Thoughts on a mediterrean Cruise

[marylandcrzer]

I just completed a cruise originating in Civitavecchia and these are the thoughts with which I leave this wonderful experience:

 

1. Take more time than estimated in walking point to point in Rome and Florence. The sidewalks are crowded and narrow and it always takes longer than you expect it would

 

2. I would have bought more souvenirs in places like Eze, Nice, and Le Baux. There are really neat, inexpensive, and traditional items available there that are great gifts for all those people on your list of friends for whom you want to get a little something

 

3. Bring a coffee cup. Ship cups are small. I envied those travelers who were weilding their own cups along the breakfast buffet. They had to go back less frequently or flag down the coffee cart less often

 

4. Dress upscale. Especially in Spain. I wore jeans one day (in Valencia and because I was ill) and received a number of negative comments. While parts of Europe may have adopted jeans as an acceptable form of dress the Spanish have not

 

5. Spanish style is way under appreciated (I know this will draw negative comment and all I can say is, to each their own). You can buy stylish clothes in Spain for a fraction of the cost in Italy.

 

6. Try to speak the language. Especially in France courtesy and an honest attempt to speak the language goes a long, long way. You will be surprised how much effort people will put in to meet you half way

 

7. Be aware of safety and security but not paranoid. I took steps to safeguard my money and credit cards but did not let that be the focus of my cruise in ports like Rome, Florence, Barcelona, Valencia, and Almereria. I was not disappointed

 

8. You can go back. I'll definitely be back in Florence and probably in Rome. Life is flexible and there are many cruises and many, many shore excersions. I intend to be around to sample a LOT of them

[ldohe]

Thanks for the tips! Our cruise leaves from Barcelona, so how exactly should we dress? Will our teenage sons fit in with jeans?

[GSPLover]

I just completed a cruise originating in Civitavecchia and these are the thoughts with which I leave this wonderful experience:

 

1. Take more time than estimated in walking point to point in Rome and Florence. The sidewalks are crowded and narrow and it always takes longer than you expect it would

 

2. I would have bought more souvenirs in places like Eze, Nice, and Le Baux. There are really neat, inexpensive, and traditional items available there that are great gifts for all those people on your list of friends for whom you want to get a little something

 

3. Bring a coffee cup. Ship cups are small. I envied those travelers who were weilding their own cups along the breakfast buffet. They had to go back less frequently or flag down the coffee cart less often

 

4. Dress upscale. Especially in Spain. I wore jeans one day (in Valencia and because I was ill) and received a number of negative comments. While parts of Europe may have adopted jeans as an acceptable form of dress the Spanish have not

 

5. Spanish style is way under appreciated (I know this will draw negative comment and all I can say is, to each their own). You can buy stylish clothes in Spain for a fraction of the cost in Italy.

 

6. Try to speak the language. Especially in France courtesy and an honest attempt to speak the language goes a long, long way. You will be surprised how much effort people will put in to meet you half way

 

7. Be aware of safety and security but not paranoid. I took steps to safeguard my money and credit cards but did not let that be the focus of my cruise in ports like Rome, Florence, Barcelona, Valencia, and Almereria. I was not disappointed

 

8. You can go back. I'll definitely be back in Florence and probably in Rome. Life is flexible and there are many cruises and many, many shore excersions. I intend to be around to sample a LOT of them

 

Nice post. I hope everybody appreciates it.

[marylandcrzer]

Thanks for the tips! Our cruise leaves from Barcelona, so how exactly should we dress? Will our teenage sons fit in with jeans?

 

Well, I don't have kids (anymore) so I'm speaking on conjecture, but I think that kids have separete rules. As long as their body parts are covered they are okay *S*. If I were "older" I would dress more maturely (thats just my take on the situation and it depends on how you want to be accepted). If you are going on extersion tours jeans could be fine. If you are going on your own you might want dockers and more dressy pants for a woman)

[texancruzer]

I too want to thank you for these tips....we leave 3 weeks from tomorrow for Brilliance of the Seas out of Civitavecchia. I had also heard from research that jeans really were not the proper attire for Europe. Have one pair to go "climbing around" in Greece (Corfu) but otherwise nice slacks.

 

We have 1 or 2 items in each port to see - anything else we manage to see will be gravy and others will be put on the list for "next time".

 

When you spoke of neat items to purchase in Eze (one of excursions goes there) etc..... what type of souveniers ??? I always try to bring something from each port to remind me..... a watercolor, a carved mask, something...... what did you find interesting ?

 

I have a few phrases in each Italian, Croatian (altho I will probably get laughed at trying to speak these), Greek, French and I do speak a bit of Spanish...... so will "make the effort" as you say.

 

And while being mindful of safety... I too will not let it "freak me out" to the point of ruining my trip.

 

Thanks again.

