Europe

[Bob1956]

We were scheduled to leave August 25 for Europe cruise on Celebrity but had to cancel a week before due to a death of one of the passengers husband. We are now looking to reschedule for next year. The cruise went from Barcelona to Venice but I see now they leave from Rome going to Venice, how much are we missing not going to Barcelona? Have also been getting e-mails regarding Viking cruises, has anyone had any experience with Viking or should we just stay with Celebrity?

[Amerryscot]

It would be a shame to miss Barcelona as it is such a good cruise destination. The ship docks close to the city centre so you are not wasting time with transfers and long coach rides. It has just the right mix of culture, scenery and food. It frequently makes top ten lists of worldwide holiday destinations.

 

OTOH, starting in Rome gives you the opportunity to spend a few days on a land based holiday before starting your cruise as there is more to do in Rome that you could reasonably do from an cruise excursion.

[Hlitner]

Europe is actually a pretty big place and you are only going to visit a handful of places on any relatively short cruise. So what will you miss by not going to Barcelona? Barcelona! And if you do not go to Istanbul you will miss Istanbul. And it is the same with Bergen, St Petersburg, Lisbon, etc. Bottom line is you choose a cruise (or land trip) that gets you to places you want to see, and try to come back another day for more places. We have been traveling throughout Europe for about forty years and there are still many places we have yet to visit.

 

As to Viking River Cruises, they are a well established River cruise company (now expanding into the cruise ship world) that does a good job. River Cruises are a totally different experience from cruise lines/ships so you need to do a little research to see what best suits you.

 

Hank

Edited September 3, 2014 by Hlitner

[dancinman66]

It's not what you lose but what you gain

You need a lot more than one cruise to enjoy the med so enjoy it in stages

It is a wonderful place with so many things to offer

Barcelona is only one

Enjoy

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[dsrdsrdsr]

One thing you're missing is accuracy of the description - you aren't leaving from Rome. Rome isn't a port. You'll be leaving from Civitavecchia.

 

On the other hand, if it gives you the chance to fly into Rome a day or two early, it's a chance well worth taking.

[Steviewonder1]

Or to fly into Barcelona a day or two early and see the city and Olympic areas. We did the Barcelona to Venice 12 day trip last October. Had a blast. Stayed at the Arts Hotel (A Ritz Carlton Property) next to the big marina and the largest Casino. Had the use of an Electric Smart Car's and toured the city in it, without an International Drivers License! Sometimes the things before and after the cruise are as fun as the cruise. Istanbul was a fantastic city to tour. BTW, we only did 2 of the ship's excursions. The others were all private tours with 8 of us in a Mercedes Van and we had control of the tour.

[navybankerteacher]

Assuming that you will fly in at least a day or so early to spend some time in your port of embarkation, Rome has so much more to see, and spend a few days doing it. Not to say that Barcelona is not very interesting, but since none of your port calls give enough time, a few days pre-cruise makes so much sense - and Rome beats Barcelona hands down.

[letsgo39]

You can see Barcelona in about 3 days.Rome is another story I have been there 4 times totalling about 3 weeks and I still have not seen it all. Go to Rome and spend at least 4 days there precruise.It is the most amazing city you will ever see.

[Essiesmom]

Well, whatever you decide, leave at least two full days at the end for Venice. And don't tie yourself to Celebrity, unless there is money involved. Seeing the Med is more about the ports than the ship/line, so find the itinerary that pleases you. EM

[navybankerteacher]

Well, whatever you decide, leave at least two full days at the end for Venice. And don't tie yourself to Celebrity, unless there is money involved. Seeing the Med is more about the ports than the ship/line, so find the itinerary that pleases you. EM

 

Good advice - the ports outweigh the line - and both Rome and Venice are worth several days pre-/post-cruise; neither of which can really be experienced in the limited hours of a port of call.