We are in the planning stages of a cruise somewhere in the Med in July. Wife is a teacher, and we have no choice on that month. Considering something like Windstar but I'm wondering how July will be insofar as weather, boat, and other people. Hot is not too much of a problem (we live in Texas).
Another option is fly to Milan and go north on a train to Switzerland. Kinda interested in one of these Med cruises though. All comments appreciated.
Shrink

I sure don't think you're crazy.

Great choices. Switzerland is likely my favorite place in the world and July is great there.

My 2nd favorite is probably a med cruise. I think you'll be fine with July. One thing to consider when choosing a cruiseline is whether you want lots of kids onboard or not. You can control this by choosing a cruiseline that does NOT have a children's program and be quite safe. Most of the families go on larger ships. Have fun whichever vacation you choose.

The Med is hot in July but no worse than where I live (FL). It is also my very favorite cruising destination!

Suggest you also consider Radisson and Crystal unless the sailing part appeals to you. I found the waters quite rough on my "sailing" cruise.

IMO your best bet, money and time wise is to get on one of the cruiselines, sail to each port and then get a private driver in each port. We saw thngs that we would not have seen without a private driver. "Driverinrome.com" is excellent. I would prefer that to railroad travel. Pulling those suitcases up and down the stairs of the train can be rough. But the trains are precise and eating a nice meal while going through the Alps is like being in a movie. So, any way you go, Europe is wonderful. Happy Traveling!!

We did a Rome to Athens cruise in August 2003 on the Windstar and loved it. Unless the winds are just right, they supplement their sails with power from the engines therefore when you are underway there is always a 10+ knot wind. And the ship is fully air conditioned with good sized and comfortable staterooms. The things we liked most about the ship were its size - small; how friendly (but not intrusive) the other passengers were, the variety of ages of people onboard, meals which were outstanding and served in an elegant dining room but with informal dress, the ability to go everywhere on the ship including the bridge and the ability to see some really unique ports. Windstar ships can go into small ports that can't handle the large cruise ships.

But if you are looking for a full service ship with big bars, lots of entertainment, etc. this won't be for you. Also they have no elevators so you must climb stairs but there are only 3 decks.

Have fun. You are not crazy to consider a windstar cruise.

Bob

I did a Windstar cruise a couple of years ago from Lisbon to Barcelona, and we're going back this year for Athens to Instanbul.

Bottom line, the experience is an absolute delight. Wonderful ship, nice passengers, great itineraries. Wouldn't worry to much about the heat (summer is hot and that's that!) and my guess is that if you THINK you'd enjoy a Windstar mediteranean cruise you probably WILL.

Another thing to consider; with the cost of the Euro and low US dollar, cruising in the summer in Europe will probably work out to be a much better value.