What I Did WRONG on my Mediterranean Cruise what I would do differently

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Going on a Mediterranean Cruise? I made some big cruise mistakes on my Med cruise, & sharing them so you don't make them too! These Mediterranean cruise tips will help you plan and have the best cruise vacation!
If you're going on a Mediterranean cruise for the first time, this is for you.
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ABOUT ME
Hi! I'm Ilana! I live in Montreal, Canada with my husband Frank. We can often be found dreaming about and planning future cruises, ideally to hot and sunny destinations! I believe in having fun, being kind and that you are never too old, or too young, to live the life of your dreams!
Please note that I do not sell cruises on Life Well Cruised. This and all other videos are for entertainment purposes only. I share my own opinions, personal experiences and information with other cruise travelers, which I hope can be helpful. Please contact your travel agent or the cruise line directly for advice and any information specific to your booking.
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27 июн 2024

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Комментарии : 363

@LifeWellCruised 2 года назад

Planning a cruise? Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner. It's a 47 page printable cruise travel planner with packing checklists, shore excursion planning forms and much more! ($10 off for a limited time). Here are the details: lifewellcruised.com/ultimate-cruise-planner/

@chackett99 5 месяцев назад

I understand this is a little older video, but do you mind sharing the Ephesus excursion you booked? I'll be there in May and am researching options there...

@KMA66 Месяц назад

In Rome and most Italian cities, the Italians leave for their summer holiday at the beach to escape the heat. The best restaurants are often closed during this time. If you are traveling to Italy during the summer, you will be amongst mostly tourists.

@chrishatfieldmarsland9104 2 года назад

My tip is to take your swimming costume in your hand bag on embarkation day - that way you can be in the pool on day one while most others are waiting for their cases to be delivered to their cabin

@allytrudie864 10 месяцев назад

Or just put it on under your PANTS!

@susansmith864 2 года назад

If visiting Rome and you want to go to the Vatican Museums then ALWAYS book in advance. The queue for a turn-up ticket can be 2+ hours long and then there are 4 miles of museum to get through after that! Booking on line is easy and so worth it - just make sure you book with the Musei Vaticani's own site not one of the many tout sites selling at inflated prices.

@LifeWellCruised 2 года назад

Thanks for sharing this tip!! Yes so important

@kathleennoble6407 2 года назад

For those who asked for tips, here are mine. If you are docking close to a city you want to explore, there is usually a cheap or free public shuttle that can take you in to town, so it's worth confirming through an on-line source. European trains are generally excellent and affordable, and can be a great alternative to an excursion, such as visiting Pisa and Lucca when docked in Livorno. If the destination is only accessible by car/bus, or it's far away, or both, go with the ship's excursion. There are too many things that can go wrong! Alhambra, for instance...our bus broke down on the way back, and it's true, the ship will wait for you if you're on a ship excursion. (We were something like an hour late) Watch for pickpockets in crowds, of course. (I have a pacsafe purse that I wear cross-body.) I used the Collins easy learning series to pick up enough Italian to get directions, and even a few words in Greek...the locals really seemed to appreciate my attempts. Italians are super friendly and helpful...the only issue is, so much so that they will give you directions and answer questions...even if they don't really know the answer! LOL! So keep double checking that you are on the right path For Northern African and Turkish destinations, don't be friendly and polite with strangers who approach you (no matter how Canadian you are). I have stories...one of which concludes with us 100 euros poorer for the "tour." Also, an offer of apple tea is the prelude for a pretty intense sales pitch. :) Oh, and cobblestones can be hard walking if you aren't used to them...I recommend footwear with thick soles and enough straps to make sure your foot won't slide around.

@bryanpetersen8480 2 года назад

Thanks for the vid! Informative! We are heading for our 1st Med cruise next June (2023) out of Barcelona. I enjoy the many other comments and recommendations posted to this video. Thanks to all!

@alisonkelly1986 2 года назад

I would love it if you would do some more Mediterranean cruise videos! My tip would be to do your research on each port, and book a reputable tour agency that guarantees return to the ship on time or has an excellent review on the cruise critic forums board. You can honestly have a private tour of things you want to do, for the same price as two people on a cruise ship excursion. Time is precious on your port days in the Mediterranean.

