Celebrity Beyond sails to a variety of popular Mediterranean and Caribbean destinations, including the French Riviera, Italy, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Mexico and more. When youre picking your stateroom for an upcoming cruise, you might be wondering whether the port vs. starboard side of the ship is best to stay on. But a small ship cruise opens up a wholedifferent side to the Mediterranean, allowing you to visit thesmaller ports and secluded bays that a bigger ship just cantreach. U.S. News ranks 68 Best Cruises to the Mediterranean based on an analysis of reviews and health ratings. As such, prepare for the ships amenities to have a British bent . Viking Sky sails to the Mediterranean, Europe, Central America and more. By Stacey Leasca Published on October 2, 2022 Photo: White Rain/Courtesy of Viking Cruises The Mediterranean Sea touches. Increasingly, ships are being squared off in the stern to create rear-facing balcony cabins. You cant smoke on cruise ship balconies. Search for a cruise. Seabourn Ovation adhere's to the line's penchant for luxury, offering all-suite accommodations, fine dining experiences and indulgent onboard activities. Ovationsails throughout NorthernEurope,the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and more. Baltic cruises are very port intensive, giving passengers as much time as possible to immerse themselves in the fascinating history, culture and atmosphere these unique destinations hold. Related:Worst Cruise Ship Cabins to Avoid. The open-air venue can be repositioned alongside several decks, allowing it to transform from a live music venue to a bar to an exclusive specialty restaurant, depending on its location. Keep in mind that the sun always rises in the east and sets in the west. Corrado Clini, Italys Minister of Environment, said that sail-by salutes, a custom that has resulted in an outcome visible to all, should no longer be tolerated. Three more ships are scheduled to be added to the fleet between 2022 and 2023. What is the best month to go on a Mediterranean cruise? This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. For a more casual atmosphere, passengers can stop at Mamsen's for Norwegian deli-style eats or the Wintergarden for afternoon tea. Which is the best cruise line in the Mediterranean Sea? Second Cruise Port Lisbon, Portugal 08:00 am 05:00 pm. The line has just two ocean-going vessels, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, which both have capacities of fewer than 1,000 passengers and sail global itineraries. Thanks Ilana for all of the great information!! At night, enjoy one of four shows at the onboard theater. On some of Royal Caribbeans big ships, a cabin near the stern can also give you a balcony view of the aqua shows. NEW VOYAGE COLLECTION We are now taking pre-registrations for Cunards new cruises from Oct 2024 May 2025 including Alaska 2024. If theres one thing Disney Cruise Line does well, its hospitality. Currently, the cruise line has scheduled the Cyprus cruise program to run through October 2021. We'll be doing Barcelona to Venice. Headed south or east? If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ships Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. As a result, we had to skip one port and we arrived at our final destination, Brooklyn, a day early. 9 Must-Knows Before Cruising. Which is the best cruise line in the Mediterranean Sea? Every room offers technology that allows guests to control temperature, service and lighting with a touch screen. VAT Registration Number: 295 3678 09. Its an incredibly diverse region, and here in the UK werelucky enough to have the Med right on our doorstep, so its nosurprise that it remains the most popular destination for Britishcruisers year after year. Guests sailing aboard these modern, luxurious vessels will partake in daily excursions that introduce them to both the ecology and the culture of their destinations. The ship sleeps up to 930 guests in luxurious staterooms that include everything from large bathrooms to comfortable king-sized beds. Your decision will depend on a variety of factors, from your stateroom type to your cruise itinerary. As far as cabins go, cruisers can choose between Interior, Ocean View, and Balcony staterooms, as well as suite accommodations and new Virtual Balcony rooms. So, which is best? Many people wonder if its better to have a cabin on the port or starboard side of the cruise ship. Travelers will have the opportunity to indulge in several onboard activities. Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ships Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Unfortunately, this isnt easy to predict and can change in every cruise port. There are also mechanical sounds at the forward of the ship, such as the lowering and raising of the cruise ship's anchors, which can be very loud if your cabin is . When docked, the port side of the ship is usually closest to land, while the starboard side is typically closest to open water. U.S. News ranks 68 Best Cruises to the Mediterranean based on an analysis of reviews and health ratings. Some transatlantic sailings, mainly those traveling around Iceland and Greenland, cruise from Cape Liberty, New Jersey. There are certain portsthat appear on every cruise lines Mediterranean itineraries, andrightly so: the likes of Venice, Barcelona and Dubrovnik arepopular for a reason. USS Ticonderoga CVA-14 1955-56 Mediterranean Deployment Cruise . Where do Mediterranean cruises depart from? Westbound crossings will get more sun on the port side of the ship. These technologically advanced cabins feature floor-to-ceiling displays that project real-time views of the sights and sounds from the outside of the ship. Which side of the cruise ship is better for transatlantic cruises or crossings? Many cruise ships make this easier by using two slightly different patterns on the hallway carpets. Your decision will depend on a variety of factors, from your stateroom type to your cruise itinerary. Luckily, youll see incredible views during your cruise whether youre starboard or port side. A colorful atmosphere pervades the ships, as guests enjoy everything from water slides to silly pool contests like synchronized swimming to everyones favorite: bingo night. For exciting destinations such as Venice, Istanbul . MSC Cruises Msc Splendida 338 Reviews Rooms Starting At $25 /night Passengers: 3,959 Crew: 1,332 Launched: 2009 Ratio: 2.97:1 Size: Large Departs From: Ancona, Bari, Safaga, Istanbul, Durban,. Italian-born and built MSC Cruises launched these two ships in 2019 and 2021, respectively. To enjoy stunning water views, enjoy Celebrity's "Magic Carpet," a large platform that hangs off the edge of the ship and moves from deck to deck. #4. The Pacific Princess is by far the smallest, holding just 680 passengers. When you work up an appetite, the Viking Sea offers a variety of dining options to quell your hunger. How much does a cruise to the Mediterranean cost? 7 Where does Royal Caribbean sail to in the Mediterranean? Recommended Reading: What Is The Name Of The Newest Celebrity Cruise Ship. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, Genoa, Barcelona, Marseille, Cape Town, Durban, Malaga, Lisbon, Alicante, Safaga, Sharm El Sheikh, Cairo, Rome, Civitavecchia, Bari, Safaga, Istanbul, Durban, Cairo, Cape Town, Piraeus, Piraeus, Laviron, Marseille, Genoa, Marseille, Barcelona, Genoa, Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Palma de Mallorca, Cannes, Rome, Civitavecchia, Santos (Sao Paulo), Genoa, Barcelona, Marseille, Alicante, Malaga, Venice, Bari, Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Santos (Sao Paulo), Buenos Aires, Ancona, Madeira (Funchal), Funchal, Marseille, Miami, Malaga, Genoa, Madeira (Funchal), Funchal, Barcelona, Rome, Civitavecchia, Tenerife, Malta (Valletta), Lisbon, Marseille, Naples, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Genoa, Yokohama, Cape Town, Venice, Genoa, Piraeus, Piraeus, Laviron, Rome, Civitavecchia, Haifa, Messina, Limassol, Barcelona, Alicante, Marseille, Malaga, Durban, Sydney, Singapore, Miami, Barcelona, Rome, Civitavecchia, Genoa, Toulon, Livorno, Livorno, Marseille, Valencia, Piraeus, Piraeus, Laviron, Barcelona, Fort Lauderdale, Port Everglades, Rome, Civitavecchia, Tilbury, Tower Bridge, Tilbury, Canary Wharf, Buenos Aires, Haifa, Piraeus, Piraeus, Laviron, Kusadasi, Limassol, Rome, Civitavecchia, Marseille, Genoa, Barcelona, Marseille, Santos (Sao Paulo), Genoa, Valencia, Palermo, Rome, Civitavecchia, Madeira (Funchal), Funchal, Port