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A classic Mediterranean cruise
A classic Mediterranean cruise visits major port cities located
on the northern shores of the Mediterranean Sea in the countries
of Spain, France, Italy, Monaco, Greece and Turkey and the
islands of Malta, Crete and Sicily. Some cruises also include
stops in Egypt. The Mediterranean cruise season is April to
November when the weather is generally sunny and mild. Many
cruise lines sail the Mediterranean and while there is most
likely a cruise that appeals to any style and budget, we’ll
focus on luxury cruises here.
Radisson Seven Seas is a luxury carrier in the small cruise
line category. As such, a small number of passengers (only 198
to 700 based on individual ship capacity) are treated to
personal service by a cruise line that has been selected by
Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure to be the “World’s
Best Small Cruise Line”. Radisson Seven Seas appeals to the
sophisticated traveler. Based upon service, quality dining,
upscale accommodations, and service, Radisson Seven Seas has
earned a six-star rating. The cruise line’s special
accommodations include two 700 passenger all-balcony suites
ships, Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Mariner, and one 490
passenger all-suites ship, Seven Seas Navigator. The Radisson
Diamond is another unique ship due to its twin hull design. The
Radisson Diamond carries 350 guests in luxury.
The Seven Seas Voyager and the Radisson Diamond routinely
cruise the Mediterranean Sea, departing from or terminating at
ports such as Rome, Venice, Athens, Monte Carlo, Barcelona, and
Istanbul normally for a 7-night cruise. These cruises stop at
some of the most famous European cities that occur between the
start and end points such as Florence, Italy; Marseilles,
France; St. Tropez, France; Dubrovnik, Croatia; the island of
Sicily; and others.
Crystal Cruises is another award-winning six-star cruise line.
A reader’s poll by Travel + Leisure magazine named Crystal
“World’s Best” in cruise line service. Conde Nast Traveler
magazine has awarded Crystal “Best Large-Ship Cruise Line”
while Travel + Leisure called Crystal the “World’s Best Large -
Ship Cruise Line”, both titles being given for the past nine
years. Crystal Cruises boasts “extraordinary cuisine” coupled
with impeccable service.
Crystal offers a large number of 7- to 12-night Mediterranean
cruises, many with romantic overtones. For example, the
Renaissance Reflection cruise originates in Lisbon and stops in
Barcelona, Cannes and Monte Carlo. The Italian Treasures cruise
spends seven nights on the west coast of Italy. The Path of the
Phoenicians is a twelve-night odyssey from Athens to Istanbul
followed by stops at the historically famous Greek islands of
Kusadasi, Rhodes, and Santorini before terminating at Venice.
The Yachts of Seabourn cruise line advertises that they provide
“Ultra Luxury” by “delivering the highest levels of personalized
service to an exclusive group of guests aboard intimate, elegant
ships that could visit the most enticing destinations
worldwide.” Seabourn sails three identical all-suite ships that
cater to only 208 passengers each. Of course, dining and service
is world-class.
Seabourn offers longer, leisurely cruises that can explore a
small or unique area in-depth. For example, the 17-day Spring
Time in Spain cruise originates in Lisbon, Portugal, stops at
six Spanish ports plus ports in Monaco, France and the Balearic
Islands. Many of the stops were selected due to the availability
of golf courses. The 16-day Mediterranean Odyssey II begins at
Istanbul; spends six days at Greek ports, four days at Italian
ports along with several days at sea before terminating at
Lisbon. The 7-day Capitals of Antiquity cruise begins at Cairo,
Egypt; tours the historic Greek islands of Rhodes, Mykonos, and
Kusadasi before terminating at Istanbul.
If luxury is your objective, there are a large number of out of
the ordinary Mediterranean cruises to choose from beyond those
discussed here.
About The Author: Looking for information about cruises?Go to:
http://www.whatcruises.com 'What Cruises' is published by Colin
Hartness - An excellent resource for Cruises! Check out more
cruise articles at: http://www.whatcruises.com/archive
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