First European cruise

[coldqueen]

We just booked our first European cruise, an Eastern Mediterranean cruise.  Been on plenty of Caribbean cruises.  What is different that I don't know?  Give me your tips please!

[Kellie in Texas]

Most likely, it will be port-intensive. Break in some good walking shoes ahead of time. If you are visiting historical or religious sites, check to see if there's a dress code (like, no shorts, head must be covered, etc.)

[George C]

Agree normally very port intensive, I would avoid the summer if possible lots of walking , lots of places without a/c , again well said in previous post no shorts in church’s , Vatican etc .

[shipgeeks]

Passengers are more likely to dress up in the evening while onboard.

[lakelorain]

Lots of stairs and walking on cobblestones and uneven walkways.  You will sleep well because you will be tired from all the exercise.

 

[bonsai3s]

* Different languages...cruise director may be multi-lingual.

 

* Dollars onboard...could be Euros or other denomination on shore.

 

* Time changes.

 

* Water in cans...instead of plastic bottles.

 

* Typically, beaches in the Med are rocky...not sandy.

 

* Be careful of pickpockets.

 

Please kindly tell us your itinerary...it may give us more ideas.

[silentbob007]

The ports you stop at may not exactly be close to cities of interest. Definitely look at dress codes depending on excursions. Nightlife may be subdued if everyone is exhausted from the day. 

[Crazy planning mom]

4 hours ago, coldqueen said:

We just booked our first European cruise, an Eastern Mediterranean cruise.  Been on plenty of Caribbean cruises.  What is different that I don't know?  Give me your tips please!

Arrive at your port city 2 nights before so you can explore it.

[jbrinkm]

Have you been to Europe before? Wondering if Europe tips are also useful, or just cruising, specifically, in Europe...

[coldqueen]

We arrive in Greece 3 days before to see sites.  Cruise goes to Mykonos, Crete, Zakynos, Split, Kotor and ends in Ravenna, Italy.  

[jbrinkm]

13 minutes ago, coldqueen said:

We arrive in Greece 3 days before to see sites.  Cruise goes to Mykonos, Crete, Zakynos, Split, Kotor and ends in Ravenna, Italy.  

 

That sounds lovely! Do you plan to spend the 3 days in Athens? If you think you have time, I would recommend trying to get on a trip (or even do an overnight) up to the monasteries at Meteora. They are beautiful (men need long pants and women need skirts from what I remember) and the people & restaurants up in that area feel more authentically Greek. 

[George C]

22 minutes ago, coldqueen said:

We arrive in Greece 3 days before to see sites.  Cruise goes to Mykonos, Crete, Zakynos, Split, Kotor and ends in Ravenna, Italy.  

Totally loved Kotor charming walled city.

[cruisequeen4ever]

You will be exhausted at the end of the day, because the days are full of long tours, but it is all worth it because you see the most magnificent sites. You go to bed much earlier and thus, don’t participate in as much evening entertainment as you would in the Caribbean because you have to get up early for the next port. There is more planning involved Have a blast!

[cruiselvr04]

It’s wonderful!  Yes break in your shoes and if you don’t already, take lots of long walks now to build up your stamina. 
 

Pickpockets are very real.  I highly recommend travelon or pac safe bags.  Keep them in front of you and use the locks.  We did and had no issue. Our BIL did not follow our advice and was a victim with his cargo pants with buttons. Read up on their tactics.  
 

Try to reach out to those on your cruise.  You may be able to organize tours not with the cruise line that are better.  While it didn’t save us money, our groups were smaller and saw much more.  
 

Try to arrive early or stay over to see more on your trip on your own.  Research is key.