Help me choose which itinerary to book!

[Leejnd4]

Hello Crystal cruisers (or former Crystal cruisers)! I'm getting very close to booking a cruise for late 2024. I have two Symphony itineraries I'm torn between:

 

Barcelona to Rome - Oct. 28-Nov 5

Rome to Venice - Nov 5-Nov. 14

 

Both itineraries include ports I've been to, and ports I've not been to. I know many of you have been to all or at least some of these ports, and I would love your input on which itinerary you'd choose and why. Here are the full itineraries (with the ports I haven't been to in bold):

 

Barcelona 

Palma de Mallorca

Port Vendres

Calvi, Corsica

Monte Carlo

Livorno

Rome

 

Rome

Naples

Giardini Naxos, Sicily

Corfu

Kotor

Dubrovnik

Split

Venice

 

I'm going to book a SGR. I have quotes from my TA already.

 

(Forgive me for getting a bit personal here, and I know it's not pertinent to my question, but please indulge me: the purpose of this cruise, and the reason I'm going alone, is to scatter a small amount of my mother's ashes in some of the magical places I visited with her back when we used to do cruises together. All of the ports that I've been to on these itineraries, I visited at some point with her. And it needs to start or end in Rome because there is a very special castle about 60 miles north of Rome where we spent a week once. She told me recently that was her favorite place we ever went together. She is still hanging in there, but not for much longer...the end will be coming soon, possibly any day now. We've talked at length about her wishes for her ashes, and I want to be able to tell her before she goes that I've got my travel lined up.)

 

Either itinerary will meet my objectives, as I have amazing memories of Mom in all of these ports (the ones I've been to, obviously). So the question really comes down to, which cruise has ports that I HAVEN'T been to, that I would enjoy the most? Since I'm going to be visiting new places, might as well pick the cruise with the most interesting new places.

 

Do you think I should pick the earlier cruise because of the weather/ temperatures? Do you have a preference for one region over the other? Any thoughts about a woman traveling alone in these ports? (I'm not particularly concerned about that - I'll be on a cruise!) Anything I haven't thought of? Any thoughts or feedback would be very much appreciated. Thanks!

 

 

[TER777]

I vote for the second one as I quite enjoy Croatia.

[avalon244]

2 hours ago, Leejnd4 said:

Hello Crystal cruisers (or former Crystal cruisers)! I'm getting very close to booking a cruise for late 2024. I have two Symphony itineraries I'm torn between:

 

Barcelona to Rome - Oct. 28-Nov 5

Rome to Venice - Nov 5-Nov. 14

 

Both itineraries include ports I've been to, and ports I've not been to. I know many of you have been to all or at least some of these ports, and I would love your input on which itinerary you'd choose and why. Here are the full itineraries (with the ports I haven't been to in bold):

 

Barcelona 

Palma de Mallorca

Port Vendres

Calvi, Corsica

Monte Carlo

Livorno

Rome

 

Rome

Naples

Giardini Naxos, Sicily

Corfu

Kotor

Dubrovnik

Split

Venice

 

I'm going to book a SGR. I have quotes from my TA already.

 

(Forgive me for getting a bit personal here, and I know it's not pertinent to my question, but please indulge me: the purpose of this cruise, and the reason I'm going alone, is to scatter a small amount of my mother's ashes in some of the magical places I visited with her back when we used to do cruises together. All of the ports that I've been to on these itineraries, I visited at some point with her. And it needs to start or end in Rome because there is a very special castle about 60 miles north of Rome where we spent a week once. She told me recently that was her favorite place we ever went together. She is still hanging in there, but not for much longer...the end will be coming soon, possibly any day now. We've talked at length about her wishes for her ashes, and I want to be able to tell her before she goes that I've got my travel lined up.)