@LifeWellCruised 2 года назад

Great tips Alison! I’ll make sure I do a Med video soon :)

@gracepunay8321 2 года назад

Love this video, very helpful in planning my next dream cruise. Thanks for sharing.

@user-tm8gs7sl8j Год назад

Thank you for your advice. We followed it on our recent Greek cruise and the extra day was a LIFE SAVER when our luggage got lost.

@paulaparsons9197 2 года назад

My 2 sisters, niece, Mom and I did a similar cruise as yours. We did some of those same mistakes but still had a great trip. We got lost in Florence and like you said we couldn't find anyone to understand us. We finally found a utility guy that helped us.

@LifeWellCruised 2 года назад

Oh gosh - I hear you!! Definitely still the best cruise ever 😉😂

@kathyfenwick9423 2 года назад

My daughter & I did a meditteranean cruise back in June 2018 & LOVED it!! Lol i laughed when u mentioned the food in florence & the gelato:) I think we had 4 gelato in one afternoon while walking around Rome lol! Omg I would go back in a heartbeat!!!

@GlobalAdventurer Год назад

I've watched a lot of videos on RU-vid regarding tips and tricks of cruising, and I'm usually very critical of them. But I have to say your tips and suggestions are spot on. And also, one thing that sets your video apart is the fact you straight up stated to future cruisers to learn the local language at least the greetings. Many other cruise channels don't mention this and lead their viewers to think that the world circles around anyone who is an english speaker. It shows ignorance and superiority. I always learn the basic phrases when traveling regardless if I'm on a cruise or not. The only time I have ever taken advantage of cruise excursion, or any other paid land tour is for safety of because of the distance. Otherwise, I do all my city self-tours alone. I've been to the Mediterranean but not on a cruise there, as I have several cruises booked for this year there and that's why I was checking out your video. Thank you👍👍

@fosteringleaders9872 2 года назад

TIP: RESTROOMS- I use them a lot. 🤣 In Europe, you usually have to pay 1 to 2 Euros, have money. Some have coin slot, some have attendant. Stores also charge or free w purchase but they usually ask for minimum of 5 Euro purchase. They are usually very clean.

@kathyhiggins290 Год назад

Fantastic tip. Would never have thought of that! Thanks

@fosteringleaders9872 Год назад

@@kathyhiggins290 you are welcome.

@lauramiller3273 Год назад

Can you use credit card or american dollars or do you have to change over your money to use the restroom?

@superhussein Год назад

Just urinate in public

@deniseyoung3738 2 года назад

As part of our planning process, we look at the ship excursions. We rarely take them, but it gives us a place to start our research. And I agree to learn at least a few words in the local language, it really helps!

@LifeWellCruised 2 года назад

Great idea! I often do this with excursions in the Caribbean too

@tfeliciano1106 Год назад

THANK YOU!!! Very informative and helpful!!

@leylashafiee4429 Год назад

We live in Europe & still arrive 2 days before & stay 2-3 days after. Don’t even think that you can visit cities like Barcelona , Rome etc in just a few hours. Plan your trip. I would visit top 2-3 pluses ( remember these cities are full with tourist all around the year & there is a queue almost everywhere) . Enjoy the cafeterias & just walking around instead of making yourself crazy & running around & gud forbid miss ur cruise!:( Be careful with hop on hop off … Hop off in good time. Some cities like Barcelona they take you all the way around the city & you end up in mountains. Very beautiful but think twice!!!! Hop off in good time!

@thiggs333 Год назад

Great advice Leyla

@janirak.255 2 года назад

We did a Mediterranean cruise in 2019 and absolutely loved it but we really went hard on the excursion’s. Happy to go back in the future at a more leisurely pace.

@LifeWellCruised 2 года назад

I can totally understand. The excursions can be intense lol

@BrendaBergman-Niehaus Год назад

Agree with finding a place to eat at your destination. We purchased a private tour in Malta, and even enjoyed lunch with our tour guide at one of her favorite restaurants right on the Marina in Valletta.

@lindarobinson2104 2 года назад

This was so helpful! Hubby and I may sail through Europe for our anniversary in 2024. Thank you!

@sethcoleman2056 Год назад

Thank you! My wife and I are doing a week long Venice to Barcelona cruise this year so your tips will be really helpful!

