Whether you’re looking to experience the thrill of a long-distance cruise or simply want to get away for a few weeks with your loved ones, a Mediterranean cruise is an excellent choice. The region offers many scenic sights and activities including wine tasting, shipwreck tours, and historical sites. If you’re looking to go on one specifically, make sure to read up on our list of the top 10 tips for a Mediterranean cruise before your trip:
Cruises have been around for quite some time, but they only became popular in the early 20th century thanks to the increase in sea travel. Before that, sea journeys were relatively expensive and hard to come by. But as the demand for vacation destinations in the Mediterranean grew, so did the industry’s capacity to provide these opportunities. Today, there are more than 1,200 ships registered in this region that sail year-round. So whether you’re looking to experience a long-distance journey or simply want to getaway with family and friends for a few weeks, consider booking a Mediterranean cruise.
What to Expect on a Mediterranean Cruise
As the name suggests, a Mediterranean cruise is a journey around the region. What you’ll see while on board can vary dramatically depending on where you’re sailing. From the stargazing of the Greek islands to the bustling cities of Italy, you’ll experience many different climates on your trip. Your cabin will be situated on the deck and you’ll be able to look out at the sea while you sip your daily dose of espresso.
As your cruise approaches its end, you’ll head back to the coast of Spain, where you began your journey.
How to Travel the World on a Mediterranean Cruise
Traveling the world has become much easier with the rise of the cruise ship. Whether you’re interested in a single city or want to see the world’s most popular destinations in one go, a Mediterranean cruise offers the perfect opportunity to visit multiple countries. Getting around can be easy with the cruise’s state-of-the-art technology, including fiber-optic internet access and wi-fi in public areas.
And since many of these destinations are also tourist attractions, you won’t have to worry about long lines or crowds at tourist attractions.
What to Wear on a Mediterranean Cruise
Although many travelers wear flip-flops, you should bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes or boots. If you’re interested in exploring a new city, you should consider renting a walking tour. These tailor tours offer insight into a specific city and its culture, as well as the history, of its present-day residents.
If you’d rather relax and take in the views from the ship’s comforts, you can choose from a variety of casual clothing options. But if you’d rather dress more formally, there are plenty of options.
The Top 10 Tips for a Mediterranean Cruise
- Go Shopping While You’re There
It’s likely that you’ll be in Italy for the bulk of your cruise, so take advantage of the country’s rich visual culture by exploring the city’s art and architecture during your visit. If you’re interested in modern or contemporary art, you should head to the Louvre in Paris or the Museum of Modern Art in Milan. If you’re more interested in historic art objects, you should head to Pisa, Florence, and Rome’s Colosseum.
If you’re interested in buying a work of art, you can always take it home with you, but if you’d like to experience an art piece in its original location, a museum is a great option.
Don’t Forget the Drinks and Food!
If you’re on a ship that serves European food, you may be surprised at how much you miss when you land. While you’re in Europe, be sure to treat yourself to some pricey food. You won’t be sorry – meals on board average over $80 and can range from steak to pork shoulder.
If you’re not a big drinker, you can save money on beverages by ordering spirits and wine in COUNTRY. If you’d like to enjoy glasses of wine at home, most U.S. ports have a large number of wineries that provide affordable tasting flights.
Up & Down, Up & Down
The Sea of thecroats is home to some of the most stunning scenery in all of Europe. From the green hills of Croatia to the red sandstone cliffs of Italy, your ship will take you on an immersion into this diverse region.
But your journey won’t be complete without a bit of down time. You’ll often take shore excursions, including visits to the islands of the Adriatic, the Southern coast of Italy, and the Iberian Peninsula. If you want to save some cash, you can always walk or bike to the next town or stay on the ship.
Shipwrecks and Undersea Adventures
If you’re a scuba diver or physical explorer, you’ll enjoy exploring shipwrecks and watching the coral reef systems that line the Mediterranean. You might even spot some unusual species like black tip reef sharks and rays.
For those who love shooting the breeze, you can always take advantage of the free hors d’oeuvres and drinks in public areas while you socialize.
Linger Longer with an Italian Dinner Party
If you’re lucky enough to have a group of friends that you can trust to share similar interests, consider holding an Italian dinner party on board ship. These are elegant affairs that you can enjoy with your loved ones. Though they may seem like a daunting task, you can always order room service while you attend the party.
Key Takeaways
Themed cruises are a great way to experience a different culture. Mediterranean cruises range from short haul flights to island hopping, which allow you to see a lot in a short period of time. If you’re looking for a fun vacation that’s easy on the wallet, the Mediterranean cruise is for you.
Image by Erich Westendarp from Pixabay
