Eden is a unique, multi-sensory experience that fuses iconic design, culinary and entertainment. Spanning three decks at the aft aboard Celebrity Cruises new Celebrity Edge with almost 7,000 sq. ft. of outward-facing glass, everything about Eden was designed to excite the senses.
The Lindblad Expeditions story starts with a family that has long had a sense of wanderlust imbued with a passion for the environment.
Lars-Eric Lindblad started Lindblad Travel in 1958 and is widely known as the “Father of Eco-Tourism.” His son Sven-Olof Lindblad traveled extensively as a youngster with his dad and later as a wildlife photographer in Africa for six years.
In 1979, Sven Lindblad started the company that is now Lindblad Expeditions, with a focus on marine adventures. He insists he had never set out to be a businessman but became interested when he realized it was possible to create a successful business venture out of a passion to explore while still having a caring approach to conserving nature.
Lars-Eric Lindblad died in 1994, but his legacy is recognized in his son’s work and the family name that adorns more than a dozen ships that carry people on journeys in some of the most special places on Earth.
Lindblad Expeditions is infused with a culture that puts the environment at the forefront and aims to operate in a way that delivers once-in-a-lifetime trips for passengers while spreading the word about the precious resources we share with animals and those who call exotic and remote destinations their homes.
Lindblad Expeditions welcomed its newest ship, National Geographic Venture to the fleet with a christening ceremony November 30 in San Francisco. In true Lindblad Expeditions style, CEO Sven Lindblad kept his remarks brief and to the point. The festivities were unpretentious, with many passengers and attendees wearing jeans and other casual apparel and the master of the ship, Capt. Andrew Cook, mingling with guests. Senior Vice President Pamela Fingleton did the honors breaking the Champagne bottle on the hull of the sleek new vessel, and we all set off for the inaugural two-day sailing in San Francisco Bay for a mini city expedition.
The next day, Sven Lindblad, 67, joined us for on a hike to the peak of Mount Livermore on Angel Island. The 100-passenger NatGeo Venture now officially joins the line and will sail to places like Alaska, Baja California, the Sea of Cortez, Panama and Costa Rica.
Here is what you need to know about Lindblad Expeditions:
National Geographic Partnership
Lindblad Expeditions has had an alliance with National Geographic since 2004, with Lindblad operating nine of NatGeo’s ships (Venture, Quest, Endurance, Explorer, Orion, Sea Bird, Sea Lion, Endeavour II and Islander) that carry between 48 and 148 people. Some of the vessels are specifically designed with strengthened hulls to sail in icy polar passages year-round.
The Destinations
Lindblad Expeditions ventures into the most stunning locations for full immersion while traveling in comfort onboard its ships. The line sails voyages to the Galapagos, Caribbean, Amazon, Antarctica, Mediterranean, British Isles, Vietnam, Cambodia, the Arctic, South Pacific, Peru and several other exotic locales.
What’s Onboard
Open-seating dining rooms offer gourmet meals loaded with healthy choices and reflecting regional tastes — with a buffet-style breakfast and lunch and plated dinners.
Lounges have a coffee station and fridge with included sodas and snacks, as well as a bar serving cocktails, wines and regional craft beers. Cabins are built for function, with open shelving to store all your gear and personal items, and well as comfortable beds, small desks and large closets with dressers and drawer space.
Ships also feature a marine sports deck (fantail) from which the water activities and skiff tours are launched. On the new NatGeo Venture, the ship offers an impressive Mud Room with lockers where passengers get geared up for their activities and drop off their life vests, boots and other items after their excursions so mud, dirt and wet clothes aren’t dragged back into the ship.
NatGeo Venture has a spa for massages and other treatments, as well as a large, well-equipped fitness center. Ships offer boutiques where you can buy souvenirs and Lindblad logo wear. A Sun Deck and bow space a great outdoors spots for enjoying wildlife during scenic sailing. The Sun Deck is also the spot for daily stretch class each morning to get your body prepared for adventures.
