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First time to mediterranean - which cruise??

First time to mediterranean - which cruise??

Old Jan 4th, 2002, 05:38 AM
  #1  
Steph
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First time to mediterranean - which cruise??

Hello everyone!

My husband and I would like to take a cruise through the mediterranean - Summer 2002. There seems to be so many to choose from. We would fly out of Toronto and are indifferent toward an itinerary - but would really like to see Greece if possible. We are first timers to europe and are in our late 20's. Can anyone recommend a cruise line based on your travel experience? Thanks!!
 
Old Jan 4th, 2002, 08:16 AM
  #2  
sandy
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Hi Steph, we did the Med on Princess and had a great time, but we are in our 50's and you might want a different time of ship. Maybe one of the Barefoot cruises with Windstar.We have also sailed with RCCL, seem to be more in tune with younger crowd. Good luck
 
Old Jan 4th, 2002, 08:28 PM
  #3  
Surlok
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My first cruise ever was on the Stella Solaris, from the defunct SunLine cruises, that merged afterwards with Epyrotic, in a new company called Royal Olympic.

I don't know if the Stella is still in the R. Olympic fleet ( she is by now more than 50 years old), but they have two new ships doing the Greek Islands.

If you're really interested in Greece, RO is the way to go. The itineraries are quite busy, but you'll get to see more, (and more intensevely) of Greece or the islands than with any other cruise company. It's an all Greek experience,from staff and crew to food. Some love it, as I did, others hate it.

Paul, how is Royal Olympic right now, any financial trouble, or are their cruises safe to being booked?

Regards,

Surlok
 
Old Jan 5th, 2002, 12:00 AM
  #4  
Andy
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Steph- I think you would LOVE Windstar Cruises-- specifically the Windsurf-
We did her from ROme to Nice last summer-it is an upscale CASUAL cruise line-ie no coat and tie,just elegant casual at nite--terrific gourmet food,2 restaurants, the back of the ship drops down and becomes a marina in port and has kayaking,windsurfing etc--the ports are fabulous== I know they are doing Barcelona to Nice, Nice to Rome, Rome to Nice and The Amalfi Coast of Italy--- I think that Greece may have been taken off due to the terrorism in the Mid East and the Afghan War--But feel free to email me direct---- the average age on this cruise is 30-60---much younger than most MED cruises....YOU WOULD LOVE IT!!! I have younger friends that took their honeymoon on it last June ( after I took it in May) and they loved it also!!!
 
Old Jan 5th, 2002, 12:42 AM
  #5  
Valerie
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Actually, Andy, Windstar is still cruising to Greece but the ships they use for that route (Athens-to-Istanbul and the reverse) are two of their three smaller (148 passenger) ships: the Windsong and the Windspirit. I know because my husband and I are booked for one of these cruises in May 2002 and we are really looking forward to it. They are reported to have the same casual elegance of the Windsurf at a smaller size. By the way, travel to Greece and/or Turkey is not expected to be any more dangerous for Americans than to any other place in Europe right now.
 
Old Jan 5th, 2002, 01:44 AM
  #6  
Paul Therault
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Hi Surlok,

You are correct in stating that Royal Olympic knows the Greek Islands the best and to be able to cruise to so many ports in a week on their two new "speedboats" is a plus.

I was concerned last summer when I booked the Voyager that the line was not in great financial shape. They also had delayed accepting the newbuild Explorer with what I thought was an excuse that it had mechanical problems.

My mind cleared when I experienced a wonderful cruise with no sense of the line being in trouble. No expense was spared with the more than adequate crew and food.

With so many cruises under my belt it is so obvious when a line is in trouble. The service, staff, entertainment, night mechanics and food negatives do stand out.

RO is a big-money company and the delivery in May of 2002 of the Explorer shows that they are on solid ground. They have unique itineraries that no other line can match. They can sail from Venice to Istanbul and back via Greece on a 7 day voyage. No other ship can do that.

The Olympia Voyager will set out from both Houston and Ft. Lauderdale with 10 or 12 day Maya Equinox voyages on March 18. It will then do 7 day Mayaribbean itineraries r/t from Houston beginning Mar. 30 with rates starting from $847 pp double. These will be popular and profitable voyages.

Their older ships although comfortable and all refurbished (including the Stella Solaris) only so much can be done with ships built in the 60's. These older ships do cater to the Europeans who are not as "fussy" as Americans. If the price is right, they will sail.

As far as Windstar goes. These are unique sailing vessels and do cater to upscale adventurous passengers who have cruised extensively and wish to have a "different" experience. I would not book a first time cruiser on one of these masted sailing vessels.

For an ordinary, elegant experience Princess would be the way to go. Princess does know what they are doing in the Med. but the voyages are longer and thus more expensive.

Tough decision really. A travel agent can match the lifestyle and budget of the client and decide accordingly.

Paul

 
Old Jan 5th, 2002, 07:04 AM
  #7  
Surlok
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Agreed, Paul. A first timer needs, in fact, the travel agent expertise, to find out which cruise line is the most suitable, regarding budget, life style, personal preferences and priorities. There are so many cruise lines, with so many different characteristics and cruising styles, catering to all types/ kinds of cruisers that picking up the most adequate is a tough choice ...

Besides the lines mentioned : Windstar- great itineraries, too, and Royal Olympic, do not forget Orient Lines. Their itineraries are fantastically good, and their shore operations dept. is one of the best available.Orient also offers very interesting packages, with air fare and hotels, plus some tours with excellent prices. Not being a travel agent, but an experienced cruiser, I risk to say that Orient itineraries would cover more than the other lines, since it's also your first time in Europe ( I had overlooked this fact when I mentioned RO). Although Orient caters to older cruisers, the Med is such an interesting destination in itself that entertainment and the age of cruise companions doesn't matter that much.

