Visiting the historic cities of Europe is a wonderful experience and one of the best ways to see them is on a cruise. European hotels are notoriously expensive, particularly in classic cities such as Venice, Rome and Monte Carlo. The roads are busy and drivers, particularly in Italy, are quite crazy. Car hire is expensive and some countries drive on the opposite side of the road. Booking a Mediterranean cruise neatly sidesteps all these possible problems, taking passengers for a very reasonable fixed cost from port to port. Food is included; there is no hassle of packing and unpacking as you journey from city to city and someone else does all the navigating. Wake up each morning to a new world, explore independently or take one of the organized tours offered by the cruise line and have a great experience. No wonder Mediterranean cruises have become so popular!
Mediterranean cruises are provided by many different cruise companies offering a choice of itineraries and different starting and finishing ports. Cruises can also be combined with a few days in a city such as London, Amsterdam or Athens at the beginning or end of the cruise, making this an easy way to see your chosen dream destinations.
Cruises are offered at many different price levels by an assortment of cruise lines. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity cruise cater to the mass markets along with Holland America, Costa Cruises, Princess, P and O and Carnival. More luxurious, upmarket cruises are offered by Cunard Cruise Line on the Queen May II or the new Queen Victoria. Crystal Cruises and Silversea offer smaller ships with ultra-attentive service and amenities while Seabourn Cruise Line and Windstar offer luxury yachts with unparalleled staff to guest ratios. Itineraries offer many different ports in the Mediterranean from Gibraltar to Athens.
Although these cruises are chosen for their ports of call, times in between are filled with onboard activities such as shopping, beauty treatments, fun competitions, live music, pool activities, classes and demonstration and lectures about the next port of call. Food is a large part of the cruise experience with huge buffets, silver service 5-course dinner menus, afternoon tea, chocolate parties and more; all part of the inclusive cruise pleasures. Live entertainment and shows may occupy your evening or try your hand at gambling in the onboard cruise casino.
Cruise ship gambling is popular with many cruisers. Lessons may be offered during the day for novices and generally the atmosphere is of friendly fun. The dealers are professional but patient with new players. Cruise ship casinos are much smaller than Las Vegas casinos and like the rest of the ship are beautifully designed and equipped. Most cruise ship casinos offer roulette, craps, baccarat and several blackjack tables. There are plenty of slot machines too for those who like to try their hand with lady luck. Best of all, at the end of the evening, your cabin is only a short walk away!
Whichever cruise line you choose, and wherever you travel, a Mediterranean cruise is an excellent way to see some amazing sights and enjoy a rich cultural experience, returning each night to a comfortable bed and excellent on-board cuisine.
