Italy...cruise a better value?
Sep 6th, 2010, 05:46 PM
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Italy...cruise a better value?
I am hoping to take a trip to Italy with my beloved next May or so. This is a trip I have wanted to take for quite a while. I have heard from a couple of people about how expensive it is for hotel, food, alcohol, tours, etc. We don't need to be first class, but I am also not a hostile type person 
. I have been told that once eveyrthing is totaled up, that is is actually more cost effective to take a cruise on Regent cruise line as their fares include meals, anything you drink including alcohol and excursions. I have been told this is more cost effective than traveling to Italy staying in Rome and Florence for about 7-10 days, hotel, food, tour guides, transportation, etc. Any thoughts on what is best?
. I have been told that once eveyrthing is totaled up, that is is actually more cost effective to take a cruise on Regent cruise line as their fares include meals, anything you drink including alcohol and excursions. I have been told this is more cost effective than traveling to Italy staying in Rome and Florence for about 7-10 days, hotel, food, tour guides, transportation, etc. Any thoughts on what is best?
Sep 6th, 2010, 05:54 PM
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I'm very glad to hear that you're not a hostile type of person, because Italians are generally incredibly friendly toward visitors, and being hostile would probably invoke a bad reaction on their part.
As to your question about cruises versus land travel on your own, sure, it may be cheaper, but it's also bound to be an extremely limiting experience - docking here and there and jumping off and getting a few hours' exposure at most to Italian culture. The meals you eat won't be authentic, the experiences you have will be seriously edited to suit tourists' supposed preferences; in short, it will be Italy Light, if even that.
I would definitely encourage you to plan your own trip. Italy does not have to be expensive (assuming the exchange rate doesn't vary wildly from what it is now). It's easy to plan your own trip and find ways to cut expenses. Loads of people on Fodors have done it, and you can too.
As to your question about cruises versus land travel on your own, sure, it may be cheaper, but it's also bound to be an extremely limiting experience - docking here and there and jumping off and getting a few hours' exposure at most to Italian culture. The meals you eat won't be authentic, the experiences you have will be seriously edited to suit tourists' supposed preferences; in short, it will be Italy Light, if even that.
I would definitely encourage you to plan your own trip. Italy does not have to be expensive (assuming the exchange rate doesn't vary wildly from what it is now). It's easy to plan your own trip and find ways to cut expenses. Loads of people on Fodors have done it, and you can too.
Sep 6th, 2010, 06:28 PM
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I like cruising but it's just that cruising. I will never,never again do a shore excursion. The ports are often a very long way from the major city centres and the tours end up feeling very rushed in my opinion.
As stated above you can definitely do Italy on your own. There is a plethora of accommodation options - I tend to stay budget where the apartments are old but very clean - that doesn't bother me as I spend so little time in the apartment. But there are plenty of options in between. You will get valuable advice on this forum to help with your planning.
As stated above you can definitely do Italy on your own. There is a plethora of accommodation options - I tend to stay budget where the apartments are old but very clean - that doesn't bother me as I spend so little time in the apartment. But there are plenty of options in between. You will get valuable advice on this forum to help with your planning.
Sep 6th, 2010, 07:03 PM
#6
Do you want an all inclusive vacation on a ship where they do everything for you -- OR -- do you want to see Italy? You can't do both. Well, you <i>could</i> but it would mean 2 weeks 'on the ground' in Italy and then a separate cruise - but that would mean REAL money!
Do you want to see Rome for about 8 hours by tour bus from the ship, or do you want to spend 3 or 4 days in Rome? Do you want to share Venice w/ thousands of other day trippers who have to get back to all the ships at the same time, or do you want to be in Venice in the evenings after all hordes have left for the night?
Cruising is cruising, visiting Italy is visiting Italy. Neither is 'wrong' - but one doesn't substitute for the other.
Do you want to see Rome for about 8 hours by tour bus from the ship, or do you want to spend 3 or 4 days in Rome? Do you want to share Venice w/ thousands of other day trippers who have to get back to all the ships at the same time, or do you want to be in Venice in the evenings after all hordes have left for the night?
