Table Of Content
If you’re interested in exploring the Eastern Mediterranean, there are several exciting itineraries to choose from. This itinerary allows you to immerse yourself in the ancient history and breathtaking landscapes of Greece and Turkey. From the iconic Acropolis in Athens to the stunning Blue Mosque in Istanbul, this cruise offers a perfect mix of history and culture. In 2024, Carnival Cruise Line is expanding its offering of seasonal European sailings on its 2,200-guest Carnival Legend. Most mainstream cruise lines -- including Celebrity, Disney, Holland America, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian --offer Western Caribbean sailings. Luxury cruise lines are also well-represented in the region with lines including Azamara, Windstar, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn and others frequenting Western Mediterranean ports.
Best Mediterranean cruise lines
In Sardinia, ride a 4x4 into the wetlands and oak forests before dismounting for a hike in the island wilderness. Onboard, the Celebrity Ascent keeps active guests engaged with its fitness center, activities and entertainment, and fueled for more activity with 32 restaurants, bars and lounges. In port, guests can sign up for special chef-guided market excursions for shopping local markets in locales such as Barcelona and Malaga, Spain, and Livorno and Sorrento, Italy.
Featured Mediterranean Cruises
Family favorite Royal Caribbean has a variety of ships and itineraries sailing around Europe, but a top option is a seven-night Western Mediterranean cruise aboard Oasis of the Seas. Additional ports of call include Naples and La Spezia, Italy (for Florence); Palma de Mallorca, Spain; and Marseille, France. The cruise line prides itself on its low guest-to-crew member ratio, ensuring your every need is easily met. The company offers plentiful options when it comes to Mediterranean sailings, including seven, 14, 21, and even 38-day cruises for those who can’t get enough. With this cruise company, you’re almost spoiled with choice, making it hard to pick just one itinerary. So maybe, think about it as this year’s trip, then the next, then the next, and on and on forever, because there are just so many options available.
(KEY PORTS: Venice, Dubrovnik, Piraeus, Istanbul, and Haifa)
During this period, you’ll have the widest range of ships from most cruise lines, and the most varied options of excursions are offered. However, peak season also comes with the largest crowds in port and the most expensive cruise fares. From Barcelona to Rome, Barcelona to Nice, Rome to Barcelona, and Nice to Barcelona, you can explore famous cities and coastal towns. Whether it’s the art and architecture of Barcelona, the historical landmarks of Rome, or the charming streets of Nice, this itinerary is sure to provide a mix of culture, history, and natural beauty.
Three Overlooked Ways to Pass the Time on Sea Days
11 of the best small-ship Mediterranean cruise lines to avoid the crowds - The Times
11 of the best small-ship Mediterranean cruise lines to avoid the crowds.
Posted: Fri, 08 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
The fleet of small Greek-owned ships carry 34 to 72 guests and visit the smaller, untouched islands that only local fishing boats usually reach. On Ikaria, known for the longevity of its inhabitants, you can join a cookery class in a village house or, on Levitha, meet members of the one family who live there and run a tiny restaurant for visiting yachts. Best for spaceThe much-loved luxury brand Crystal has been revived under the ownership of A&K Travel Group, which has taken on ocean ships Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, which sail throughout the Mediterranean. The number of suites has been reduced so ships carry 740 and 606 passengers respectively, a drop of 300 and 248. Land experiences curated by A&K include a cookery class at a privately owned villa in Corfu and tour of Cefalu in Sicily, the backdrop of the classic Italian film Cinema Paradiso. Rhodes is simply magnificent; stroll down the cobbled Street of the Knights into a medieval world of crusaders and exploration, immense wealth and fine stonework that has stood the test of time.
Finally, the weather can be downright miserable in the summer, with soaring temperatures and high humidity making even the most relaxing tours uncomfortable. And if that doesn’t convince you, know that many places in Europe don’t have air conditioning. This will be easy to apply for, inexpensive, and is simply a pre-authorization system similar to the ESTA that Europeans need to travel to the U.S. and Canada. You should make sure you have at least six months before your passport expires, too. Some of the most beautiful natural sights you’ll ever see may be the view of the whitewashed buildings and turquoise waters in Santorini or the pastel-colored fishing villages in the Amalfi Coast in Italy.
