5 Mediterranean Cruise Mistakes

If you’re thinking about cruising in the Mediterranean (Med), these tips may help you avoid some common mistakes people make when choosing their cruise.

Many itineraries are seven days, and this is where people can start making common mistakes and not realize it until they are already in Europe. Travelers may think they are visiting all the ports on their itinerary. Yes, this is true, but pay attention to where you start and end. If you start in say Barcelona, in order to tour Barcelona, you need to arrive early to allow time to actually see that area. Many people arrive to their departure port the day prior, not realizing that doesn’t give them enough time to actually experience that area. Same is true for the departure port. For instance, if your cruise ends in Rome, you’ll need to stay an extra day or two in order to visit that destination.

Your seven-day cruise has now become more of a two-week vacation. Is it necessary to have a pre or post cruise stay? Of course not. As long as you’re aware that you won’t be experiencing your arrival and departure ports.

2nd many don’t realize how tiring a seven-day itinerary can be. You may not have any sea days in your schedule. Add to those long days at port, touring around and let’s not forget being jetlagged from your long flight. Another great reason to have a pre & post stay. Long excursions tie into being tired. Many may not realize that in order to see the sites on their tour, for that day, they will be riding a bus for around two hours. With four hours of total travel time plus your tour, the days are long and tiring.

3rd issue many travelers make is visiting Europe in July & Aug. This time of year is hot and sticky. Plus it’s peak season meaning that’s when Europeans are also on holiday, so cities are packed, which also means there will be a lot of traffic. Also July & August is the most expensive time of the year to visit.

Cruise lines that tend to not have a lot of kids present will likely have kids, as there’s no school. This means cruise ships will be over occupancy. Ships base their occupancy on two people/room. This doesn’t account for sofa couches or Pullman beds.

June & Sept are considered the shoulder months, or even May & October. Everything will be open, the weather will be cooler. If you’re traveling with only adults on say a friends or couples trip, then the shoulder months are a great option.

4th ship size. Many people look to ship size as their reason to select a certain brand. When it comes to the Mediterranean, there are many cruise lines to consider, so if not by size, what should you look at? Keep in mind most of these cruise lines, regardless of size, will be visiting the same ports. For instance, you can get a seven-night cruise on a budget cruise line like MSC for less than $2,000 whereas on Regent Seven Seas, you’ll pay that per night. So, think about what you really want on your cruise ship.

For instance, Viking focuses on culture and will have guest lectures come on board to talk about various topics. If you like late night parties, relaxed dress code and Broadway style shows then Norwegian or MSC are a good option. If you’re traveling with kids, Carnival and Royal Caribbean have excellent kid programs. On the opposite end, if you like a more formal atmosphere then look at Cunard.

As you can see, what the ship offers or doesn’t offer can impact whether you enjoy your cruise or not. Ship size does matter for certain parts of the world, or if you want certain Greek islands, but for the most part, the same ships big and small go to the same ports in the Mediterranean.

5th balcony cabin. Many people feel they need a balcony cabin in order for the views in the Mediterranean. This isn’t entirely true. The ports visited are often working ports and there isn’t much in terms of scenery. I personally always have a balcony cabin as I enjoy the fresh air, reading and it does make the room feel larger and less claustrophobic. But choosing a balcony solely for the views may leave you disappointed.

That sums up the common cruise mistakes in the Med. If you’re planning a trip to the Med and would like help deciding which itinerary & ship is right for you, contact me (options listed below) and I’ll gladly help you go over your options.

Bianca Ramos – Travel Advisor

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