Cruising is cruising, visiting Italy is visiting Italy. Neither is 'wrong' - but one doesn't substitute for the other.
Sep 6th, 2010, 07:13 PM
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italy is a place that lends itself to wandering slowly....you will not really be able to experience that from a ship or its side tours... the tours are very expensive...have you looked at those offered by the ships...
most ships dock at quite a distance from the center of towns and in the case of florence and pisa and other places quit far away....granted in venice you might be quite close and a few other port towns but they are limited...
if you want to save money do it yourself with the help of fodorites....eat at small places or eat pizza most of the time... don't buy much--most everything is way toooo expensive anyways...
most ships dock at quite a distance from the center of towns and in the case of florence and pisa and other places quit far away....granted in venice you might be quite close and a few other port towns but they are limited...
if you want to save money do it yourself with the help of fodorites....eat at small places or eat pizza most of the time... don't buy much--most everything is way toooo expensive anyways...
Sep 6th, 2010, 07:50 PM
#9
A cruise and taking your own trip to Italy are two completely different things. If you want to take a cruise, take a cruise, but that's now the best way to experience Italy.
I'm not sure who you have been talking too but it does not have to be horribly expensive. Just pick less expensive hotels to stay at (this doesn't mean a youth hostel but just more modest hotels or B&Bs or apartments), eat at more casual local spots not fancy or high-end restaurants, use public transportation or make your own walking tours. A 7-10 trip to Florence and Rome would be very easy to plan.
I'm not sure who you have been talking too but it does not have to be horribly expensive. Just pick less expensive hotels to stay at (this doesn't mean a youth hostel but just more modest hotels or B&Bs or apartments), eat at more casual local spots not fancy or high-end restaurants, use public transportation or make your own walking tours. A 7-10 trip to Florence and Rome would be very easy to plan.
Sep 6th, 2010, 08:22 PM
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I checked Regent website - a 10-day cruise starts from $8,000. This is per person, I hope you understand that. It means, at least $16,000 for 10 days - can you spend $1,600 per day traveling on your own? Whoever told you it's cost-effective thinks you have money to burn.
"Hostile" means angry, you probably meant to say "hostel" - the cheapest hotel?
"Hostile" means angry, you probably meant to say "hostel" - the cheapest hotel?
Sep 6th, 2010, 08:35 PM
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You absolutely can not see Italy by taking a cruise, and I love cruises. You can visit Italy on your own without breaking the bank. There is lots of information here on Fodors that can help you plan your trip. Italy is easy to plan on your own.
Sep 6th, 2010, 09:00 PM
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You want to go to Italy and are willing to spend $8,000 per person for a few hours in Rome and you think this is more cost effective than going on your own?
Stop listening to whomever you are listening to and do some research. Have these people who are giving you advice even been to Italy? I could stay in Italy for a couple of months for the same price that you will pay for a few hours there.
Since you're considering a Regent cruise it appears that you have plenty of money to spend on a trip to Italy so why are you worried about the cost? You can certainly see Florence and Rome for 7 to 10 days for less money than this cruise!!!
Lastly, if you want to go to Italy, why are you considering a cruise that will be going to many other places apart from Italy in addition to a few hours in Rome?
Stop listening to whomever you are listening to and do some research. Have these people who are giving you advice even been to Italy? I could stay in Italy for a couple of months for the same price that you will pay for a few hours there.
Since you're considering a Regent cruise it appears that you have plenty of money to spend on a trip to Italy so why are you worried about the cost? You can certainly see Florence and Rome for 7 to 10 days for less money than this cruise!!!
Lastly, if you want to go to Italy, why are you considering a cruise that will be going to many other places apart from Italy in addition to a few hours in Rome?
Sep 6th, 2010, 09:29 PM
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I did a 10-day trip of Rome, Florence, and Venice for $3,750USD including everything without a single hostel stay, with guided walking tours, some shopping, etc. (you can click my name to see my trip report). A cruise is definitely not cheaper. I agree with everyone above - plan your own trip, it will be so much better!