@matthewbarz8181 2 года назад

Thank you ! For talking nice about my hometown city Barcelona Spain’s glad you liked

@jacquelinechristensen9231 2 года назад

We did three similar to this and you are right. Go in several days earlier and see Barcelona or your first day port and enjoy seeing the community.

@LifeWellCruised 2 года назад

Thanks Jacqueline :)

@joedonuts13 Год назад

Thank you for the great info. My wife and I are cruising the Mediterranean out of Rome to the Greek Isles for our 30th anniversary. We want it to be a great experience and your content seems so helpful. We are in Rome a day before embarkment, but we are lucky that the first day is at sea heading toward Santorini. A day to relax and get acclimated to the time change. Thanks again!

@mandypusateri9754 Год назад

We are taking a Greek Isles cruise in September. I was surprised to learn even though Royal Caribbean says the port is Venice, it's actually at least an hour away. We are flying in five days early to Rome and then making our way to the port. I'm nervous, but excited for our adventure.

@MikeD-dl5lk 2 года назад

Hi Ilana, I think Med/ Euro cruise tips should include the fact that many of the cities listed in the itinerary are not really close to the actual port/ dock. This advice could factor in whether or not to book excursions if the destination is a 3 hour round trip commute for example.. Thanks for the video!

@LifeWellCruised 2 года назад

Yes you’re right - great point

@alisonkelly1986 2 года назад

I agree! Great point!

@mariedigi 2 года назад

My husband who has been to Italy twice actually informed me a lot of the cities are far from the port.

@Fwtx24639 2 года назад

Wow is that the truth! When you take a cruise from Rome or have a shore excursion to Piza - those aren’t anywhere close :)

@peacelife Год назад

Oh wow really. Thx for sharing

@JustJeannie 2 года назад

Love to see a tips video!!! Please make it! Thanks

@Philippa- 2 года назад

Going next year. It was interesting to hear your perspective on cruising in Mediterranean ports. It’s easy to forget that for some non Europeans local customs may not be so easily understood or known about.

@LifeWellCruised 2 года назад

Thanks Hillary :)

@eleanor4482 2 года назад

Almost missed this. Thanks for sharing.😎

@colettewiest7057 2 года назад

We are scheduled to go on a Mediterranean Cruise this coming July. Super excited...and can't wait. Great info.

@LifeWellCruised 2 года назад

That’s amazing! Really such a great cruise

@beachbasket8695 Год назад

Great comments! Thank you. We are going on a 28 day Mediterranean cruise with 22 ports. We have been to several of the ports and are gladly returning. However, your points will help with the ports we have not been too!

@mikeses4392 Год назад

Good information! Enjoyed the video!

@suewolf3279 Год назад

I think we all have to remember if you're flying for 6 to 10 hours to get anywhere to board a cruise ship you should go two to three days ahead of time. So this would even include East Coast North America heading to any place on the west coast of North America, or Hawaii etc. Us East Coast North Americans travel so much from ports along the east coast that we forget sometimes how difficult it is when we have to fly somewhere different to join a cruise ship. I know people in Seattle, Washington that flew to Miami only one day ahead of time, and they were exhausted that first day on the ship. This was a great video. Thank you ever so much

@debineblett1331 2 года назад

We went on a Med cruise years ago. Spent 3 days in Barcelona sightseeing and would definitely recommend it. Wonderful city.

@LifeWellCruised 2 года назад

Great idea! Well worth it 👌

@KylaFord Год назад

these were great tips, thank you very much, subscribed! My fiancé and I will be going on a Mediterranean cruise in the Fall, super excited!

@mcbrides1 Год назад

Because of your video, we are flying in to Barcelona multiple days ahead of our cruise. Thank you.