 

Either itinerary will meet my objectives, as I have amazing memories of Mom in all of these ports (the ones I've been to, obviously). So the question really comes down to, which cruise has ports that I HAVEN'T been to, that I would enjoy the most? Since I'm going to be visiting new places, might as well pick the cruise with the most interesting new places.

 

Do you think I should pick the earlier cruise because of the weather/ temperatures? Do you have a preference for one region over the other? Any thoughts about a woman traveling alone in these ports? (I'm not particularly concerned about that - I'll be on a cruise!) Anything I haven't thought of? Any thoughts or feedback would be very much appreciated. Thanks!

 

 

First of all, I think your travel plan is a wonderful way to honor your mother and keep those special memories you shared with her close to your heart.

Regarding the two itineraries you're considering, you can't go wrong with either one. The earlier cruise has overnights in Barcelona and Tuscany. The later one has overnights in Naples and Venice. For me, overnights in Barcelona and Tuscany are very appealing. Imo, you could avoid Naples and not miss much. I like Mallorca. Dubrovnik is a very interesting city. If pressed, I would probably choose the Oct 28 to Nov 5 cruise and spend an extra day or two in Rome at the end of the trip. You mentioned that special castle 60 miles north of Rome. There is also Tivoli Gardens, about 20 miles northeast of Rome, definitely worth a visit. 

           Hope this helps. Wishing you all the best.

[happy cruising]

Based on the ports you have not been to, I agree with Tracie - definitely the second one. Taormina, Sicily is one of the top 5 places I’ve been to in Italy and the sail in to Kotor, Montenegro is spectacular. Croatia is wonderful. I hope you have a wonderful meaningful cruise. 

[Host Jazzbeau]

I have been to all these ports except Port Vendres and Split.  My choice would be the second cruise – perhaps flavored by just having done an extensive Adriatic cruise last fall, but also noting that it would give you 5 new ports rather than only 3.  I would also suggest adding some time at the end to visit Padua and Ravenna if you haven't already been there.

[Leejnd4]

THANK YOU! This is all great information and exactly what I was looking for. Some excellent points here on both cruises, which I need to carefully consider. 

 

I still need to research these new ports to learn more about them, but hearing your thoughts is a HUGE help. I have some homework to do!

 

And I’d love any further responses too. The more feedback I get, the more I have to percolate until the right choice bubbles up to the top. 

[Keith1010]

I know I am late to the party but just wanted to add to this.

 

I also like the second voyage.  I do not think there will be a difference in the weather as these dates are close to one another.

 

Before you decide using this year as an example, look at how you would fly to and from the embarkation and disembarkation cities in terms of availability of flights and cost.  

 

While it can be cooler that time of year there are several pluses in terms of less tourists other than say Venice which is pretty much always crowded and it won't be hot and humid like the summer. 

 

Keith

[Mr Luxury]

Rome to Venice definitely.

The ports are much better IMHO 

[travelberlin]

Rome to Venice would be my favorite if it was not ending in Venice. Ships dock nowadays in Chioggia or Fusina. Both places far away from Venice.

Ivi

[Travel2Learn]

Considering airfare, jetlag and a back-to-back discount, I'd do both. 

[Leejnd4]

46 minutes ago, Travel2Learn said:

Considering airfare, jetlag and a back-to-back discount, I'd do both. 

 

I wish I could do both! But the problem with that is that it wouldn't give me enough time in Rome to go spend a couple days up at that castle. Plus I think my husband wold balk at me being gone that long. 😉 

[vistaman]

13 hours ago, Leejnd4 said:

Hello Crystal cruisers (or former Crystal cruisers)! I'm getting very close to booking a cruise for late 2024. I have two Symphony itineraries I'm torn between:

 

Barcelona to Rome - Oct. 28-Nov 5

Rome to Venice - Nov 5-Nov. 14

 

Both itineraries include ports I've been to, and ports I've not been to. I know many of you have been to all or at least some of these ports, and I would love your input on which itinerary you'd choose and why. Here are the full itineraries (with the ports I haven't been to in bold):

 

Barcelona 

Palma de Mallorca

Port Vendres

Calvi, Corsica

Monte Carlo

Livorno

Rome

 

Rome

Naples

Giardini Naxos, Sicily

Corfu

Kotor

Dubrovnik

Split

Venice

 

I'm going to book a SGR. I have quotes from my TA already.