Cruisers are provided with metal water bottles to use during the trip, and they can fill them at water stations. Ours were in the Mud Room and the gym on National Geographic Venture.
Ships feature a library with books and magazines, and Wi-Fi access is available.
What You’ll Do
The line offers a mix of light and moderate activities each day. All excursions are included in your fare.
Expert expedition guides lead the itineraries, taking passengers out for daily adventures such as hiking, kayaking, Zodiac tours, snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding. Onboard, field staff and naturalists give talks about the regions you are visiting and the activities you are about to undertake. They also might give recaps of what you have just seen.
Learn More:
The focus could be on history, animals, geology or other topics of interest during your voyage. Guides also conduct photography classes, as these cruises offer amazing photo opportunities. National Geographic Venture even has a locker filled with top-notch equipment like lenses and cameras available for loan to use on your sailing.
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Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line (BPCL) is pleased to announce that Grand Celebration will return to her homeport, the Port of Palm Beach, and resume a two-night sailing schedule beginning on Friday, December 21. Grand Celebration was chartered for the past two months to assist with restoration of service to communities impacted by the Massachusetts gas incident. With Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line resuming daily departures, there is still time for families to plan an affordable, convenient and unforgettable cruise to celebrate the holidays or kick off the new year.
Not only do kids 12 and under sail free with two paying guests, but adults will enjoy being treated to two of four free entertainment options, all part of the Sail Away Your Way offer- valid for sailings through Feb. 12, 2019 when booked by December 12, 2018. Cruisers can try their luck in the casino with $25 match play credit, lose themselves in bliss with a $25 spa credit, capture picture-perfect moments with a $25 photo credit or choose a $25 onboard credit for use on everything from tropical drinks to delectable dining to unforgettable shore excursions. With cruises beginning at just $139 per person, families can plan a flexible and affordable winter getaway full of adventure, relaxation and non-stop fun that everyone will enjoy.
“We are excited to have Grand Celebration rejoin Grand Classica at the Port of Palm Beach to offer daily departures just in time for the holidays,” shares Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line CEO Oneil Khosa. “With our current Sail Away Your Way offer, there is no better time to escape to Grand Bahama Island and book a winter sailing with loved ones.”
To learn more about Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line or to book a cruise, please visit www.bahamasparadisecruise.com or call 800.995.3201.
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Carnival Cruise Line has announced that it will name its new XL-class ship to be delivered in 2020 Mardi Gras™, bringing back to the fleet the name of the first Carnival Cruise Line® ship that entered service in 1972 and started the wave of cruise vacation popularity in the United States.
In keeping with its tradition of fun, Carnival revealed the name to a nationwide television audience on the popular game show Wheel of Fortune on its signature Puzzleboard at the conclusion of the broadcast.
Mardi Gras will be the largest Carnival Cruise Line ship ever constructed and the first in North America to be powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), part of Carnival Corporation’s green cruising platform. At 180,000 tons, the new Mardi Gras will be more than six times the size of its namesake.
Currently under construction at Meyer Turku in Finland, the 5,200-plus lower berth vessel will offer a variety of never-before-seen innovations and attractions.
Itineraries for Mardi Gras will be announced in January and go on sale later that same month. Carnival Cruise Line fans who want to be the first to book on Mardi Gras can get a head start by clicking here where they can register to get a “first to know” alert and special promotional offer when itineraries are opened for sale.
The original 27,000-ton TSS Mardi Gras, a converted trans-Atlantic ocean liner purchased by entrepreneur and Carnival founder Ted Arison, ushered in the modern-day cruise industry when it set sail on its inaugural voyage in 1972, helping to transform cruising from an experience once reserved for the elite into a mainstream vacation accessible and affordable to everyone.
“Our first ship Mardi Gras was a historic vessel, introducing a brand new style of cruising to the vacationing public. What better way to pay tribute to our company’s nearly 50-year history of creating wonderful vacation memories than by naming this groundbreaking vessel after our original and beloved ‘Fun Ship,’” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “The new Mardi Gras will follow the trailblazing lead of her predecessor, introducing features and technological innovations that have never been seen before on a cruise ship while setting a new standard for seagoing vacations.”