@sherribaker9961 Год назад

so amazing! Thank you so much for sharing

@linda319 2 года назад

California Linda shares that speaking Spanish and German helped to enhance our Mediterranean cruise as we felt more independent to venture outside of the ship's excursions. Before embarkation we spent six weeks in Germany and Austria, using the Deutsch Bahn after enjoying Barcelona. Be sure to thoroughly check out all private vendors as Ilana shared, we took a private tour in Sicily and the tour guide wanted to show us the sunset, we barely made it back to the ship, so thankful that two Princess tour buses were delayed. Never again on foreign soil will we consider an independent all day tour, half-day maybe if it was in the morning. I do not like being a pier runner 😥 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

@LifeWellCruised 2 года назад

Oh my!! I definitely don’t like to cut it close either 😂

@brunkerj Год назад

We leave in just over 2 weeks on a 12 day Barcelona to Rome cruise. Ok, I know pass-able Spanish, which will help, a bit, with Italian. But French? Almost zero, and we have a day in Niece and one in Marseilles. I've watched SO many of your awesome videos, I wish I had come across this one earlier! I will take the time to sit and enjoy meals in every port. Florence is the one bringing me the most excitement!

@monicafierro4951 Год назад

Booked and ready to go to the Mediterranean this May 2023! Love your videos and I will keep reading comments to look for more great suggestions!

@ChiyoSanabria Год назад

I am going on May 30th from Rome with my husband and my 17 year old. What day are you sailing?

@cindylewis3730 2 года назад

Perfect timing. We leave soon for a TransAtlantic crossing from Rome to Miami. Heading in three days pre-cruise. Been studying up on my Italian and I have a translator app on my phone. We booked most excursions thru the ship because we were not sure if we would be allowed to explore on our own in today’s climate. Soooo excited. Thanks for all your tips to help us prep.

@LifeWellCruised 2 года назад

That’s awesome! I do agree right now booking cruise excursions is probably best to ensure you can actually get off and visit. Exciting cruise

@stevebartley628 2 года назад

On our last trip, my wife was able to use her Portuguese, Spanish, French, and Italian. a great trip for her. and for me since I didn’t need to talk at all, ( although I did speak some Spanish )

@LifeWellCruised 2 года назад

This is great!!

@scottwoods504 2 года назад

Thanks for the great advice. The Med is high on our bucket list and was one of the cruises cancelled by the pandemic. We've rebooked a longer version for 23. Can't wait.

@LifeWellCruised 2 года назад

That’s awesome!! Great cruise - worth the wait

@alandmarthaballon1747 2 года назад

We too decided to book our Med cruise for 2023 instead of 2022 anticipating a new state of normalcy post-covid. Departing from Barcelona, Arriving in Rome. One full week in Spain, our 7 night Celebrity Edge cruise, followed by 10 days in Italy. Ilana's videos are so extremely informative that I've subscribed to her You Tube channel !!

@Type1MomRN Год назад

@@alandmarthaballon1747 which RU-vid channel is that?

@sele8235 Год назад

Great tips!

@pygmy-goats-kevin 10 месяцев назад

WOW GREAT VIDEO VERY EDUCATIONAL 👍👍

@BrianJohnson-bq9tr 3 месяца назад

Hi Ilana, thank you again for another fabulous video. My girlfriend and I will be taking our first Mediterranean cruise next month on the New Sun Princess and are really excited. These tops will surely prove to be very helpful, as always.

@colleenreynolds9608 Год назад

We just got back from a Med tour and cannot agree more with your tips. One other tip I would like to share that goes along with your "learning a few key phrases." Whether on the ship or on the tour, ask the person serving you how to say "Thank you" in their language. Then practice, practice, practice. Write it down. They light up when you ask, then light up again each time you say it.

@debbiechutka2492 13 дней назад

Thank you. This was very helpful. We are going in our first Mediterranean cruise in October of 2024.

@LifeWellCruised 2 года назад

Have you been on a Mediterranean cruise or are you planning to?

@drmyers85021 2 года назад

We are planning a 17 day trip out of Barcelona the end of May 2022. This will be my first trip to Europe, so I'm getting pretty excited!

@deerobinson4263 2 года назад

I'm going on the Regal Princess in Sept. It is the Cruise tour. We will fly to Venice , tour for 2 days , Florence for 2 days, then meet the ship in Rome .

@colacurciolaw7745 2 года назад

To Italy in April!

@dianefullerton6791 2 года назад

Planning on Med cruise September 2022

@ClanOMoraign 2 года назад

Doing our first Med cruise on Regal Princess next year. 14-day sailing from Athens to Rome, we can't wait! Very happy to see this guide, and even happier to see that I had made the right call in both booking our flight to arrive 2 days before sail date and in getting open dining rather than early/late. And between my family members, we'll have at least one person who speaks either Italian, French, and/or Spanish at a basic level. Do please make more videos with Mediterranean tips! Will definitely appreciate whatever you can advise!