[CEV426]

 

4. Dress upscale. Especially in Spain. I wore jeans one day (in Valencia and because I was ill) and received a number of negative comments. While parts of Europe may have adopted jeans as an acceptable form of dress the Spanish have not

 

 

Just back from Barcelona. There are jeans everywhere. The natives dressed in Euro-casual style: jeans, chic jackets, very cutting edge footwear, lots of boots, and the must have accessory whether male or female is the scarf. There were no typical white athletic sneakers or sweatshirts worn by Europeans. If you want to blend.....jeans are okay, but it's the accessories that make the difference. Wear a blazer-like jacket with jeans and all of a sudden, it's not so casual. The OP mentioned Valencia....things may be different there.

[BCNlady]

Just back from Barcelona. There are jeans everywhere. The natives dressed in Euro-casual style: jeans, chic jackets, very cutting edge footwear, lots of boots, and the must have accessory whether male or female is the scarf. There were no typical white athletic sneakers or sweatshirts worn by Europeans. If you want to blend.....jeans are okay, but it's the accessories that make the difference. Wear a blazer-like jacket with jeans and all of a sudden, it's not so casual. The OP mentioned Valencia....things may be different there.

 

Those were my exact thoughts when I started reading this post. I couldn't have expessed in a best way.

I don't really make country differences when I travel, my rule is to dress comfortable but a bit formal (always shoes!!) when I visit cities and more sportive an casual for villages, countryside or ruins.

Barcelona is more cosmopolitan than Valencia and we probably dress more cassual here.

[SaylorGirl]

I just completed a cruise originating in Civitavecchia and these are the thoughts with which I leave this wonderful experience:

 

 

3. Bring a coffee cup. Ship cups are small. I envied those travelers who were weilding their own cups along the breakfast buffet. They had to go back less frequently or flag down the coffee cart less often

 

 

 

4. Dress upscale. Especially in Spain. I wore jeans one day (in Valencia and because I was ill) and received a number of negative comments. While parts of Europe may have adopted jeans as an acceptable form of dress the Spanish have not

 

 

 

One thing we always buy in different cities is coffee mugs, we have a great collection of travel mugs from everywhere in Europe. We wash the ones we buy in the first port and use them on the ship and then pack them and take them home. It is really the only type of "souvenir" that we purchase for ourselves as we can use them everyday and they are always a great memory.

 

We were in Valencia last month and I did not find that to be the case. However, we were in Valencia over a weekend so maybe the dress was more casual than during the weekday. We found many of the locals and tourist wearing jeans.

[SunloverCG]

Hello...thanks for the post and thoughts about jeans etc...so you stopped in Almeria? We are spending several days around Costa de Almeria after our cruise in a couple weeks...was the weather warmer there than in Barcelona..?

Or about the same? Thanks:D

Corinne

[marylandcrzer]

Hello...thanks for the post and thoughts about jeans etc...so you stopped in Almeria? We are spending several days around Costa de Almeria after our cruise in a couple weeks...was the weather warmer there than in Barcelona..?

Or about the same? Thanks:D

Corinne

 

It was a good bit warmer in Almeria than in Barcelona. The town has a nice, almost tropical (to me) sort of feeling to it, although there was a good bit of graffiti around. The Alcazaba (a restored Moorish fort) is really interesting (it has a water garden and a LOT of feral cats *G*) and (perhaps best) it is free. You can stand on the battlements and look out over the city spread below to the ocean, which almost seems within reach. There is also a cathedral, which looked interesting, but I ran out of time (we were there only a short while).

[marylandcrzer]

Just back from Barcelona. There are jeans everywhere. The natives dressed in Euro-casual style: jeans, chic jackets, very cutting edge footwear, lots of boots, and the must have accessory whether male or female is the scarf. There were no typical white athletic sneakers or sweatshirts worn by Europeans. If you want to blend.....jeans are okay, but it's the accessories that make the difference. Wear a blazer-like jacket with jeans and all of a sudden, it's not so casual. The OP mentioned Valencia....things may be different there.

 

Everyone I have mentioned this observation to (the jeans) disagrees with me and I can only account for that by assuming that I just wasn't as observant as I thought I was :) . The accessory idea is a really good one and I did think afterward that I should have worn a blazer with my jeans. Valencia is a good bit less cosmopolitan than Barcelona.

[JordanF]

On the jeans issue: we have been to Europe many times, and have pretty much always worn jeans. We have never had a problem or felt out of place.

 

My take on this is that one should wear jeans if that is what one wants to wear--there will not be a problem. However, if you are concerned about it, by all means, wear something else--no need to feel uncomfortable or self-conscious.