Canaveral, Barcelona, Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Marseille, Barcelona, Genoa, Rome, Civitavecchia, Piraeus, Piraeus, Laviron, Istanbul, Kusadasi, Copenhagen, Warnemunde, Palermo, Manhattan, Lisbon, Cape Town, Oslo, Stockholm, Tokyo, Marseille, Palermo, Genoa, Rome, Civitavecchia, Barcelona, Malta (Valletta), Naples, Santos (Sao Paulo), Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Madeira (Funchal), Funchal, Valencia, Marseille, Barcelona, Genoa, Valencia, Santos (Sao Paulo), Palma de Mallorca, Rome, Civitavecchia, Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro. Royal Caribbean's latest ship is the first Quantum Ultra Class vessel to sail in the United States. Best luxury cruise lines in the Mediterranean are: Seabourn Cruise Line and Regent Seven Seas Cruises are the best for the luxury Mediterranean cruises. CC Help Jenn $95.00 . Windstar Cruises Windstar's fleet of six small ships - three with sails, three without - are a lovely size, ranging from the 148-guest Wind Star to the 342-guest Wind Surf. P.S. The Viking Venus sails to popular European destinations like Barcelona, Athens, Malta, Istanbul, Rome, London, Amsterdam and Stockholm. How to Market Your Business with Webinars? MSC Grandiosa is hailed as one of the most . For fine dining, there's The Restaurant, Manfredi's Italian Restaurant and The Chef's Table, which touts a multicourse tasting menu with wine pairings. Depending on the weather conditions in front, there can be sounds heard of the ship carving or smashing through the waves. I prefer the inside of the ship, you stay dryer. The Norwegian Fjordsare beautiful, but youll see the scenery no matter which side of the ship youre on, the only difference is in whether you see it in the morning when you arrive, or in the evening when youre sailing out. Plus, guests of The Retreat have exclusive access to a private sundeck, restaurant and lounge, along with an onboard credit that can be used however you see fit. For afternoon tea and light snacks, travelers can stop by Wintergarden, or for a heartier meal, the main dining room, Manfredi's Italian Restaurant or World Caf offer scrumptious European delicacies, Chinese fare and everything in between. In the peak summer season, this increases to $1218. Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, and Oasis of the Seas top the lists in terms of passenger count , length , and gross tonnage . Launched in July 2021, the Odyssey of the Seas holds 5,498 passengers and 1,550 crew members. Here are our best tips for finding a cheap cruise or cruise deal to the Mediterranean. We visited The Parque del Castro and Historic Fortress, and a lovely afternoon strolling along Vigos historic Old Town. ; We could be so lucky! Where are the best beaches in the Mediterranean? Over 90,000 people turn to Into The Blue for the latest news, hottest destinations & insider insights. At Mundy Cruising we specialise in ships that carry guests inthe hundreds, rather than the thousands, which makes for a verydifferent atmosphere on board: more intimate, more spacious, with alevel of personalised service that has more in common with aboutique hotel than a mainstream cruise ship carrying 5,000passengers. Looking to book either the Venice to Barcelona or Barcelona to Venice cruise. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. Getting to the centre of Athens, only 12 km from the harbor, is easy enough. Viking Star sails to destinations in Europe, Central America, Hawaiiand more. Higher-tier rooms come with extras like priority shore excursion reservations, priority spa reservations, in-room coffee and free laundry services. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. All accommodations include balconies, flat-screen TVs, king-sized beds, complimentary Wi-Fi access and bathrooms with heated floors. Itinerary: Piraeus, Delos, Mykonos, Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, Karpathos, Nisyros, Rhodes, Santorini, Athens (Greece) History buffs who want to learn more about ancient cultures of the Mediterranean ports should consider a cruise with Voyages to Antiquity. You May Like: How Far Is Miami Airport To Cruise Port. Go port side for sunrises and starboard for the sunset. Once upon a time it was generally the "port" side (hence the name) but with busy ports and modern ships that are easier to maneuver and dock, it seems to be about 50/50 as to which side may. Remember: the sun always rises in the. Visit theCDC websitefor additional COVID-19 cruise ship health and safety data. Which side of a cruise ship is better? Here are 10 of the best Mediterranean cruises to take in 2022 and 2023. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. Azamara is ranked third among the best cruise lines operating in the Mediterranean. Read more:The Ultimate Cruise Lingo Glossary: 85 Nautical Terms You Need to Know. There are however, advancements and innovative developments taking place at this very moment to make the experience of sailing past the Statue of Liberty even more spectacular. How Much Does a Mediterranean Cruise Cost? That said, the ships are not over-the-top when it comes to Disney decor. In the evenings, passengers can enjoy live performances in the theater or watch destination-related movies in one of two cinemas. On board, guests have their pick of 32 food and beverage venues serving everything from Greek to French to Italian cuisine; there are also several cocktail bars and lounges where guests can grab a drink. Which Side Of Cruise Ship Is Best For Mediterranean. Even within the small ship category you have afantastic breadth of choice in the Mediterranean, from resort-styleships offering dining choices and entertainment venues aplenty, totiny 100-guest vessels that are more like travelling on your ownprivate yacht. When we aild the Med it was a "one-way". Best Mexican Riviera Cruise: Holland America Line. Call 1.406.541.2677. The luxury, As the countdown continues to the naming ceremony of the brand-new P&O Cruises ship Arvia, details of the star-studded event have begun to emerge. Many ships will turn at glaciers, when it is safe to do so, allowing passengers on both sides of the ship to get some great photos. Recent travelers were wowed by the ship, appreciating its tasteful, minimalist decor. Special departures throughout the year welcome multigenerational family groups, including young childrena unique offering among river cruise lines. Sailings from Southampton will often be a roundtrip, therefore youll have the sun on your balcony either on the outbound journey or on the return. The best open deck areas for scenic cruising will be advised by your Captain and crew each day, along with informing you if any exciting wildlife are in the area and where they can be seen. Norwegian Breakaway. Choose a port side stateroom for sunsets. For optimal weather and adventures aplenty, the best time to cruise the Mediterranean is in the spring, summer or fall season, from early April through late November. Facing away from the mainland, youll have views of the colonial Naikoon Provincial Park on the tip of Canadas Graham Island, youll see Petersburg, Alaska, which calls itself Little Norway because of the fantastic views, and you might even be able to see Sitka all the way across the other side of Frederick Sound. Standard voyages to the Eastern Mediterranean often call on ports in Greece and Turkey, while the Western Mediterranean generally includes marquee countries like Italy, Spain and France. Sunset in Venice, Italy, a popular Mediterranean cruise destination. Sailings from Southampton will often be a roundtrip, therefore you'll have the sun on your balcony either on the outbound journey or on the return. They sail down the coast, so the port side of the ship will face the coastline and the starboard side will face the Gulf of Alaska. The fleet was joined by the new Silver Origin, a Galapagos-specific ship, in 2020. I prefer that way, as you get a night in Venice to enjoy it all before sailing much later. Regent Seven Seas markets itself as the world's most luxurious cruise line, so its hefty price tag makes sense. Powered by Invision Community. Heres the general advice for seeing sunrises and sunsets on a cruise: Choosing a higher deck tends to come with more sweeping views, while some prefer lower cabins midship for greater stability from the natural sway of the ship. Seven Seas Splendor visits a variety of European and Mediterranean destinations, as well as ports across the Caribbean, Bermuda and South America. Launched in April 2022, Celebrity Beyond is the third ship in the cruise line's Edge Series, capable of holding up to 3,260 passengers and 1,400 crew members. The standard Veranda Staterooms measure 270 square feet and feature plush beds, free Wi-Fi access and flat-screen TVs. These include four main restaurants and specialty options serving a range of cuisines, from sashimi to French bistro classics. Debuted in September 2021, the 732-passenger, 567-crew member Seven Seas Splendor is the newest ship within the Regent fleet. 