Cruising the Meditaranean, September, 2024

Cruising the Meditaranean, September, 2024

Cruising the Meditaranean, September, 2024

We just returned from our one week cruise on Holland America Cruiseline. We started in Rome after flying there from Boston to join the cruise. Excited about all the iconic sights as we go to each port of call from Rome to Messina, Sicily, Malta, Rhodes, Kusadasi, Turkey and ending in Piraeus, Greece where we disemabarked and were taken to catch a flight from Athens airport back to Boston. But that is a another post.

As an introduction, I thought it a good idea to share the knowledge, experience, and skills involved in cruising. A lot of people are intimidated with the idea of being on the water for such a long period of time. But cruises are a great relaxing getaway on the open sea. To boot, it is the best way of experiencing iconic sights wherever you choose. 

Now it is a worry about both a logistical challenge the industry faces to ensure safety  of everyone involved, and  also about the downside of being on the ocean for a long time as we age, and fear of unforseen problems which could be associated with it. At the same time, to be on these huge ocean liners is very  exciting. 

To begin it will be good to know the the key nautical vocubulary of your temporary floating resort.

The front of the ship is called :Bow; Back: Stern; Left side: Port; Right side: Starboard. 

These huge ships take on upto 2000 to 3000 passengers depending on the ship’s capacity and size. The passengers of varying degrees of needs and plans for their cruise. Apparently 1/3 are looking for floating alternative to Las Vegas; 1/3 are bucket list tourists just checking things out, and the last 1/3 are independent minded well prepared and eager to hit the ground running as soon as that gangwasy hits the pier.

The number of crew members could range  822 to 1500 scramming to keep everyone well served, safe, and happy. They are kind, caring, gracious,  and very helpful.

Each ship has  over 1000 stateroom, and 11 decks. Everything is gathered around a central atrium where you can find places to shop, hang out, eat and drink. Top deck is the equivalent of the beach for your fun in the sun. when it comes to the fun in the sun, pool side seems to be their Unisverse.

Cruising is a great way of vacationing with the family. You can pick and choose what and how you want to enjoy the floating resort. It is a great and comforting way for those who can’t walk well or have limitation doing various activities. 

The entire ship is as accesible as many modern resorts. You sail all night and on to a new port destinations the following day. Some schedules include overnight stays in some places and there is always a sea day once a week when it sails continously for 2 or 3 days depending on whether your vacation is for one week or 2 weeks. 

The cruise line sells a selection of  excursions for every port. Those who are interested, review what is offered and book their tours. Excursion desk, located on the main deck, is dedicated to explaining and selling on shore tours and activities. At each port you get sight seeing options, you can book an organised bus tour and follow the ship’s timetable. There are bus tour options designed for people with limited mobility issues. There are private tours for those who want to be independeant. You can be as independent as you choose.  If you don’t want to opt for organised bus tour, there are private local companies offereing tour for a fraction of the cost. There are hop-on and hop-off alernatives for young and energetic tourists. Mos of all you can arrange for a guide to pick you up with a personal warm welcome. You can also hire a private taxi for a tour with a group of people making it less expensive than a organised excursion. By far the most chanllenging would be to simply be your own guide and do it with local transportation. 

Cruise ships are businesses. They need to make money as there is not much money in the base cost of a trip. They make money from excursions and from each thing you buy on board such as alcohol, shopping etc.

Although it is entirely possible to do the entire cruise without extra expenses, extras are enticing. Cleverly sold extras can add up. The handi Key Card which you carry to get in and out of your stateroom also buys you things on board. There are lot of temptations and purchases feel like you are buy free until you check out to get your final bill.