Carnival previously announced that the ship will be based in Port Canaveral, Fla., which will feature a new state-of-the-art terminal. A second XL ship will start construction in 2020 and be delivered in 2022 to mark the 50th anniversary of Carnival Cruise Line’s founding.
To learn more about Carnival Cruise Line, visit Carnival.com. For reservations, contact any travel agent or call 1-800-CARNIVAL.
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New Ship will feature first-ever indoor trampoline park at sea, in partnership with Sky Zone
Carnival Cruise Line will kick off its 2019 West Coast expansion plans on New Year’s Day with its first-ever float in the world-famous Rose Parade as part of a year-long celebration of its first new ship to homeport in California in 20 years that will arrive in December 2019.
As it prepares for the arrival of Carnival Panorama in Long Beach next December, Carnival will preview a floral replica of the ship to 700,000 spectators on hand to view the 130th Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif. on Jan. 1, as well as a worldwide television audience of more than 80 million parade fans. The float will include many of the signature features of Carnival’s ships – including the red and blue funnel, a water park and Lido Deck party – as well as the line’s newest fun feature, and first-ever trampoline park at sea, in partnership with Sky Zone.
Comprised of tens of thousands of flower petals meticulously applied by hand, the 55-foot-long float will sail the five-mile parade route and show off signature touches, such as flowers from more than 100 countries to represent the number of nations that Carnival employees hail from, snorkelers enjoying a shore excursion, and a RedFrog and a BlueIguana from their namesake poolside watering holes. Additionally, as a replica of the Carnival AirShip flies over the float, fitness enthusiasts will be jumping into the fun on a Sky Zone trampoline built directly into the front of the float.
Celebrating its role as the cruise line that carries the most military personnel, the float also salutes the brave men and women of the Armed Forces with a special appearance by Former Miss USA, Deshauna Barber, godmother of Carnival Panorama’s sister ship, Carnival Vista, and the first active member of the military to serve as Miss USA. Every Carnival cruise includes a special onboard tribute to honor guests that have served or currently serve in the U.S. armed forces.
“Carnival is the number one cruise line on the West Coast and the arrival of Carnival Panorama next December will only strengthen our position as the most fun vacation in the region,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “We are planning to show a spectacular float to match the spectacular new ship and with the addition of Sky Zone to complement so many of our most popular features and attractions, we’re offering even more ways to Choose Fun from the West Coast.”
Commented Jeff Platt, president of Sky Zone, “As a Los Angeles-based company, being a part of the Rose Parade is a truly unique and unforgettable way to announce our first Sky Zone at sea which will provide guests of all ages an opportunity to experience exciting new ways to play aboard the amazing new Carnival Panorama.”
Designed by Carnival’s in-house creative team and Fiesta Parade Floats, construction of the maritime marvel will begin in mid-November and is expected to encompass 10 designers collectively working hundreds of hours. This year’s Rose Parade is themed “The Melody of Life” and Carnival will encourage parade fans to “Come Sail Away.”
Carnival Panorama will debut with a special three-day inaugural cruise from Long Beach on Dec. 11, 2019, followed by the launch of year-round, seven-day Mexican Riviera service on Dec. 14, 2019. The ship joins Carnival Imagination and Carnival Inspiration to carry upwards of 600,000 guests annually from the West Coast – more than any other cruise operator.
To learn more about Carnival Cruise Line, visit Carnival.com. For reservations, contact any travel agent or call 1-800-CARNIVAL.
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Holland America Line has taken delivery of Nieuw Statendam, officially making it the 15th ship in the fleet. A hand-over ceremony took place at Fincantieri’s Marghera, Italy, shipyard, and Nieuw Statendam and is currently en route to Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, for its Premiere Voyage with guests departing Dec. 5.
