Review: Carnival Mediterranean 12-Night Cruise

[nybumpkin]

And yes I agree - I LOVE traveling with a toddler! I have a collage of photos framed in his room with the Dr. Seuss quote, "Oh, the places you'll go"... :)

 

He's a good little traveler - probably because he never knew life any other way! Haha.

We've always traveled with our kids, although our youngest was 4 the first time we tried a cruise. The boys are now 12, 16 and 21. We've found that the gift of travel (both within and outside the US) is one of the best gifts we can give our kids.

[sailawaybellaluna]

Well, we wandered and wandered and wandered....until we got to that place where everyone needed food, a drink and a bathroom break. For some reason, we found ourselves in the portion of Venice where we didn't find any restaurants that appeared to be open!

 

I was almost on my last straw, when we turned the corner near the Accademia Bridge and found the Bar Foscarini. This place was a life saver, and turned out to be a great pit stop for all of us.

 

It is a family run restaurant, and the son was very friendly (his father, not so much). He spoke very good English as he had just recently traveled in New York. He seemed to really like chatting with us and stood at our table visiting for a good 15 minutes!

 

I (admittedly) was very grumpy about eating here. I thought for sure the food would be terrible quality and we'd all be ripped off. But it was wonderful! Great sandwiches, pizza and pasta, and an amazing view! It is right at the foot of the Accademia Bridge with stunning views over the Grand Canal.

 

View from our Table:

 

 

As seen from the Accademia Bridge:

 

 

 

There were 5 of us, and we all had wine, coke, beer, juice, etc., in addition to a main course. I believe the total bill was somewhere around 65E. Trust me, it was well worth it!

 

We were suitable re-fueled and walked across the Accademia, and continued exploring Venice.

 

Next on our to-do list? A gondola ride!

[sailawaybellaluna]

We've always traveled with our kids, although our youngest was 4 the first time we tried a cruise. The boys are now 12, 16 and 21. We've found that the gift of travel (both within and outside the US) is one of the best gifts we can give our kids.

__________________

 

Kathy, I completely agree with you! Your boys are fortunate! :)

[sailawaybellaluna]

Now that we were all well fed and ready to start exploring again, we made our way over Rio de Sant'Anzolo. If you're thinking of doing a gondola ride, this would be a perfect place to catch it! Here's a picture along Rio de Sant'Anzolo neighborhood:

 

 

One thing we really enjoyed about our gondola adventure was that we went through many little tiny canals as well as on the grand canal. You really get a different perspective going through the tiny side canals though, and I'd definitely recommend that. At one point we passed an opera school, and you could hear the sounds of Italian opera coming from an ancient building we were passing by! It was awesome!

 

We negotiated a 35 - 40 minute ride (for 5 people) for 70 Euros. We had a great gondolier! When I asked if he could sing, he said no and laughed. Our son asked if he could drive the gondola and he let him wear his hat for the rest of the journey. It was a wonderful experience and we were so glad we did it!

 

 

 

 

Passing under the Accademia Bridge during our gondola ride:

 

 

After our gondola ride, we spent the rest of the day doing a bit of shopping and eating some gelato before walking back to the People Mover to return to the ship.

 

A perfect end to our 2 days in Venice!

 

[sailawaybellaluna]

Once we returned to the ship in Venice, we had dinner in the MDR. Dinner each evening was quite eventful, as there were always SEVERAL people missing, that ended up being "pier runners" and showing up at the last minute! So, we would have many announcements (per maritime law) asking if they were back on board yet!

 

They did have frog legs on the menu that evening, and our son was intrigued and wanted to try them. We have a book called, "Philippe in Monet's Garden" about a frog that took refuge in Monet's gardens in Giverney because everyone wanted to eat his legs (he was a chunky frog). So, we thought it was novel to order them.

 

Now, I don't know why I didn't think this through, but I bit right into one of them - straight into a fat bone! Frog legs are quite bony - I guess you eat them more like ribs! :)

 

 

 

The next morning we relaxed since it was a Sea Day. It was also our second "cruise elegant" night.

 

We again went to the punchliner brunch, although this time we arrive too late for the comedian. If you've read my earlier comments on this, you'll know this wasn't a huge loss. :)

 

We spent some time playing in the Library Bar, and hitting up the casino and the shops. Overall, just wandering and relaxing.

 

We dressed up again for dinner and enjoyed a nice meal in the MDR.

