Tell me about Mediterranean Cruises by David Odell

It is easy with the economy at an all time low to forget about taking time to get away from it all. Vacations tend to be the last thing on people's minds when they are worried about finances. But you do not have to forgo a vacation. With careful planning and some tips, you can take a very wonderful vacation. Cruises, especially those that circle the Mediterranean, are a welcome break from the toils of work and everyday stress. If you have never been on a cruise or visited the Mediterranean, you may have some questions about what is covered and what is not covered. In this article we will discuss some of the basic questions you may have about Mediterranean cruises. Who knows? Maybe by the end you will be calling your travel agent.

What area do Mediterranean cruises cover?

If you think that Mediterranean cruises only cover the Isles around Greece, you are mistaken. The Mediterranean covers a wide area and there are many ports of call that cruise ships make. You may want to cover the Western Mediterranean which will have you cruising along the southern coast of Spain and France. If you elect an Eastern Mediterranean cruise you will be covering the areas of Italy, Greece, Turkey and other cities along the Adriatic Sea. There are many different cruise lines that cover different areas of the Mediterranean area. You may not have considered it part of the Mediterranean but Croatia is a fantastic place to visit. You can elect to choose a cruise line that will take you along Croatia and Yugoslavia's coastline.

What are some cruise lines that offer Mediterranean cruises?

There are many cruise lines that offer Mediterranean cruises. In fact you can count on all of the big names in cruising to have destinations in the Mediterranean. Some of the most common are: Carnival Cruises, Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean. Many will offer the same ports of call but will vary on lengths of stays and pricing. Some of the more luxurious cruise lines such as Crystal Cruises will offer more luxurious amenities than some of the basic cruise lines will offer. If you are trying to decide on which cruise line is best for you, it is best to talk with a travel agent to see what each cruise line has to offer. Another wise tip is to check out the reviews for each cruise line. See what other fellow adventurers have to say and then start looking at the dates you want to travel. Some cruise lines may only offer cruises of the Mediterranean at certain times of year so you should factor that into your decision as well.

How long will a Mediterranean cruise last?

The length of your Mediterranean cruise is up to you. You can go for as little as 3 nights or you can stay up to 12-15 nights depending on the cruise. Generally the more places you want to visit, the longer your cruise needs to last. Also remember that the longer the stay, the more it is going to cost. If you have never been to the Mediterranean before, you may want to spend that extra money on a longer voyage. If you have visited several times, a shorter trip may work for you.

What should I pack if I intend to take a Mediterranean cruise?

If you have never been on a cruise before the first item in your luggage should be some motion sickness pills. You may not get seasick but it is a good idea to bring along some medication just in case. You will also want to pack your swimsuit, passport and something nice to wear for dinner. In the past dinner on a cruise meant semi-formal attire but those days are gone and more cruise lines are leaning towards casual dining. You should also make sure and pack clothes that are suitable for the Mediterranean climate. That means shorts, and shirts that can withstand the heat. Also make sure and pack some comfortable walking shoes for when you get off the ship at the different ports of call.