Breathtaking Cruises
Mediterranean Cruises
So, you’re ready to go on vacation, but you can’t stop arguing about whether or not you should go to Europe, or take a cruise. You’ve always wanted to do both, but the people in your group are pretty much split down the middle. Are your vacation plans doomed from the start?! Not at all! In fact.... why not do both, and check out the Mediterranean cruises on offer at your nearest travel agency?
Picture it: You’re lounging on the deck of your cruise ship. The air is warm, the drinks are cold, and the staff is at your beck and call. Later tonight, you’re going into Venice, and tomorrow afternoon, it’s your chance to have a gelato, try to meet the Pope, and scope out the Colosseum. After that, you’re headed wherever wind and tide (and your cruise ship’s itinerary) can take you.
Sound like something you’d be interested in? If you answered “yes”, there’s only one way to cram it all in: A cruise in the Mediterranean Sea. But which part is for you?
“It has parts?” I hear you cry. Most definitely. The Mediterranean Sea is made up of two distinct, separate regions: East and West.
Mediterranean cruises focusing on the eastern portion will take you to the beaches and shorelines of Italy, Greece, and Croatia, where you can dine on scrumptious food, bake... er, tan, in the sun, and, for you history buffs out there, pretty much be in heaven. I think some of the cruise lines even offer bonus points if you can find the Colossus of Rhodes....
Those cruises focusing on the western Mediterranean, on the other hand, are an art lover’s dream. A common itinerary will begin in Rome or Barcelona, head down to Sicily or Pompeii (yes, that Pompeii, with the volcano), and other Italian cities. After that, it’s a short steam over to France & Spain, where common points of debarkation (for shore excursions and the like) include Monte Carlo in Monaco and Cannes. During the portion of your cruise spent in Spain, the Balearic islands are a popular destination.
Mediterranean cruises are offered year-round, but if you want the best deals (and who doesn’t?), try to avoid booking from May to October, which is the summer peak season. Ask your travel agent for any advice you might need, or points you may wish to have elaborated upon. After all, knowledge is power - not to mention the difference between a good time and a giant, money-sucking sea voyage. Speaking of prudent information gathering, the Mediterranean also covers places like Israel and other potentially unsafe regions. The Gulf of Aden, near Yemen, is even a hub for piracy. Have fun, but exercise caution!
On a lighter note, those of Christian faith will find a well-timed Mediterranean cruise particularly rewarding; itineraries often include cities where a flight to Israel, specifically Bethlehem at Christmas, is readily available.
So, what have we covered? Mediterranean cruises offer sweeping historic panoramas, cultured cities, stunning views, food so good you’ll want to smuggle some home, and weather to die for. There is clearly no downside, so get packing! Just don’t forget to take your camera. Pictures are a must!