[8 Bells]

Just back from Barcelona. There are jeans everywhere. The natives dressed in Euro-casual style: jeans, chic jackets, very cutting edge footwear, lots of boots, and the must have accessory whether male or female is the scarf. There were no typical white athletic sneakers or sweatshirts worn by Europeans. If you want to blend.....jeans are okay, but it's the accessories that make the difference. Wear a blazer-like jacket with jeans and all of a sudden, it's not so casual. The OP mentioned Valencia....things may be different there.

 

Had to chuckle at this one -- the Europeans say they can always tell Americans by their white tennis shoes! Guess we looked typical, as that's what we wore everywhere! :)

[SaylorGirl]

Had to chuckle at this one -- the Europeans say they can always tell Americans by their white tennis shoes! Guess we looked typical, as that's what we wore everywhere! :)

 

Some of the young European girls were wearing white "tennis" shoes. But they are entirely different that the ones worn here, no clunky white shoes theirs almost look small and tailored made to their feet. They do not have big soles but very delicate ones.

[Monterey Girl]

I too just returned from a Med cruise originating in BCN and ending in Venice. It was so wonderful we didn't want it to end. I am currently gathering my thoughts to write my own review.

In response as to shopping at the Nice flower/farmers market, I agree. There was SO much to buy there all at reasonable prices. I bought lavender sachets made up of Provencal fabrics all sealed in plastic for 3E for a set of 5. There were others that were larger for more. And bags of loose lavender seeds that smelled heavenly. Also lavender scented soaps. I think there were honey scented soaps as well. I know there was bottled flavored honey for sale but I didn't dare try to transport them home. Lots of artists selling their wares. I bought a small print of the market for 5E. Lots of pottery. This was one thing I wish had paid more attention to. My friend bought some darling olive boats and oil dishes for dipping that we saw later for much more.

We actually had TIME to shop and look around here since the market was the destination. I don't think we had that luxury for most of the remainder of the cruise. I do know there wasn't much time nor really much to buy IMHO at the rest of the stops that day: Monte Carlo, Monaco, St Paul de Vence and the Rothschilde house and garden.

 

MG :)

[texancruzer]

Monterrey Girl:

 

If I might ask.... the print. What type ? Watercolor or pen and ink? I collect them wherever I go..... and the pottery ? Detailed and delicate or more rustic type ? Oo Oo souvenier shopping :D my favorite !!!!!

[marylandcrzer]

:)

I too just returned from a Med cruise originating in BCN and ending in Venice. It was so wonderful we didn't want it to end. I am currently gathering my thoughts to write my own review.

In response as to shopping at the Nice flower/farmers market, I agree. There was SO much to buy there all at reasonable prices. I bought lavender sachets made up of Provencal fabrics all sealed in plastic for 3E for a set of 5. There were others that were larger for more. And bags of loose lavender seeds that smelled heavenly. Also lavender scented soaps. I think there were honey scented soaps as well. I know there was bottled flavored honey for sale but I didn't dare try to transport them home. Lots of artists selling their wares. I bought a small print of the market for 5E. Lots of pottery. This was one thing I wish had paid more attention to. My friend bought some darling olive boats and oil dishes for dipping that we saw later for much more.

We actually had TIME to shop and look around here since the market was the destination. I don't think we had that luxury for most of the remainder of the cruise. I do know there wasn't much time nor really much to buy IMHO at the rest of the stops that day: Monte Carlo, Monaco, St Paul de Vence and the Rothschilde house and garden.

 

MG :)

 

I agree on the market. I bought some very nice prints and some little plates that I am handing out to my clients (I kept one for myself; they are so bright and colorful). The market was just one stop for us (we also went to Eze) that day. Plus, it was a Sunday and so things were a little more subdued. Still and all, Nice was one of the true pleasure stops for me.

 

Eze was another. There are a lot of little shops in Eze with small gifty types of things to buy. some of which are very nice designs. These are not works of art or unique, but, still a lot of us have people to buy for that aren't looking for the unique, the special, or (especially) the pricey. Eze fills that requirement (as did Nice, I felt) and gave me lots of alternatives that will be memorable gifts for people who don't travel a great deal (perhaps my family and the others that I buy for are unique on here in that they are not highly sophisticated world travelers). At any rate I found things that I know THEY will feel were unique in Nice and Eze.

 

I agree also about Monte Carlo (I didnt visit those other destinations). There was little there other than casino ash trays, which DO fulfill a certain niche in the souvenir food chain, and, honestly, I bought a couple for friends who smoke who will think they were just given the keys to the city of London. I know its not great taste, but it makes them happy

[marylandcrzer]

Monterrey Girl:

 

If I might ask.... the print. What type ? Watercolor or pen and ink? I collect them wherever I go..... and the pottery ? Detailed and delicate or more rustic type ? Oo Oo souvenier shopping :D my favorite !!!!!