Sep 6th, 2010, 09:43 PM
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As you can see, Fodorites are against the cruising idea.
And, FYI, Rome itself is approx 1-1/2 hrs by car from the port. Alternative is shlepping to the train from the port
which leaves little time for a city that requires many days just for an overview.
the euro is .775 to our dollar right now so buy a travel guide, go to your library and do some R&D as your friends' advice is way off the mark.
And, FYI, Rome itself is approx 1-1/2 hrs by car from the port. Alternative is shlepping to the train from the port
which leaves little time for a city that requires many days just for an overview.
the euro is .775 to our dollar right now so buy a travel guide, go to your library and do some R&D as your friends' advice is way off the mark.
Sep 6th, 2010, 10:26 PM
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Agree with the others, forget the cruise idea. However, please see my recommendation to Grandmotheroffour in her post as to taking a tour or going independent.
You can spend over a week and see several of the main cities for a lot less than 8 grand, in fact I can't imagine what you'd be getting for this price. Just Google for Italy tours, you'll get many choices and then be sure to check out the reviews of the tour companies as to whether people felt they were a good value, dependable, etc.
You can spend over a week and see several of the main cities for a lot less than 8 grand, in fact I can't imagine what you'd be getting for this price. Just Google for Italy tours, you'll get many choices and then be sure to check out the reviews of the tour companies as to whether people felt they were a good value, dependable, etc.
Sep 6th, 2010, 10:30 PM
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The choice has to do with the meaning of "cost effective" to you.
If the "cost effective" is an absolute concept, then cruising can be "cost effective", but you get little value in terms of Italian experience out of it. Going to the extreme, stay home is extremely "cost effective."
If, on the other hand, "cost effective" means "Italian experience" per Euro spent, staying away from the cruise would probably give you more using this metric.
I would not steer you one way or another. I have met quite many people who wanted the least expense route regardless of how little "experience" they got out. I respect their decision process.
What is your objective? Determine your objective and optimize what you are seeking within your constraints.
If the "cost effective" is an absolute concept, then cruising can be "cost effective", but you get little value in terms of Italian experience out of it. Going to the extreme, stay home is extremely "cost effective."
If, on the other hand, "cost effective" means "Italian experience" per Euro spent, staying away from the cruise would probably give you more using this metric.
I would not steer you one way or another. I have met quite many people who wanted the least expense route regardless of how little "experience" they got out. I respect their decision process.
What is your objective? Determine your objective and optimize what you are seeking within your constraints.
Sep 7th, 2010, 01:23 AM
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Here's some food for thought. We're leaving for Italy on Wednesday for a 12 day trip/cruise in Italy and Croatia. We're flying into Milan and going right to Lake Como to spend three days in Tremezzo. Then, train to Venice where we will board a Windstar cruise ship. The ship will be docked in Venice for the first day and a half, then we set sail for 4 small ports in Croatia (Rovinj, Opatija, Trogir, Dubrovnik). After 7 days on the ship, we dock back in Venice and spend the last day and night there before flying back to the US.
This trip was planned with several things in mind: 1) much needed "relaxation" which is why we're only doing one stop in Italy and then 7 days on a ship, 2) this is our 4th trip to Italy. Previously, we have seen Rome, Florence, Venice, Tuscany, parts of the Riviera and the Amalfi Coast in some depth (but, there is always more to see) 3) it's our anniversary and we were married on the Wind Surf, the ship we're traveling on, so it's nostalgic for us 4) we wanted to go somewhere we haven't been, hence the Croatia cruise. We'll visit 4 small Croatian port towns and to get a "taste" of Croatia and decide whether it will be a destination for us again in the future 5) this will not be our last trip to Italy.
If this is your first trip to Italy and/or your goal is to see the major cities like Rome, Florence and Venice, I would definitely advise against a cruise. You won't have an authentic Italian experience and you will see very little. If you like the idea of an all inclusive cruise and want to see small, quaint port towns and villages, I reccom. Windstar Cruises over other lines.
