Best European cruise need help

[LSauls7537]

We are planning a cruise for next year for our 20th anniv We've cruised many times, but only Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, etc. We'd like to go when not so many tourists,mild weather and would like 14 days. Our favorite line is Princess, RCCL, then Carnival. We'd like the cruise to be port intensive. We'll never get a chance to do another overseas cruise, so I figured the best place to start is this forum. Which cruise line, ship and ports? We all like museums, culture, history. Don't care about shopping or beaches. Do we need a balcony?. For the flight, should we try to use frequent flyler miles and do first class? I also know I do want to arrive at least 1 day ahead of time.

 

All suggestions are appreciated.

[wwinfl91]

I would suggest one of the Med itineraries because they offer the most ports IMHO for your money with the best history especially if you like archeology. The weather will be either warm, April, May, September, October or Hot June, July or August, which avoids the problem of the more limited Baltic cruise season.

 

If you have enough FF miles to get upgraded to first class for your flights over and back definitely do it. The long flight in coach is the worse part of the whole european cruise experience IMHO.

 

I would suggest doing at least 2 days before and 2 days after the cruise especially if you do a route that either ends or starts in Venice or Civitavecchia. Both Rome and Venice deserve more than a single day to see all that is there.

 

As far as cruise lines go, you can really have your pick as all of the major mass market lines do these cruise. We did Barcelona to Venice on the Golden in 2003 and really liked the itinerary which included Monaco, Florence, Naples, Athens, Kusadasi and Istanbul in addition to our starting and stopping ports. That was a 12 day cruise which you will find a lot of them being.

 

Good luck in choosing and looking as that is half the fun.

 

Have a great next cruise.

[PTC]

Here is a couple of suggestions:

Check out the group cruises listed on the group cruise forum to see if any of the itineraries are of interest to you.

Brillance of the Seas 6/14/07 - 12 days/3 sea days/visiting 9 ports

Carnival Freedom 7/12/07 & 9/22/07 - 12 days/3 sea days/8 ports

Emerald Princess 9/2/07 - 12 days/ 2 sea days/11 ports

Emerald and Freedom are new ships debuting in spring 2007.

 

Check out online agencies websites to see what other sailings/dates might be fitting into your schedule and your budget.

 

If you really don't think you'll travel back to europe again, then definitely choose an itinerary where you start and end in two different ports. You'll get more out of your trip that way. Do pre/post cruise stays.

 

I agree that Venice and Rome are the top places to start or end a cruise. So much to see and do.

 

Definitely use FF miles for upgrades as the flights are 6+ hours depending on where you are flying out from.

 

You'll enjoy your cruise no matter what ship you sail on.

 

PTC

[CalTravelers]

We agree - the Mediterranean itineraries will suit you best. We did Venice to Barcelona in 04 on the Star and enjoyed every port. The weather - August was great although there were lots of kids. If you can travel in Sept you will do better. We splurged on a balcony and loved it - spoiled us for future cruises, depending upon the climate. Keep in mind that you will just be gettiing a taste of the large cities, so be sure to add on as many days at the beginning and end that you possibly can. Sailing from Venice was one of the most spectacular sail-aways that we have ever had. We continued on from Barcelona, going into France to visit family. I have heard good things about Celebrity too so check them out - they have a Med schedule next year.

 

Definitely look into using FF miles - coach travel is getting worse by the minute. From now on we will only book a non-stop from US to Europe - no more clearing customs in the US and then going to our home - San Francisco bay area. This year's customs stop at Dulles was a torture - too many planes landing at once - frazzled customs workers and baggage handlers. Interesting that the airlines have staff to sell duty free on the flight, but can't afford enough stewards for each cabin section!

 

Planning is half the fun - enjoy your 20th!