 

I bought small water colors (about 5x7, but they are bigger and I am working on frames *G*). The pottery that I bought were garlic plates. They have little ridges (I dont know a lot about this kind of stuff, I'm afraid) and are very colorful, but more the rustic type. I saw bowls that were similar (very rustic, bright colors). There were a fair number of rustic type artisans and artists at the market, but a lot of it was food (green grocery as well as fruits and herbs, as texancruzer has said). Its a fantastic experience. Be prepared to bargain in French (although the sellers are enthusiastic). My experience was that most of the sales persons didn't speak English. Reaching a deal, however, didn't take common language to any great degree.

[mad4mky]

. There were no typical white athletic sneakers or sweatshirts worn by Europeans.

 

I disagree 100& with the white sneaker comment.

 

When we travelled 3 weeks ago...I made it a point to look at the Italians shoes to see what they were wearing.

 

Guess what?!

 

White sneakers EVERYWHERE. :eek: Yep. On the trains, in the shops, near the churches, near the schools.

I'm not talking about tourists...I mean Italians.

 

I saw older men, women, teenagers, kids...in white sneakers.

A group of women were in the train next to us from Civitavecchia to Rome...2 younger women, white sneakers (Adidas, Puma) and two older (Nike and Adidas).

 

I did not bring white sneakers with me on the trip--but believe me, it wouldn't have mattered if I did.

 

What amazes me...the women in Florence who wear high spiked heels on those uneven cobblestones! Yeowch!:(

[marylandcrzer]

I disagree 100& with the white sneaker comment.

 

What amazes me...the women in Florence who wear high spiked heels on those uneven cobblestones! Yeowch!:(

 

Especially on those narrow, narrow sidewalks that they have in the oldest part of the city.

[want2cruiseagain]

With regard to dressing in Europe, I used to wear shorts and capris in Italy when on a land tour and I felt like I was not dressed right. On our cruise excursions, I did this because we were on a tour with other Americans, but we flew back to Rome after the cruise to visit our Italian friends. I brought skirts with me and wore those when sightseeing. I just felt I fitted in a little more as most Italian women my age wear skirts during the day .

[marylandcrzer]

With regard to dressing in Europe, I used to wear shorts and capris in Italy when on a land tour and I felt like I was not dressed right. On our cruise excursions, I did this because we were on a tour with other Americans, but we flew back to Rome after the cruise to visit our Italian friends. I brought skirts with me and wore those when sightseeing. I just felt I fitted in a little more as most Italian women my age wear skirts during the day .

 

Maybe that is what I was reacting to when I was feeling..."inappropriately dressed". As an aside, if you are pondering a transatlantic, I would suggest taking along lots of good stuff to read and maybe some good music to listen to. Its a lonnnnnng way across that ocean :) :)

[joelmarj]

Just returned from the Med. There were definitely jeans being worn, even in Spain. The difference however was how and what kind of jeans. Very stylish and as someone else mentioned with great blazers, boots and scarves. That was what I went along with and felt as though I fit right in. What doesn't work is "mom-jeans", white tennies and fanny packs. Sorry, just not the same "stylish" look. I traveled with several gentlemen who all looked great in their jean, blazers, button up shirts and loafers, but in contrast saw the typical American male travelers with their wranglers, sneakers and t-shirts.

 

Jeans are not necessarily meant to be worn by everyone in every situations. They have a very different look to them based on how they are accessorized and that can make or break the look.

 

It's not necessarily what you wear but how you put it together.

[marylandcrzer]

I just completed a cruise originating in Civitavecchia and these are the thoughts with which I leave this wonderful experience:

 

It occurs to me that I should provide more information about the transatlantic cruise about which I was writing in the first place (I know; I know, but better late than never :) ). The cruiseline was HAL (ship: Westerdam). The cruise originated in Civitivecchia on October 5 this year and terminated in Fort Lauderdale on October 21. Ports included Livorno (Florence); Monaco; Marseilles; Barcelona; Valencia; Almeria; Ponta Delgada, Azores; and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (a HAL owned island).

 

I posted a review at the Cruise Critic Member Review Board (www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=33845) if you are interested in further information. Two other passengers have posted reviews as well, so a fairly balanced range of perceptions, observations, and opinions is covered

[marylandcrzer]

I just completed a cruise originating in Civitavecchia and these are the thoughts with which I leave this wonderful experience:

 

It occurs to me that I should provide more information about the transatlantic cruise about which I was writing in the first place (I know; I know, but better late than never :) ). The cruiseline was HAL (ship: Westerdam). The cruise originated in Civitivecchia on October 5 this year and terminated in Fort Lauderdale on October 21. Ports included Livorno (Florence); Monaco; Marseilles; Barcelona; Valencia; Almeria; Ponta Delgada, Azores; and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (a HAL owned island).

 

I posted a review at the Cruise Critic Member Review Board (www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=33845) if you are interested in further information. Two other passengers have posted reviews as well, so a fairly balanced range of perceptions, observations, and opinions is covered