 

(Forgive me for getting a bit personal here, and I know it's not pertinent to my question, but please indulge me: the purpose of this cruise, and the reason I'm going alone, is to scatter a small amount of my mother's ashes in some of the magical places I visited with her back when we used to do cruises together. All of the ports that I've been to on these itineraries, I visited at some point with her. And it needs to start or end in Rome because there is a very special castle about 60 miles north of Rome where we spent a week once. She told me recently that was her favorite place we ever went together. She is still hanging in there, but not for much longer...the end will be coming soon, possibly any day now. We've talked at length about her wishes for her ashes, and I want to be able to tell her before she goes that I've got my travel lined up.)

 

Either itinerary will meet my objectives, as I have amazing memories of Mom in all of these ports (the ones I've been to, obviously). So the question really comes down to, which cruise has ports that I HAVEN'T been to, that I would enjoy the most? Since I'm going to be visiting new places, might as well pick the cruise with the most interesting new places.

 

Do you think I should pick the earlier cruise because of the weather/ temperatures? Do you have a preference for one region over the other? Any thoughts about a woman traveling alone in these ports? (I'm not particularly concerned about that - I'll be on a cruise!) Anything I haven't thought of? Any thoughts or feedback would be very much appreciated. Thanks!

 

 

on both there is a not so pleasant port : IMHO   Livorno  and on the second Napoli

i vote for the second Croatia is great - if you are in Split try to visit Trogir - I was there  last week 

beautiful ! Kotor also great and very friendly people. 

However disembarkation in Venice - Fusina ???   can be a challenge : Not pleasant and complicated !

[vistaman]

10 hours ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

I have been to all these ports except Port Vendres and Split.  My choice would be the second cruise – perhaps flavored by just having done an extensive Adriatic cruise last fall, but also noting that it would give you 5 new ports rather than only 3.  I would also suggest adding some time at the end to visit Padua and Ravenna if you haven't already been there.

Port Vendres is a friendly port , but you must go to Collioure that is with a small touristic "train" not a real one  

The port of Split is quite large   for ferries  and opposite there are  a lot of small playhalls  so mini casino - not so nice at all to go and play overthere not clean and small shops for drinks 

the center is ok  but cannot compete with Dubrovnik  - take a boat taxi to Trogir !

 

[LNugent]

Rome to Venice!

[Host Jazzbeau]

When I finally get to Split I look forward to visiting Diocletian's Palace.

[Leejnd4]

Wow, so much great feedback! It definitely seems the consensus among most is Rome to Venice. Although there are several things that make the Barcelona to Rome cruise attractive as well - in particular, Barcelona is one of my favorite cities in all of Europe. And the stop in Livorno would give me the opportunity to visit the Cinque Terre again. (MY will and testament specifies that MY ashes are to be scattered over the Via del'Amore in the Cinque Terre!) But this trip is not about me.

 

@avalon244 you make an excellent point about Naples - I've been to Naples and I have no interest in going back. But it would allow me to visit Capri and the Amalfi Coast, two places I haven't seen in many years. So there's that.

 

I'm also not thrilled about disembarking in Venice - I've read that it's really awkward. However...Mom and I went to Venice on our very first trip to Europe, and we had a MARVELOUS time. We had a hilarious little excursion to Murano in which we met a man who was the personification of the "ugly American". We have recalled and laughed about that many times. So I would love to scatter some of her ashes in Venice. I've been back to Venice a couple of times and it is not one of my favorite Italian cities - way too many tourists for my taste - but again, this is not about me, it's about Mom. She adored Venice. I will happily pass up Barcelona in order to meander through the narrow streets and paths of Venice the way Mom and I did on my first visit there.

