Sunday, March 31, 2024

Mediterranean Cruises: Cruise the Mediterranean

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In between the singing and dancing, I took a moment to remove my headphones and look around. If you need pointers on what clothes to pack for a Royal Caribbean cruise, they suggest dress codes for each night, with sailors encouraged to wear their best white, Caribbean, formal or glamorous outfits. It is all optional, of course, but seeing 9,000 guests and staff get into the spirit is some sight – and it also doesn’t hurt when the professional photographers get their cameras out. While the girls called at the gym on a couple of the mornings, I went for a few pre-breakfast jogs on the track which runs around the circumference of deck 5. Although the outside of a ship may not sound like the most interesting of settings for a run or a walk, getting 360-degree views of the ports as we docked in the mornings was a riveting watch. For a second, I had forgotten that I was in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, along with thousands of other guests, on board Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas.

Night Greece & Croatia CruiseDetails

Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money. You likely won’t have trouble getting by with English in tourist areas and city centers of popular European destinations such as Florence and Marseille. If you’re traveling to the countryside or to lesser visited destinations in the Mediterranean, though, English may be less widely spoken. In fact, part of the fun on a Mediterranean cruise is simply wandering around the destinations you visit. It can be easy to plan an entire day from start to finish, but sometimes it is even better to arrive without a plan and see where the day takes you.

Traveling to the Crystal Caves in Spain

Take your best European vacation with access to the top secret vacation spots to visit when traveling in Europe. Plan the best spa getaway possible with experiences being tailored to suit your vacation needs. If you're planning to visit one of the well-known museums or other attractions that require a ticket, buy your ticket online in advance to save time. Hop on a ferry to close by Lokrum with its monastery, or go kayaking. Sarah Sees The World is my outlet as I dream of travelling the world full time and a space on the internet to inspire others in the same position to make the most of every trip. I’m Sarah, a New Zealand Travel Blogger who also enjoys good coffee and wine and exercise.

Top 10 Royal Caribbean International Mediterranean Cruises

Some so-called Mediterranean cruises actually spend most of their time on the Adriatic Sea, sailing from Venice and visiting ports in Croatia and Greece, and sometimes Montenegro and Albania. You may also find an Adriatic sailing wrapped into longer Western or Eastern Mediterranean cruises. You'll learn the basics of itineraries, cruise lines, destinations, when to go and when to book your European adventure at sea.

Greece and Turkey

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Barcelona is a colorful city worth the visit for its magnificent architectural sights — such as the Sagrada Familia Cathedral, which was designed by Gaudi and is still being constructed today. The best views of the city can be seen from the top of the whimsical private garden, Park Güell. Furthermore, Cruise Critic makes no guarantees for availability of prices advertised on our site. Listed prices may have blackout dates, qualifications or restrictions. A walk along the tops of the city walls is one of the highlights of visiting this gem.

SPAIN, PORTUGAL & THE CANARY ISLANDS

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This region offers some of Europe's most classic cultural landmarks – alongside some of its best weather to boot. Stroll along the ancient cobblestones of Florence in Italy or Dubrovnik in Croatia. Tour some of the architectural masterpieces, like the Palace of Knossos on Crete, the Roman amphitheatre in Pula and Rome's St Peter's Basilica. Take in the stunning, volcanic island of Santorini with its blue and whitewashed towns or sip a glass of wine on Italy's Amalfi Coast with its pastel-coloured houses built into steep-sloping cliffs. Another benefit of a cruise to the Mediterranean is that you’ll be able to see many destinations in a short amount of time.

Hike to the top of the Fortifications of Kotor — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and witness some of the most amazing panoramic views you've ever seen. When you look out at the horizon, you'll see sapphire waters meeting lush green landscape and towering mountains. You'll be hungry after your hike but luckily you've earned a feast. Taste buzara, a dish filled with shellfish, shrimp, and prawns cooked in red or white sauce. Don't worry, it's time to grab a fork and indulge in ispod saca, which is made with veal, lamb, or goat and then roasted slowly with veggies like potatoes, carrots, and more.

Night Best Of MediterraneanDetails

Planning a few days before and after your cruise in your departure city can give you the best of both worlds. While it’s true that a Mediterranean cruise will not allow you to dive as deep into local culture compared to traveling more slowly on a land-based vacation, a cruise offers its own set of benefits. A common concern of cruisers booking a Mediterranean cruise is whether they will have enough time at each port stop or not. While in the Caribbean many islands are small enough to see in one day, Mediterranean cities often require more time to explore thoroughly. Cruise to the Mediterranean and discover the regions top 15 food and wine destinations from the most famous tapas in Barcelona, to the endless choices of seafood in Greece and more.

Discover The Best Montenegro Trip

Likewise, if your cruise starts in one city and ends in another, try to plan a few days on land both before and after the cruise. My recommendation is to spend a few days before and after your cruise in your departure city to allow for extra sightseeing opportunities. There is no need to worry about local train or bus delays causing you to miss the ship when booking transport through Royal Caribbean.

