I placed a similar question in the Europe forum, but it was suggested I use the cruise forum. I will be going to ports in Southern Spain such as Malaga, Cartagena, Alicante and Valencia in October. I am now thinking a cruise to the French Riviera on a cruise would be more enjoyable. What is your opinion?

It's really impossible to say. What cruise lines are you thinking of using? That's really going to be the difference. I love all the ports in Spain. If you go on a cruise that includes France, it's much more likely that you'll hit only a couple of ports, so you're probably going to see much more of Spain than you would see of France.

Going on Seabourn. If I did go to France instead, it would go to Cassis, Cannes, Corsica and Nice.

As long as you realize that Corsica isn't in southern France ... it's an island that belongs to France, this is a nice itinerary as well. If you are planning to use the same cruise line for either itinerary, then the only question you have to ask is whether you like Spain or France better. I like both, so I couldn't really give you any advice.

I do like France. I have been there three times. I particularly liked seeing Normandy. But, I have never been to the south of France nor Corsica. I have never been to Spain and probably it makes sense to see a Country I have never been too, but the ports I would see in Spain do not include the major cities or highlights of Spain.

Those Spanish ports listed are rather mediocre. France alot more beautiful & exciting.

I do think seeing the Alhambra from Malaga would be exciting and the trip through Spain ends in Lisbon where I have never been. It seems that the coastal cities in France would be repetitive.

I know these ports aren't Madrid or Barcelona, but you're selling them short if you think they aren't great places to go. Malaga is the closest seaport to the Alhambra, and almost every cruise passenger calling there heads to the grand Moorish palace, which is one of the highlights of any trip to Spain. Valencia is one of the great cities, and the area around Cartagena is filled with wonderful Roman ruins. I don't know Alicante, but there are some great vineyards nearby.

Look, if you are more interested by France, then that's where you should go, but you're selling Spain short if you think all it has to offer is Madrid and Barcelona.

Thanks Doug. I am easily convinced. I am definitely excited about Alhambra which is a must see. I hear the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia is quite remarkable. I am open to enjoying the other ports and ending up in Lisbon can't be bad.

we went to Lisbon on a cruise a while back. we only had a few hours so all we got to do was take a trolly ride around the city and make our way back to the ship, but i'm sure you're going to love it, it's such a beautiful city. Enjoy your trip, whichever you choose it'll be great