[bubbadog]

i think prices are a little better on princess as far as quality and quantity,and the emerald(new) has some really good itineraries in 07,me and wife are going this spring on emerald 12 day starts in venice in april,so wont be to hot,and kids still in school,seemed as tho it didnt matter whether we took sea princess or emerald price was basically same so we chose new ship,and yes balcony is well worth it in my opinion,on our first trip couple years back,the ship backed into some of the ports and we had aft balcony,was awesome to wake up with a cup of coffee and walk out on balcony in the morning:))),you will have a great time trust me:p ;)

[pounder207]

We've been looking at the Med itineraries for a while now since DW and I each have big birthdays coming up shortly. If you want Italy(as we do), the best itinerary is Carnival. Starts and ends in Rome and stops in both Sicily and Venice. It's 12 days. In 2007 Carnival Freedom will be sailing both that itinerary and one with Greece. Cruises start in April and go into October. I would avoid the summer, especially August(when a lot of the locals will be on vacation). We liked the beginning of October.

[rebeccalouise]

You said that you want a port intensive itinerary and if that is the case, I'd do the Meditteranean Barcelona- Spain that people have mentioned. I am going on the Celebrity Millenium next July (07). Have sailed this ship before and it is really wonderful.

Having said that, there are many cruise lines that do the same itinerary. My friend did a 7 Night Norwegian Jewel out of Barcelona (round trip) and loved it and it was a fraction of the cost of the Millenium.

 

I also highly recommend the spring Transatlantic repositioning cruises- although they are not "port" intensive. They are a great value and with the money you save you could spend extra days in Europe on your own. Spring is a great time to do Europe- weather is nice and not too crowded(except for Easter week). Plus, it was so exciting sailing to Europe and then you only have one long flight returning home. Plus, no real jetlag when you get to Europe because it is gradual (one hour time change for each sea day).

[chrysalis]

Why not join us on the "new" Royal Princess on Nov 28/07.

 

......24 days Rome to Ft Lauderdale, with port visits in the Med, west Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. I guess this voyage can be considered a "repositioning" cruise, but it is certainly one with an exotic flair to it.

[NancyIL]

We're going on an Alaskan cruise in 2007, but I'm hoping to do a Mediterranean cruise in the fall of 2008. Don't like heat or crowds - so that's why it will be September or October.

 

If you go to a site like Expedia, you can see all of the itineraries that go to Europe when you want to travel. Some Mediterranean cruises have an emphasis on the eastern ports in Greece and Turkey. Others have a little bit of everything. I agree that spending 2 days in Venice/Rome either during the cruise, or beginning/ending the cruise in one of those ports makes sense.

 

For a port-intensive cruise like the Mediterranean, I think there's less a need for a balcony - unless you plan to be up very early every day as the ship enters a new port.

[SPI_Rick]

Based on the preferences you indicated, I would also suggest a Mediterranean itinerary. We did a 12-day Star Princess Mediterranean cruise from Venice to Rome that had 11 port days (2 of them in Venice) and only 1 sea day. We also spent 2 days in Venice pre-cruise and 2 days in Rome post-cruise. It was an outstanding trip. We still consider it our best vacation ever.

 

The ships and the itineraries will vary each year, so check the cruise line brochure to find the one that meets your requirments.

[WeBeGone]

There's a cruise Critic group going on Emerald Princess 9/2/07 - 12 days/ 2 sea days/11 ports. The rates and details are on the roll call site.

[virgenia]

I'm with SPI Rick on this one--we did the Grand Princess Venice to Rome in September. Outstanding in every way. And very port intensive. We did a 2 day precruise withPrincess in Venice and one day post-cruise in Rome and while expensive, was our first time in Europe and we did not want to be overwhelmed with the details of planning the pre and post stuff. It was enough work to manage the ports and decide what we wanted to do in each port. This cruise includes Greek Islands of Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu, and Katakolon as well as Naples, Athens and Kusadasi with an additional overnight in Venice after boarding. I would do it again in a heartbeat. We went in September and had PERFECT weather.

[sultan_sfo]

If you have the time, look into combining an escorted land/coach tour to fit in with your cruise. One of the advertisers on CC -- Vacation ... -- has a bunch of them from different land tour agencies. You will then get a real flavor of Europe. /Sultan

[LSauls7537]

WOW, you people are GREAT! OK, first thing I just did was order the DVD from Princess and fromthe posts, we absolutely do pre and post cruise days. I'm going to be busy. Thank you all so much...

