Med Cruise - It it worthwhile?

[Giorgi-one]

We are booked on HAL Westerdam for Med cruise next July. I have been reading some reviews and they are not encouraging. Everything seems to be a hassle and very expensive. Then I read that ports like Monaco, Tunisia and Palermo were disappointing and taxi drivers in Livorno refused to take people into town - only wanted to do tours. This cruise, with a few days in Rome, is going to cost in the neighborhood of $12,000 (we just have a balcony cabin). Is it worth it? I can relax on a cruise in the Caribbean for less than half of that, so this has to be something special. I was expecting special, but the reviews have me wondering.

[catl331]

Went on the Noordam West. Med. cruise in June. Loved it. Wouldn't go back to Monaco or Tunisia but enjoyed seeing them just once. As far as Palermo goes: I was interested in the crypts but can say "Forget Palermo". I would have liked an extra day in Naples. We really splurged for the Amalfi whole day trip and loved it. Maybe day 2 would've gone to Pompeii. Take the ship's bus to Florence. Not much walking from the parking area and a guide walks you to the center of town and meets you at the end of the day. This way you will know you will get back on time.:)

[thomasale]

I hope it's worth it...I liked Princess Emerald Med Itinerary and since I had never been on Princess used this as a good time to try a new (3/07) ship

[Giorgi-one]

Went on the Noordam West. Med. cruise in June. Loved it. Wouldn't go back to Monaco or Tunisia but enjoyed seeing them just once. As far as Palermo goes: I was interested in the crypts but can say "Forget Palermo". I would have liked an extra day in Naples. We really splurged for the Amalfi whole day trip and loved it. Maybe day 2 would've gone to Pompeii. Take the ship's bus to Florence. Not much walking from the parking area and a guide walks you to the center of town and meets you at the end of the day. This way you will know you will get back on time.:)

 

Why do I want to go to Livorno? I was under the impression that most people would go to Florence / Pisa from this port?

[catl331]

Why do I want to go to Livorno? I was under the impression that most people would go to Florence / Pisa from this port?

Yes, I meant Florence, not Livorno. I edited my reply, but I guess you read the first version too quickly! Soory! If I had to go back to Palermo I think I'd take either the Monreale or Cefalu excursions.

[catl331]

Why do I want to go to Livorno? I was under the impression that most people would go to Florence / Pisa from this port?

Also, most people on our cruise that went to Pisa said there wasn't much too see/do there other than a quick photo of the Leaning Tower ... but Lucca was nice.

[hammybee]

The Med is one of the most spectacular places on earth, especially if you are into history, art and scenery.

 

It's going to be hot in July- no doubt about it and all the cruises are very port intensive. If like most of us, your money does not grow on trees, it might be best to evaluate your priorities, ports versus the cruise versus a balance.

 

From my own perspective, the ports are more important than the ship board experience. I do a tremendous amount of research and avoid, when possible, shore excursions. After 10-12 hours in port, the last thing I care about is dressing up for dinner or attending a show. I rarely make use of a balcony, in this part of the world. Out of respect for my fellow passengers, I choose a different cruise line, more in keeping with what I value, port time. This is me. How about you?

 

To determine value, it usually works out better when the passenger do their homework, know what they want and balance it all. That I find Florence to be fabulous means nothing to the next guy if he does not share my values. There is nothing wrong with the next guy. We are simply different.

[cusyl]

We were on the Grand Princess, but thought the Med. was awesome. Most of our cruises have been in the Caribbean, but I would say that the Med is certainly worth the extra expense.

[Giorgi-one]

How hot is it in July. I realize that it is summer but weather data indicates average high temps in the 80s for most ports. I know that there was an extreme hot spell this year with temps above 90s, but what should I expect on the average? Is the heat so oppressive that it would ruin much of the experience?

[fb0075]

this was the BEST since 9/11---NOORDAM---

We enjoyed Tunisia---just walk away from the rug demo--

If you want to stay in Livorno--just dont get off until apx 10 or so,and taxis will be grateful to take you anywhere!!

It will be VERY hot in july ----

 

 

"This cruise, with a few days in Rome, is going to cost in the neighborhood of $12,000 (we just have a balcony cabin)."