Rachel and I used ours in the Latin-themed Baleros, karaoke bar On Air, Bionic Bar, with its robot servers, sports pub Playmakers, and our ‘local’, the nautical-themed Schooner Bar. The cruise port of Southampton features tons of diverse attractions that provide insight into England’s culture and storied past, including fortresses, gardens and national parks. Incredible mosaic art and ancient architecture grace this small port city, often used as a jump-off point for cruisers looking to spend some time in Venice.

One could spend a year in Rome or Barcelona trying to see everything and that still wouldn’t be enough time. A day in each port is usually not enough time to fully explore the city, but does provide enough time to view the highlights. For example, in Pisa they offer the “Pisa on Your Own” tour, which takes guests from the port of Livorno to the heart of Pisa. They can then explore the city on their own for an allotted time before catching the shuttle bus back to port.

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Home of Napoleon Bonaparte, Corsica is an island located just south of France and right above Sardinia, Italy. Not only did he grow up here, but he was even baptized in the Notre Dame Cathedral right in town, and his family home now serves as a museum. To take in its beauty, visit the Calanques de Piana — breathtaking yet dramatic red-rock cliffs. Here, you can visit caves, overlook the deep blue ocean, and spot eagles flying overhead. If you'd rather take a stroll through the old town, you can visit Place Foch in Ajaccio, where you'll fall in love with the charming rainbow colored buildings. Spend the rest of your day sipping on Corsican wine and enjoying amazing cheeses and cured meats.

We’ve curated the ultimate guide to visiting some of the most relaxing and legendary destinations to travel to in Europe. Uncover 8 of the best Mediterranean cruise destinations while on your travel vacation. Discover the charm of the Mediterranean on a bucket list busting Euro vacation this summer.

This year I went back for more doing a 7 night Western Mediterranean Cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Legend of The Seas with friends Laura and Caitlin. I’ve visited Rome a number of times now but it is still one of my favourite cities in the world. I missed the late night restaurant Sea Breeze Cafe, the half sports court and full theatre (the theatre on The Legend of the Seas had more of a lounge feel). They did make full use of the Centrium on this ship though and the aerial displays were a highlight of the on board entertainment.

Find Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas Cruises to the Mediterranean with Prices

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The Med is notoriously crowded in the prime months, so tickets and tours book up fast. If you have your heart set on a particular sight, such as the Scavi tombs underneath the Vatican, for example, make sure you make reservations early. Although Diego Maradona’s adopted city sometimes gets a bad rep, we found walking up its main shopping street Via Toledo and into the stunning Galleria Umberto I to be safe and friendly. Despite being plenty to do on the enormous ship, we were, after all, on a cruise, so sampling some European culture was a must. From Barcelona, our first port of call was Palma de Majorca, and after disembarking, we took a stroll around the harbour in the commercial and naval port of Porto Pi. While not technically part of the Mediterranean, parts of Spain can be found on the Balearic Sea, which flows right into the Mediterranean.

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You'll find that this tiny country is actually a can't-miss, even if you do miss it when dreaming up your ideal Mediterranean adventure. Most people opt to visit Kotor, which is home to one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the entire area. Explore the Old City of Montenegro on your Mediterranean vacation trip, where you can see huge forts, ornate churches, and beautiful museums.

SEA THE WAY: THE BEST

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This thrill-seekers guide will show you where to get the ultimate adrenaline fix on European vacations. Cruises from Venice can be a gateway to discovery — and not just of the places you sail to. Visit the ravishingly colorful resorts on the Italian Amalfi Coast.

Discover Culture And Romance In Italy

Stroll through cobblestone streets in cities like Florence and Rome, or take to the canals in Venice. If you're interested in more of a sunny holiday, the Amalfi Coast provides just that. Here, you can hike Mount Vesuvius or fill your stomach with pizza in Naples. Lowest pricing is based on our 3rd party pricing supplier and valid as of April 22nd, 2024. Packing comfortable walking shoes is a must while in Europe, as you’ll likely find yourself walking a lot more than on a Caribbean cruise. It’s not uncommon for guests to walk several miles a day while exploring a Mediterranean city, and the last thing you want to bring back to the ship are painful blisters.

Don't miss highlights such as Barcelona's Las Ramblas, a day trip to Capri from Naples or Sorrento, or an excursion to the wine-making villages of the French countryside. Jenna DeLaurentis enjoys exploring new ports of call around the world on a cruise ship, learning about new cultures, discovering beautiful landscapes, and trying diverse cuisine. She loves to get active while at port, whether cycling through mountains in the Caribbean or scuba diving under the sea. That’s not to say there aren’t drawbacks to a cruise vs land vacation in Europe, however.

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The queue went around the block but it only took us around 40 minutes to get in. In hind sight I’d recommend booking online before you visit so you can skip the queue but it was amazing and well worth queuing for. If you only have one day in Barcelona you absolutely have to go there.

