Planning a Mediterranean Cruise for the First Time: 5 Things You Need to Know
Perhaps you are like us and have already cruised to practically every island in the Caribbean, and some you have been to so many times that you rarely get off the ship anymore. If you are ready to take some cruises in some different areas of the world, then you may be a bit overwhelmed on where to start.
For example, are you ready to take that big cruise around the Mediterranean but don’t know where to begin with your planning? For us, we have been wanting to do it for years, but we are intimidated with all of the options and the potential unknown expenses that come with a big trip overseas, such as plane tickets and hotel stays.
Here are some areas to think through when considering a Mediterranean cruise:
I’m ready to book you on that dream cruise through the Mediterranean!
1)Get a good travel agent- this trip will be once-in-a-lifetime and you want it done right. Most travel agents do not charge for their services (I do not), and we are happy to do all of the research for you. We also can set up pre- and -post cruise plans as well as deal with any issues with the cruise lines for you.
2)Itinerary is everything- Western Mediterranean cruises typically visit popular ports in Spain, France and Italy. Eastern Mediterranean cruises will focus on Greece, Croatia and Turkey. Some longer cruises visit a combination of these areas and would truly allow you to see it all, but these cruises are more expensive and considerably more lengthy. Once you have chosen your preferred itinerary then that narrows down a lot of your options.
3)Consider the Vibe- If you are traveling with children and prefer all the bells and whistles of the newer ships, then you will likely want to stick with Royal Caribbean, Norwegian or MSC (although I recommend the Yacht club for this cruise line). If you are wanting a more luxury and quiet experience, Celebrity cruises, Holland America and Princess Cruises would work well for you. Is adults-only a must for you? Consider Virgin Voyages (a more lively vibe) or Viking Ocean cruises (a more laid back vibe) for your Mediterranean cruise. Really looking to splurge and prefer a smaller ship feel? Then, Explora (MSC’s luxury big sister), Silversea, and Regent are great options. Also, if looking to spend extended times in each port is a priority, the more luxury brands typically excel in this area.
4)Budget Realistically- Aside from the cruise fare itself, you should plan for a variety of other expenses for your Mediterranean cruise. After the flights, you will want to plan for at least one hotel stay before your cruise and perhaps at least one after your cruise as well. And, you will need to consider transfers to get from the airport and/or hotel to the ports. Many cruise lines provide pre and post cruise tours in popular areas around your embarkation and disembarkation. These will typically include hotel stays, transfers, some meals and some guided excursions. During the cruise, you will need to pay gratuities (some cruise lines include this while others offer discounts for pre-paying them), you might want wifi for calling home, adult beverages while on board, and you will definitely be wanting to do some excursions during your once-in-a lifetime cruise. Many cruise ports are actually a pretty good distance from the popular cities so, while there are some port cities that you can see on your own, choosing an excursion through the cruise line will help to alleviate the stress of getting safely from the ship to the sites you want to see and back in time. The more luxury cruise lines will include many of these extra costs in their cruise fare, so, while you are paying more up front, you are getting everything that you want included.
5)Time of year- Europe and the Mediterranean has what is affectionately known in the travel agent world as “shoulder seasons”. It is recommended that in order to avoid crowds and the extreme heat of the summer and cold of the winter, that you visit in May and early June or September and early October. Certain really popular ports such as Santorini and Rome are so crowded in July that it is difficult to see what you paid all that money to be there to see.
After you consider all of these areas that will help you to plan a successful cruise to the Mediterranean, let me know, so that I can assist you in making your dream of seeing that area of the world a reality. And, who knows, we might join you.
