Very basic question needs an answer from experienced cruisers please!

[DEBBO1012]

Hubby and I will be going on the PG this September so I've had the chance to get very familiar with cruise websites and I really like CC the best. My question is for all of you CCrs, a group of friends is wanting to go on a Mediterranean cruise about a year from now. Since I am one of the designated researchers, I naturally wanted to research CC. How do you do that since the cruises are listed by ships and not by destinations? Also, for any of you who are familiar with Mediterranean cruises, which itinerary is best, the traditional Med cruise or cruising the Med Islands? Thanks for any help you can give me to point me in the right direction.

[Dolebludger]

If you are looking for Regent cruises, you can go to www.rssc.com (http://www.rssc.com) and view cruises by region of itinerary.

[TedC]

The Med is one of our favorite cruise destinations, as it is with many cruisers. There's no "best" itinerary - only itineraries that suit you best.

Generally there are eastern Med and western Med itineraries and some itineraries that focus on Greek islands.

Look over the Regent cruises in the Med and select the ports that interest you and your friends the most.

Most people go back to the Med many times - seeing new ports and revisiting favorite places.

We enjoy cruising the Med in Sept or early Oct or in May - the temperature is usually more agreeable then and Europe isn't quite as crowded. Some times cruise pricing can be a bit less on the "shoulder" seasons.

Regent has many Med cruises - I don't think you can go wrong on any of them.

CC has a forum for ports and destinations that should be helpful.

[Gail C]

Debbo1012, I think you need to pin down your friends. I don't envy you this responsibility. I feel you need to know; approx length of cruise, most important ports or areas of the Med., budget guidelines, etc. Knowing this will make it easier to narrow down the options.

[Host Dan]

Click "Find a Cruise" on the top of the CC Toolbar (yellow). Put as much, or as little information in, and see your results!

Host Dan

[Wendy The Wanderer]

I love that kind of responsibility! First of all, try the destination-specific boards here on CC, namely the Mediterranean in this case.

You will see lots of postings along these lines.

Second, find out what your friends' budget is, and what their expectations are. Is this their first European trip? Are they seasoned cruisers (I think not)?

Regent has some great Med itineraries, but if they can't afford this, then you go down the chain: Oceania, Azamara, HAL, Princess... Lots of people even lot the Carnival Freedom for the Med--it's all in the budget.

As for itinerary, again, if it's a first trip, then eastern/western Med. is the choice. Hit the big cities, or meander around--most are pretty port-intensive. Again, if first trip to Europe, probably the former.

[DEBBO1012]

I was trying to go through the intensive research proposition of clicking on each cruise company here on CC, then clicking on Med cruises. It was making everything very hard to compare. I didn't realize there was a forum for destinations. I saw ports, but thought surely there was a place I could click on Med and voila. Ted C could you be more specific on exactly where to find the "Med cruises" button : ) Host Dan, I am wanting to do some more general research first before using that feature, but will definitely use it..thanks.

Wendy and Gail, I love the responsibility. We have all gone on many trips, including cruises, together. I am a little anal, though, because I know I"m spending someone else's precious vacation time and money and want them to have the vacation of a lifetime each and every time I plan one. They are all seasoned travelers, been to many parts of the world, have no real need to budget these trips, but love to get a bargain. We all get together, decide when and where to go (Fall '09), then they pass it off to me to plan. This year it's the Med cruise, next year it's Austrailia and New Zealand...part cruise, part land based, and for hubby and I, part dive trip because we want to dive the Great Barrier Reef. That one will be tough to plan, but this one should be relatively easy with all of your help and suggestions. Keep 'um coming!

[Travelcat2]

If you let us know which ports you are interested in, we'll try to help. I agree that "ports" tends to be a bit general (sorry Host Dan:-). We're going on a 7 night Med. cruise in October that includes Istanbul, Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, etc., and have learned a lot through CC.