The delivery was attended by Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line’s president; Carnival Corporation’s Micky Arison, chairman of the board, and Arnold Donald, president and CEO; and Stein Kruse, chief executive officer of Holland America Group and Carnival UK. Giuseppe Bono, CEO of Fincantieri, and several other executives from both companies also attended.
“Today the Holland America Line family celebrates the addition of Nieuw Statendam to our fleet, and it’s a proud moment for everyone involved,” said Ashford. “Thank you to our partners at Fincantieri and our own team members who worked diligently to deliver the ship looking more stunning than we imagined. Nieuw Statendam represents our continued evolution of adding exciting new experiences while maintaining the hallmarks that have made Holland America Line a leader in premium cruising.”
Following its transatlantic crossing from Civitavecchia, Nieuw Statendam will spend a full season in the Caribbean sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale. Nieuw Statendam‘s official naming ceremony will take place in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Feb. 2.
The ship will head to its summer homeport of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, in May and sail a series of northern Europe, Baltic and Iceland cruises before making its way to the Mediterranean in September for cruises out of Civitavecchia.
The 99,902-ton vessel accommodates 2,666 guests and is the ultimate expression of the Holland America Line brand. The ship features purpose-built staterooms for families and solo travelers among its 1,377 guest accommodations.
While much of the ship’s design will be similar to Koningsdam, the first Pinnacle Class ship, Nieuw Statendam will have exclusive public spaces and its own style created by leading hospitality designer Adam D. Tihany and designer and architect Bjørn Storbraaten. The ship will feature grand, light-filled spaces, visual drama and sumptuous interiors inspired by the fluid curves of musical instruments.
In addition to the stunning Dining Room, guests will delight in specialty restaurants that include newly designed Rudi’s Sel de Mer, a French seafood brasserie; pan-Asian Tamarind, with a new al fresco dining area where guests can enjoy the gentle ocean breeze; Nami Sushi, a new sushi experience within Tamarind; the award-winning Pinnacle Grill; Canaletto, with family-style Italian dining; and the new Club Orange restaurant exclusively for guests in the Club Orange program.
Additional culinary venues include Grand Dutch Cafe featuring traditional Dutch coffee and treats and European beer; Dive-In, serving up gourmet burgers and fries poolside; New York Deli & Pizza, offering made-to-order sandwiches and pies; and Lido Market, with themed serving stations that revolutionize the buffet experience.
Onboard entertainment features the innovative Music Walk offering a variety of authentic live musical experiences and genres unlike any other at sea. These include the debut of the new Rolling Stone Rock Room with classic rock hits; Lincoln Center Stage, with chamber music; Billboard Onboard, with chart-topping hits; and the popular B.B. King’s Blues Club, bringing the best of Memphis music to sea. With the 270-degree LED projection at World Stage and expanded seating on Nieuw Statendam, even more guests will enjoy spectacular performances with panoramic visuals and sound effects.
For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.
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Owning a boat might seem like a waste of time and money for many people, especially if you are used to commuting by car or any type of terrestrial transporting system. But having a boat brings more benefits to its owner than many would imagine.
Not only does it tighten the relationship between family members in an entertaining way to spend free time, but it is also a plus for health, as spending time in nature helps with stress-relief and overall complexion improvement.
Depending on what type of boat you want and for what you wish to use it, there might be several items you will need to have, all the time, on board.
Food and water
Think about what your boat is made for before you venture out on the sea. If your boat is not destined for long distances, do not bring raw food that you cannot cook or prepare in any way. It is best to keep things simple and clean. Try some high-energy food: chocolate, protein bars or can food. Moreover, bring cans and can openers, fruits and always bring with you a drinkable water resource. You never know when you might find yourself in need of it, so be sure you take enough for all members of the crew to last you at least one day. But if you still wish to explore and test your endurance in the long run, you can try army-style rations.