ITALY

Enjoy these Pablo Picasso facts for your vacation travels and save your favorite destinations. Brilliance of the Seas makes it impossible to feel bored during a vacation! These top things to do onboard this beloved cruise ship make it a fan favorite for many. Finally our Royal Caribbean Legend of the Seas cruise reached Valencia. At this point the weather had packed in slightly we were sick of castles and cathedrals so we spent the day shopping in outlet stores, eating Paella and drinking Sangria. It was still a nice city to visit though and I wish I’d had another day to explore it properly.

The Top Things to Do Onboard Brilliance of the Seas Royal Caribbean Cruises

Italy is a remarkable place because your choices on what you can do differ greatly depending on the region you're traveling to. In Rome, you can visit Vatican City or the Colosseum before heading to the Trastevere neighborhood to dine on rich pasta dishes. A visit to Florence will bring you face to face with the Duomo, a stunningly beautiful burnt orange dome on top of a church. A quick ride from there will bring you to the Tuscan hills where you can sip on some of the best wines in the world, in true Italian fashion. One of the most attractive parts of booking a cruise vacation is the fact that food is included in your cruise fare. It’s possible to spend an entire week (or longer!) on a cruise ship and solely eat at complimentary restaurants, making your vacation food budget effectively $0.

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No matter what’s on the itinerary, it’ll be your most legendary summer ever. Of course, North Americans taking Mediterranean cruise vacations will need a passport to fly to and from their ship's departure and arrival ports. It's a good idea to book your Mediterranean cruise early, even nine to 12 months in advance. You can take advantage of early booking discounts and promotions and have the widest selection of available cabins and suites and dining times (if applicable). An early booking is ideal if you're planning on using miles to book your flights or points for a pre-cruise hotel. Look for fall sales when the current Mediterranean season is winding down.

Several major cities in the Mediterranean are not oceanfront, meaning a train, bus, or car ride is necessary to reach the city from the cruise port. In other ports, such Barcelona and Genoa, cruise ships dock nearby the city center, making access to the city a breeze. Royal Caribbean’s newest and biggest cruise ships tend to visit the most popular Mediterranean ports in Western Europe, whereas smaller ships visit both popular and lesser known destinations. From The Sultan Ahmed Mosque tour in Istanbul to the ancient history combined with breathtaking nature tours in Rhodes. Here is our top 20 list of the best tours for a Eastern mediterranean cruise vacation. Another smart time to book a Mediterranean cruise is during January or February when cruise lines run their "wave season" sales, often with lots of extra freebies thrown into the cost of the sailing.

Unfortunately, pickpockets are extremely common in this region of Europe, particularly in heavily touristed areas; Rome, Naples and Barcelona are especially notorious. Leave valuables on the ship, keep a firm hold on your purse or wallet, and consider bringing limited amounts of cash. Although, there is so much to do on shore in Spain, France and Italy, the highlight of our cruise holiday was our time on the ship. As the week wore on, the floating resort reminded me more and more of a large luxury hotel in the Caribbean or even Las Vegas – there is a sizeable casino on board, after all. For breakfast and lunch, the Windjammer is the ship’s most popular choice, with the all-inclusive marketplace buffet serving up enough food to feed a large town.

This delectable stew made with wild boar is the most popular dish on the island. Step back in time when you visit sites like the Acropolis, Pompeii and the ruins of Ephesus with Royal Caribbean. These sites and more dot the landscape of the Mediterranean, acting as a living textbook on ancient times. Here you’ll find lively cultures filled with vibrant people making delicious foods, dancing and relaxing on inviting beaches. While some may feel taking the time to sit down for a long lunch while at port is wasting time, it’s actually one of the best ways to experience a destination’s culture. In addition, it forces you to relax in the middle of the day while at port which can be well appreciated during long, hot summer days.

Catch spellbinding views of multicolored seaside towns sparkling against turquoise waters along the Amalfi Coast. Wander through bougainvillea-draped pathways and sun kissed shores in Mykonos. And savor mouthwatering authentic Neapolitan pizza in a cozy trattoria in Naples and flavorful mezes in hillside tavernas in Greece.

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Trying to fit 3-4 destinations in multiple countries on a weeklong land vacation would be hectic and stressful. On a cruise, though, you are traveling from one port to another as you sleep, waking up in a new city each day stress-free. Set sail on a dream vacation to the best places to visit when you cruise the Mediterranean. This region offers some of Europe's most classic cultural landmarks — alongside some of its best weather to boot. Tour some of the architectural masterpieces, like the Palace of Knossos on Crete, the Roman amphitheater in Pula, and Rome's St. Peter's Basilica.

Mediterranean cruises beckon travelers with a love of culture and history. Visit the Parthenon in Athens, Greece, or the Colosseum in Rome; see Michelangelo's David in Florence, Italy; or make a pilgrimage to the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem. Take a tour to a medieval town or marvel at the construction of a soaring cathedral.

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