried to do as much as I could, thinking I would never return. But that coin I tossed in the Trevi fountain in Rome must have worked--in September, we will be back for the third time!

Be aware that things may not be done as we do it here in the States, they aren't "wrong" and neither are we--just different!

In at least a couple of ports, try to just join the locals at a cafe, taking a stroll, and enjoying the people and sights around you.

We find private excursions much more to our liking than the ship ones. If you join others on your roll call, it will be cheaper, too.

Never did this, but it makes sense--read it here on Cruise Critic. Try signing up for the cruise line's air program, then keep an eye on airfares yourself. If you find a cheaper one, book it and cancel the cruise air. Must be done before you pay for it!

I envy you the excitement of that first trip. Enjoy!

[nolatravelgirl]

Also don't forget to budget for shore excursions. While many of these stops are DIY in order to really get to the efficiently during the short time will require some sort of organized trip.

[iancal]

Would never recommend that you go during late June, July, or August. TOO many tourists, TOO hot. Try for spring or early/late Sept/October.

 

You could do a Med cruise, then do some local ferry travel. You could for instance, spend a week going down the coast of Croatia from Split to Dubrovnik and staying a few days at three or four stops. Ferry runs in the day, is inexpensive, and lots to see. We did this several years ago after a cruise that ended in Venice and we plan to do it again.

 

OR you could do the same from Athens...spend some time visiting the Greek Islands on your own. This is our plan for September. We like to cruise but we also like to get off the ship and experience local hotels, restaurants, travel, etc.

Edited July 8, 2015 by iancal

[Hlitner]

Would never recommend that you go during late June, July, or August. TOO many tourists, TOO hot. Try for spring or early/late Sept/October.

 

You could do a Med cruise, then do some local ferry travel. You could for instance, spend a week going down the coast of Croatia from Split to Dubrovnik and staying a few days at three or four stops. Ferry runs in the day, is inexpensive, and lots to see. We did this several years ago after a cruise that ended in Venice and we plan to do it again.

 

OR you could do the same from Athens...spend some time visiting the Greek Islands on your own. This is our plan for September. We like to cruise but we also like to get off the ship and experience local hotels, restaurants, travel, etc.

 

Just thinking out loud and wondering what currency you will need in Sept :). You might actually luck-out and find some great deals in hotels and restaurants due to many being scared away (no reason for this...but you know travelers) from Greece. If they are forced to reinstate the Drachma you might need a wheel barrel :).

 

Hank

P.S. If the political situation gets worse even DW and I might consider a trip over to Greece to take advantage :) We love traveling in the country and to multiple islands.

Edited July 8, 2015 by Hlitner

[wassup4565]

I absolutely agree with Hank, don't skip Greece because of this Euro dust-up. That's just business, politicians, bankers and commerce haggling over who gets more (or less). Daily life goes on, and the Greeks, normally very welcoming, will be delighted to see you and help you have a great time.

 

My advice is to line up private excursions for some ports, but not to arrange an excursion for every day, as you can only take in so much. As well, the excursion business in the Med (taxis, tour operators) is very experienced and professional - they will get you back to the ship on time, and there's no need to pay twice as much for a ship excursion to ride on a huge bus.

 

Almost every port in the Med offers many things to see and do right near the dock. Do a little research online beforehand, and explore some ports on your own on foot. Try the local drink, order some new food, and just walk around looking and seeing. I always love checking out a grocery store....

Edited July 9, 2015 by wassup4565

[iancal]

Not sure what currency we will have in Greece. Will probably know by next week! Although we did buy 500E last week when the euro dropped a little. I suspect that we may have to take more cash money than usual.

 

We expect things in Greece to settle down and we do not arrive until Aug. 31. Our only risk is the inexpensive air tickets that we have booked from HER to CDG in early Oct. If things go pear shaped after we arrive in Athens we can simply go elsewhere.

