Help me pick between these two itineraries!

[thelister]

Hi all, 

 

Long-time Norwegian fan (since 2013). I am currently living in Europe, and curious which of these itineraries would you recommend? Differences highlighted. I have been to Turkey, and Santorini, but don't mind going again. Happy to hear your opinions on how cruise friendly/interesting the ports are (i.e., how easy it is to get to sights, etc.). 

Thanks!

 

Athens (Piraeus),Greece

Kusadasi,Turkey

Istanbul,Turkey

Constanta,Romania

Varna,Bulgaria

Nessebar (Bourgas),Bulgaria

Mykonos,Greece

Santorini,Greece

Athens (Piraeus),Greece

 

OR

 

Athens (Piraeus),Greece

Kusadasi,Turkey

Istanbul,Turkey

Patmos,Greece

Jerusalem (Ashdod),Israel

Tel-Aviv (Haifa),Israel

Limassol,Cyprus

Rhodes,Greece

Athens (Piraeus),Greece

 

[European_CruiseGirl]

Considering the political turmoil currently at the Black Sea area I would definitely not go now or during the next few years to any cruise which includes any Black Sea ports (here in the top ininerary Bulgaria and Romania ports).  

Edited January 18, 2023 by European_CruiseGirl

[fredflint]

I guess it depends if you want to see Israel or not?

[debenson0723]

I really enjoyed Patmos and Rhodes, and would love to visit Israel, so for me the 2nd one would be my choice. 

[Yesimapirate]

It really depends what you like. 

 

Personally,  as a history buff, I'd go with the 2nd.  Rhodes is fantastic and I think we can all agree the history of the sites in Israel is incredible. 

[SpainAlien]

I am actually looking at the second one but then I have no interest in going to Israel 

[Twocoasts]

I did an itinerary almost identical to #2 on Oceania and it was fabulous! I loved Rhodes and Patmos.

[thelister]

Thank you all for the responses! It looks like itinerary two is a clear winner! I would also love to go to Israel as I haven't been...

 

 

[rraesh]

SANTORINI

[Travelling2Some]

2 because Israel trumps all and also because Romania and Bulgaria are inexpensive land trips you can do anytime if you are living in Europe.