Any help trying to plan a Mediterranean cruise?

[lisagro]

I have been reading your posts very carefully as I am considering planning a Mediterranean cruise for next spring myself for my husband, mother, brother, and me. Cost will be a factor, and my husband is limited as to the amount of time he can take off from work.So I would like to find a cruise that would be around 7 days and include a stay in the embarkation/debarkation (flight) city for a few days either before or after the cruise. My mother would like to see Paris, but that seems to be way too far away from the ports. Her second choice would be Rome. I have done some research, and the Norwegian Epic out of Rome seems to be a decent itinerary. But, as you all say, most of the destinations are quite a long way from the port. And the airfare is horrendous? Do any of you have any alternative suggestions or tips for me? Any hints appreciated. Oh, we like it pretty casual, love Carnival, and like things to do on the ship if we aren't in port.

[AF-1]

Here is my opinion for what it's worth. Have cruised med three times and always in May. Perfect weather. 70's to low 80's almost everywhere. So that would be my choice. The Princess itinerary is good. Starting in Rome gives you time to explore prior to departure; however if you need to see everything in one day book a tour with romeinlimo. They can get you to all the main attractions and still have time to shop and eat. Barcelona is a great port stop. Gibraltar is fun. I was amazed at how the mountain was turned into a hospital during world war two. and a lot of Italians settled there after the war meaning I found some really good Italian food in England. Lisbon was a fun filled day for us. They have a replica of the Golden Gate Bridge and also of Christ the Redeemer Statue like in Rio. Monte Carlo is nice being in the south of France. The only negative would be Paris. Not because its Paris but because it is a long bus ride to downtown from the port. I don't think you will find a perfect itinerary; so pick the cruise with the ports that mean the most and then go for it. This would be my first choice for you since you have family in England.

[AF-1]

Lisagro, take a look at cruises roundtrip out of Barcelona but hit Rome and other parts of Italy. Rome is 45 min from port. We did a one day private tour in Rome and saw everything we needed to plus had time to eat lunch and shop. Same as in Florence. You can do both Pisa and Florence in a day. It will be time consuming but can be done. Or you can just do Pisa for the day; Pisa is 20 min from port where Florence is over an hour from port. Hope this helps.

[Flatbush Flyer]

I have been reading your posts very carefully as I am considering planning a Mediterranean cruise for next spring myself for my husband, mother, brother, and me. Cost will be a factor, and my husband is limited as to the amount of time he can take off from work.So I would like to find a cruise that would be around 7 days and include a stay in the embarkation/debarkation (flight) city for a few days either before or after the cruise. My mother would like to see Paris, but that seems to be way too far away from the ports. Her second choice would be Rome. I have done some research, and the Norwegian Epic out of Rome seems to be a decent itinerary. But, as you all say, most of the destinations are quite a long way from the port. And the airfare is horrendous? Do any of you have any alternative suggestions or tips for me? Any hints appreciated. Oh, we like it pretty casual, love Carnival, and like things to do on the ship if we aren't in port.

 

 

Oceania's airfare is included (as are most of the other things you'll pay extra for on other lines). Food and service will be far better than any mass market line.

 

 

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[lisagro]

Would you be able to fly in a few days early or leave a few days after the cruise ends? Do they require formal attire?

 

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[Flatbush Flyer]

Would you be able to fly in a few days early or leave a few days after the cruise ends? Do they require formal attire?

 

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No formal attire or suits or ties required. It's "country club casual". So no "wife beater" tees, torn shorts or other inappropriate clothing either. If you want other than same day flights, you can pay an extra fee or do as we do: take an air credit and do your own arrangements.

 

 

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[lisagro]

Thanks for the help! I would consider a river cruise, but my mother really likes her casino! She would really like to see Paris; trying to see how we could fit that in.

[lisagro]

I looked at Oceana and didn't really like any of the itineraries they had. Princess has a cruisetour with 6 days on land in Paris and Barcelona and 7-night's on the Crown Princess that sounds perfect but is pretty pricey, not even including airfare. I don't know if I ( or a travel agent) could put together something less expensive. Airfare prices aren't available this far in advance. And wouldn't it cost more to fly into Paris and out of Rome? Otherwise, NCL Epic is still looking pretty good. I did order the book you guys recommended.

 

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[buggins0402]

Thanks for the help! I would consider a river cruise, but my mother really likes her casino! She would really like to see Paris; trying to see how we could fit that in.

 

Airfare is cheap within Europe (much less than people pay for over priced excursions to sites) .... so perhaps look at flying into Paris, spend a few days, find a one way flight to embarkation and do the cruise that works for you.

[Flatbush Flyer]

I looked at Oceana and didn't really like any of the itineraries they had. Princess has a cruisetour with 6 days on land in Paris and Barcelona and 7-night's on the Crown Princess that sounds perfect but is pretty pricey, not even including airfare. I don't know if I ( or a travel agent) could put together something less expensive. Airfare prices aren't available this far in advance. And wouldn't it cost more to fly into Paris and out of Rome? Otherwise, NCL Epic is still looking pretty good. I did order the book you guys recommended.

 

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Did you look at Oceania or was it Oceana (a ship from another cruise line)? Oceania has a tremendous variety of Med cruises - hard to believe you couldn't find something that would work.

