Hopping on your first Mediterranean cruise? Get ready for a trip filled with stunning coastlines, incredible history, and mouthwatering food.
To help you make the most of it, here are some of our top tips to keep things as smooth and stress-free as possible.
1. Choose the Right Itinerary
The Mediterranean offers a wide range of destinations, each with its unique charm.
So, first, you’ll need to decide whether you’re drawn to the ancient ruins of Athens, Barcelona’s artistic allure, or Venice’s romantic canals. Picking an itinerary that matches your interests is crucial and it’ll directly affect just how much you love your trip.
If you’re looking for the perfect itinerary, consider the duration of your port stays: Longer stops allow for more immersive experiences in each stop. It also might be a better idea to aim for quality instead of quantity.
2. Time Your Trip Wisely
Summertime might seem like the best time to cruise to the Mediterranean, but it’s also the busiest.
So if you want fewer crowds and more comfortable weather, consider sailing over April to May. Another good time is September and October—don’t worry, the weather will still be hot and enjoyable!
Not only will you avoid the peak season chaos, but you might even snag better deals.
3. Pack Smart
Mediterranean weather is mild, but you still need to pack clothes other than shorts and swimwear. Cruises usually have different dress codes for different areas of the ship, so bring something smart-casual, or even formal if your cruise calls for it.
Also, pack comfy walking shoes for those charming (but painfully uneven) cobblestone streets. After all, you won’t just kick back drinking on your cruise; you’ll also be making stops and going on excursions.
Lastly, pack something modest if you’d like to visit churches and religious sites, as it’s a sign of respect, and it’ll make your time much easier.
4. Plan Shore Activities Ahead
On each port of call, you’ll get to go on a variety of excursions. But beware: popular ones can fill up quickly, so it’s a good idea to check out what’s available beforehand via your cruise’s website.
While you can book an organized excursion through your cruise line, you’re also free to embark on your own adventure. Just be sure to look up the locations of the museums and sightseeing places, as well as the way back to the cruise ship.
Remember that the cruise ship can and will leave without you if you aren’t on time, so be sure to plan your adventures accordingly.
5. Respect Local Cultures and Customs
Each Mediterranean country has its own cultural norms. So, it’s good to take note of the stops you’ll make beforehand and look up whether they have a specific tradition or custom you need to be mindful of.
For instance, in Spain, be mindful of the siesta times, when the country takes a rest midday. You don’t want your only designated shopping time to go to waste!
Similarly, visiting monasteries in Greece requires modest wear, and not having a scarf or long sleeve on hand might mean you’ll miss out on a ton.
6. Take Care of Health Essentials
Before your cruise, ensure that you have adequate travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Also, pack all of your regular medications, as well as ones you think you might need.
Just be mindful of prescription drugs and always carry the original prescription with you.
Safety tip: Familiarize yourself with the ship’s medical facilities once on board.
Time to Explore the Med!
From exploring ancient civilizations to visiting pristine beaches, Mediterranean cruises offer a variety of unforgettable experiences. By thoughtfully planning ahead and following our tips, your first cruise will definitely be the start of many sea journeys to come.
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