I am currently planning our next trip to Europe and we are basing the trip around a Mediterranean cruise. This is very new to me. We went on a cruise in the Carribean a few years ago and didn't have a very good experience. One week and only two ports (couldn't get off at third port due to weather). We were miserable for 5 rough days at sea. Didn't have enough dining choices and felt a little like we were on spring break. Not a good feeling at our age.
We decided to try another cruise for a variety of reasons. We wanted to go back to Europe and not have to worry about the logistics of traveling. I find 2-3 days in a city is usually enough. So to plan to go to several different cities, it can be exhausting to unpack and repack constantly. A Mediterranean cruise is usually very port intensive, with a stop at a different port/city almost everyday. This really appealed to me. While I would like to spend all day in some ports, I think that some of the smaller ports can be done in a half day. This will allow time to recoup and relax. No packing, no trains, no flights. It just seemed obvious to give it a try.
We are starting in Venice with a four night stay in our favorite city in the world, then board our ship for a 10 night cruise of the Dalmation Coast and Amalfi Coast. Our cruise will take us to five different countries, Italy with stops in Venice, Ravenna; Croatia, with stops in Split and Dubrovnik; Montenegro with stop in Kotor; Albania with stop in Durres; Greece with stop in Corfu; and then back to Italy with stops Sicily, Amalfi, Positano, Sorrento; Ending in Rome, where we stay for three days.
The hardest part was narrowing down the Cruise line. I knew I wanted a smaller ship, but not too small. The all inclusive thing wasn't a big thing, but in the end I choose Regent Seven Seas. It's a luxury, all-inclusive line with midsize ships ranging from 500-700 passengers. I really wasn't planning this trip with the intent of getting to know everyone onboard, so this seemed like a comfortable fit. Just to compare, some of the larger cruise lines have 3000-5000 passengers onboard, some of the smaller ships have 200-300 onboard. My next BIG thing was I didn't want to have to bring formal attire. I loved the whole "country club" environment of Regent. No ties required, just smart casual.
First, I researched cruise lines and itineraries. I make charts for everything!
Then, I picked the one that worked for us. I knew I wanted to spend a few days in Venice, so it all began with an itinerary that started or ended there. So now, I have my documents ready and I am researching things we would like to do...this is the best part! I have been watching tv shows on places we are going and reading everything I can find. Of course, I have scoured TripAdvisor and found its sister site for cruising called Cruise Critic. I can't wait to see everything that I have been learning about up close and personal! When I logged into Cruise Critic for the first time I needed a username. After a little thought, I came up with "Next Half Traveling" and every time I look at it on the screen it reminds me there are so many places to go and so little time. I will make it a point to never stop looking for new places to discover and returning to our favorites!
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