@janettompkins7930 10 месяцев назад

This will be our 1st Mediterranean cruise. We also will fly in to Time 1 day in advance. Wish I'd seen your video sooner! Thanks for the tips!

@ruthadams7133 2 года назад

I would love more tips on Mediterranean cruising. Thank you

@zeek72358 2 года назад

Great video! I’m on a Med cruise now and I’ve already made a couple of these mistakes. I could’ve used an extra day in Rome, and I did get caught up in a factory tour (though I did get some nice soaps out of it). An additional mistake for me was not fully appreciating the weather. Didn’t quite pack enough cooler weather gear.

@LifeWellCruised 2 года назад

Lucky you!! Thanks for sharing your “mistakes” too, lol. Not all is obvious. Ooooh weather - hope you got an extra sweater or jacket during the trip

@zeek72358 2 года назад

@@LifeWellCruised I bought a hoodie and vest in Santorini. The merchant was VERY happy, as the season was slow and is coming to an end.

@springday5679 2 года назад

@@zeek72358 Can I ask do I need to book excursions for Santorini or I can get taxi at the port?

@carolyntemplin488 Год назад

More great tips, thanks so much! How many cruises do you go on per year? It's so fantastic to travel!!

@kissofshadows21 2 года назад

Would you consider doing a "What to Wear" video for the Mediterranean cruises, especially ones where you go on excursions? That's always the hardest part for me when traveling overseas.

@LifeWellCruised 2 года назад

Sure! Great idea!!

@DanielDickin 2 года назад

Cool, comfortable clothes; conservative (no knees or shoulders showing) for churches and formal settings

@kissofshadows21 2 года назад

@@DanielDickin - Thank you! My travel wardrobe definitely tends to be comfy and conservative. I guess my biggest questions would be about appropriate colors and styles of clothing. I love patterned and vibrant (but not obnoxious) clothing with colors like burgundy, mustard and turquoise. I just don't want to be "that American tourist".

@shayrich7783 2 года назад

@@kissofshadows21 I learned shorts were for little girls and not as popular with women, wearing sneakers are sometimes seen as an American tourist giveaway as well as fanny packs. Try to carry a smaller bag versus a larger tote especially in Rome. Many sites don't allow them or require a more in depth security process.

@garybechard9741 2 года назад

Ilana, what was the excursion you took in Kusadasi. We’re going on a Mediterranean cruise in the fall and want to see Ephesus. I’m looking for a smaller one than the cruise line offers. Thanks

@anonasouthern3779 Год назад

Good tips! I’m planning a cruise next April for my daughters high school graduation.

@devbiol86 Год назад

Love your videos. Which ports would you suggest as good ones to do a DIY excursion or the hop on buses you mentioned?

@orthodiva7487 Год назад

We went one day early in Barcelona and was able to go see La Segrada Familia and the gothic quarter and walked up and down Las Ramblas and stayed 3 extra days in Venice. If you’re going to spend the money and time to go across the pond, please do your research and know what to wear and how to act. Doing research on hotels to stay and pinning it on the map as well as all the places you want to visit is part of the fun.

@claraperez4513 2 года назад

thanks for the info. I'm going to a Med cruise in Sept.

@floryarndt4758 10 месяцев назад

Thank you for sharing

@jodeymann5255 2 года назад

We have booked a Mediterranean cruise on the Regan Princes in April. Thank you for the tips!

@LifeWellCruised 2 года назад

That’s great!! Awesome cruise

@virginieholmes813 2 года назад

Thank you, Ilana. I am a true Parisienne who has lived in the US for 4 decades and the 1st thing I tell ALL traveller's, know a few phrases in the language you are going to visit. It is respectful and it really does motivate most to convert to the English language. Don't be that tourist. As for the food and coffees overseas, oh my. Delish!! Merci pour tous, Gross bis!