[lborne]

We've only been on one med cruise. We like regent because they are port intensive. If I want to be at sea a lot, I'll take a cruise out of Canaveral or Lauderdale (no flights involved for me). Also, if I had to do it again, I'd go on a longer rather than shorter cruise just to maximize vacation time vs traveling to the destination time.

I don't think you can go wrong with any ports. We picked one that stopped in Italy because we find it difficult to be in Europe and NOT stop in our favorite country.

[DEBBO1012]

The ports we want to visit is part of the general research I want to do here. Nobody in our group has specific places they want to go, but know, in general, they want to take a Med cruise. Maybe I'm not making it clear what I want to do...I do that sometimes in my haste...I'm wanting to click on Med cruises and have the vaious cruise itineraries, with descriptions of their ports, come up so I can read about them, research those port's specific excursions and highlights, and the overall impression of that itinerary..ie is that itinerary best suited for a balcony or is a cabin with a porthole/window sufficient, are there more active things to do on the ports of call in addition to going to cathedrals, museums, and scenic tours. Once that research is done, we have a group meeting where I present recommendations on 2 or 3 itineraries and describe each one in detail including excursions. We vote on the itinerary, then start looking at individual ships, cabin preference and pricing. Once we book that, I then research, in detail, specific excursions offered by that ship vs outside vendors. We typically do a mix of each. Example: Six of us want to do a deep sea fishing trip on the same day 12 of us want to take the museum tour. We book those. We always dine together onboard so those reservations are relatively easy to research. Hope this detailed explanation helps to let you know what I'm hoping to find here on CC.

[wripro]

Debbo1012,

Here's a little advice from someone who has been in your position. Although it is obvious you enjoy doing all the research remember that you are doing your friends a tremendous favor by undertaking this project. You should not feel pressured or stressed to make their vacation trouble free. If they expect that they should put their vacations in the hands of an experienced travel agent who gets paid for the work. Still, it can be lots of fun to do the advance work as long as you put it all in perspective. Enjoy the search!

[Travelcat2]

It appears that you have a lot of work ahead of you. The two Regent ships that typically cruise the Med. are the Voyager (all balcony) and the Navigator (80% balcony). While the balcony is enjoyable, on a port intensive cruise, the lower decks of the Navigator (with large windows) would work just fine. The cabins on the Navigator and the Voyager are the same size -- whether you have a window or balcony (not counting the balcony in terms of the size:-)

Pricing on the Navigator is generally a bit less than the Voyager. The ship is smaller (480 on Navigator -- 700 on the Voyager) and they have less dining choices (again, doesn't matter much on a port intensive cruise).

I don't know anything about fishing but have seen many ruins, cathedrals and museums in Italy and Greece. For a first time Med. cruise, I'd look at itineraries that include these countries.

When you get to the point where you are researching specific ports, the "Ports" section of CC will come in handy. We try to book private tours whenever possible. However, this may not work well if more than 6 of you want to go to the same place as you may have to book 2 vehicles (there is a thread about a group having difficulties booking tours -- I believe it's under "Ports", "Europe", "Eastern & Western"). There is a website that gives great information on each port. However, it isn't fair to CC to advertise on this board. Just try Googling "cruise ports";)

I'll stop and let others chime in.

[DEBBO1012]

Thanks for the advice. We have tried that in the past only to be disappointed in the results. Having analyzed why a professional travel person would have made so many mistakes, I think it boils down to time and money. Are they really willing to do the diligent leg work required to find just the right trip for perfect strangers for the amount of money they are making per hour off of our trip. I must say, though, we did hire a TA once for an Alaskan cruise who was wonderful. It was for my parent's 50th wedding anniversary. When our friends found out we were going, they all wanted to go, so we booked travel for 20 on the Veendam. One week before we were to travel, my dad got terribly sick and had to cancel. Even though our TA had advised us to buy travel insurance, we didn't so we were going to be out all the expenses for my parent's cancelling. Even though I didn't ask for even a partial refund, our TA got my hubby and I all our money back for their trip. Amazing!