 

WOW--that sounds MUCH to high--we had mini on Noordam business class air for much less than this!

 

FRANK

[hammybee]

The average high in Rome for July-August is 83, or so said the online source I just checked. Average , of course means that half the time, it will be hotter. The temps were always substaintially higher whenever I have travelled in that area, in those months. I also think the excitement and uncertainty has a tendency to increase body temps.

 

With one exception,the heat was not so oppressive that it ruined experiences. I would have however, enjoyed it even more had I chosen more comfortable times of year.

 

On one sail, many years ago, between Istanbul and Rome, by the time we got to Pompei, I could have cared less if I ever saw another ruin. I was sick of being hotter than hell-o. Unlike the U.S., most places in Europe, outside of large hotels, it is rare to find functional air conditioning inside public buildings and transportation.

 

To go back again, in July- August, I would expect the worst in terms of heat and be delighted if my visit happened to coincide with the average temp of 83.

[Giorgi-one]

"This cruise, with a few days in Rome, is going to cost in the neighborhood of $12,000 (we just have a balcony cabin)."

 

WOW--that sounds MUCH to high--we had mini on Noordam business class air for much less than this! FRANK

 

This is my estimated total trip cost including cruise, air, insurance, tips, drinks, casino, souveniers, excursions, precruise one night hotel / expenses, postcruise three night hotel / expenses, transportation, etc.

[Maryandi]

If you want a relaxing vacation, go to the Caribbean.

 

If you want a port intensive trip, then Europe and / or Canada-New England, maybe even Alaska. - Pick an itinerary on whatever cruiseline that has most of the ports to your liking. And don't go when it's so hot.

 

For every negative review of a port, I've seen many positive comments.Even the people who complained about the heat - loved the port.

 

Good luck on your decision, MaryAnn

[ger_77]

We enjoyed our Mediterranean cruise so much the first time (June/04) that we're going back in a week and a half. We thoroughly enjoyed Turkey, Bulgaria, Greece, and are looking forward to revisiting those ports, as well as the new ones. You will find, that the temperatures are rather hot in July - it was already getting warm in June when we were there. I think we're looking at average temperatures in the mid 70's for this trip, which should be very comfortable. Go with an open mind, and remember that you are in a different country, with different customs and different expectations, and you'll be alright.

 

Smooth Sailing ! :) :) :)

[Travelbug 2]

We did the Med' on the old Noordam in her last year of HAL service. (2004)

 

It was a wonderful trip, full of interesting ports and tours ( all tours were through the ship, peace of mind is priceless!). We do not like uncomfortable heat and in the summer months it can get VERY hot. Our trip was towards the end of Sept' and it was perfect in every respect. Spending that kind of money one should really do one's homework, if heat is an issue do NOT go in summer. Ports are very subjective and everyone has their own opinion, again -- homework is the key.

 

We will probably do the Med' again very soon, preferably on a mid size ship, not necessarily HAL, the anytime or freestyle dining is a plus on a Med cruise IMO. So much time is spent in port, the ship is your transport to the next one overnight so time spent on board is negligible.

 

However you do the Med' if you research thoroughly you will have a great time. There are lots of websites out there with a ton of info', check out as many as you can.

 

Next time we go (maybe 2007) it will definitely be in Sept'.

 

Question ----- Why would you want a balcany cabin when most sailing will be at night? save some money and take an outside.

[hammybee]

We will probably do the Med' again very soon, preferably on a mid size ship, not necessarily HAL, the anytime or freestyle dining is a plus on a Med cruise IMO. So much time is spent in port, the ship is your transport to the next one overnight so time spent on board is negligible.

 

Question ----- Why would you want a balcany cabin when most sailing will be at night? save some money and take an outside.

 

Travelbug: You and I seem to value port time more so than the ship board experience. I agree that the freestyle dining thing is an advantage for port hounds and your advise on balcony cabins, when money is a factor, is solid.

[Sea King]

the answer to the question "is it worth it" to sail on particular itinerary in Europe is simple but complex at the same time: it's all about what you're looking for bearing in mind the cost and time involved

 

I've done more than 1 European cruise ..