Anyway, Steph, do look for a good and knowledgeable TA to advise which is the best line for you.

Regards,

Surlok
 
Old Jan 5th, 2002, 12:12 PM
  #8  
Steph
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Thanks to all of you for replying. There seems to be some expert cruisers here - and I appreciate all of the good advice. Lots to choose from - and lots of research to be done.

Thanks again,

Steph
 
Old Jan 6th, 2002, 07:48 AM
  #9  
rita
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Steph, I'll cast my vote for Royal Olympic. I've cruised the Mediterranean many times with them and always enjoyed it. Cruising the Greek Islands with a Greek crew is wonderful as every port you pull into is someone's home and they are bound to have some first hand experience as to what to do and see.

If you want a new ship go on the Explorer -- the older ships are nice and I enjoy them (nothing beats the crew on the Solaris) but they are "old" and definately not up to the standards of style and ammenities of the other ships sailing.
 
Old Jan 6th, 2002, 10:59 AM
  #10  
carol
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For me the most important element when cruising is the itinerary. We did the Grand Princess cruise in 2000. Venice when you arrive/depart by sea is spectacular.
The age issue to me is irrelevant, we cruised for the first time almost 24 years ago, at that time most people who cruised were in there 50's we were in our 20's had a great time.
This year planning a 14 day baltic cruise from Dover to St. Petersburg and back. We always do an independent land tour as well this year we will spend a week in Prague last time we spent 6 days in Paris. When you are spending all that money to fly to Europe you might as well see as much as you can.
Carol
Toronto
 
Old Jan 9th, 2002, 06:41 PM
  #11  
Andy
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Steph- I disagree with Paul about first time to Europe -don't go with Widnsurf-- My friends did their honeymoon on the Windsurf last year and it was their first time to Europe ever- the cruise ship went into smaller outof the way ports that largers ships can't hit and the 5 masted ship is like having your own yacht=VERY romantic and also UPSCALE CASUAL-no coat and tie needed--just a nice Polo shirt and dockers for hubs for dinner and a sundress or silk top and slax for ladies--I stand behind WINDSURF 100 PCT ( and no, I do NOT work for them)-- I just love them!
 
Old Jan 9th, 2002, 11:12 PM
  #12  
Paul Therault
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Hold it a minute Andy. I am not trying to knock Windstar. I have sailed 3 of their ships. What I was attempting to say is that a first time cruiser must find someone (like you) to explain that Windstar ships are not a typical cruise ship. They are masted sailing vessels and do not have all the bells and whistles of a cruise ship. For example entertainment is sparse along with onboard activities. The casinos do not have roulette and craps (3 of their ships do not have poker). Only 10% of the passengers are under 35 years old.

I woulld not have saied the line three times if I did not enjoy the experience but you have to admit the experience is "different."

Paul

 
Old Jan 10th, 2002, 04:35 AM
  #13  
joe
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I really must say Orient is defiantly something you should think about great ships great food and unbelievable ports and excursions there also was a decent mix of ages so company at dinners was intresting and stimulating
 
Old Jan 10th, 2002, 07:44 AM
  #14  
Howard
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Hi - I am going on my first cruise - in a few months - on a Windstar ship. If Paul is reading this, can he elucidate more on why it would not be good for a first time cruiser? I realize it is different than most other lines.
 
Old Jan 10th, 2002, 04:03 PM
  #15  
Surlok
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I guess Paul meant that Windstar Cruises wouldn't suit those looking for the glitz of other cruise lines, or those interested in gambling, Las Vegas style shows, big and many entertainment lounges, or formal attire and gala nights, which is the most common stereotype of a cruise experience..

From my point of view, the success or failure of a cruise experience lies mostly on how well (or badly) informed the cruiser is about the line, its cruising style, the ship's characteristics and itinerary that he/she is trying to choosing, and if they match his/her expectations, than anything else. It's like marriage: there's not in fact a bad wife or husband, but rather a bad choice. Well, anyway, changing ships or cruise lines is much easier.. ;-)
 
Old Jan 10th, 2002, 08:15 PM
  #16  
Paul Therault
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My point exactly. This is the reason a first time cruiser needs the expertise of a travel agent or a close friend that has cruised the line. This way the cruise experience will be detailed and there will be no surprises.

Lets go back to Steph (the original poster). She is a first time cruiser and she and her husband are in their 20's from Toronto. First, the cost of a Windstar cruise is extremely high (especially in Canadian dollars). Second, there are very few passengers under the age of 35. Third, I would advise a cruise line such as Royal Olympic where the price is not that of a small automobile and the Greek experience in Greece should be of utmost importance.

Happy cruising!

Paul
 
Old Jan 11th, 2002, 02:49 AM
  #17  
Hiho
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Hi - I am booked on a Windstar tansatlantic cruise for the spring - 14 days non-stop from St. Thomas to Lisbon. I thought it was a good deal for $499 including taxes/port charges. Any comments on the trip itself and if it it a good deal?
 
Old Jan 22nd, 2002, 10:48 AM
  #18  
John
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Try the Spendor with RCCL - 7 nights, western med, $649 inside. Can't beat it for the price.
 
Old Feb 9th, 2002, 06:52 AM
  #19  
anna
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has anyone taken the celebrity 7-day meditterean cruise?
 
Old Feb 9th, 2002, 11:17 PM
  #20  
Paul Therault
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Hi Anna,

Has Celebrity finaly decided which ship they are going to place in the Med? I gave up on them after they cancelled so many of their 2002 cruises and were so undecided what they were going to do. They had many disgruntled passengers.

Paul
 

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