Jewels of the Mediterranean

A

aislingkelly

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Hi I am going on a cruise around the med in aug and was wondering if anyone has done this cruise and have any info or reviews they would like to share. I really cant wait for this holiday and would love to know a bit about it before going as this is my first cruise.
 
never did that cruise but was on a 12 nite cruise around the caribbean at easter. fantastic holiday
 
The inlaws went on a Med cruise last yr and yr before. Loved it both times.
Said food was great and great craic.
You need to pack a few good outfits for captains dinners etc.
Good walking shoes and clothes etc for when you leave the ship at ports for sight seeing.
Dont try and get off at each port of call as you will be wrecked. Select the places you want to see and stick with them, enjoy a few relaxing days on the boat.
Hope that was a bit more helpful than the last post.
As they say if you have nothing nice to say 'zip it'.
 
A lot of people would find a cruise far too regimented, all that organised entertainment. A bit like Butlins on sea. They would probably suit elderly people better.

I thought dinner with the captain only happened in Agatha Christie novels.
 
It's fine to have your opinion, Europhile, but the OP has asked for advise (information or reviews) re this trip, not whether you would want to do it or not, surely?
And if you read the question, the trip has already been organised, so referring to Agatha Christie probably doesn't really help
Nicola
 
thanks for the advice i got from you,i suppose il just have to go with the flow now and enjoy it,which im sure i will. will come back in a few weeks and tell you lot my experience about it.
 
I only have experience of RCCL cruises but, for what it's worth, here are a few tips and suggestions:

The first thing that happens when you prepare to sail will be an evacuation drill – everybody must participate so be prepared and make for your assigned deck as soon as the drill is called. You will be provided with life jackets in your cabin.

Make sure to take a photocopy of your passport and take it with you at all times separately from your original when you are in port. You will also need to take your ship’s ID card with you when in port, for getting back on the ship. Bring photocopies of your credit cards and important documents and put them in your safe just in case of eventualities.

Get an E111 card from your local Health Board which covers healthcare in European countries. If you have VHI bring your card. Bring medications such as aspirin and stuff for diahorrea (Arrat), upset tummy (Motilium), sore throat (Merocaine), sunburn, seasickness etc, just in case you might need them.

Make the most of your time in port by taking some food with you from the ship – however, you won’t be allowed to bring fruit or drink on board after port visits.

When you are in port leave scissors and tweezers in your cabin when you are going ashore, as getting back on to the ship is almost the same as going through airport security.

As soon as you can, head for the dining room and see the head waiter to ensure you get your choice of table (for example if you would like a view or you want your party to be seated on your own).

Make any spa, hair, beauty appointments as soon as you can, as the first appts to go are the ones for the formal nights.

When you are in port, make sure you leave plenty of time to get back to the ship – the ship waits for nobody – tough luck (in their eyes) if you’re not back.

Participate in as many activities as you feel inclined to from Day 1, as it is a way of breaking the ice and meeting friends.

You won’t need cash on the ship as you will be issued with a ship's “credit card” to use for all your purchases while you are aboard.

Book your tours etc before your trip, otherwise you might not get your preferred tours when you are on board.

Internet access can sometimes be expensive, depending on the cruise line, so check if you can link up your laptop to the internet before you go if you think you will use it.

Some cruise lines have a wine offer for dinner – you can choose to spend, say €150 or whatever your budget allows in total, on wine and the wine waiter will choose wines for you in that price range so that you won’t get a nasty surprise when the bill arrives at the end.

Settling your bill for online purchases – try not to do it the night before the cruise finishes as there will be a long line – you may be able to do it at another time when the purser’s desk is quiet – on some cruise lines you can settle your account online from your cabin. You can also check your account from the interactive TV in your cabin at any time.

Happy cruising!
 
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Phew, Miselemeas, that sounds like a lot of hard work. When do you get time to enjoy yourself? Have always been intrigued by a cruise but the last post would put anyone off!
 
DeclanP said:
Phew, Miselemeas, that sounds like a lot of hard work. When do you get time to enjoy yourself? Have always been intrigued by a cruise but the last post would put anyone off!
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IMO one of the best holidays you could ever have, please don't be put off - OP asked for info and I obliged. Once you have done the groundwork you can just sit back and relax or be as active as you like; that's the joy of cruising.
 
Cruising is fantastic. I think the cruise the OP is going on is with Thompson. Have been on two cruises with this company for the past two years and found them very enjoyable. Lots going on all day on board and plenty of food and entertainment to enjoy. Wake up in a new port every day. I'd recommend it to anyone. Only downside is some cruise lines cater more to older age group. This could be the case with thompson - depends what time of year you go.
I am going on royal carribeans independence of the seas later this year and looking forward to it.
 
yes the cruise i have booked is with thompson, there does seem to be a lot to remember,i didnt think there would be so much organisation,i suppose all we can do is go with the flow. also is there water sports etc.. available at any ports,we are getting on the ship in palma, majorca then stopping in sicily,naplescprsicafrench riviera and barcelona
 
There are various excursions you can avail of every day which will be well advertised on board. You don't have to be that organised. You can go with the flow. there is a choice of sit down formal dinners or more informal self service buffet in the lido restauraunt. You will enjoy it. Good luck.
 
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