Windstar is on the low end of the cost range for luxury cruises. The ships are very small with a max of approx. 350 passengers. Because of their size, they can dock in small ports where you can literally step off the ship and into the center of town in a few mins. as opposed to hours of bus transfers etc. The cruise we were married on 6 yrs ago stopped in Portofino and the Cinque Terre which I thought was a good way to see these more remote places that are not as easily accessed from land. Windstar stops in several small, beautiful ports on the Italian mainland as well as Sicily, Elba and Sardinia. The largest Italian port they do is Venice, but again, a cruise would not be my choice for a first trip to Venice.
Cruises are definitely a different type of trip as compared to land touring and are attractive if you don't want to transfer and pack and unpack a lot. There is something very peaceful and relaxing about cruising if that's what you're after (although I would never go on a large ship). But, if your goal is to see and experience Italy with all it has to offer in terms of culture, history, sights and ambiance, cruising is not your best bet. Do your homework and examine your trip goals so you can make the best decision and use your money wisely. Good luck and enjoy!
This trip was planned with several things in mind: 1) much needed "relaxation" which is why we're only doing one stop in Italy and then 7 days on a ship, 2) this is our 4th trip to Italy. Previously, we have seen Rome, Florence, Venice, Tuscany, parts of the Riviera and the Amalfi Coast in some depth (but, there is always more to see) 3) it's our anniversary and we were married on the Wind Surf, the ship we're traveling on, so it's nostalgic for us 4) we wanted to go somewhere we haven't been, hence the Croatia cruise. We'll visit 4 small Croatian port towns and to get a "taste" of Croatia and decide whether it will be a destination for us again in the future 5) this will not be our last trip to Italy.
If this is your first trip to Italy and/or your goal is to see the major cities like Rome, Florence and Venice, I would definitely advise against a cruise. You won't have an authentic Italian experience and you will see very little. If you like the idea of an all inclusive cruise and want to see small, quaint port towns and villages, I reccom. Windstar Cruises over other lines.
Windstar is on the low end of the cost range for luxury cruises. The ships are very small with a max of approx. 350 passengers. Because of their size, they can dock in small ports where you can literally step off the ship and into the center of town in a few mins. as opposed to hours of bus transfers etc. The cruise we were married on 6 yrs ago stopped in Portofino and the Cinque Terre which I thought was a good way to see these more remote places that are not as easily accessed from land. Windstar stops in several small, beautiful ports on the Italian mainland as well as Sicily, Elba and Sardinia. The largest Italian port they do is Venice, but again, a cruise would not be my choice for a first trip to Venice.
Cruises are definitely a different type of trip as compared to land touring and are attractive if you don't want to transfer and pack and unpack a lot. There is something very peaceful and relaxing about cruising if that's what you're after (although I would never go on a large ship). But, if your goal is to see and experience Italy with all it has to offer in terms of culture, history, sights and ambiance, cruising is not your best bet. Do your homework and examine your trip goals so you can make the best decision and use your money wisely. Good luck and enjoy!
Sep 7th, 2010, 07:00 AM
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I think cruises are an affordable alternative - but they work best where you are dropped near the center of a town that can be covered well in eight hours (the normal duration of a cruise stop).
Mediterrainean cruises fall short in two areas:
1. Many of the best places to visit are inland, requiring a train or bus ride that consumes half your stay, and/or,
2. The cities have way too much to see to adequately visit in eight hours. You really can't return from a Mediterrainean cruise with more than a snapshot glimpse of the cities you came to see.
Mediterrainean cruises fall short in two areas:
1. Many of the best places to visit are inland, requiring a train or bus ride that consumes half your stay, and/or,
2. The cities have way too much to see to adequately visit in eight hours. You really can't return from a Mediterrainean cruise with more than a snapshot glimpse of the cities you came to see.
Sep 7th, 2010, 11:31 AM
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Buffy, just be sure you don't let a travel agent or others tell you hotels all cost $250 or more a day. that's only the big ones they get commissions for booking. Check with folks here and on slowtrav.com on the Italy forum, and of TripAdvisor.
