Cruise the Med?

Question

Can anybody tell me if they have ever taken a cruise on the Med before? I was highly considering doing it in June and would like to know how it was. Where did you go? What cruise liner did you use? Possibly pricings? I would really like to get down to egypt to see the the pyramids. Thanks for you help.

Answer 1

Hi. I've taken a cruise from Barcelona, Spain to Istanbul, Turkey. I took it with my family in 1998 I believe. We began in Barcelona, then hit somewhere on the French Rivera, then Rome, Malta, 4 islands in Greece, and ended in Turkey. I would hae to say it was WONDERFUL, and worth every penny we spent.
I honestly, can't remember the details like what cruiseliner or prices. I would suggest a couple basic travel sites to start like

www.orbitz.com
www.travelocity.com
www.expedia.com

Then I would also suggest www.tripadvisor.com, just for some great travel advice and real people's reviews or locales etc.
I still have so many wonderful memories from that trip. I think that those things are priceless, and would do it all again at a moment's notice!

Answer 2

A well time to go to the Med varys because during the winter, many who do go say it's absolutely wonderful, however, there's still a northwesterly gale out of the Atlantic which tends to play havoic on many vessels there. The best time is between May and early September. The weather in this region is most prolific at this time of year, the way the clouds and the sky appear at certain times of the day. The way the sun glistens over the surface. Many times, throughout these months and even well into November, the seas are crystal clear. The islands surrounding Greece and Italy are absolutely breathtaking. If you are searching for glory, this is a place to go.

Best spots to travel to are Greece and the surrounding islands like Kea, which has villages tucked away along the rolling hills close to shore. Other places that are very interesting are Italy, Naples, Athens, bypassing Malta, these are all ports-of-call.

It really doesn't matter what cruise line someone else used. All have their advantages, while they have their cons. It doesn't matter what worked for one person might not work for you. Always do your own personal research before you go on any voyage. Get price listings and info, if you have to travel to get to the vessel by plane, car, train, etc.

Many cruise lines offer package deals, for instance; "A trip to Florence aboard the Carnival Freedom could cost you depending on your suite you choose, could cost you between $1200 and $5000." You see, there are different cabins and suites to choose from, you can have a small cabin which has barely 200 square feet, or you could have a medium-sized cabin that is about 560 to 750 square feet. Other cruise lines offer more still.

Check around through cruise lines head offices by speaking with their reps, or talk with a local travel agency. Beware, some offices can rook you offer, so don't just choose one all at once, look around, take your time and make your choice through thorough research. The last thing a person needs is to be taken for granted and when they get to their destination and find out their trip has been paid for. Or, worse.

Since you are looking to see the Pyramids, seek for intensive literature from varying cruise lines to see what their ports-of-call are and if they have Egypt on their list. Ask as many questions as you can.

Best of luck to you.
Very good choice, Egypt, in the spring & summer, the sun blows in through this portion of the world at just a breathtaking memory.
Happ Holidays!
J.F.

Answer 3

I have worked for Holland America Line for the last 4 years and spent the last 3 Spirng/Summers Cruising in the MED and Baltic. I would try to go in Early June as the weather should not be too hot, the farther into the summer you go, the hotter it will be. I believe the Rotterdam from Holland America Line (I worked on this ship) would be the best ship to check out as it does some exotic cruises and is a 5* ship. Check out www.hollandamerica.com for the itinerary, pricing and dates!

Have fun!