After a couple of cruises, I have no desire to cruise around the world, but I can see the appeal. It is, IMHO, not the best way to see a place. You get only a tiny taste, if that, and no time to experience the culture or vibe of the place.

The Blue Cruise, OTOH, is in a small boat that goes into areas you could not get to otherwise, so that would be fun and interesting and something I would like to do.

Except for being warm and having lively outdoor nightlife (and that isn't even true everywhere), I don't find Spain, Italy, Greece & Turkey to be that similar. Culture, language, food, art, religion, architecture and history, while somewhat intertwined, seem quite different to me. Even within each country, there are such great differences between areas, that you couldn't say one place is typical. The more time I spend in a place, the more unique it seems.

I have experience, although somewhat limited in all the countries mentioned, and don't find them very similar at all. As noted Rome and Florence even though in Italy are quite different.

Yes, Reme, and what a difference between Venice and any other cities, or the Amalfi Coast and Rome! The difference between Barcelona and Madrid is so great, they are like two different countries (some would say they are), and there is no real similarity between the pretty, white washed buildings of some of the Greek Islands and the stunning, cliff hanging architecture of Positano on the Amalfi Coast. As to Turkey, IMHO, a whole other, exotic world: from cave hotels to rug vendors to architecture that leaves you speechless.

Cruises are fun, and you can see lots of different places, but they seem to me to be more a photo-op, see a major tourist sight, kind of trip. You have to spend more than a few hours or a day in some places if you want to experience what is special and unique there.

All just MO, of course, and I don't wish to take anything away from cruises because I like them a lot.

Well I sure like the idea of cruising to these places. Having been to the countries mentioned I am not sure what exactly is meant by "similar" but maybe thats just the way I think. . What similarites do you mean? All do have reminders of their respective ancient histories, esp. Italy, Greece and Turkey. I suppose all have a different attitude towrds work than the US in terms of amt. of time worked, alloted vacation time off which is usually way more than what we get. What sort of similarites did you mean. I would like to hear your ideas. Larry

Do your research before booking a "Blue Cruise" from Bodrum. There are great experiences to be had but they may not be entirely as expected. We did a private gulet cruise a few years ago and I did a long report on either this site or TA- I do not recall which one. You may wish to check it out before you book.

So what exactly is a "Blue Cruise"?

I have heard of Blue Cruise and it seems to be like a Yacht

type boat cruise around the Islands of Turkey.

Thanks Percy. That seems to be so. I googled it and see below. Judging by the size of the boat my better half would say NEVER! Think we'll have a hockey season?



http://www.bluecruiseyachtcharters.com/

For me the Blue cruise would not be my thing.

I did yacht for 5 hours off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, but I knew it was for five hours only.

Nothing to do on board but drink and lay about to tan !!..hey that's sounding good right about now

50-50 for the hockey season

You know I never watch hockey until the playoffs.

Same with baseball.

Yep, we'll see about the hockey season. Playoff hockey is, IMHO one of the best sporting events on TV. I do enjoy the NCAA's a bit more. Pro basketball for me begins in the last 6 mins. of the 4th quarter.

I was born and raised with baseball so for me I can watch that just about anytime.

The Blue Cruises are on sailboats called gulets. They give you access to many antiquities along the southern coast of Turkey, around 12 passengers. This is high on our wish list and many of our friends have given them rave reviews.

My DH & I took a short 4 day Gulet trip in 2000. We began in Antalya and left the ship in Kas. It was (simply) the best vacay we have ever taken, and always planned on going back for a weeks trip. We rented a cabin and there were 9 guests, 4 Americans & 5 Germans. Out crew consisted of a Captain, Cook & our "babysitter", (social director, sort of)! We would tie up at an island or Marina at night, and the crew would usually put out a net to catch dinner or breakfast for the next day! We would go along the coast visiting ruins and villages only accessible by water. After lunch, which might be on the ship, or on our own in a village, we would sail out and the crew would throw intertubes, kayaks, etc...in the water and we could play in the Med. nap, read, whatever! Around 4 there would be "tea" and then either just sail for the evening or stop in a village for the evening. The Gulet is a traditional Turkish wooden ship and if you have the time, do it!