 

the common denominators are cost, time, tours and weather

 

be prepared: the cost is high; the per diem can be very very high depending on the ports; as importantly, don't forget to factor in flights, pre and post cruise stays (which I highly recommend), meals on land and the exchange rate which is now universally anti-dollar

 

time is also entirely different .. depending on your where your home is located, you're in for a 6-7 hour time difference .. IMHO, that alone warrants a pre-cruise stay so you can try to get on the clock before the cruise starts rather than struggling through the 1st day or 2 adjusting to the jet lag .. time is also important in terms of getting to where you're going and returning home .. it's a long travel day (from the time you leave until the time you get to your hotel or/ship) any way you slice it .. coming home can also be very rough jet lag wise

 

tours: an absolute positive must if you're going to a place you've never been especially in certain parts of Europe .. IMHO if you're not prepared to spend the time and money to see what's there, why even go; put on the travel channel at home and "see the sights" .. sure it's me but how could you possibly pass up seeing the Eiffel Tower in Paris (presuming you've never been) if you're on a cruise and there's a tour being offered at one port to Paris? same holds true for seeing St. Peter's, the Vatican or Trevi Fountain if you're at the Port of Rome for a day?

 

weather: really depends on time of the year .. best time is late spring into the early fall IMO .. there are days at sea where it feels like the Carribean

recommend you research general weather history so you have an idea what clothes to bring

 

a European cruise IMO requires a tremendous amount of pre-cruise planning .. IMO, you should research each itinerary very carefully to determine what ports are included in what countries

 

I'd also "bother" my travel agent for brochures on each port or at a minimum try Google to get a flavor .. I'd consider postings from others who've been to where you're headed but quite honestly, I'd use that as deep background since you probably don't personally know the poster and therefore don't really know if what

he/she says is correct from the perspective of whether that person shares your tastes

 

Europe is 180 from the Carribean ..

 

IMO, if you plan properly and really concentrate on trying to find out as many details as possible in advance, you'll have a great time:)

 

the best part: you'll be on HAL and the resources aboard including port lecturers are usually incredible

 

enjoy:)

[tooalto]

We're just off the Noordam, in a balcony cabin, and it was worth every penny. Each port more beautiful than the last and each so different than the one before. Rome was very expensive but it was money well spent. As we had private guides in most of the ports, we were treated to their own speical views of their homes. The heat was only a factor in Rome and Dubrovnik. Everywhere else was just perfect. Warm and sunny with a breeze. Although this was our most expensive cruise so far, we topped out at about $7000 for the two of us. I had put $ into our onboard account, ordered liquor for our cabin and booked the Pinnacle far in advance so our final statement was quite tiny.

 

Don;t even consider changing your mind! The Med is a wonderful itinerary.

[Darspurs]

Personally living in the UK I would only have two reasons for cruising in the Med:-

 

1. To see the places the cruise was going to.

 

2. If the ship was departing from the UK.

 

Cruising the Med is generally far more expensive than cruising from a US port. We can have a similar quality cruise for 50-60% of the cost (including flights) in the Carribean than from cruising from the UK with no flights involved. So I would say that the only advantage of coming to Europe for a cruise is if you want to see the places (many of which are superb) that the cruise is going to, not for the purpose of just being on a ship to cruise.

 

Temperature wise the Med in the summer is ususally far hotter than going to the carribean. The temperature varies from the average much more than in say Miami or the Carribean. If the average is 85 there will be days in the high 90's or higher even in London our average in July/August is around 72 but we always get a couple of days over 90 and this year we had a few around 96/97.

[Giorgi-one]

Thanks for all the info. Note that I never said that I did not want to go. Remember we are booked for next July. It was just that I read some reviews and posts which indicated that the ports like Monte Carlo, Tunisia and Palermo were not very interesting. My point is that I am not looking for a Caribbean cruise but rather a cruise with interesting ports. IMHO, if you are really interested in seeing every site, you are much better off with a land tour of Italy. We do not intend to spend 12 hours every day at every port. I am looking for a comfortable way to visit these ports not digest every museum and landmark available. If we like it, we will do it again, God willing.

 

Also, I said that we are planning both precruise and post cruise stays.

 

Cannot figure how anyone could do this on $7,000. My cabin and air fare alone will be $6,500.

