Cruise Experts Travel’s accountant Amy and I cruised the Mediterranean last summer, so when she told me she was going on another cruise in the fall in Europe, I was a little surprised — that’s a long way to go twice in one year! She was not only crossing the pond, she was crossing Canada, being located in Vancouver. It’s worth it, she says. Read more of what she has to say about this.
Getting lost in Venice is part of the experience there.
You cruised Europe twice last summer! Most people don’t vacation in Europe that often. What brought you back the second time around?
There is so much history in Europe. My first trip was not enough and just wet my appetite for more. Even though I didn’t go back to the same places the second trip, I got to see even more history. You can never get enough of Europe. There is so much to see, do, and explore. I will be going back again this year!
I considered visiting Hawaii, but when I factored in all that I would be getting on a cruise versus a land vacation in Hawaii, there was no question cruising was the better value. Plus, I really wanted to see more of Europe.
Which ports did you visit on both trips and if you had to pick your top 2, what would they be and why?
The first trip was a visit to the western Mediterranean on the Norwegian Epic sailing roundtrip Barcelona with stops in Livorno, Civitavecchia, Naples, and Palma de Mallorca. The second trip was a visit to the Italian coast on the Azamara Quest departing Venice with stops in Split, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Taormina, Sorrento and ending in Civitavecchia.
Lost in Venice.
My favourite two stops are Venice and Sorrento. Venice is such a beautiful city. Every corner you take or every bridge you walk over is an adventure on its on.
No matter where you look, it is so beautiful and historical. From the beautiful architecture of the churches and buildings to the quiet corridors with only the sound of the gondolier rowing under the bridge, it is all so breathtaking. I will definitely be spending more time in Venice.
Sorrento was beautiful as well. It is busy with throngs of tourists from the cruise ships, but when you can break away, it is beautiful.
The coast of Sorrento as seen from aboard the Azamara Quest.
I love the little cobblestone alleys where locals sell little knick knacks to tourists. They sell everything from limoncello, fresh fruits and a lot of local leathers. Ok, I just love to shop!
You’re not the typical cruiser. What I mean is you and your husband are in your 30s. You obviously enjoy cruising in Europe, but do you think others younger than 40 would find it an enjoyable experience?
Well, I think I am the typical cruiser. Even though I am younger than the average age group, I love the fact that I can go to all these beautiful places in one vacation. On a seven day cruise, I get to explore 4-6 different places that I would never have gone to prior. Now that I have seen a glimpse of how magical a place is, for example Sorrento, I know I will go back one day and stay a few days. I think anyone younger than 40 would love the experience. Not only are your accommodations with you at every single city, you have your meals, gym, spa, shows and entertainment with you too.
Greek theatre in Taormina
Any tips or advice you’d like to share?
My only advice is to try to stay an extra day or two at the beginning or end of your cruise. You can never get enough of Europe. Plus it will give you extra time to wind down after your flight there or before your flight home.
Have you experienced Europe like Amy has? If you would like to learn more about a cruise in the storied seas of the Mediterranean, call us at 1-800-565-2784.
Great article, she experienced so many different ports in Europe! I agree with uer, that one the best parts of cruising is finding a place you want to go back to and spend a longer time. That was Ireland for me, trying to plan a longer trip there this year!
oooo, where in Ireland did you visit? I was in the Cork area for three days. Lots of quaint towns there.