CherylsCaribbeanTravel Posted January 31, 2011 #1 Share Posted January 31, 2011 First trip to Europe! I'm interested in your opinion regarding the following 2 itineraries. I have sailed on the Caribbean Princess before, and am aware that the Ruby is a newer ship than the Star. OUr number one priority for this trip is the best itinerary for a first time European travelers. The Star Princess has the following itinerary: Venice (overnight at embarkation) Dubrovnik, Croatia Corfu, Greece Katakolon, Greece Athens, Greece Mykonos, Greece Kusadasi, Turkey Rhodes, Greece Santorini, Greece Naples/Capri, Italy Rome, Italy The Ruby Princess Itinerary: Venice (overnight at embarkation) Athens, Greece Kusadasi, Turkey Istanbul, Turkey Mykonos, Greece Naples/Capri, Italy Rome, Italy Florence, Italy Monte Carlo, Monaco Barcelona, Spain Are either of these significantly better than the other? We would add on both pre and post stays for either. Also, are either of these missing a must see port? Thank you for your thoughts, Cheryl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Lew- Posted January 31, 2011 #2 Share Posted January 31, 2011 Our first Med cruise was the 12-day Grand Med on the Emerald. It was a fantastic cruise and I would recommend that itinerary on the Ruby. The Star itinerary is pretty heavy on Greece which you'll get a taste of on the Grand Med. You should also get a taste of France and Spain on your first Med cruise which you'll get on the Grand Med. Lew Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Cruise Junky Posted January 31, 2011 #3 Share Posted January 31, 2011 I've done both. I'd pick the ruby itinerary for your first trip. Better overview of different countries Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sultan_sfo Posted January 31, 2011 #4 Share Posted January 31, 2011 Venice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Cruise Junky Posted January 31, 2011 #5 Share Posted January 31, 2011 Venice! You're a big help seeing as they both start in Venice ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ibfern Posted January 31, 2011 #6 Share Posted January 31, 2011 I'd suggest the Ruby as well, you don't want to miss Istanbul because it is very interesting, safe, and easy to tour on your own and the ship docks close to the old quarter! The same is true for Monaco and Barcelona, both very beautiful and both easy to see on your own. You will have the best time no matter which you choose, enjoy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abouna Posted February 1, 2011 #7 Share Posted February 1, 2011 We did that Ruby itinerary in 2009 and we are still talking about it. As a previous poster said, the Istanbul stop was great and it gives you a great variety, Italy, Turkey, Greece, Monte Carlo and Spain all on one trip. I would do the other itinerary if we were to ever go back as it would be a little more relaxing because the Greek islands are more to just relax and walk around or go to the beach whereas the other itinerary there is really so much to see and do in each place. The Ruby was a great ship too!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Infi Posted February 1, 2011 #8 Share Posted February 1, 2011 I agree with the other posters, go for the Ruby. We did the Grand Med in July and still talk about what a great trip it was. The itinerary is fantastic and hits most of the highlights of the Med. Just be prepared for a very busy trip. The itinerary is very port intensive but more than worth it for the sights you see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doublemm16 Posted February 1, 2011 #9 Share Posted February 1, 2011 I agree with the others...go on the Ruby. We did this itinerary last May and absolutely loved it. Istanbul and Ephesus were fascinating. Be prepared to be on the move. Not a lot of "down time" on this cruise, but we got plenty of rest when we came home. Enjoy!!!:D:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobT172 Posted February 1, 2011 #10 Share Posted February 1, 2011 Besides the fact that the Ruby is our favorite ship, go with the Ruby itinerary. We did that one on the Emerald a few years ago and it was great. While it is very port intensive, we added several days pre- and post-cruise. Venice was fantastic but very expensive.... Barcelona was great.........spent 3 extra days there.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattOsprey Posted February 1, 2011 #11 Share Posted February 1, 2011 I have to say, I think both itineries look great. Istanbul is the only city in the world that is in two continents. Two good choices I would say. Sorry I can't help. Matthew Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CherylsCaribbeanTravel Posted February 2, 2011 Author #12 Share Posted February 2, 2011 Thanks to everyone who took time to reply!! After much thought, we sacrificed Rome to the lions have decided upon the Ruby Princess. Staying 3 nights in Barcelona and 3 nights in Venice. I don't think we could go wrong with either, but it boiled down to variety. I'll have to hit up Rome for more than 13 hours another time :) Thanks again! Cheryl :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Cruise Junky Posted February 2, 2011 #13 Share Posted February 2, 2011 Thanks to everyone who took time to reply!! After much thought, we sacrificed Rome to the lions have decided upon the Ruby Princess. Staying 3 nights in Barcelona and 3 nights in Venice. I don't think we could go wrong with either, but it boiled down to variety. I'll have to hit up Rome for more than 13 hours another time :) Thanks again! Cheryl :) I think you made the right choice!! We used Driver in Rome for a private tour with another 5 people from our roll call and saw an amazing amount of Rome in one day. Try and hook up with a Private Tour if you can, you'll get a lot more out of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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