Dear Crystal:
I plan on surprising my mother with an international cruise and was wondering if you could give me some advice about the Mediterranean?
Signed: Julia
Dear Julia:
Few experiences can take you across so many cultural boundaries like a Mediterranean cruise. One day you could be walking the medieval ramparts of Dubrovnik and days later you’re traversing a famed canal in Venice or viewing the awe inspiring Acropolis in Athens.
Mediterranean cruising provides an idyllic atmosphere to set sail and explore.
Each cruise line puts its own unique spin on naming their itineraries. Regardless of the title, many sailings concentrate on one region of the Mediterranean, either Eastern or Western. There are also cruises which focus solely on the central portion of the Mediterranean from the French Riviera down to North Africa as well as sailings which cover the entire Mediterranean. Of course, itineraries and ports of call will vary by cruise line.
Eastern Mediterranean cruises typically sail to areas east of, and including, Italy. Popular ports are Rome and Venice, Italy, Dubrovnik, Croatia, Athens, Greece, and Mykonos in the Greek Isles. Some itineraries also venture into the Aegean Sea toward a stop in Istanbul, Turkey, and extend further into the Black Sea or move southward to include Egyptian ports.
Stretching from Portugal and Morocco to Italy, popular Western Mediterranean highlights include Rome and Sicily, Italy, the French Riviera, Barcelona, Spain, Lisbon, Portugal and Casablanca, Morocco. Various itineraries also visit the southern ports of Tunis, Tunisia or Tripoli, Libya.
While in port you can either venture out on your own or partake in one of the numerous excursions your cruise line has to offer. Since you normally have more than a few hours to experience each port, a tour with a knowledgeable guide is an excellent way to bypass long lines and see all the notable sights.
Not only does a Mediterranean cruise offer you a spectacular adventure, it’s also a cost effective means to travel Europe. Since your stateroom, dining and entertainment on the ship is already included in the upfront price, other expenses are primarily within the ports of call.
The choice of when to go may depend on your preference of temperature. The summer months, albeit sometimes sultry, are often considered the best time to discover everything each port has to offer. However, the cooler yet still comfortable spring or fall is also an excellent time to visit.
From Turkey to Portugal, France to North Africa, the combination of historic charm and the beauty of the Mediterranean cities and people provide a tranquil ambiance to set sail and explore.
If you have a travel question or problem you would like to submit, please forward to Crystal Brockhan at [email protected] or call directly at 928-580-8473.