 

The more I read about the other ports in the Rome-Venice itinerary, the more attractive they sound. Another positive about this itinerary is the embarkation in Rome - that would mean I'd visit the castle pre-cruise, which would give me a few days to recover from jet lag before I board the ship.

 

So there are pros and cons to both itineraries, and as you can see I've gone back-and-forth, but I think I've settled on Rome-Venice. 

 

This has been a great exercise, thanks everyone!

 

Oh, and if anyone is interested in that amazing castle, here's the link. Mom and I took a cooking course there many years ago, and I still have the cookbook. 

 

https://www.castellodiproceno.it/en/

 

[Keith1010]

LeAnn I didn’t look them up but do either of the cruises have overnights.  If so what ports?

 

Keith

[Host Jazzbeau]

2 minutes ago, Leejnd4 said:

I'm also not thrilled about disembarking in Venice - I've read that it's really awkward.

Our Adriatic cruise was scheduled to start in Venice, then got moved all the way to Ravenna.  Since DW has not desire to go to Venice again, we were ok with it – and really enjoyed Ravenna.  We also cancelled our pre-cruise hotel in Venice and instead went to Padua.  You could easily do one or both instead of setting foot in Venice.  [From Ravenna you could fly home via Milan rather than Venice.]

[Ethereal Cruiser]

15 hours ago, happy cruising said:

Based on the ports you have not been to, I agree with Tracie - definitely the second one. Taormina, Sicily is one of the top 5 places I’ve been to in Italy and the sail in to Kotor, Montenegro is spectacular. Croatia is wonderful. I hope you have a wonderful meaningful cruise. 

 

And I agree with this post. Taormina, Kotor and Dubrovnik make this the better itinerary.

 

And I will note that Naples to Capri is a long haul. Neither itinerary has Sorrento in it, but in the future, that would be the port stop I would want to visit lovely Capri. 

[vistaman]

I had disembarkation  in Fusina Venice last Wednesday leaving the Europa 2

If your flight is leaving before 11 am the luggage can stay on board , if you have a later flight the luggage will be send to the cruise terminal 

I had a flight at 2,30pm   at 10,30am our group was called  and sent to a not so pleasant bus with weak airco  - some  35 min drive crossing industrial parts  and the shipyards 

at the cruise terminal in line with passport to pick up the luggage - unfriendly people but porters were available ( and friendly €€€😁)

then to another and  better bus with good airco   

bus is stopping some 400 meter from terminal  - luggage was sent to airport from bus with a van 

for people not able to walk the distance there was a minibus with 7 seats 

the fare for this adventure was 130 € 🙃

there were free trolleys at the airport  - if you could not ( lucky I  could flying business) use fast lane security was terrible  -  Venice is not a pleasant airport and the lounge was not ok  

 

 

[Leejnd4]

43 minutes ago, Keith1010 said:

LeAnn I didn’t look them up but do either of the cruises have overnights.  If so what ports?

 

Keith

Yes, both cruises have overnights. The Barcelona-Rome one overnights in Livorno, and the Rome-Venice one overnights in Naples.

 

Neither of those cities are places I feel like I need to see again (I've been to Florence several times, and Naples just holds no appeal to me.) But from Naples I could get an excursion to the Amalfi Coast, which is what I would do with one of the days there. And the other I would just remain on the ship for a "sea day". 🙂  

42 minutes ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

Our Adriatic cruise was scheduled to start in Venice, then got moved all the way to Ravenna.  Since DW has not desire to go to Venice again, we were ok with it – and really enjoyed Ravenna.  We also cancelled our pre-cruise hotel in Venice and instead went to Padua.  You could easily do one or both instead of setting foot in Venice.  [From Ravenna you could fly home via Milan rather than Venice.]

