Happy Thursday Hidden Gem Travel community! Since it’s nice to have a peek into summer when it’s February – and still Wave Season – I’m resharing a favorite ocean cruise experience.
On this cruise, I emabarked in Rome and sailed along the gorgeous Mediterranean coast disembarking in Barcelona. Each port was delightful, and I’d go back to each one in a heartbeat.
The ship isn’t the main focus of Mediterranean itineraries because the magical cities that dot the coastline are relatively close together. The ship serves as your floating hotel and mode of scenic transportation. The convenience can’t be beat.
There are many options for Mediterranean cruises and finding the right itinerary and cruise line requires research and knowledge. Working with a travel advisor helps you narrow the search quickly and easily as well as knowing the insider tips and tricks on many decision points.
Read on for the scoop on this Mediterranean cruise so you can decide if this type of trip is appealing to you…
Ship Size and Considerations
I recommend smaller ships for a Mediterranean ocean cruise because the ports are so rich, and smaller ships often stay in port longer than the big ships.
The cruise line I was on is called Azamara. It’s not well known and just underwent a change in ownership. The ships are medium in size with under 700 guests, not thousands as you might envision when you hear the term “cruise ship.” It’s a premium line, not luxury, but has excellent food which to me is a huge plus. Our docking locations were also very convenient, which often isn’t the case with huge ships.
One downside was the size of the bathroom. While there was plenty of space in the stateroom, the bathroom was small. For clients who prefer more space, I recommend a spa suite which is stunning!
Interested in a very small ship experience? Maybe a yacht? Let me know. These types of ships were docked near me in some of our ports, and clients love the experience.
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Balcony Rooms and Location
On any cruise, it can be tricky to pick the right stateroom aka cabin. You will want a cabin with an unobstructed balcony so you can wake up to see the gorgeous scenery. Sailing out of (or into) ports is a memorable sight – for example with the early morning sunlight cast across the shoreline. You can also have breakfast delivered to your room, and enjoy it on your balcony table as I did most mornings.
For clients, I check that they are not above, below, or next to anywhere noisy. For example, on level 4 towards the bottom of the ship, you may hear the crew getting ready to pull into port earlier in the morning than you want to be woken up.
💎 Hidden Gem Tip: If a cruise – ocean or river – or a land trip to Europe and beyond is on your travel bucket list, let’s talk about the best destinations and itineraries for you.
It’s all about the ports (and special experiences)
Another aspect of Azamara that I loved was the longer times in port and port overnight. We stayed overnight in Livorno which is in the region of Tuscany, Italy. Some passengers stayed off ship in Florence that night, and others like me went to places in Tuscany on day trips (Cinque Terre, Lucca, Pisa, Siena, etc.).
Azamara’s signature ‘white night’ evening dinner party on deck was so much fun with fantastic food and live music! They offer this party on every sailing. I also loved the ‘Azamazing Evening’ event at the gorgeous theater in Livorno, Italy which was a private performance for the ship.
Azamara’s ‘country intensive’ itineraries are global; instead of country hopping, you can focus your trip on somewhere you’ve never been.
The Bottom Line
If you’re considering a Mediterranean cruise, there’s much to consider in making the best decision for you. I specialize in premium and luxury cruise lines, so if you’d like to access my expertise, reach out anytime. Note – there are times of the year when you will find the best promotions and cabin availability. Let me know if you’d like to learn more.
If you don’t think a cruise is right for you, then a custom land itinerary or escorted tour may be a better fit. Either way, I can help you!
Wishing you and your family happy travels,
Susan
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About Hidden Gem Travel Consulting
Hidden Gem Travel Consulting was founded by Susan Wilson. After decades of traveling the world and working for Fortune 50 companies and global nonprofits, she opened her own travel business which is affiliated with Virtuoso – the leading global network of agencies specializing in luxury and experiential travel. Through her deep network and signature consultative process, she designs customized travel itineraries that elevate your escape and speak to what will wow everyone on the trip. It’s a new way to travel – a vacation that allows you to feel the full vibrancy of the destination while giving you access to perks, amenities, and experiences that are “ungoogleable.” Enriching. Experiential. Effortless. Hidden Gem Travel Consulting is your trusted travel advisor.
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| Hidden Gem Travel clients get some fab perks at many premium and luxury hotels around the world! Want to book a hotel on your own and get upgrades and perks? Follow this link: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/SusanWilson?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=dinner_and_a_show&utm_term=2023-05-11 Follow my Facebook & Instagram pages for more curated travel inspiration: www.facebook.com/hiddengemtravelconsulting www.instagram.com/hidden.gem.travel Virtuoso Wanderlist SpecialistHidden Gem Travel Consulting is proud to be one of the first travel businesses to be certified in Virtuoso Wanderlist, a unique and exclusive consulting service designed to turn travel dreams into reality through the creation of a strategic plan – called a travel portfolio. Much like wealth advisors manage investment portfolios, Wanderlist Advisors manage an equally important asset – our leisure time. Wanderlist marries “Netflix-style” technology with the deep expertise of a travel advisor. Wanderlist helps families live a life filled with anticipation and special memories. |
