This or that?

[NCteacherlovescruising]

Malta or Palma De Mallorca?

Cannes or Marseille?

La Spezia or Livorno?

 

And why?

[cruisemom42]

Answers to this are likely going to be very much based on opinion of the poster. But in an attempt to "validate" my gut choices, I did look at a few travel sites and ratings.

 

Malta v. Palma -- Malta for the win. It is consistently in the top 10 Med ports as rated by cruisers and by travel professionals. It has a gorgeous harbor, history from all eras dating from the Stone age to modern day, it's easy to get around Valletta on your own and even get to Mdina using the efficient bus system or honest taxis. It also has cute fishing villages and photogenic coastline.

 

Cannes or Marseille -- I have to go with Marseille, not so much for the city itself (although I like it better than some, it reminds me of a French Naples, not too surprising as both were ancient ports founded by the Greeks and then used by the Romans). Marseille scores points for being the jumping off spot for a number of quite pretty villages and also for visits to Avignon, a larger city but one with lots to see and do. Bias -- I tend to be more interested in history than in "lifestyles of the rich and famous", so Cannes doesn't rate that highly with me. However, it seems other sources agree with me on Marseille, so....

 

La Spezia or Livorno -- The toughest one, to me. It depends very much on previous experiences and what interests you. I know the Cinque Terre is a very popular destination. I have to admit that for me it's not "all that" and especially now that it is so crowded, it has lost much of its charm. I would choose La Spezia ONLY if the traveler has already visited Florence and/or other wonderful cities of Tuscany (Lucca, Siena, etc.) and wants to do something different. The only real reason to dock at La Spezia is the Cinque Terre; everything else is farther and more difficult than from Livorno. So -- I will say Livorno.

[NCteacherlovescruising]

1 hour ago, cruisemom42 said:

Answers to this are likely going to be very much based on opinion of the poster. But in an attempt to "validate" my gut choices, I did look at a few travel sites and ratings.

 

Malta v. Palma -- Malta for the win. It is consistently in the top 10 Med ports as rated by cruisers and by travel professionals. It has a gorgeous harbor, history from all eras dating from the Stone age to modern day, it's easy to get around Valletta on your own and even get to Mdina using the efficient bus system or honest taxis. It also has cute fishing villages and photogenic coastline.

 

 

My husband agrees with Malta!  He thinks we would both love it!

 

1 hour ago, cruisemom42 said:

Cannes or Marseille -- I have to go with Marseille, not so much for the city itself (although I like it better than some, it reminds me of a French Naples, not too surprising as both were ancient ports founded by the Greeks and then used by the Romans). Marseille scores points for being the jumping off spot for a number of quite pretty villages and also for visits to Avignon, a larger city but one with lots to see and do. Bias -- I tend to be more interested in history than in "lifestyles of the rich and famous", so Cannes doesn't rate that highly with me. However, it seems other sources agree with me on Marseille, so....

 

I know you are really into history. I enjoy it, but wouldn’t want to spend my whole vacation focusing on it. I’m more into the quaint villages, beautiful scenery and shopping for things I can’t easily find at home.  Now while we’re in Rome, I for sure want to focus on all the beautiful architecture and history. 
 

1 hour ago, cruisemom42 said:

La Spezia or Livorno -- The toughest one, to me. It depends very much on previous experiences and what interests you. I know the Cinque Terre is a very popular destination. I have to admit that for me it's not "all that" and especially now that it is so crowded, it has lost much of its charm. I would choose La Spezia ONLY if the traveler has already visited Florence and/or other wonderful cities of Tuscany (Lucca, Siena, etc.) and wants to do something different. The only real reason to dock at La Spezia is the Cinque Terre; everything else is farther and more difficult than from Livorno. So -- I will say Livorno.

 

We’ve never been to Europe. However, we will most likely spend time in Tuscany and Venice post cruise if we don’t keep the cruise with Livorno. 
 

Thanks for your input!