 

We were in Greece and Turkey a few years ago when it was very quiet. TA's were advising tourists against travel, US and Europe economy was bad. Not that they really know that much other than what CNN says. We got in a couple of Med cruises and some great land tours. Besides, the Peloponnese and the Islands are night and day compared to Athens.

Edited July 9, 2015 by iancal

[Flatbush Flyer]

So my wife and I have been on 4 cruises so far (with a 5th planned). The next time we book one I am seriously thinking about springing for a Mediterranean cruise. Anyone out there have any tips? Specifically for someone coming from the east coast (Upstate NY). Are there any times that are best to book a cruise from a price standpoint? It seems like we will be spending around $2K for plane tickets so it would be nice to save a bit on the cruise portion. Also should we plan on getting in a day early and staying at a hotel? I have never flown to Europe so I'm not sure if there are often delays and we should keep a safety net of a day prior in order to make sure we don't miss the boat.

 

 

 

Are there any must see ports or cruise lines that are just better? We have only cruised Carnival so far but are certainly not opposed to branching out. One of my wife's dream spots is Greece so we will definitely pick a cruise with port visits in Greece.

 

 

 

Also should we consider booking through a travel agent since neither of us have any familiarity with Europe at all?

 

 

 

Thanks!

 

 

Air delays/cancellations to/from Europe? Of course there are: just happened to multiple folks on our current cruise from Lisbon to Rome: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=47020283

 

Also, why would you spend >$1K per person on air and then not extend your visit pre and post cruise to explore additional cities? Along these lines, you should look for itineraries that start and stop in key locations. We are currently on Oceania Riviera from Lisbon to Rome. Spent 3 nights in Lisbon and will spend 4 nights in Rome. Rome (the port is actually Civitavecchia, which is about an hour away by taxi, depending on traffic). IMO, Rome as a port stop is a waste of time- too much to see in too little time. Ergo, start or end there.

 

Speaking of Oceania, you should consider this premium line if for no other reason than the included airfare (or credit if you prefer to book your own flights (we do).

 

As for the cost comparison, never use only cabin price. For example, Oceania's cabin price will be higher than an upper end mass market line like Celebrity. But, O Includes airfare, beverages, specialty restaurants, etc and has just introduced "O Life" where most cruises starting next summer (2016), will include gratuities, internet and a selection of excursions. Add to this TA OBC of 7-10% of the cabin cost and then compare net costs (including those air tix) by reducing it all to a "daily rate" for your vacation. You will quickly find that Oceania gives you great "bang for your buck." And if that doesn't convince you, think about what you don't get on O: thousands of passengers, lousy food, art shows, incessant announcement, photographers, nickle/diming you to death (pay for bottled water? Really?)

 

Find a cruise specialist TA who is a top producer for the line(s) in which you are interested. They are incentivized as partners and can make the trip a far better deal than you'll ever find w/o a TA or through the airline direct. Start by checking TA recommendations in the "best of..." lists occasionally published in "Conde Nast Traveler."

 

Finally, the next time you think of heading to the Caribbean because you need a beach break, try Hawaii or Polynesia instead- far more beautiful and varied geography. And, if you like sea days and islands check out an itinerary like Oceania Marina -January 2016 - Valparaiso (Chile) to Papeete (Tahiti).

[Kmangel]

I just took a Med/Greek cruise in June. If I had it to do over I would go when it was cooler and less congested with tourists. The line at the Vatican was 2 hours long, yet a few years ago in May my son walked right inside with no waiting. I usually travel late May and it is amazing how only a couple of weeks will make such a difference.

[morbihan]

The Vatican can be pre-booked.

 

I am afraid that Rome and Venice always have many, many tourists. The trick is to go out very early and enjoy them on your own. When we were in Rome it was so hot we didn't go out during the day but we managed to see a lot. Greece was the same temperature. We stayed aboard!

[agabbymama]

OP - go to your library and check out some Europe guide books (Rick Steves, Fodors, Frommers) don't spend money to buy them.