 

 

 

To be honest, I would have been ok ending the cruise at this point. We had felt that we had enjoyed the ship - and the ports - to the maximum! But we still had Sicily plus one more Sea Day before arriving back in Barcelona...

[sailawaybellaluna]

The next day we were in Messina, Sicily.

 

We had debated what to do, and in the end, decided on the "Taormina on your own" excursion through Carnival.

 

It seemed like a good deal at $69.99 per person, and the reviews online were quite positive.

 

I really wanted to enjoy it, but unfortunately, it was all a bit sad.

 

Taormina is just a small town near Mt. Etna with the ancient ampitheatre. It really isn't equipped to handle the hundreds (thousands???) of visitors Carnival is bringing there! I understand it's a great boost for the local economy, and restaurant owners and shop vendors probably love the business, but we literally couldn't walk down the street when we first arrived. Our coach arrived simultaneously with at least 7 - 8 other coaches and unloaded at the same time. There were huge lines for the elevators from the parking garage as well as the stairs. We took the stairs but still got a bit trampled.

 

The crowds:

 

 

It was difficult to soak in that "magic" of Italy because everything was so commercialized - geared towards tourists en masse. It really took the joy away from the place.

 

There are some lovely views to be seen from there, and we did get some fun shots of Mt. Etna smoking from within the ampitheatre.

 

 

That being said, I probably wouldn't opt to return....

 

Downtown Messina actually looked quite nice, and I don't think it would've been a bad idea to just wander around there for a bit as opposed to doing the tour.

 

Messina:

 

 

I don't want to end on a Debbie Downer note, so I will say: Taormina (and Sicily in general) has some beautiful hand-painted pottery made by local artisans. I started collecting Italian pottery in 1999 (mostly from the village of Deruta), but I was able to get a few more pieces from Taormina. The quality and design are impeccable and I'm so happy I purchased them!

[sailawaybellaluna]

Thanks for reading along!

 

It seems like such a long vacation, doesn't it?

 

It's been really fun to re-live it by writing it all out. Hope you're not getting too bored!

 

I realized I've touched a lot on the specific ports and what we did each day - hopefully it'll be helpful for some travelers on the Carnival Sunshine or Carnival Legend while cruising Europe.

 

If there are any specific questions about the actual ship - the Carnival Breeze - I might be able to answer, please ask away!

 

Two days left to write about...Our last Sea Day and our disembarkation in Barcelona!

[PathfinderEss]

Great review, thanks for taking the time to post it.

[dolfndreams]

Thank you so much for taking the time to do your review. You brought the cruise to life. Beautiful pictures and lovely family.

 

Thanks for sharing your enjoyment and your hints are very helpful for planning our trip at the end of this year.

Edited January 4, 2013 by dolfndreams

[Lucille Bluth]

Great review! This cruise is on now my cruise bucket list! Your son is adorable and your pictures are amazing. Thanks for writing it.

[Breezy72]

Still in awe over the beautiful pictures you took! I feel as if I've just returned from those places and it's not even 8:30 AM. :p

 

The escargot story made me chuckle... sounds just like something my kids did when they were that little! Very impressed with your son's openness to food... my kids are the same way. In fact, my 9 yr old DD's favorite food is sushi. She loves the fish eggs. :)

[sailawaybellaluna]

Thank you so much for taking the time to do your review. You brought the cruise to life. Beautiful pictures and lovely family.

 

Thanks for sharing your enjoyment and your hints are very helpful for planning our trip at the end of this year.

 

Oh good, I'm glad you enjoyed it and are finding it helpful in your planning!

 

I also see you're leaving on the Victory again next week? Our cruise on the Victory back in 2011 has been one of our favorites up to this point - have fun!

Edited January 4, 2013 by sailawaybellaluna

[sailawaybellaluna]

Still in awe over the beautiful pictures you took! I feel as if I've just returned from those places and it's not even 8:30 AM.

 

The escargot story made me chuckle... sounds just like something my kids did when they were that little! Very impressed with your son's openness to food... my kids are the same way. In fact, my 9 yr old DD's favorite food is sushi. She loves the fish eggs.

 

Thanks so much Breezy72! Glad you feel as if you had a mini-vacation this morning! :)

 

Sounds like your little girl has expensive taste! :D I've been really intentional with introducing my son to all kinds of food since my husband is the picky eater! He thinks food falls into three food groups: cheese, bread & meat! So, I didn't want our son to have the same picky tastes!

 

My little guy likes sushi and calamari too!

[maryann2]

The next day we were in Messina, Sicily.

