Often when we talk about a cruise, we are looking at an easy Caribbean getaway. Many people love the idea of baking in the sun, dipping their toes or snorkeling in the warm blue water, or relaxing on a beach with a frozen drink in their hands.
Alaska cruises are also very popular, with over 1.5 million cruise passengers visiting Alaska ports in 2023.
Most of those Caribbean and Alaska cruises are pretty easy to navigate. You usually depart from a US port and return to the same port.
As they say on tv, “But wait – there’s more!”
For those ready to branch out and experience something a little different, consider a Mediterranean Cruise.
You get the same benefits of unpacking once, but you can visit multiple European countries on a single trip.
I love the ability to get a taste of many different areas and a cruise is a perfect way to accomplish this. Some places you will fall in love with and then later, we can work together to create a land tour for your next visit. Other places, a day visit and cruise tour may be all you need to experience. Both are OK!
An Eastern Mediterranean cruise may incorporate parts of Greece, Italy, Croatia, Montenegro. Your departure port may be Athens or Venice, giving you an opportunity to cruise to one or more Greek islands. Some of these cruise “around the boot” [of Italy] and end in Rome.
Western Mediterranean cruises are popular for their Barcelona, Spain to Rome, Italy (and vice verse) route. Ports may include the fabulous Monte Carlo, Florence/Pisa, Corsica, Malta, Sicily, Naples, and more. After all, the Mediterranean is a large area with plenty to see!
I like to work closely with my clients to find the cruise that fits them based on their interests.
I am getting more requests for multi-generational travel. Families with children at home want to bring grandparents along on their travels. The reason can be two-fold. The obvious is that you have extra hands to help with kids. This also allows parents a “date night” while the kids enjoy time with their grandparents. Secondly, travel is all about making memories to last a lifetime. I work in the travel industry because of the love my grandparents and parents had for travel. I still have gold charms and traditional dolls that I was gifted after their travels. Oh to have been able to take an international trip with my grandparents! Times are different now and travel is more convenient and easier than in decades past. I urge you – if you have the means, create those memories while you can. A family-friendly cruise is the perfect way to accomplish this. Many ships include water slides, teen rooms, arcades, and even daycare. Cruise excursions are fun for all ages. Even dining is an experience! When cruises have interesting things on the menu (try escargot together!), it adds to the memories.
What memories were made when both sets of grandparents joined in!
While there are many cruiselines available, Royal Caribbean remains one of my favorites for a family experience. Many of their newer ships include neighborhoods, water shows, carousels, water slides, many food choices (free and premium where you pay a bit extra). Have teens? How does pizza and soft serve [almost] around the clock sound?
Your port days may be spent exploring ancient ruins: Rome’s Colosseum, art at the Vatican or Borghese Gallery, viewing the Leaning Tower of Pisa, touring La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, making authentic pizza, finding that perfect souvenir!
Below you’ll find just a sampling of European/Mediterranean itineraries.
When planning a cruise, it is critical that you arrive a minimum of one night before the cruise begins. With Europe, two nights or more is a standard and I would strongly encourage four nights, allowing you the opportunity to explore your starting port before embarking on your cruise.
Not only can I help coordinate your air, but I can add your extra hotel nights, transfers, and activities to your package, making it a seamless experience.
Have you cruised the Mediterranean? Comment below about your experience!
Are you ready to get your own cruise on the calendar? Email me and let’s find the best option for YOU! cheryl@heywannago.com
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