 

Linda

[Tina G]

We took the Greek Island cruise last October. Cruise prices are lower in autumn. The historical sites were deserted and fantastic! Bring a jacket, though. The weather can be changable. The best news for flexible passangers was that this was the last cruise of the season! Many couples decided to stay on the ship which then did the transatlantic trip to Galveston. By waiting until the last minute, they got unbelievable bargain fares, and got to see western Mediterranean, too! :) They had pay for their return flight which they didn't use, though. I envied them. My husband couldn't take the extra time off work.:( If you love history and archealogy, don't miss the National Museum in Athens! My tour only allowed us one hour!:eek: Who needs shopping, when there is culture to be had!

[LSauls7537]

Thanks for theinfo, yes, we want to do Sept and I love the idea of additional days cruising home in peace and quiet, never thought of that either. Thanks for your thoughts, they are appreciated

 

Linda

[cusyl]

We did the Venice to Barcelona in early June on the Grand Princess. It was a 12 day cruise with only 2 sea days, so was very port intensive. You absolutely must have a balcony for this experience.

Definitely go for the first class/business class flight. We did not have any frequent flyer miles so we paid the big bucks but would definitely do that again. I can't imagine being crowded in coach for that long a trip.

[CruisenOne]

I am going to suggest a Norwegian Fjords Cruise.

 

If my Maker told me that I have just one more cruise to take, I would go

back there!!!:)

 

Fairly port intensive -- GREAT scenery -- GREAT tours.

 

Have a great cruise where ever you decide to go.

[English Tim]

If it was the Norwegian Fjords I'd go in June/July. For the Mediterranean, I'd go in June or September.

[OhioDogLover]

We have done both the Mediterranean and the Baltic cruise. While we loved the Mediterranean cruise ports, I would rather do Italy by land. That way you can see much much more of it. For example, not having 3 days each in Florence and Rome would be a real shame. (We have done it both ways, and there is just not enough time in port by ship.) Also, if you go to Greece, you will definitely require additional time so that you can see Delphi, Athens, etc.

On the other side of the issue, the Baltic ports were great by cruise ship, especially St. Petersburg. Going there for 2 days was worth the entire cruise. And, that is one place where we would not have wanted to go by land only. It was more comfortable to travel by ship and arrange a private tour.

Just my two cents worth. You will have a great time whereever you go.:)

[gooselace]

We have done both the Mediterranean and the Baltic cruise. While we loved the Mediterranean cruise ports, I would rather do Italy by land. That way you can see much much more of it. For example, not having 3 days each in Florence and Rome would be a real shame. (We have done it both ways, and there is just not enough time in port by ship.) Also, if you go to Greece, you will definitely require additional time so that you can see Delphi, Athens, etc.

On the other side of the issue, the Baltic ports were great by cruise ship, especially St. Petersburg. Going there for 2 days was worth the entire cruise. And, that is one place where we would not have wanted to go by land only. It was more comfortable to travel by ship and arrange a private tour.

Just my two cents worth. You will have a great time whereever you go.:)

 

Another vote for the Baltic. It has all the things you enjoy -- fabulous museums - Hermitage! in St. Petersburg - Viking ships including one that sank in the 9th century and was restored in the 1900s, history galore, castles and palaces, plus glorious scenery and friendly people, most of whom speak at least some English. Our guide for the Hermitage actually an teaches English. 10 days, 8 ports (2 days in SP), and two sea days for relaxation. If I weren't so old, I'd go back in a heartbeat.

 

We went the first week of Sept. and the weather was nearly perfect, mostly clear sunny but not hot days, only a a couple of brief showers, although we may have been lucky.