For those who want to spend time shopping, be sure to book an excursion that gives you time to stroll the pedestrian-only zone on rue Meynadier that features boutiques and art galleries carrying luxury goods. If you wish to travel out from the port, book an excursion that visits villages such as Grasse and tour the perfume factory Fragonard Perfumery, or head to Fayence, Seillans or Anibes, or even the Principality of Monaco. The trip takes guests to seven countries, including Spain, Greece, Montenegro, Croatia, Italy, Monaco, and France, with stops in both major and smaller ports. Guests can also book pre- and post-trip stays in ports of call if they aren’t ready to go home after three weeks on the water.
Bask on the beach in Mykonos one day and watch a fiery sunset over Santorini the next. Sip a cappuccino in glorious Taormina while gazing at snow-capped Mount Etna in the distance, or dig into tapas in a sunlit square in Barcelona. Let us show you Europe’s most beautiful places in style on a luxury cruise to the Mediterranean with Celebrity. Norwegian Cruise Line offers a variety of Western Mediterranean cruises to key ports in Spain, Italy and France. The line's newest ship, Norwegian Viva, sails the Med in the spring, summer and fall of 2024 and 2025. Your jaw might drop as your ship navigates the sunken caldera that leads to Santorini, where whitewashed villages dot the tops of steep cliffs.
Then head to Naples, known for its delicious pizza and proximity to the stunning Amalfi Coast. Finally, visit Palermo, the capital of Sicily, and discover its vibrant markets, unique architecture, and rich cultural heritage. This allows you to explore the romantic city of Venice before heading to Athens to visit the famous Parthenon and other historical sites. It’s a journey through time and a chance to experience the beauty of two incredible cities. You can enjoy the picturesque canals of Venice and the ancient ruins of Rome on this unforgettable cruise. Tour UNESCO World Heritage sites, sunbathe on the Côte d’Azur, visit Pompeii, stroll the spice market and Grand Bazaar of Istanbul and roam the lavender fields in Provence—you’ll be steeped in culture every step of the way.
Florence is a gem, and you will want to come back again to see the city and the surrounding region of Tuscany. Start your vacation with an exciting four days of sightseeing before your cruise from Rome. This allows you plenty of time to soak up the history and culture of this awe-inspiring city. Best for accessibilityThis line stands out for its inclusive excursions varying from energetic family fun to fully accessible tours. For a different take on bustling Naples, birthplace of the pizza, search for clues on a guided treasure hunt through Italy’s third largest city.
Oceania Cruises Releases New 2024 Itineraries, Highlighting Many of the Mediterranean's Best-Loved Ports - PR Newswire
Oceania Cruises Releases New 2024 Itineraries, Highlighting Many of the Mediterranean's Best-Loved Ports.
Posted: Thu, 02 Nov 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
So pack your bags, embark on a Mediterranean cruise, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Celebrity Cruises is a terrific choice for your Holy Land cruise, as the company offers 10- and 11-night Egypt and Israel sailings. For example, a 10-night, round-trip Athens cruise visits Haifa and Ashdod, Israel (for Jerusalem) and Alexandria, Egypt, with overnights in each port except Haifa. The extra time in port allows for overnight tours, so you can venture farther into each country to see all the key sites.
On a Mediterranean cruise with Seabourn, travelers might stop in ports in Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Gibraltar, Greece, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Slovenia, Spain, Tunisia and Turkey. Celebrity Cruises is known for its entertainment with Broadway-style stage shows as well as exciting circus performances, so you'll never be bored on sea days or during the evenings on your Mediterranean cruise. They feature itineraries that offer a mix of stops at ports in Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Montenegro, Morocco and Spain. Top things to do in Barcelona on a shore excursion include tours to see Gaudi's art nouveau architecture, the Picasso Museum, culinary tours and cooking classes. You can also find tours where the highlight is visiting FC Barcelona's stadium, a bucket-list item for many soccer fans. Barcelona is not only a stop on many Mediterranean cruise itineraries but also a frequent embarkation or disembarkation port.
No comments:
Post a Comment