Mediterranean cruises are probably the most booked cruises among couples and newlyweds as well as the wealthy and well-traveled set. With more than 2000 islands in the Mediterranean to choose from, passengers have a multitude of destination possibilities.
Mediterranean cruises offer the opportunity to take a look inside many different cultures and languages as well the art and history of various cultures. Mediterranean cruises cover an endless number of destinations/ports such as: Venice, Naples, Rome, Greece, St. Tropez, Barcelona, Morocco, Tunis, Tunisia, Alexandria, Egypt and Haifa, to name a few. Among the most popular destinations in the Mediterranean are: the French Riviera, Italy’s Amalfi Coast, the Isle of Capri, Portofino and the City of Dubrovnik in Croatia. Potential passengers can choose from a wide variety of cruise line types including: Luxury or Budget cruise lines, Deluxe or First Class and Premium.
Luxury cruise liners feature white-glove service and a more formal atmosphere catering to an upscale or sophisticated crowd. Vessels can vary in size from small yachts to large “resort� sized vessels. Budget cruise liners, on the other hand, are much less informal and laid-back and many people describe them as a “resort at sea.� This casual environment attracts families, small groups of friends, retired couples or individuals or anyone looking for an ultra-casual “come as you are� atmosphere.
First Class liners may feature extras like basketball courts, rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks and other activities not found on regular “budget� liners. Premium liners offer upscale, personal services, luxury spas and fitness centers. Many also feature visually stimulating, expensive art collections and gorgeous atriums. Luxury and premium liners may focus on destinations like ancient cities, tropical islands and Rivieras or places to explore natural wonders like glaciers and waterfalls. Cruises generally last 9, 10 or 12 days (possibly more) and smaller river cruises may be included as part of a day long excursion.
Booking Mediterranean Cruises
There are a variety of different Mediterranean cruise lines to choose from. The following are a few things to consider that may help you choose the right one for you:
· Are you looking for a casual or formal environment?
· Budget or Luxury?
· Romantic or party-like/festive?
· How many days would you like cruise?
· Would you like an air and sea package?
· What activities are you interested in?
· Where would you like to go?
· How much would you like to spend?
· How many excursions are you interested in?
The price for Mediterranean cruises varies greatly depending on the size of the vessel, destination, length of vacation, type of cruise line, package, etc. Mediterranean cruises are pricier than most, but well worth it. As a general rule of thumb, the vast majority of cruises include: meals, ship transportation, cabin accommodations, entertainment and most social activities. The price may not include: alcohol, laundry and dry cleaning, shore excursions, gratuities, port charges and extra activities like gambling.
A good place to start searching for a cruise line to match your interests is online. Many cruise lines offer virtual tours, lots of facts and information about their cruise line and cruises in general, itineraries and many feature special online discounts and offers. The best time to book Mediterranean cruises price-wise is during winter, which is considered off-season. Temperatures are still comfortable and another advantage to traveling during this time is less crowds. Spring through fall is when most cruises set sail, with the majority during the summer months. Prices are much higher in the summer and crowds are plentiful.