We're planning a 7-10ish day cruise in 2024 (either May or Sept/Oct). We'll have our 2 kids with us who are pretty easygoing travelers (at the time they'll be 4 and 8- they don't need screen time to be constantly entertained and mix well-ish for their ages with adults). We travel at a pretty leisurely pace and enjoy equal times being touristy and relaxing with a book, are more likely to visit a museum, check out historical sites, or have beach days than go skydiving or speedboating. We have been on several MSC cruises in the Caribbean and already are familiar with and fans of the line 😄 so no surprises there.
I've traveled a bit by land in Western Europe, but have never been to Eastern Europe. There is a strong likelihood we'll be traveling by land in Spain, France, and Italy sometime again in the next few years, but unlikely that we'll go to Eastern Europe any time soon.
That said- if you've experienced either or both- by land, air, or sea- what are your thoughts? Western Europe is more of a known trip that I personally already know I'd enjoy, but I've never experienced southern Italy (anywhere past Naples/Amalfi Coast), Greece, Turkey, Croatia, etc.
Also if you have been on either east or west cruises: what port or ports are your favorite(s)?
Thanks!