 

Then I like to start a graph chart. I list the various cruise lines/ships across the top, then the things of importance to me (length of cruise, size of ship, cabin type, sights to see, ports, times in ports, cost, etc.) down the side. As you research, put an "X" in the conjoining box. As you near the end of your research, one should have more x's.

 

Med cruise was the only time have I failed to make the right choice. We cruised on the Grand Princess from Civitavecchia to Monte Carlo, Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Naples, Santorini, Kusadasi Turkey, Mykonos (cancelled due to high winds), Athens, Katakolon (Olympia), Corfu and ending in Venice. I chose the itinerary over the size of the ship.

 

I agree with the other posters, go for as long as you can afford both money and timewise. We flew from the West Coast to Paris, had 1 day there, on to Rome for 3 days pre-cruise. 12 day cruise. Then 3 days in Venice post-cruise and another 2 days in Paris on the way home. 21 day trip in all.

 

Planning is half the fun of the trip for me with the anticipation of seeing things I had only dreamed of. Have a Plan "A" and a Plan "B" for when Plan A falls apart. Then still be prepared to just go with the flow when both Plan A and Plan B fall apart. It can easily happen in foreign countries.

 

Take half the clothes you think you need, and twice the money. We had budgeted $4500 for the trip (airfare, cruise, tours, hotels, food & souvenirs). The actual total cost came in at $6000 pp. But lots of funny stories to look back on now.

 

Have a great trip whatever you decide to do!

[morbihan]

We go on the train from Paris to Venice. Thello. Go to sleep in France and wake up in Venice! Well, wake up in Milan really. We went back to Venice from Rome then returned by Milan and Lake Como. Back to Milan for Thello to Paris.

 

Husband doesn't do flying but it is not so bad as we catch a train from Paris to the station near us then take the bus. Couple of hundred yards walking and we are home! Might not be the fastest route but we are used to it now. No airports near anyway.

 

I know that it is tempting to try to see everything but you can't. Impossible. You will be exhausted and it will just be a blur. Someone I read on tripadvisor had worked out their day to the minute! Quelle horreur!

[Velvetwater]

Carnival have been great to us in Europe and we are booked on the Vista next year (quite a few of its routes stop in Greece). But it seems that Royal and NCL are very very popular with Europeans also. MSC/Costa could be a choice if you really want to have a completely Med holiday as the ship will be full of Italians and Spanish. We are booked on Celebrity around the Med and I am looking forward to that too.

 

I would stay a few days pre cruise so you can relax. We did that when we flew to Florida from Europe and it really set us up nicely.

 

General Med tips:

 

 

1. Dont feel you always have to do tours, go it alone if you can. We usually book tours only for destinations that are far away from port or are activity based.

 

2. Take local coin for general ease and coins for the toilet (yes lots of public toilets here have a charge)

 

3. Many famous museums and places can be pre-booked so save you waiting in long lines.

 

4. Europeans do not usually give a tips for drinks but may leave a 10-15% tip after a meal if the service was good.

 

5. Beware of 'sit down' charges in places (Spain and Italy mostly) where they will charge more for outside/a great location or simply just for sitting down in their restaurants. You will notice many locals will sit inside/at the counter. They will also motion that the bread/breadsticks are free when they are not.

 

6. You guys love your coffee so I will tell you Italian coffee is never usually taken with Milk after breakfast time. Most places will be espresso and hot water (not lattes and so forth) but I have seen more places cater for the tastes of tourists every time I go.

 

7. Greece needs all the tourism it can get...do not worry and just take extra Euros.

 

8. Have fun! :)

Edited July 12, 2015 by Velvetwater

[iancal]

We have been to Greece a number of times doing independent land travel.

 

We have done two cruises that stopped in Greek Islands. While the stops were very nice we were somewhat disappointed. Having been to these islands before we realized how very much you actually miss by just having a short port stop-most especially in Crete, Santorini, and Rhodes.

Edited July 12, 2015 by iancal