[Travelcat2]

There is an active thread I think you may find interesting. . . "Favorite Med Ports" (in the "Ports" section described above). There are three pages of opinions regarding ports.

It sounds like your TA did a good job getting the money refunded. Sorry your dad became ill -- especially before such a special anniversary.

There are many benefits to having a TA -- however, researching itineraries and ships (at least for us) is better done by the people traveling. TA's also have wonderful input in terms of private tours vs. ship tours and cabin selection. (in case my TA is reading this -- I do adore my TA -- really!)

[Wendy The Wanderer]

So it sounds like you have a group of around 20, probably a variety of ages and interests. Are you content with getting together for dinners, or would you like some sea days thrown in for camaraderie and relaxation?

If you choose a very port-intensive itinerary, then I doubt the balconies are worth it--I know some people can't live without them, and for most Regent bookings it's not an issue, but that's my opinion. With sea days, balconies are worth it.

If you like a variety of activities, and want to throw in some land-time, the eastern med. has a lot going for it--Greece is such a fun place, and varied, with enough ruins to keep the history buffs in heaven, and lots of water for other activities, and great tavernas for fun evenings. The coast of Turkey might work too (although I have no personal experience, just wanderlust.)

Regent is getting mighty pricey these days, and few bargains. Some people might suggest Oceania, although I hear the age demographic skews kind of older and more sedate. What about Azamara? That's one line that I'm looking at for the future.

[wripro]

A really good travel agent will not have to do an extensive amount of research to find what you are looking for. He/She will know all that. Especially if you use someone who is familiar with all the luxury lines. That agent should be able to guide you in the right direction very quickly. If not, find someone who will. They are definitely out there.

[Dolebludger]

Right! I wouldn't leave home without the support of a travel agent (TA) in cases where TA's services are still available. In recent years, airlines, hotels, and even resorts have cut commissions to TAs, so his help is difficult to get for these services. Cruise lines (thank heavens) still support the TA industry, which allows us to have their great assistance at no cost to us. TAs are a great help in selecting the right cruise, and in handling any problems that might arise.

[jhp]

DEBBO..... I think the first thing you need to establish is how much your friends are willing to spend on this cruise. Then work from there. Really, Regent is so far more expensive than other lines (what they give and what you get is value to YOU, very personal) that it might not be in the ballpark for them unless they are willing to spend more than what the mass market lines are selling. I just think that's where you have to start. Just saying "the Med" is way too broad a sweep without more information.

[DEBBO1012]

Thanks for all the great advice. I will take it all under consideration.

travelcat, the balcony and fishing excursions were just examples I was using to describe the steps we have gone through when planning vacations previously. Yes, our TA was wonderful for that Alaskan cruise. Others have not been so great and have cost us loss of vacation time because of a variety of mistakes. That's why we started doing our own thing and have not been disappointed since. We all do now take out travel insurance since we tend to book our trips a year out. Thanks for the tip on the active thread.

Wendy, yes our group is about 20 and have a variety of interests. We want to all dine together because many times it is the only time we are together during an entire day. We also want a variety of sea days and ports. We typically provide our own entertainment (smile) so we don't need a lot of planned shows, etc. Since some of us are very active, some kind of water sports from the ship and more active shore excursions are a must, but sitting around relaxing and talking is also an anticipated part of our trips. From the little research I've already done, I am really leaning toward the Greek Isles and love what SeaDream is doing with their more intimate approach to cruising. The only hang up with them seems to be their dress code. Our guys are totally casual. We could get them in khakis and a golf shirt, but not a sports coat as their reviews seem to suggest is the norm. I'll have to do some more checking on that.

jhp, I know our group does things differently, but we typically decide everything else first, then try to find what we want for the best price. Although everyone in our group could deal with any price point if they believe the value is there, they all like a bargain. We all come to an agreement on what we want then work down, depending on any deals we find.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Wow, I didn't know Seadream was so formal! Of course, you'll need a jacket sometimes on Regent in the Med too. Oceania, on the other hand, is entirely country club casual, and tends to have longer itineraries with sea days inserted into them. Most Regent cruises in the Med. are 7 days with no seadays, although not all--we did a brilliant 10-day Voyager cruise from Monte Carlo to Dover, which was amazing, but not strictly speaking "the med."