[hammybee]

Thanks for all the info. Note that I never said that I did not want to go. Remember we are booked for next July. It was just that I read some reviews and posts which indicated that the ports like Monte Carlo, Tunisia and Palermo were not very interesting. My point is that I am not looking for a Caribbean cruise but rather a cruise with interesting ports. IMHO, if you are really interested in seeing every site, you are much better off with a land tour of Italy. We do not intend to spend 12 hours every day at every port. I am looking for a comfortable way to visit these ports not digest every museum and landmark available. If we like it, we will do it again, God willing.

 

Also, I said that we are planning both precruise and post cruise stays.

 

Cannot figure how anyone could do this on $7,000. My cabin and air fare alone will be $6,500.

 

It's sounds like you are looking for a balanced experience and as such, HAL is an excellent choice. Given you are NJ, you will have the luxury of non-stop flights from EWR, should you so desire, making the flight time no more taxing than a flight across county. Do your homework and decide the one thing you want to accomplish in each port and go for it. You are going to have a great time and travel in style.

[Darspurs]

I have never been to Tunisia or Palermo (Sicily I think) but I have been to Monte Carlo and that is certainly worth a visit IMO not only the palace and the casino but the ambience (sp) in the town and the port - looking at the majestic yachts and people around is fascinating.

 

Warnings though, I haven't looked where the Westerdam is docking most ships tender in Villefranche which is about 10 miles from Monte Carlo, in between Nice & Monte Carlo - some ships dock further away. The other thing is that Monte Carlo is extremely expensive - The shops and restaurants being very pricey. I spent 5 days in MC about 10 years ago and to this day that is the most expensive holiday I have ever had (even without gambling).

[jhannah]

We were just on this Western Med sailing at the end of July. Yes, it was hot! A record heat wave for Europe. But it did not ruin our cruise or tours. Uncomfortable? Yes, sometimes. The humidity is what gets to me, since I live in the desert. Hopefully there won't be another record season over there.

 

Monte Carlo was enjoyable. There's a city bus that will shuttle you (inexpensively) over to the base of the hill. You then take elevators and escalators up to the museum on top. From there you can board a tram that takes you all around Monte Carlo. You may hop on and hop off. It's a great way to see the major sites.

 

In Tunisia we took the ship's tour of Carthage and Sidi Bou Said. The bus made a stop at the American Cemetery of North Africa, where thousands are buried who lost their lives in North African conflicts during WW2. That was special, IMO. I would imagine you could do this on your own via taxi.

 

In Palermo you can walk from the ship across the port entrance and cross the street that runs along the harbor. There is a stop there for the hop on/hop off bus. We rode that around and enjoyed seeing things. There are three separate routes (red, blue, green) that pretty well cover what you'd want to see. We then took a city bus up to the top of Monte Pellegrino. It was a good day.

 

I hope you go to Mallorca. That is a beautiful island. We went out to Valdemosa where composer Fredrick Chopin spent a winter with writer George Sand. She wrote a book about it. "Winter in Mallorca." The scenery out there is stunning, and the history is interesting.

 

I think you will enjoy this itinerary. Good luck!

[xpcdoojk]

If you are just wanting to take a cruise, then there are a bazillion that will be less expensive. If you have no passion for doing a European cruise (and I detect very little reading this thread) then in my opinion you will not have a good time as compared to doing another Caribbean cruise. Europe is always going to be more expensive especially considered the current valuation of the Euro compared to the dollar.

 

Whichever you choose I am sure that something won't quite measure up to expectations.;)

 

jc

[josephone]

We just finished a tour of the eastern Med. on the Prinsdam. We loved it. We visited all but one port (jet lag on our part) and found each stimulating and fun. I discovered when we came home that the lunches we had in ports were not as expensive as I thougth, but they still were not cheap.

 

We did 2 ship excursions and wandered on our own. We enjoyed every minutes. You must do research. You can also arrange private excursions. We got on our ship's roll call and a group of us went on a great excursions at Ephesus.

 

The best part of HAL is the port lecturer who totally prepares you for the port and its history. We also had a an explorations lecturere who gave period setting lectures about the area that were incredible. We saw these in person and then on TV several times. It made the experience even better.

 

We encourage you not to think this is too much money. You will love it.

 

As someone said there are always positive and negative comments no matter who discusses it.

 

Josephone