Which cruise line is best to travel on a trip around Italy for the summer?

Question

7 days, not an old ship and must have great food

Answer 1

I don't disagree with Ships Ahoy's answer. Oceania is a wonderful cruise line. However, your question specifically asks about a 7-day cruise. Unfortunately, Oceania only offers 10, 12, & 14 day cruises. I would like to suggest another, and much less expensive option for you to consider.

If you're looking for the experts in Italian cruising, you must consider Costa Cruise Line. Costa is an Italian company with headquarters in Genoa - in fact, they are Europe's #1 cruise line & have international clientel. Costa has a fleet of 9 beautiful, state-of-the-art ships (most of them less than 5 years old) with 3 more on order. All ships fly the Italian flag and operate in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, Central America, South America, Dubai and the Far East. Costa is part of Carnival Corporation so if you've been on any of their ships, (Carnival, Holland American, Princess, Cunard, Windstar, Costa, & Seabourn) you're entitled to a "past passenger discount".

The experience on-board a Costa Cruise is definately geared toward "Cruising Italian Style" (which is their slogan) - from it's decor to it dining, and there's certainly a variety of dining experiences onboard:
- “Trattoria Italiana” ~ Casual Dining in the buffet or by the pool deck.
- “Tradizionale” ~ Traditional Dining in the main restaurant.
- “Salute e Benessere” ~ Spa Menu for the health conscious.
- “Dining di Lusso” ~ Deluxe Dining in one of their specialty restaurants.
- “Piccolo Morso” ~ A Lite Bite from the buffet or room service 24 hours a day.
- “Pizzeria” ~ Pizza in the bistro.
- “Spuntino” ~ Treats to Sweets from the midnight buffet.

I have pasted a link to Costa Cruise Lines for you below.

I always think that planning your vacation is a big part of the enjoyment of the vacation. I hope this information is helpful to you.

Bon Voyage!

Answer 2

Both would be great trips but very different trips. So if you really want to know what they would prefer, why don't you ask them. Alaska would be much cooler temperature wise, so if they like sunbathing and swimming...they probably won't have that much fun. But if they want to see absolutely wonderful scenery, and outdoor activities such as hiking or other adventures they will have a great time. It sounds like you are thinking of a Western Mediterranean, and during the summer it will be quite warm. You don't mention the cruise or exact ports but I would imagine you are thinking Royal Caribbean. If so you would probably be on the Liberty of the Seas, which has more than enough to keep teens(and adults very well entertained). You will also get a lot of history, such as in Toulon that has a huge WWII presence. Monte Carlo, or Cannes, as well as places in Italy that has Rome, Pompeii, and Florence. If in fact you are looking at Royal Caribbean, they have an excellent Teen Club on both their Alaska and Western Med cruises. In fact there is a good possibility that once they get into the teen club you may have to actually make an appointment to see them. What ever cruise you take be sure to get a Balcony cabin, especially if you go to Alaska. If you get only an Interior Cabin you are going to miss out on a lot of scenery. One thing you did not mention is cost and your budget. These cruises may be identical(or close to it in cost). But since airfare is a significant portion of the overall cost, the Mediterranean cruise will probably be more expensive. As to how much more it really depends on where you are coming from in the US, and if you can get any good deals. .

Answer 3

I am an American and I cruised in Europe last summer with Royal Caribean on their Voyager of the Seas. I'm not sure if they have an Italy only itenerary because we spent half of the crusie in Italy half in Spain, but if they do have one I would recommend this line. It was a very diverse cruise line, the passengers were from many different countries and they catered to the needs of everyone. The food was fantastic and the excursions were well organized and fun. I loved it. It was my third and favorite cruise.

Answer 4

Please stick with the experts in the Med.

The best cruise line for what you described is Oceania Cruise Lines. It visits serveral ports in Italy, has ships that make Carnival look like city buses and has been voted as "Best Cuisine" afloat.

The passengers onboard are mostly American, English, Australian and then a mixture of other European Countries. The crew is fantastic and is half the price of luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas and Crystal Cruise Lines.

You asked for the best!

Answer 5

I plan on taking a cruise out of Italy in the fall of 2008 and planning to book with Carnival. The rates are unbelieveable and it's a brand spankin new ship!

Answer 6

I know someone who is taking a cruise around Italy this summer. They have chosen Carnival which is one of the best known and popular cruise lines. Check with them.

Answer 7

I found a awesome cruise to italy on ebay saved alot of money. here's the direct link