Clothes
It might sound strange to bring clothes with you when you go sailing, but the weather on the sea is very unpredictable. One minute is warm and sunny and the next a storm might hit. Foil blankets are ideal for such conditions along with spare hats and gloves if anyone from your crew might feel too cold and in need of warmth. Plus, do not forget to bring a sewing kit – you do not know when it might end up saving your life!
Medication
Personal medication has to be a priority for any crew member that is in need of it. Also, the first aid kit should never miss from your boat; and in addition to it, several others such as seasickness tablets, antibiotics and painkillers, and, why not, sun block creams. In that way you are sure you are prepared for any type of situation, might it arise.
Tools and equipment
Aside from the necessary boat maintenance tools, make sure you have enough fuel for your trip, and then some more. You do not want to end up stranded right in the middle of nowhere with no way to make the boat move aside from waves.
Navigation equipment is also a must, as it shows you not only the direction in which you have to go, but it also is useful in emergency situations, when you might be in need of communicating your position in order for the rescue teams to find you. Flares and signaling items are always useful when you have to specify your location, so bring those too.
If you wish to keep in touch with others, a search-and-rescue transponder along with radar reflectors will play a big role. Moreover, a handheld VHF radio is always useful as it is equipped with a special battery that does not need recharging. But if you wish to be on the safe side, bring along spare batteries and a watertight handheld GPS. You never know when you might need them.
You might never find yourself in the situation to use these, but it is better to have them with you on any trip.
A trip is planned to be entertaining, fun and relaxing. However, with the sea being so unpredictable and mischievous you do not know when you might have to abandon ship. And it is always best to be prepared first, than sorry later.
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It’s no secret, people drink a lot of alcohol on cruise ships. So much so, that some would even go so far to argue that a cruise isn’t really complete without the inclusion of alcohol. But what exactly does this “booze cruise” phenomenon indicate about alcohol consumption? Is this cruise ship staple a troubling sign of the rising rates of alcohol consumption? Or does it lend to a more relaxed and enjoyable cruise-ship experience, benefitting both the customer and cruise industry? To answer these questions, we first need to take a look at some of the statistics in regards to alcohol consumption or cruise ships.
According to this infographic by Shipmate, 62,000 drinks are consumed on a typical 7-day sailing trip. That’s an average of 33 drinks per week, or 4.7 alcoholic drinks every day, per passenger. Typically, the average American consumes about 4 drinks per week through his/her normal daily life. What this means is that cruise consumption of alcohol is almost 8 times more than normal consumption! In terms of revenue, experts at Shipmate write “If we look at the total dollar amount of booze sales for ALL passengers for the ENTIRE week, we’re talking close to $500k. Annualized, this means that over $20 million dollars per year is spent on alcohol, per ship!”
One of the reasons for this increased alcohol consumption on cruise ships is the “all-you-can-drink” beverage option that takes a slightly different form on various cruise liners. Traditionally, cruise prices only include the cost of a cabin, meals via buffet spreads, and some form of entertainment. Guests are usually required to pay extra for most beverages. However, the idea of paying for each drink at a price that is well above market rate tends to turn off both newbies and experienced cruisers.
With this in mind, cruise companies have started offering various drink consumption packages that appeal to customers and often lead to heavy alcoholic beverage consumption. One such example is Norwegian Cruise Line’s “all-inclusive” package, that throws in unlimited booze alongside the regular inclusions. While at this time the package is only limited to short cruises, Norwegian president Andy Stuart believes that this new structure and pricing will “strongly differentiate us from our competitors.”
Obviously, when something is virtually unlimited and already paid for, people tend to not restrict themselves. Think about the famed Las Vegas all-you-can-eat buffets, where most people tend to overeat. In a similar fashion, it’s no surprise that cruisers would consume more alcohol when it’s availability is unrestricted, as well as already included in the overall price.
Carnival Cruise Line offers a similar program, though it is charged on a daily basis. At $49.95 per day (plus 15 percent for tips), the Carnival’s Cheers program includes unlimited beer and wine, as well as non-alcoholic cocktails and sodas. It also requires anyone who shares a cabin with someone who has opted in for the program to buy it.
