Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Getting The Most From Mediterranean Cruises 2013

By Marc Lindham


There are important planning strategies which can help travelers save money on Mediterranean cruises 2013. These multi-destination vacations are already booking, as they are a great way to see multiple sights throughout the beautiful region of Europe, all within a single vacation. Proper preparation is encouraged in order to experience all the destinations of a Mediterranean cruise to the fullest.

A Mediterranean cruise involves multiple destinations. Popular ports include Rome, Barcelona, Venice, Malaga and Southampton, though a variety of itineraries are available at different times of the year and through different cruise lines. Itineraries are typically focused on either eastern or western Mediterranean destinations. Cruise lines specializing in travel throughout this region include Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Holland America.

Booking in advance is the best way to save money on a cruise. Even though cruise ships are well-known for providing a high level of luxury and decadence to passengers, it's important to remember that this doesn't mean cruises are excessively expensive. There are budget-friendly travel options, too, especially when booking early. The alternative is to wait until the last minute when vendors are trying desperately to fill empty rooms, but this option is not practical for most people.

There are additional costs to consider when booking a cruise. Air travel is often required as well, as pricing for cruises is specific to the departure port, and the traveler is responsible for reaching that destination independently. There will also be expenses associated with in-port activities. Aside from this, many cruise ships offer all-inclusive options covering meals, beverages and entertainment.

To get the most out of a multi-destination Mediterranean cruise, it is important to plan ahead. The chosen cruise line will, of course, have detailed information available regarding popular sights and activities at each port of call. It's also a good idea to acquire port guides for each destination in advance so there is ample time to map out preferred sights. This enables travelers to get the most from their time spent at each destination.

The itinerary of the cruise will dictate how much time is allotted at each destination. Sometimes this does not allow for time to visit each and every attraction. With advanced planning, time spent in port can be streamlined for maximum efficiency. Port guides assist with this preplanning as well as offering destination-specific tips regarding local dialect and culture, preferred travel methods and monetary exchange.

While port guides come in handy for all cruise ship travelers, they are of particular use to those who prefer to tour the destination independently from a group. For those who prefer a guided tour of the area, however, this can usually be arranged ahead of time through the ship's concierge. Tours and preplanned activities while in port are often accompanied by pick-up and drop-off, eliminating the need for independently arranged transportation.

The time is right for booking a Mediterranean cruise 2013, and the options are many. Great deals on Mediterranean cruises abound, especially for those with the foresight to plan well in advance. Upon itinerary confirmation, advanced planning for in-port activities is recommended by acquiring destination-specific port guides and consulting with cruise line directly via concierge. Known for it's rich history and culture, the Mediterranean region is picturesque travel destination in itself, and visitors to the region describe the experience as a once-in-a-lifetime vacation.




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1 comment:

  1. Thanks for your post,

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