Phil

We are planning a Mediterranean cruise for next year. I would like to know what cruise ships people have taken to the Mediterranean and their experiences and was it worth what they paid. Also which ship has the best food, entertainment, excursions and overall atmosphere. We are in our early 40's. I appreciate all info. Thanks

CASH

Phil... <BR>Since no one else answered you, I will give it a try. You have asked very subjective questions which only you and your traveling companion can answer in reality. Personally, I love Windstar and Renaissance, both small ships relavtively speaking (143 and 684 psgrs) with different appeals. There is no BEST food, BEST entertainment, BEST excursions in general - they are what you consider BEST. 10 people can give you 10 different answers. Worth what you paid? Of course. I knew what I wanted to see, I know the kind of ship and ambience we want and that is what we got. Go to a good travel agent and ask a lot of questions. Do some thinking and talking with your traveling companion about what you think you want so that you can answer intelligently the questions the TA will ask you. Are you cruising for the destinations or the cruise ship amenities? Is it important that there be Las Vegas-style entertainment, a casino? Bingo, dance lessons, etc? Or are the ports fascinating and a singer/piano entertainment sufficient? Are you an up-early-out-for-the-day-dinner-walk-on deck-bed people? Or minor interest in the day and -dance-eat-all-night? Your choice. Hope you make a good one. <BR>

phil

Thanks, I'll try to look at as many brochures as I can and talk to a travel agent.

Ishoo

Took a cruise on the Rembrandt two years ago. The itinerary was great but the service, food, entertainment and overall treatment of the cruisers was less than desirable. I would suggest that before you book this line make sure they are WELL below the others in cost. They were for our cruise. Enjoy.

Polecat

I will second what Cash says. Iv'e been on both Windstar and Renaissance. Both are excellent. Renaissance is probably the better value dollars and cents wise, but Windstar a unique intimacy that I like. <BR>Check them both out and decide for youself. You can't go wrong with either one.

Kathy

Hi Phil, <BR>My husband and I cruised the western Med. last fall on the Celebrity Century. I can say honestly that EVERYTHING was nothing less than excellent. The ship was out-of-site and the ports of call were fantastic! (We were only sorry that we could not take &gt;1 excursion per day!) The ship was glitzy for sure (if that's your sort of thing) and the passengers were about a pretty good mix of ages, mostly from the States. This year Celebrity is sailing their new ship the Millenium in the Med. I think that it will probably be more expensive than what we paid last year (which was around 1450 pp for a 10 night cruise-inside cabin.) <BR>We are thinking strongly about cruising the eastern Med. this year on the Millenium, so maybe we'll see you there! <BR> <BR>Kathy <BR> <BR>

Randy

We (also in our 40s) don't depart until later this Spring, but from what I have seen, the Renaissance line is hard to beat. Our 10 day trip (5 day cruise of Greek isles + 2 nights ea in Athens/ Istanbul)was priced around $1100 pp and is an outside cabin w/balcony (watch for airline FFP promotions). The line also involves adults only (over 18) and is all non-smoking (if these are issues). I took my first cruise on one of the larger RCL liners ("large" in 1990) to the Eastern Caribb., and while great for a first time, I am truly looking forward to the more modest size of the R-class of Renaissance. I will see if you are still looking for answers when we get back. Good Luck!

Marcie

The best Mediterranean cruise (and certainly the best value) in my opinion was our cruise on the Marco Polo (Orient Line). It is a mid-size ship (approx. 800 passengers as I recall) with a wonderful Philipino staff. Our cruise included 3 nights pre-cruise and 2 night post cruise at gorgeous hotels and tours of the cities. We had a huge cabin with floor to ceiling windows, separate sitting room...very first class. The entertainment, casino, food etc. was perfect for us. I personally prefer this line much more than the Renaissance. In my opinion, the ship was actually too small and didn't have as much to offer plus they have a terrible policy requiring payment in full at booking etc. Of course, this is only my opinion but the Marco Polo was perfect for us.

Jill

Another vote for the Marco Polo. I am not a big lover of huge mega ships but on the other hand I found the Renaissance to be a bit too dull with not enough to do....Marco Polo had it all and was the best of both worlds. <BR>P.S. If you select Renaissance be so careful because they're terrible about refunding your money if your plans change. This is the only ship (12 cruises) in which I found them to be very strict/stingey when it comes to $$$