10 Tips to Make Your Cruise More Enjoyable. On the other hand . Other itineraries double back to disembark at the original departure port, so youll enjoy views from both directions. Silver Spirit. Southbound Alaska cruises are the opposite. There is no doubt that the route can play a role in your choice of accommodation but (and well keep saying this), the open decks are often the best places to take in the views. When booking and planning a cruise, its clear that there are many things to consider. If youre planning a Western Mediterranean cruise, take a look at the departure port and work out which direction your ship will sail. Depending on your cruise itinerary, you may have a preference for a port side or starboard side balcony cabin. MSC sailings are quite lively, especially at night, with many guests partying at nightclubs into the late hours. Here are 5 Tips You Need to Know, Life Well Cruised Ultimate Cruise Planner, YouTube at Life Well Cruised (Vlogs and cruise tips), Port (left side of ship when facing forward), Starboard (right side of ship when facing forward). We booked dinner here on the Cruise Planner prior to our cruise for only $29 per person, which made it an excellent deal on a specialty restaurant dinner. By "big ships," we are referring to Oasis or Quantum Class cruise ships. A First Hand Review of an Iona Staycation, Jewel of the Seas Review 7 Night Greek Isles Cruise, What to Look Out for On Board Silver Nova. If youre planning a Western Mediterranean cruise, take a look at the departure port and work out which direction your ship will sail. Your email address will not be published. Best European Cruise: Celebrity Cruises. Your comments will surely help others! This resort-within-a-resort features villas and suites with added luxuries like plunge pools, hot tubs and butlers. This one-week cruise included five ports of call: Palma de Mallorca, Cagliari, Livorno, Civitavecchia and Barcelona. Now that you know a few things about the difference between starboard vs. port side, youre ready to take the next step in your cruise vacation planning. The lines six shipsthree sailing yachts and three all-suite motor yachtsspecialize in visiting ports that ban larger ships, like the Byzantine hilltop town of Monemvasia in the Greek Islands, and the sleepy, palm-fringed island of Bequia in the Windward Islands of the Caribbean. Best Cruises to the Mediterranean U.S. News ranks 68 Best Cruises to the Mediterranean based on an analysis of reviews and health ratings. We had starboard side, my favorite, and we sat on our erandah for breakfast each morning at 5AM ready to slide into port & the workers waving, etc. Choosing the best stateroom for your ideal getaway is understandably an important step in the planning process. CC Help Jenn Viking Sea sails to ports across Europe, the Caribbean and the West Indies. In fact, these days, cruise ships might be docked with the starboard facing the cruise port, and vice versa. 13 Sustainable Shore Excursions to Add to Your Bucket List, How to Sail Around the World on a Luxury Cruise, How to Use Onboard Cruise Credit Like a Pro, 12 Wildlife Photography Tips for Beginners, 2022 Celebrity Cruises, Inc. Ships Registry: Malta and Ecuador. Some of the most popular one-way cruises are north or southbound Alaska cruises and Mediterranean cruises, like Barcelona to the east or Athens to the west. Top 6 Dirtiest Cruise Ships-CDC Publishes Its List Oceania Insignia. Map of ports of call on Norwegian Epic's Western Mediterranean cruise DAY ONE: LEAVING BARCELONA At 6 pm, NCL Epic released her moorings and set sail for Palma de Mallorca, 112 nautical miles southeast of Barcelona. The ship can hold 930 passengers and 465 crew members. I admit to being a bit directionally challenged, so I always need a few specific tips. Available itineraries include stops in cities like Lisbon, Portugal and Valencia, Spain.