The idea of a Mediterranean cruise brings to mind blue waters, sunny beaches, major cities and small villages, world famous museums, ancient churches and ruins, great food and interesting cultures. For the enterprising traveler, a cruise ship - which cuts down on travel time, and essentially provide you a floating hotel - a creates a convenient way to experience the Mediterranean and all the history and culture and beauty she has to offer. Its no wonder that after the Caribbean and Alaska, the Mediterranean is the most popular cruise destination for Americans year after year. Traveling on a cruise to the Mediterranean at first look, may seem a little daunting, with the different languages and cultures. But with a little planning and understanding your options, you can ensure you will have the most satisfying cruise experience.
When to Go
Weather in the Mediterranean is marked by warm dry summers and wet winters. So summer is the traditional season for Mediterranean cruises, when the sun is warm and the weather makes shore excursions enjoyable, but also the season for of the highest demand by far. If you go in the summer book your cruise as far in advance as possible and use transportation where available when on shore. If you can't deal with the crowds at the Colosseum in Rome during the summer heat, you can avoid the crowds and the heat by booking cruises early in the season - April and May -- and later, after Labor Day till early October. You will save money on cruise fare and airfare by traveling in shoulder months.
What Itinerary to Choose
Routes in the Mediterranean depend on the cruise line you select and the length of your stay. The cruise lines separate the Mediterranean into two areas, east and west. Western Mediterranean cruises stop in Spain, Portugal, Italy, and France. They tend to offer a wider variety of on-shore options, ranging from sunny beaches to cultural and historic hot spots. You should pay attention to the size of a ship cruising to the western Mediterranean. Big ships tend to focus on the largest ports, while smaller ships dock in more out of the way towns and villages.
Eastern cruises travel to Greece, Turkey, and Croatia. Most of them emphasize Greece for its combination of ancient culture and inviting islands; other destinations in the area focus more on museums and ruins, with less attention on the beaches. Because the Mediterranean offers so many options, focus on a few specific areas you absolutely want to see and book the cruise that covers those areas, leaving the remainder of the region for another trip.
Which Cruise Line
At the same time you're considering which countries to visit, check out the offerings of your favorite cruise line. In selecting a cruise line for a Mediterranean vacation, first-timers might ask themselves some questions about their expectations. If your traveling with children, you might consider family friendly Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line or MSC Cruises. If your more interested in good food, luxurious accommodations, adult activities, smaller ports and extended shore excursions; try a premium cruise line like Princess, or Celebrity, or luxury brands such as Oceania Cruises or Azamara Club Cruises. Another decision you need to decide is on the atmosphere of the ship. If you want more of an American themed ship, with English only language spoken and American themed meals and entertainment then sail on ships from American based lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, or Princess. These lines run a limited number of ships on limited routes mostly on a seasonal basis. If you want a more international cruise experience, with announcements made in multiple languages, and the blend of passengers more mixed, then a European based line like MSC or Costa Lines is for you. Plus these cruise lines sail year round in the Mediterranean and offer more trip options than the American lines do.
