How to Select a Mediterranean Cruise

A cruise is the ultimate dream vacation. And if you've decided to select a Mediterranean cruise, you've taken the first step to experiencing the voyage of a lifetime. To make sure your cruise is a vacation to remember, consider these tips before you book your trip.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Where To Go

1. Obtain free brochures from a travel agent. You'll be able to consider cruising the eastern or western parts of the Mediterranean without obligation or expense.

2. Take time to learn more about the regions that border the Mediterranean Sea. There are many options to consider before making a decision. Talk to friends, family members and acquaintances that have embarked on a Mediterranean cruise. Inquire about the positive and negative aspects of the regions that they traveled as well as about the ports of departure.

3. Consult travel magazines for photos and in-depth articles on cruising the Mediterranean.

4. Visit online message boards dedicated to discussing cruise vacations. These boards are a great reference for learning more about eastern and western Mediterranean cruises and will help you make your decision.

Entertainment and Activities

1. The weather in the Mediterranean is generally mild to hot, and there are many forms of outdoor entertainment available on most cruise ships. Ask for a list of entertainment options before making your final selection.

2. If you have kids, ask if the cruise ship offers activities to keep them busy and well entertained. Obtain a list of references so the kids know what to expect.

3. Consult online reviews to get an idea of the types of entertainment available on specific cruise ships that navigate the Mediterranean. They're all different.

4. Find out which land excursions are offered, their costs and what each includes. Visiting ports of call are a greatly anticipated part of the entertainment while cruising. If you plan on vacationing near the port of departure before or after your cruise, reserve the hotel.

Saving Money On Your Cruise

1. Seek the services of a cruise agency to obtain the best price.

2. There are a number of discounts available for the asking. Request a list of discounts to see if you are eligible.

3. Consider the cost of souvenirs, land tours and shore excursions when determining a budget.

4. There are government fees, taxes and port charges. Ask if these charges are included in the overall price of the booking.

5. Don't select your Mediterranean cruise too quickly. It pays to search extensively and compare the cost based on accommodations, amenities and inclusive activities.

Choosing a Cabin

1. Find out what amenities are included in order to help you select your Mediterranean cruise. You don't want to encounter unpleasant surprises.

2. Make sure the cabin you select will comfortably accommodate those who plan on sharing the space. You'll appreciate having plenty of room to relax when you want to escape the crowd.

3. Ask to see photos of the cabins. Many people would never consider a hotel room without viewing it first, and cruise cabins are no exception.

4. Cabin reviews are helpful when making a final decision on a cruise vacation. What better way to decide than to hear from past guests?

5. Ask for a map of the ship before making a final decision on a cabin. Some locations are noisier than others.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider the fact that the western Mediterranean encompasses the southern coast of Spain, France and Italy. Ports of departure are likely Rome or Barcelona.

• The eastern Mediterranean includes Greece, Turkey and Italy. Ports of departure are likely to be Venice, Athens or Rome.

• May through October offers the most comfortable climate for cruising the western and eastern Mediterranean Sea.

• Whether cruising the western or eastern Mediterranean, Venice is a popular destination. Consider taking a gondola ride if your destination is Venice.

• The more activity options the better. You'll never be forced to participate in activities that you are not interested in, and a longer list of options will provide more opportunities for fun and entertainment.

• Those over 55, repeat customers, residents of particular states, military personnel, club members and those booking more than one cabin could qualify for a discount.

• Paying for the extras in advance could also result in a discount. It never hurts to ask.

• If you're afraid that you and your guests will be too close for comfort, consider booking more than one cabin. Booking more than one cabin could result in a substantial discount.

• A room safe is a convenient and secure way to protect your valuables while out of your room. Take this into consideration when choosing a cabin.

• Be aware that land excursions and special tours usually cost extra. When in doubt, ask before deciding on the best entertainment value for the money.

• Don't assume that you'll have a view of the sea from your cabin. Ask if your cabin faces the outside or the inside of the ship.

• Not all balconies are private. If you want a private balcony, request a room that includes one.