[Host Dan]

I believe the OP is mistaken. SeaDream is a casual yachting experience. No jacket required. Maybe she was thinking Seabourn??

Host Dan

[DebbieH103]

If you use a travel agent, you may want to interview them. I know that I spend lots of time getting to know my clients and what pleases them and am very particular with my groups. There are so many from which to choose. Someone needs to qualify your group, etc.

I agree on knowing the budget, time, interests, etc. and also if anyone has special needs, etc.

You are not going to find portholes on Regent, so don't worry about that. Of course, on Voyager, you won't find any non-balcony cabins.

If you have people that want themes, look for those cruises. I loved all the tours I did in the med that involved wineries and local foods - the Italian meats, etc. This is a region so rich in culture and atmosphere. I also enjoyed some of the off the beaten path things.

[crusinbanjo]

The Med is one of our favorite cruise destinations, as it is with many cruisers. There's no "best" itinerary - only itineraries that suit you best.

Generally there are eastern Med and western Med itineraries and some itineraries that focus on Greek islands.

Look over the Regent cruises in the Med and select the ports that interest you and your friends the most.

Most people go back to the Med many times - seeing new ports and revisiting favorite places.

We enjoy cruising the Med in Sept or early Oct or in May - the temperature is usually more agreeable then and Europe isn't quite as crowded. Some times cruise pricing can be a bit less on the "shoulder" seasons.

Regent has many Med cruises - I don't think you can go wrong on any of them.

CC has a forum for ports and destinations that should be helpful.

The wife & I have cruised the med a few times now on three different cruise lines; Silversea, Regent and Princess, (The Royal because we much prefer small ships). I would have to agree that you need to find an itinerary that suits you best, but don't limit yourself to just Regent. Regent is a great line, so don't get me wrong, but I personally think the itineraries offered for 2009 are not as good as some of the other lines.

[Travelcat2]

The wife & I have cruised the med a few times now on three different cruise lines; Silversea, Regent and Princess, (The Royal because we much prefer small ships). I would have to agree that you need to find an itinerary that suits you best, but don't limit yourself to just Regent. Regent is a great line, so don't get me wrong, but I personally think the itineraries offered for 2009 are not as good as some of the other lines.

Could you please give us your reasoning??? Thanks!

[DEBBO1012]

Cruisinbanjo, what, in your opinion, are the best Med itineraries and why?

Host Dan, I read the several of the reviews of the SeaDream I and II on the Med itinerary and wearing a sports coat was mentioned more than once. They call it casually elegant, I think.

Wendy, I will definitely check the Oceania out. Thanks.

[crusinbanjo]

Cruisinbanjo, what, in your opinion, are the best Med itineraries and why?

Host Dan, I read the several of the reviews of the SeaDream I and II on the Med itinerary and wearing a sports coat was mentioned more than once. They call it casually elegant, I think.

Wendy, I will definitely check the Oceania out. Thanks.

First off, we much prefer the small ships, so I rarely even look at the larger ones and so cannot comment on their Itins.

I liked the Silversea Itinerary best when we were looking to cruise Med and the Greek Isles on our first med cruise. The trip was 14 days from Athens to Venice and stopped at more of the Greek islands that some of the others. Oracle of Delphi, Patmos, Santorini, Crete, etc Additionally it stopped at Kusadasi, for Ephesus where we were treated to a rare night visit to the ancient city. Silversea put on a wonderful event with Champagne and fresh fruit with a classical concert near the amphitheater. It was truly an evening to remember. One of the other really memorable events was a transit of the Corinth Canal, WOW! That was probably the best Med cruise ever!

