Just read about a line called MSC Italian Cruises.. they look like smaller ships ( fine with me) and Italian run, crew, also fine with me. Anyone had any experience with them? <BR>Thinking of a Med. Cruise in Sept for my 10th anniversary.. have sailed Princess, Sitmar, Celebrity, RCC .. to Mexico and Carribean. We are youngish 50 year olds.. no kids, what lines would people suggest to stay away from the mega ships but not spend tons of money on a boutique type ship? Would love to get your ideas. Thanks

We took this line once in the Caribbean. Had a great time, ship was older and had some minor problems. Nothing to detract from the trip.<BR><BR>Americans were about 50%-Europeans (mainly English-speaking) the other 50%.<BR><BR>These ships and home office is in Europe and most of their marketing efforts are for Europeans.<BR><BR>I'm only bringing this up as you might not have as many people to talk to and alot of the shipboard things might be in foreign languages (to us).<BR><BR>Some of the American-based ships,HAL, do not have mega-liners and have Med. Trips.<BR><BR>I would ask an expert on all the Med. ships.<BR><BR>Good luck &amp; have fun.

Thanks Marianne, that is a good point. While I speak a little fractured French and uno piccillo of Italian, my Mr. American husband might be a bit freaked out if most of the passengers are European. I might ask for the brochure but will also check out HAL. I'm thinking prices might stay reasonable due to war and terrorism scare.

Collette=here is a super ship (used to be a Seabourn) called the Sea Dream Yacht-- I just got an email from them with a FAB rate:<BR><BR>See if it will open up for you- they have slashed their rates and have a great cancel policy due to the war<BR><BR>C:\WINDOWS\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\KTUN4927\2003MedSpecial2.htm<BR> <BR>A To DIE for Ship!!!! includes alcohol-very fancy- small and perfect for your &quot;age&quot;...<BR><BR>If this does not open up, let me know---<BR><BR>

Andy ... do you have the actual URL for that site? It sounds very interesting and I can't get your path to open.

Hall Monitor-<BR>Just went on their website- <BR>here is the special pricing-<BR>the ship is GORGEOUS!!<BR><BR>http://www.seadreamyachtclub.com/cgi...l?type=special

Andy .. thanks very much! That's some yacht!

Andy, thanks for that tip... I gotta go to work now but will check it out soon. Meantime, still wondering if anyone has gone on MSC Italian line?