 

Hmmm...good thoughts! I'm making notes from all of these comments - I'll put that on there. I know many people love Venice, but the last time I went there I just didn't enjoy myself. It felt like the city has lost its true soul, and ONLY exists now as a tourist trap. The food is not good, everything is absurdly expensive, it felt like an Italian Disneyland for grown-ups. It made me feel like a "tourist" as opposed to a "traveler".

 

10 minutes ago, Ethereal Cruiser said:

 

And I agree with this post. Taormina, Kotor and Dubrovnik make this the better itinerary.

 

And I will note that Naples to Capri is a long haul. Neither itinerary has Sorrento in it, but in the future, that would be the port stop I would want to visit lovely Capri. 

 

Yeah, Capri is probably off the table. But I know you can get day trips to the Amalfi Coast, which is what I would prefer anyway. Capri was fun once, but not nearly as lovely as the Amalfi Coast.

Edited June 25, 2023 by Leejnd4

[Leejnd4]

6 minutes ago, vistaman said:

I had disembarkation  in Fusina Venice last Wednesday leaving the Europa 2

If your flight is leaving before 11 am the luggage can stay on board , if you have a later flight the luggage will be send to the cruise terminal 

I had a flight at 2,30pm   at 10,30am our group was called  and sent to a not so pleasant bus with weak airco  - some  35 min drive crossing industrial parts  and the shipyards 

at the cruise terminal in line with passport to pick up the luggage - unfriendly people but porters were available ( and friendly €€€😁)

then to another and  better bus with good airco   

bus is stopping some 400 meter from terminal  - luggage was sent to airport from bus with a van 

for people not able to walk the distance there was a minibus with 7 seats 

the fare for this adventure was 130 € 🙃

there were free trolleys at the airport  - if you could not ( lucky I  could flying business) use fast lane security was terrible  -  Venice is not a pleasant airport and the lounge was not ok  

 

 

 

Good to know! I'll put this in my notes as well.

[Keith1010]

LeAnn that is why I asked. I would want to do the Amalfi Coast with an overnight so you could make it an all day tour.  Do it privately.   Enjoy a two hour lunch. Stop wherever you decide.  
 We have done it twice and will do it again. It is amazing.  So that is a plus. 

 

I would still look at the ease and cost of flights. 
 

I love Barcelona and Rome.

 

So much to do and explore. And from Rome you can see places outside of the city too.  
 

The good news is you have two wonderful cruises and you can’t go wrong.

 

I hope we sail with you sometime. 

 

Keith
 

 

[Leejnd4]

15 minutes ago, Keith1010 said:

LeAnn that is why I asked. I would want to do the Amalfi Coast with an overnight so you could make it an all day tour.  Do it privately.   Enjoy a two hour lunch. Stop wherever you decide.  
 We have done it twice and will do it again. It is amazing.  So that is a plus. 

 

I would still look at the ease and cost of flights. 
 

I love Barcelona and Rome.

 

So much to do and explore. And from Rome you can see places outside of the city too.  
 

The good news is you have two wonderful cruises and you can’t go wrong.

 

I hope we sail with you sometime. 

 

Keith
 

 

 

Yes, Rome is a magical city to me! I've been there seven times. I will definitely spend a little time in Rome itself, but then I will go directly up to that castle in Tuscia, about 60 miles north of Rome and spend several days there pre-cruise.

[Keith1010]

LeeAnne,

 

Once you decide which itinerary you plan to go with, I am happy to share with you some of the tour guides we used.

 

We like to change it up each time we visit the Mediterranean.

 

The Mediterranean is an example of one of the areas of the world that we always enjoy revisiting because there is so much to do and see.  Take Rome and the surrounding areas.  We could spend years there exploring the city and the areas outside of Rome. We've done just that for years.

 

And you can't beat the food including the fruit and vegetables and the pasta. LOL but it is so true.

 

Keith