 

We used ff miles to upgrade to Business Class going overnight, very comfortable for sleeping with supportive leg/footrests and many amenities, including a most welcome toothbrush and toothpaste. Came back SAS coach during the day. The ticket said "snack" but we we given a delicious hot meal (two choices) with free mixed drinks and wine (not just soft drinks and coffee or tea), cognac to go with our coffee and, after our naps and movies (free), they served good hot personal pizzas (two choices of toppings), followed by hot towels. This was Economy Coach! Haven't had any of that recently on US airlines. :(

[jff50]

We are planning a cruise for next year for our 20th anniv We've cruised many times, but only Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, etc. We'd like to go when not so many tourists,mild weather and would like 14 days. Our favorite line is Princess, RCCL, then Carnival. We'd like the cruise to be port intensive. We'll never get a chance to do another overseas cruise, so I figured the best place to start is this forum. Which cruise line, ship and ports? We all like museums, culture, history. Don't care about shopping or beaches. Do we need a balcony?. For the flight, should we try to use frequent flyler miles and do first class? I also know I do want to arrive at least 1 day ahead of time.

 

All suggestions are appreciated.

You might want to consider expanding your options. After about 20 ocean cruises, I took my 2 older daughters (17 and 23) on a China River Cruise with Viking River Cruises. We did the Cultural Delights trip with 3 days in Beijing, 1 in Xian,2 in Shanghai, and 9 days sailing down the Yangtze. If you are interested in sights, culture and history--a river cruise does them a lot better than an ocean cruise. It's a totally different experience, and Viking does a fabulous job.

I will say that the flights to/from China were the flights from hell. We used Viking for the flights, and didn't have miles with United to upgrade to first class. Chicago-Beijing and Shanghai-Chicago are both about 13-13 1/2 hour flights. I think they ought to make airline executives sit in those economy/coach seats for a 13 hour flight periodically.

[tiggy]

If you aren't set on cruising with Princess, you might want to look at Oceania. They offer a HUGE range of itineraries, longer cruises, and tend to be very port-intensive. When you consider the fact that their on-line rates typically include "free air", there isn't a large cost difference. (There is an air credit if you wish to arrange your own.)

 

When I started researching for our Europe cruise, Princess was one of the first places I looked since I already had an open booking with them. Like you, we wanted a longer, port intensive cruise. I went through all of the cruiselines and happily found Oceania. Their itineraries are amazing for those who what port-intensive. We're doing a 14-day cruise with 13 ports and overnights in Sorrento and Venice. (Yes, that means we have 1 sea day.) Their Baltic cruises offer 3 days in St. Petersburg instead of the 2 Princess and the rest of the mass market lines offer.

 

Oceania's ships are sisters to the Tahitian, Pacific, and Royal, so they hold only 680 passengers. So you see ports that you wouldn't see on a larger ship since they're too big. Portofino, Amalfi, and Sorrento are a few examples. Plus you're not getting off at the port with 3000+ of your closest friends.

 

Best of luck. Whatever you choose, have a wonderful time!

[honeyclair]

My 80 y.o. mother has always wanted to do the Eastern Med. I researched the Emerald and Celebrity Galaxy for October. Since we are also taking my 25 y.o. dd as a present for her graduation from grad school (in art history), we priced mini-suites. Turns out the price of the Emerald was just a few dollars less than a sky suite on the sky deck of Celebrity (with butler). We booked Celebrity and the cruise is the only 12 day one they do. Mykonos, Rhodes, Santorini, Istanbul (overnight, if no political problems in Turkey),Ephesus, Athens, Katakolon, Naples/Capri then back to Rome. Since the two of them were in Rome, Venice and Florence two yrs. ago, we will only do one day before and one after the cruise.

If you try to use frequent flyer miles, reserve the flight on the first night that you can make reservations. On Delta, that's 331 days out. I will be calling them one minute after midnight on that day.

[PTC]

I researched the Emerald and Celebrity Galaxy for October. We booked Celebrity and the cruise is the only 12 day one they do. Mykonos, Rhodes, Santorini, Istanbul (overnight, if no political problems in Turkey),Ephesus, Athens, Katakolon, Naples/Capri then back to Rome.

 

You've got us totally confused.....Could you provide a link to where you saw the Galaxy cruise in October 2007 being 12 days? All we are seeing are the 7 day ( I know this can't be the one your talking about) and 14 day cruises (2) which only go to 10 different ports and it doesn't look like Venice is one of the ports so I guess your planning a land trip pre/post cruise to hit Florence and Venice?

Emerald goes back to the states in early October and that's a 17 day cruise. Emerald also goes to 11 different ports during the others months.

 

PTC