 

 

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[AF-1]

If you go with Princess take a look at their EZ Air. They have some pretty good pricing on flights into and out of another airport. I know you said it was tool early; but they will be up 350 days out. I am sure NCL has same type of airline package deals

[cruisemom42]

Princess has a cruisetour with 6 days on land in Paris and Barcelona and 7-night's on the Crown Princess that sounds perfect but is pretty pricey, not even including airfare. I don't know if I ( or a travel agent) could put together something less expensive.

 

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Don't consider the cruise lines' pre- and post-cruise add-ons; they are pricey. Generally they charge each person the full amount for a hotel room so if there are two of you, you're paying twice as much than if you booked the room on your own. Also, the hotels most of these cruisetours use are usually NOT conveniently located in the center of things -- because the 'larger' tourist hotels tend to be on the outskirts.

 

Even if you book your own hotels and pay for private tours, you'll likely come out ahead both in terms of money and enjoyment. Some cities you can do mostly 'on your own' without tours IF your hotel is centrally located or near public transportation.

[hrmkr]

Hey? My thread got hijacked....:)

 

Lisagro, I am glad to share the thread for all this valuable information.

 

It is a lot to decide and any advice makes the process easier.

[buggins0402]

Hey? My thread got hijacked....:)

 

Lisagro, I am glad to share the thread for all this valuable information.

 

It is a lot to decide and any advice makes the process easier.

 

LOL...you've been on the right track on your due diligence for finding what is right for you.

[lamchops]

Of the cruises you have mentioned, I would choose the Princess one. For your first visit to Europe, it hits a lot of the major cities. Ending up in Southampton will give you a couple of days post cruise in London and you could also take the Eurostar to Paris if you so wish or just get permission to leave the cruise in La Havre and go to Paris.

[lisagro]

hrmkr, I am sorry I hijacked your thread :( ; I just thought that maybe we could use some of the same info. Did you pick a cruise yet?

[hrmkr]

lisagro.

 

I am just kidding. More than happy to share info,

 

Still looking at itineraries. I am trying to find time to thoroughly research the cities. then, looking at the ports pages and seeing what people are doing in each port

[exbiologist]

Maybe someone else has mentioned this but the Mediterranean is hotter than Hades in the summer time. I was there in the end of July 2015 and about melted. I think the Acropolis in Athens (no shade, all stone) was about 400,000,000 degrees. Rome was almost as hot. Every one of these places was extremely humid too. I will never go back in June, July or August. I'll go back and there are some great itineraries, but no way will i do it mid summer. Go to the Baltic, Alaska or British Isles in the summer.

[grapau27]

Maybe someone else has mentioned this but the Mediterranean is hotter than Hades in the summer time. I was there in the end of July 2015 and about melted. I think the Acropolis in Athens (no shade, all stone) was about 400,000,000 degrees. Rome was almost as hot. Every one of these places was extremely humid too. I will never go back in June, July or August. I'll go back and there are some great itineraries, but no way will i do it mid summer. Go to the Baltic, Alaska or British Isles in the summer.

It is extremely hot those months plus it is school holidays then so prices go up and places are inundated with kids.

[grapau27]

At first we were thinking about going to Alaska next summer but now may do a Mediterranean cruise instead.

 

really do not know anything about Eastern Vs. Western med cruises.

 

I would appreciate any advice as to which cruise line and certain itineraries or ports to definitely not miss.

 

Thanks for the help

A lot of cruises start and end in Barcelona,Rome,

Venice or Southampton.

For the first 3 you are guaranteed hot, sunny cloudless skies all those months.

From Southampton even in summer you cannot guarantee the above plus for the majority of the Southampton cruises you have to sail through the bay of Biscay which can be mostly very stormy but sometimes very calm.

[lisagro]

I think I am leaning toward a cruise that starts and maybe also ends in Rome (Civachveccia) so we can do pre or post cruise days there. My husband is limited in the amount of time he can take off from work, and funds are limited, so a 7 or 8 day cruise is probably best. Mom is most interested in the French and Italian "touristy" ports; not too interested in Spain. So, I think that NCL Epic might be the best choice for April or May 2018. Any comments, thoughts, or suggestions?

 

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[jocap]

A lot of cruises start and end in Barcelona,Rome,

Venice or Southampton.

For the first 3 you are guaranteed hot, sunny cloudless skies all those months.

From Southampton even in summer you cannot guarantee the above plus for the majority of the Southampton cruises you have to sail through the bay of Biscay which can be mostly very stormy but sometimes very calm.

:) Well, I must have gone through the Bay of Biscay about 20 times, plus had a cruise entirely in the Bay, but can only recall three rough sailings... the cruise around N.Spain and France was remarkable for smooth seas. :cool: It is, however, the only time my husband feels a little queasy, which is why I remember the three rough ones! :(

[lisagro]

I have now read most of Rick Steves' "Mediterranean Cruise Ports." My eyes hurt, but I think I learned a lot.

 

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[AF-1]

Norwegian Epic is a nice ship with lots to do. I have sailed Barcelona, France, Italy, twice before. Always in May. Weather was excellent and seas were calm. I think you made a great choice

[lisagro]

I just read a post saying how horrible the Epic is. Now I'm worried.

 

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