Personal injury lawyer Spencer Aronfeld, who regularly sues cruise ships, is not a fan of these all-you-can-drink packages offered by various cruise line companies. He writes, “I am concerned when I see cruise lines put their profits ahead of passenger safety. One of the most disturbing examples of this is the prepaid alcohol beverage programs that most major cruise lines offer their guests” Aronfeld’s concerns are echoed by many, mostly due to the ill-effects of over consuming alcohol. Since drinking can alter perceptions, increase reaction times, and hamper one’s ability to make sound decisions, Aronfeld claims that alcohol is often a contributing factor to a “slip, trip, or fall aboard a cruise ship, resulting in a broken leg or arm, or a head or spinal injury.”
With regards to Carnival’s Cheers program in particular, Aronfeld states that the requirement for cabin-sharers to opt-in together increases risk. For example, writes Aronfeld, “a 250-lb. husband and his 125-lb. wife will both be drinking up to 15 drinks in a 24 day–presumably making the lighter person’s blood alcohol level higher because of the decrease in weight and body mass, thereby placing the lighter person at an even higher risk for a trip, slip, or fall injury.”
Being on a cruise ship requires a certain level of presence of mind, due to wet or slippery surfaces, railings, staircases etc., and alcohol consumption can often lead to unwanted accidents in this unfamiliar environment. Additionally, “binge-drinking,” as is often practiced on cruise ships, can signify or even lead to the more complex issue of alcohol abuse, with drink packages on cruise ships acting as unknowing enablers.
On the other side of the spectrum, there are a multitude of consumers support the provision of unlimited alcohol on cruise ships. This is seen through the thousands of articles online that outline how to avail yourself of the best alcohol deals when aboard a cruise, and hacks on how to score drinks aboard cruise liners for cheap. Beer drinkers, in particular, rejoice with deals like the Cheers program, contributing to the 1443 beers consumed on average every day on a cruise. And really, with the newfound health benefits of beer, including increased vitamin B and antioxidant levels, who wouldn’t? Cruise companies themselves are obviously in support of these packages, claiming that they are catering to the consumer’s needs while also benefiting financially. As stated by a Norwegian PR spokesperson, “We expect that this will increase demand, which—as you know—will drive bookings and ultimately price.”
So what does this all mean for the average cruiser? Well, while the opinions on unlimited alcohol provision and consumption on cruise ships are divergent, it doesn’t seem like this will be disappearing anytime soon. Ultimately, it is up to you, the consumer, to drink responsibly and make sound decisions, no matter what drink package you choose.
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There are various areas of the world that just seem synonymous with gambling. When people hear the name Las Vegas they picture gambling of a flashy, mass entertainment proportion. Macau’s gambling culture brings a real Asian flavour to gambling, with many inevitably comparing it to Vegas. Monte Carlo delivers gambling connotations of wealth and prestige. Obviously, it is not just physical areas where gambling has a strong presence, with the web and mobile space being dominated by PartyCasino and other big names in the industry.
Another, yet somewhat less spectacular, sight that can only be associated with gambling is the steam propelled riverboat of certain states in the USA. How did these iconic vessels come to be known for hosting casinos, and what is the current status of riverboat casinos today?
There is a network of rivers that penetrate inland from the Gulf of Mexico up through the United States, most famously the Mississippi River. In the 19th Century the rivers provided a fantastic way to transport goods from town to town up and down the bodies of water. This in turn became a popular method of passenger transport, with travellers using the boat to socialise. One of the most popular forms of entertainment was play at online Irish casino, and therefore this pastime became highly popular aboard the vessels.
There were also, and still are today, laws that prohibited gambling on land. However, the proprietors of these boats took advantage of the loophole not extending these laws to establishments on water. Even today, riverboats are still to be found on the Mississippi and is still considered one of the best for cruises. Certain rivers acted as state lines, so it was sometimes argued that the gamblers could not be classified as being in one state or another while steaming down a river.