Last year We were on the Royal Princess. We settled on this cruise over some of the others because it started in Barcelona, a city we had not been to previously, then on to St Tropez, Portofino, Rome, and Sorrento all before we repeated any other stops. We found the Royal Princess to be a nice ship, very comfortable and well staffed. Also the cruise length worked well for us, 12 days instead of 7 or 14, it just seemed to fit into our schedule better.

The Regent cruise itineraries just didn't seem to be what we wanted to see, either we had seen it before, or was to short, or to long, it just didn't seem right, so we passed them over for the Med.

Don't get me wrong, WE LOVE Regent and have used them for 2 South american cruises as well as 2 Alaska cruises, and others, so I don't want to say anything bad, just that the itins were not the one for me at that time. That was the point of my earlier post, I don't settle on the cruise line first then the cruise, I much prefer to shop the lines and ships I like to find the cruise that fits best my needs and desires. Know what I mean?:)

[Host Dan]

Cruisinbanjo, what, in your opinion, are the best Med itineraries and why?

Host Dan, I read the several of the reviews of the SeaDream I and II on the Med itinerary and wearing a sports coat was mentioned more than once. They call it casually elegant, I think.

Wendy, I will definitely check the Oceania out. Thanks.
I've only done SeaDream in the Caribbean, and nice slacks and shirt were the only dress code. Maybe the dress code is different in the Med? Even so, a sport coat??

Host Dan

[Travelcat2]

I've only done SeaDream in the Caribbean, and nice slacks and shirt were the only dress code. Maybe the dress code is different in the Med? Even so, a sport coat??

Host Dan

I was under the same impression as you. I went to their website and checked out some photo's -- sure enough, there were sports coats on the men (no ties) on one photo. Sounds like they are upscaling things (at least on their website). Was your Caribbean cruise fairly recent?

[Host Dan]

I was under the same impression as you. I went to their website and checked out some photo's -- sure enough, there were sports coats on the men (no ties) on one photo. Sounds like they are upscaling things (at least on their website). Was your Caribbean cruise fairly recent?
No, my cruise was around the time they bought the Seabourn Goddess ships, and converted to SeaDream. I've posed the question on the SeaDream board. I'm sure the regulars will post the current dress requirements!

Host Dan

[Host Dan]

Debbo1012- This should answer your question regarding sports coats re: SeaDream Yacht Club- http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=832425

Host Dan

[Host Dan]

Debbo1012- This should answer your question regarding sports coats re: SeaDream Yacht Club- http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=832425

Host Dan

[DEBBO1012]

Host Dan, you are fabulous! Your help has been much appreciated. Whew...what a relief. A SeaDream Med cruise sounded like a real "dream" otherwise. Thank you so much.

crusinbanjo, what great information you have provided. I will definitely check out the Silversea as well. I think small ship cruising is my preference as well, although those big monsters have certain elements that appeal as well. Have you ever considered the SeaDream cruises?

[crusinbanjo]

crusinbanjo, what great information you have provided. I will definitely check out the Silversea as well. I think small ship cruising is my preference as well, although those big monsters have certain elements that appeal as well. Have you ever considered the SeaDream cruises?

WE have cruied extensively on Regent, Silversea and Princess, oddly enough this year will be our first on HAL but I am always open to something new, and will check out Seadream. As far as the Mega ships..... .....I just don't know, the largest ship we ever cruised on was one of the older Pricess ships, I think it was the Dawn?? 1500 Passengers, always crowded. I think the best things about small ship cruising are the ability of the ship to go into small spots that the mega ships cannot and you rarely ever wait in line for anything! Just my $0.02