Whith Mediterranean Greek Isles Cruise?

[Springchicken]

My "ex" husband and I are wanting to cruise the Med. and Greek Isles. He has an avid interest in ancient Greek and Rome mythology. Which itineraries would be best for him and which cruise line? We're doing an Alaska Princess cruise in June and I plan to do a future credit, but I'm open to looking at other cruise lines. If anyone can give me tips on where to sail from and which ports, I'd be very grateful. We live in Texas.

 

Also, I'm thinking an inside cabin would suffice since we'll be in port many days. We have a balcony for Alaska. Any suggestions?

[agabbymama]

I really liked Grand Princess itinerary, as it included Italy & Greece with a couple extras thrown into the mix.

 

We leave from Civitavecchia (Rome), Monte Carlo, Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Naples, Santorini, Kusadasi Turkey, Mykonos, Athens, Olympia, Corfu and ending in Venice.

 

We chose Oct '08, but I'm sure they will have a ship doing similar itinerary when you want it.

[Springchicken]

Thanks Agabbymama! We've sailed on the Grand in 2004. Since we're going to Alaska this year, it will probably be 2009 or 2010 when we go to Europe.

[cruisemom42]

If you get the chance, take time to talk to the future cruise specialist onboard during your upcoming cruise. She can fill you in on some of the upcoming itineraries and maybe help you narrow down what you are interested in. Even if you end up going with another line, you'll have a good introduction and basis for comparison. A lot of the ships offer similar itineraries.

 

For example, the itineraries tend to be concentrated in either the Eastern Med (Italy, Greece, Croatia, and Turkey) or Western Med (Italy France, Spain). Which ports appeal more to you? Do you like a large ship or a small ship? Is there a special port that you want to include (for example, some cruises also visit Egypt)?

 

For port-intensive cruises like the Med, the itinerary is really more important than the ship in most cases. And you are probably right that a balcony isn't a necessity. There are always plenty of places on deck to sit or to watch the sailaway from/arrival in ports.

[tom_uk]

Celebrity do a couple of itineraries out of Rome (Civitavecchia) to the eastern Med, 10-night and 11-night. Last year, this year and in 2009 the itineraries have been/will be as follows:-

 

10-night: Messina; day at sea; Athens; Mykonos; Kusadasi; Rhodes; Santorini; day at sea; Naples.

 

11-night: day at sea; Santorini; Mykonos; Istanbul (from 1pm); Istanbul (depart 2pm); Kusadasi; Rhodes; Athens; day at sea; Naples.

[Springchicken]

Thanks cruisemom42 and tom_uk. We'll definitely meet with the Princess cruise planner when we're on our cruise. Tom, have you taken the Celebrity cruise to Eastern Med.? Also, I'm trying to decide whether it is better to fly to Rome first or do it at the end and stay a couple of days before flying home to the states. Anyone have suggestions?

[tom_uk]

Tom, have you taken the Celebrity cruise to Eastern Med.?

 

Yes I have, in 2006 and 2007. The itinerary in 2006 was rather different - less time in the E Med, and some calls in the Western Med - but here's a review to the 2007 cruise:

http://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=30488

 

I also blogged from the cruises, here:

http://tomtotley.wordpress.com/category/galaxy-2007/

 

And finally here are some links to pictures I took in 2006 and 2007:

 

Santorini (2006): http://www.*****/travelpage/aspgallery/view_ad.asp?Ad_ID=2515

Santorini (2007): http://www.*****/travelpage/aspgallery/view_ad.asp?Ad_ID=2890

Santorini Cablecars/tendering (2006) : http://www.*****/travelpage/aspgallery/view_ad.asp?Ad_ID=2737

Mykonos (2006): http://www.*****/travelpage/aspgallery/view_ad.asp?Ad_ID=2702

[texancruzer]

Also, I'm trying to decide whether it is better to fly to Rome first or do it at the end and stay a couple of days before flying home to the states. Anyone have suggestions?

 

We flew in a few days precruise. Three reasons.

 

First - We always fly in at least one day ahead. With the terrible flight delays/cancellations etc. we did not want to chance getting in late and possibly missing the ship :eek: as well as lost luggage issues. Luckily we made it ok (almost had a problem with our very first leg of our flight which would have caused us to miss our connections etc) and so did our luggage. This is just a good practice nowdays.

 

Second - due to our cruise itinerary being very port intensive, it gave us a chance to take a breath between travel-time and cruise-time, altho we went like a wildfire sightseeing in Rome. We made sure each night to be in bed at a decent time so as to get some good sleep !

 

Third - by the time we finished our cruise (9 nights - 6 countries later) in Barcelona I was so done....cooked. We stayed 1 night post cruise and I managed to sightsee all day but after an early dinner I hit the sack ;)

 

So there are three reasons to go ahead..... see Rome and then enjoy your cruise !!!!

[Springchicken]

Thanks Tom and Texancruzer. Tom, great blog and photos as well as your review. They answered some of my questions, Texancruzer, I agree....it's good to go at least 1 day ahead of the cruise. I've flown to UK and experienced jet lag with the time zones, so I wondered about ending in Rome rather than starting there. The ruins and ancient sites are what my D"ex"H really wants to see. Me, I'm a beach bunny instead of looking at old rocks! Ha!

 

Seems like summer is a hot time to go. I'll check with our cruise specialist when we are on the Coral Princess in June as to the monthly temperatures.

 

Texancruzer, which cruise line did you use?

 

I really appreciate your help!!