 

Taormina is just a small town near Mt. Etna with the ancient ampitheatre. It really isn't equipped to handle the hundreds (thousands???) of visitors Carnival is bringing there! I understand it's a great boost for the local economy, and restaurant owners and shop vendors probably love the business, but we literally couldn't walk down the street when we first arrived. Our coach arrived simultaneously with at least 7 - 8 other coaches and unloaded at the same time. There were huge lines for the elevators from the parking garage as well as the stairs. We took the stairs but still got a bit trampled.

 

The crowds:

 

 

It was difficult to soak in that "magic" of Italy because everything was so commercialized - geared towards tourists en masse. It really took the joy away from the place.

 

I so agree about Taormina being so touristy. So crowded in your picture too.

Last time I was there we took a private godfather tour which was lovely.

 

Thank you for taking the time to write such a great review. I really enjoyed it and your son is adorable.

 

I will be visiting Rome next month on the Destiny TA so will be nice to see it without the tourists.

[sailawaybellaluna]

I so agree about Taormina being so touristy. So crowded in your picture too.

Last time I was there we took a private godfather tour which was lovely.

 

Thank you for taking the time to write such a great review. I really enjoyed it and your son is adorable.

 

I will be visiting Rome next month on the Destiny TA so will be nice to see it without the tourists.

 

Thanks so much!

 

I wish we would have done the Godfather tour - I've heard great things about that one...

 

Have a wonderful time on the Destiny! Rome is my favorite city...

[TrqoisWtrs]

Thanks for posting. Really great review - not too wordy :) and love your pics. Especially the one at the beginning of the gorgeous purple grapes and greenery.

 

And your little boy is going to be a heart breaker when he grows up - what a cutey! :)

[ucfalli]

loving your review! quick question about Venice. how long was the walk approx from the people mover to the the touristy areas? going next spring and trying to get an idea if it makes more sense to walk or take a water taxi.

[paget]

Great review, that you for taking the time to write it. Your pictures were amazing. We are doing a mediterranean cruise this summer....can't wait. You have such a beautiful family.

[cardbucfan]

Wow! What an amazing review! You have a beautiful family especially your adorable son and your pictures are great. I'm so envious of your trip! I desperately want to do a Med cruise this next summer but with a kid graduating high school and heading off to college (location and date unknown at this point!) I can't find a time window to fit it in. Looks like 2014 for me though! Thanks so much for writing!

Edited January 4, 2013 by cardbucfan

[sailawaybellaluna]

Thanks for posting. Really great review - not too wordy and love your pics. Especially the one at the beginning of the gorgeous purple grapes and greenery.

 

And your little boy is going to be a heart breaker when he grows up - what a cutey!

__________________

 

Thank you cruisin*tigger! I am worried about the teenage years...! :)

[sailawaybellaluna]

loving your review! quick question about Venice. how long was the walk approx from the people mover to the the touristy areas? going next spring and trying to get an idea if it makes more sense to walk or take a water taxi.

 

Hi ucfalli,

 

I'd definitely encourage you to walk! The houses and side streets and tiny canals are so picturesque - without the crowds of central Venice!

 

It's an easy 15 minutes if you take a leisurely stroll. I was constantly stopping to take photos and peek in shop windows, so it took us a bit longer...

 

Have fun!

[sailawaybellaluna]

Great review, that you for taking the time to write it. Your pictures were amazing. We are doing a mediterranean cruise this summer....can't wait. You have such a beautiful family.

 

Thank you for the compliment! Have a wonderful time on your cruise this summer...I wish I was going again! :)

[texasmelrose2]

Wow, this is my dream itinerary! Definitely going to have to plan on taking this trip soon! Thank you so much for your wonderful review. Your writing style and pictures are amazing and I feel like I was there. I can't wait for the rest.

 

You have a beautiful family and your son is PRECIOUS...those eyes!!! Thanks again for taking the time to share your trip with us!

 

Oh, and that picture of you and your son in St. Marks Square is priceless!! LOVE it! :)

[Froufie]

Fabulous review and pics - I am really enjoying it! :D:D

[sailawaybellaluna]

Wow! What an amazing review! You have a beautiful family especially your adorable son and your pictures are great. I'm so envious of your trip! I desperately want to do a Med cruise this next summer but with a kid graduating high school and heading off to college (location and date unknown at this point!) I can't find a time window to fit it in. Looks like 2014 for me though! Thanks so much for writing!

 

Thanks so much! It looks like we'll both be anxiously awaiting the 2014 Europe Cruise schedule then?! :D