As mentioned, the riverboats were first and foremost a means of transportation and enjoyed such success due to it being the quickest and most reliable means of travel and delivery of goods. However, when railroads started to spread across the country, they opened up new routes that got people around in a more direct manner. The trains also cut days off travel and therefore started to overtake the riverboats in popularity.
Around the same time the American Civil War broke out, a period where much of the fighting was done in the Southern States which defied the laws laid out by the North. This meant that riverboat entertainment almost came to a complete end.
For those with a riverboat casino fascination cursing their luck at having missed out on the craze of the 19th century, there are still riverboats in operation today that have been granted permission to operate. The first one to become a fully recognised legal riverboat casino was in Iowa in 1989. This state, which lies above Missouri, sits on the network of rivers where riverboat gambling was popular in the 19th century. Other states which were also once smitten with riverboats, such as Louisiana and Illinois, jumped on the bandwagon and passed the same laws. Not long after almost all the states that once experienced riverboat gambling has all passed laws to make it legal.
Unlike the boats of old, which used to set off on long journeys to various destinations, the vessels of now mostly remain docked and very seldom actually take to the open waters. However, one will still be able to undergo the traditional experience that thousands enjoyed before casinos became what we are familiar with today.
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The Mediterranean Sea and surrounding region is known as “The Cradle of Civilization.”
A cruise can be an amazing way to immerse yourself in history, culture, foods and outdoors activities that the Mediterranean offers. You can explore the lands and cities where famous figures like Julius Caesar, Nero, Alexander the Great, Socrates, Plato, Marc Anthony and Cleopatra made their names.
It’s not like we get to hop on over to that region regularly. So, a cruise is your chance to tick off several iconic and historic sites from your travel wish list.
The Mediterranean Sea and surrounding region is vast, and Mediterranean cruises can take you dozens of amazing ports to enjoy stunning sun-splashed beaches and a wide range of outdoors activities on and off the water. You can also find all kinds of delicious cuisine and wines to savor. Here are our favorite Mediterranean cruise ports and a few highlights to enjoy during your visit.
Ships embark/disembark at the Civitavecchia cruise terminal about an hour away, and it’s worth planning for an extra day or two before or after your cruise to fulling embrace the Eternal City.
You can’t take more than a few steps in Rome without seeing an ancient monument, fascinating church or important ruins site that tells a story of the republic that was once the center of the world. Top sites to visit include the Colosseum, Pantheon, Circus Maximus, Forum, Trevi Fountain, and Vatican City for St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
Another popular cruise embarkation city, Barcelona delights visitors with its fascinating architecture, especially the quirky and playful designs of native son Gaudi. Cruisers can easily stroll to the bustling pedestrian street Las Ramblas from the cruise port for shopping, dining or people watching over a pitcher of strong sangria and tasty tapas.
Be sure to visit Sagrada Familia, the massive (still-unfinished) church that is Gaudi’s most-famous work. Other top sites include Barcelona Cathedral, Picasso Museum, Park Guell (another Gaudi masterpiece) and the Gothic Quarter.
The city that once served as the heart of Western civilization and gave birth to democracy is now an interesting mix of the modern and ancient world. Being a big city that offers so much to do and see, it’s worth planning for an extra day at either end of your cruise.
The Athens Acropolis overlooks the city. Climbing the slick well-worn centuries-old cobblestones to the top transports you back in time. Wander the hilltop and gaze at the Parthenon and ruins of several other ancient structures, like the Erechtheum and the Propylaea.
Our favorite destination in Athens is the Plaka Quarter, a neighborhood near the Acropolis filled with small shops, taverns and restaurants on narrow cobblestone streets. This is a great place to mix in with locals and enjoy real Greek cuisine. You might also like to watch the energetic changing of the guard at the Presidential Palace and visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier right at Syntagma Square, which sits in the heart of the city.