[PIC-2 psychologist]

Dear Chicken:

Coming from a guy, some general suggestions:

(1) Don't ask people on this web site what they liked, you are not them. If your "ex" (?) motivates this trip, hopefully he is or will be versed in Rome and Greece to come up with a list of his priorities, then, you could start by going to a comprehensive cruising site and look for ships that visit port X and repeat this several times to find the best itinerary. For someone as ignorant on the subject as I, it took some research to see that Ephesus (from Kusadasi or Izmir Turkey) has one of the most comprehensive set of Roman ruins and a visit with a guide is supposed to be quite an experience, and of course, there is Athens.

(2) Don't ask a Princess cruise specialist about temperatures, you obviously have internet access. Once you've narrowed your choices down, google temperature and the port and look for yourself. Considering that you are from Texas (good to leave in July and August and go to cool places like Alaska when its too much in Texas -- June is still relatively tolerable and maybe Alaska weather improves in August?). If you don't have school-aged children and are not tied to a schedule, go to the Mediterranean when it will be pleasant for you, on the ship, in the city, on long walks, etc. Consider late April/May or maybe late September. Do not consider July and August because you'll think you are in Houston relocated closer to the equator.

(3) Beaches for someone in Texas are Hawaii, the Caribbean in the winter, and the Mediterranean when its warm in the Greek Islands and cold in Europe (have no idea when). It would be expensive to go to beaches in Greek Isles when you live in Texas!

(4) Our Mediterranean cruise (for 2 Texans--us) starts as soon as my spouse can leave while the weather in Europe is not hot and the vacation rush is not started (20 May) we start in Barcelona for 3 nights in an apartment (also Roman influence) to recoop from 8 hour flight and 7 hour time change; go to Marseille (Roman ruins at Glanum, also multiple great sites nearby), Pisa/Florence, a busy Rome to include Vatican museum, Pompeii (there you go) and Amalfi coast out of Naples, then on to a Greek Island, Istanbul, Ephesus, Athens/Cape Sounion, and ending in Venice where we put in another 4 days and then fly home 20 days later. Only one obvious beach stop, but its a walk-around for the morning. The themes are European history, art, culture and a stimulating mix of archeological sites, vistas and views, and observations of people. For us, we have been planning this trip for 10 months and are still in-process.

Enjoy the process.

David

[jg2256]

I recently did a lot of research for a honeymoon Greek Island cruises and found that Oceania had some great itineraries. We picked an Istanbul to Athens cruise on 20 aug. It stops at 6 greek ports in addition to Kudasi (Ephesus) and Dubrovnik. It was pricier than the other lines but airfare was included which is helpful when departing and arriving from different ports. Celebrity and Holland also had some great deals out of Rome. Princess and Carnival had some good itineraries also, but I do not remember the particulars. **** has a real easy way to search for cruises that stops in certain ports and has prices extended out so it will give you a good way to start your research. Once you get into October the weather will be good but I wouldn't count necessarily on beach days.

[Springchicken]

Thanks David and jg2256. Really great information. I'll check out everything you mentioned. I pretty much knew beach days would be for viewing only. I am an amateur photographer so I'll enjoy any port. Bob is the one who likes the ancient ruins, etc. I'm thinking that Sept. will be a better weather temp. there. We can go any month of the year.

 

jg, I'll check out *** for information...thanks. We will be looking at the least expensive way to see the places of importance, and also the best way to purchase airfare. I will have enough frequent flyer Cont. miles but Bob will have to buy his ticket.

 

I have to say, these Cruise Critic Boards are wonderful. I've always met such wonderful and helpful people and I try to pass along help as well. Just wish I had found this site for my first cruises!

[texancruzer]

Carol: All 4 cruises have been on Royal Caribbean. We did the Mediterranean on Brilliance of the Seas (her last one before heading back to the Caribbean for her winter Caribbean sails).

 

See you did Rhapsody in 2003 also :) Our first cruise that my MIL and FIL talked us into going on (out of Galveston) since we also live in Texas. We have been hooked every since (altho we also like to do land vacations too). Heading to Abaco Bahamas (our 3rd time) in July for 9 glorious days. Decided not to head to Europe again this year - opting instead for a "relaxing" vacation. ;) We had to come home and rest from our November trip !!!!!

 

We also flew Continental. Corpus Christi to Houston to Paris to Rome. Was a really nice flight from Houston to Paris. Very large new plane. We used American Express rewards transferred to FF account too. I was not nearly affected by jet lag as I thought I was going to be. Think I was going on adrenaline from just knowing I was in Rome !!!!! But coming home - geez I was worthless for 3 days :o

 

Looking now at Celebrity cruise for 2009 though. Royal Caribbean is not doing any cruises to Istanbul next year..... and that is where I want to go next.

[tomko2]

We thoroughly enjoyed our Med/Egypt Cruise on the Legend of the Seas from Rome last August. Photos and review in the links below.

We thought this would be a once in a lifetime cruise --- LOL --- we are now booked to do the Med/Venice from Barcelona on the Brilliance of the Seas in August 2009.

We actually enjoy late August/early Sept. Pretty much guaranteed to have nice sunny days, yes, some can be a bit hot but not unbearable. I have to wear long sleeve shirts most of the time to protect myself from the sun and I still did fine.

Have a wonderful cruise. Maybe your Ex will become your DH again.

Kathy:)

[Springchicken]

A quick thanks to everyone who posted helpful information for me! I think I have a lot of research ahead. Kathy, it's doubtful ex will become DH. Seems to work better this way. But, I've learned to never say never!

[tomko2]

A quick thanks to everyone who posted helpful information for me! I think I have a lot of research ahead. Kathy, it's doubtful ex will become DH. Seems to work better this way. But, I've learned to never say never!

 

Love your spirit! Have a wonderful cruise.

Kathy:)