My DW and I are thinking of going on our first criuse this year, possibly in September although when we go doesn't matter as we are both in our mid 60's and retired. We would like a cruise with entertainment laid on and excursions. We are not the "dressing up type" and would prefer a smart casual sort of atmosphere.As this is our first cruise we are looking at something between seven and ten nights in case it doesn't suite us. We would like to criuse the Mediterranean.
Any advice would be appreciated
Toledo

http://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/norweg...ean-cruises/sm

NCL freestyle cruising fits the bill for casual travlers

had a blast Pincess my #2 RCL #3 Costa #4

www.priceline.com usually best values for me also

www.vacationstogo.com and www.skyauction.com

for discounts up to 70%

Happy Hunting,

In mid November of 2010, we took the Princess cruise that went from Venice to Dubrovnik, Athens, a few Greek Islands, Ephesus, Naples and ended in Rome. It was 12 days, a little longer than you want, but was fabulous. The ports of call were all incredible. We had great weather (sept should be even better) and the ports were really interesting and beautiful.

If you find a shorter cruise that does ports in Spain and France, I think you would like that in September.

I would not choose a cruise that does Rome and Florence as ports of call because the cities are too far from the port and use too much time just traveling, so not so good for sight seeing.

If you want more adventurous excursions, you might enjoy the Caribbean, and lots of the cruises are seven days.

Read reviews of the ships and itineraries on Cruisecritic.com.
Go to vacationstogo.com to look at lots of cruises and itineraries that are available. I have booked three cruises with them and been very pleased.

Many thanks for your replies. We have decided to tour Europe in our car this year. Next year during a holiday in Florida we will probably look for a short cruise from Fort Lauderdale.

HAL has several appealing itineraries in the Med. Any cruise involves several compromises. You pat your money and you get their choice. Don't worry about formal nights and such. Do plenty of homework on excursions - lookfor private tours on the internet and guides and try to avoid the cruise lines offerings. This is a matter of quality and not costs. In fact don't look to save as much as possible because you will settle for too little. A cruise is a big expense. To try to save a few dollars is foolish. Pick a ship you like and an itinerary you like and go for it.