The city sits at the edge of the Adriatic Sea, with its tapestry of orange rooftops marking the loving restoration of the Old Town since the heavy destruction incurred during the Siege of Dubrovnik in 1991 and 1992 during the Croatian War of Independence.
The Old City is known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic” and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. With cobbled streets, stone steps and large walls, the fortress is breathtaking. “Game of Thrones” fans love taking tours of filming locations around Dubrovnik for the massively popular HBO series. You can also walk the ramparts getting a view of the Old Town and its idyllic harbor from high on the walls. Nearby Banje Beach is a nice area to go for a dip in the clear sea.
A visit to Venice is a truly transcendent experience, and sailing into the city by cruise ship is a spectacular way to greet this floating marvel. I highly recommend just walking to get blissfully lost in the maze of streets, bridges and canals. Start early and aim to head toward St. Mark’s Square to visit the beautiful basilica, bell tower and surrounding buildings. Make time to see the Doge’s Palace, Bridge of Sighs, Rialto Bridge and Jewish Ghetto.
Getting tired from walking? Hop on a vaporetto for a ride in the Grand Canal and over to Burano and Murano to see the manufacturing process and museums of the famous Murano glassware. You can also try a romantic gondola ride through the canals that carve their way through Venice. Don’t forget to make time for a great meal and some wine at sunset. The city is filled with amazing restaurants where you can dine al fresco and just watch the world go by.
On the Aegean Sea on Turkey’s western coastline, Kusadasi is the gateway to the remarkably preserved ancient Greek and Roman city of Ephesus, located 30 miles away. The highlights of Ephesus are the ruins of the Temple of Artemis and the largely intact Library of Celsus. Visitors are amazed to be able to walk on ancient Roman roadways and feel as if you are caught in a moment in time. You can wander through a bathhouse and brothel, as well as into the Great Theatre, down Marble Street and along the massive city walls.
A cruise tour from Kusadasi also might include a visit to a village like Sirince, where you can try tea, wines, olive oil or a traditional Turkish lunch. Be sure to treat yourself to Turkish Delight, too.
This quaint cruise port on the quiet Greek village offers plenty to do nearby, such as enjoy a seaside cafe or day at the beach. However, this is the port that gets you to ancient Olympia and the grounds that hosted the very first Olympic Games. A train takes you straight to the site, or you can join your cruise ship tour to Olympia.
At the ancient site, you can visit the museum that houses artifacts — which are still being pulled from the grounds there – like art pieces, statues, busts and columns. The grounds are also filled with marble column pieces, and a highlight is to enter the stadium and take a run for glory on the old track. You also can stop by to see the spot on the ancient site where the Olympic torch is lit before it makes its way around the world on its way to the site of the modern Olympic Games.
Pizza and Pompeii are on order at this cruise port. The simple pizza Margherita and pizza marinara are famous staples that own a prestigious place in the history of the city. On any cruise stop in Naples, passengers should seriously consider planning for a delicious pizza break at any of the numerous eateries that create these wood-fired delights.
A cruise excursion to Pompeii also makes for a fascinating look at the town that was frozen in time when the exploding Mount Vesuvius belched forth a storm of ashes and lava in 79 AD. Wander the stone streets to see the temples, amphitheater, buildings, walls and houses that were excavated after centuries of being buried beneath heaps of ash. The ash helped to preserve all this, and it’s incredible to think about how life must have been in the bustling urban center right up to the moments that the disaster struck.
Other top things to do on a cruise to Naples include a boat ride to Capri to spend a few hours walking the coast or enjoying the sunshine at a cafe with wine (now might be a good time to have that pizza, too) and a tour to the Blue Grotto cave.
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These are just our top eight spots to visit in the Mediterranean on a cruise, but there are many more. In addition to these fascinating and historically significant sites, you can also look for itineraries that give you the chance to bask in the sunshine and vibrant culture in such places as Mykonos, Monte Carlo, Santorini, Florence, St. Tropez, Crete, Ibiza and Malaga.
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