@LifeWellCruised 2 года назад

Merci Virginie!! I have to tell you, living in Quebec, I thought I knew what a croissant tasted like. But no, the croissants in France were so rich and decadent & delicious. I could not have imagined how good and fresh the food is in Europe. Thanks for watching & sharing:)

@lauriesteinhauser8768 2 года назад

Nice video! I also would like a follow up video on Med cruising focusing on clothes to pack. Also if you could name the co. That you did your private tour with. Thanks!,

@brendar-b310 11 месяцев назад

Can you do a segment on hotels to stay at the night before cruising and how to get to port the morning of cruise day please.

@kengodbold1142 Год назад

Sorry but we have had too many ports ruined by using the “Hop on Hop off” tours. They sound much better than they actually are. Someone may have enjoyed them but we were burned more than once so they are no longer what we consider a good option. Have actually had better results looking into local transit options.

@ruthadams7133 10 месяцев назад

I’d love more tips for Mediterranean cruising

@stefaniesancho5711 2 года назад

I could not agree more regarding the European coffee and gelato, DIVINE!! The other mistake I’d add to your list is taking a European cruise in the hot summer months. If you can, go in the spring or fall. We went in August and the heat was relentless 🔥🔥

@GlobalAdventurer Год назад

I actually though Croatia had the BEST gelato, even better than Italy. Those countries were sort of one of the same back in the day, so that's probably why their ice cream is so good. But, Croatia was the best of all the countries I visited. And I at that ice cream for 2 months! 😋🍧🍧🍨🍨🍦🍦

@ewtam24 Год назад

Thank you!

@erinfeeney5847 2 года назад

I would love to hear your tips about the Mediterranean!

@allisonleitz9304 2 года назад

We like to be semi-independent if we can when we travel. There are a lot of websites that give step-by-step info for walking tours in Europe. Rick Steves book helped me get a feel for some of the larger cities, ahead of time, that we visited a few years ago. Thanks for the great video!

@LifeWellCruised 2 года назад

Thanks for sharing! You’re right, in particular I love Rick Steves. Great books, guides & videos

@moreylambert807 2 года назад

loved the new video.. same thing happened to us in Barcelona, saw nothing of the city.. Italy was packed usually 6 to 8 ships in each port, lots of people at the tourist stops... we had the second best lunch off the ship in Rome, wife loves seafood and had the best lunch. loved the cruise, would do again.

@LifeWellCruised 2 года назад

Thanks Morey! That Rome lunch sounds fabulous

@NancyReeves 2 года назад

Would love to hear about different ports in the Med. We’ll be in Italy, Greece, Montenegro, Turkey, and disembarking in Barcelona next May. It’s a port-heavy itinerary and we’re already planning on just staying on the ship in a couple of places. We’ve made the mistake of trying to do it all and it’s just not worth getting that tired.

@linda319 2 года назад

California Linda shares make your reservations NOW, yes NOW if you want to visit the La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. I would recommend the inside tower tour...the views magnificent as you progress down into the sanctuary. My favorite port was Mykonos, plan to spend time walking to the windmills, dipping your feet in the water, enjoy wandering about the white streets, shops and enjoy the food. In Montenegro the Blue Hole may not be accessible depending upon the tides and waves. It's a walking town, skip the excursion and enjoy walking across the bridge into the Old Fort. Have a great cruise....I could go on and on and ....

@LifeWellCruised 2 года назад

That’s a good idea. Those long days touring can be really tiring

@tiffanychristen2918 2 года назад

We are going on the same cruise on 5/7! We cant wait but we are getting nervous about all of the covid biz. How do we find out what the ports are requiring?

@Warriorbox 2 года назад

Be sure to pack a light rainproof jacket you can stuff in your bag or a small umbrella, its not always hot weather and there can be rain. Also, be sure to visit Las Ramblas in Barcelona, which is a great long shopping street with many bars, restaurants and little unusual shops ... BUT watch out for pick-pockets. The area is notorious for them. Don't keep your money in a back pack - a money belt is a good idea. I speak from experience. Don't let it stop you going though, its a wonderful city.

@tinacox2989 Год назад

@@Warriorbox And it's very expensive in the bars. Better to get away from the tourist trap if you want to go to a restaurant.

@karenhenderson5726 2 года назад

I just booked a Mediterranean Cruise this morning and have no idea what I'm doing! LOL I will be researching to find out as much info as possible. Thank you for the helpful tips Ilana! :)

@LifeWellCruised 2 года назад

That’s amazing!! Great cruise

@suewolf3279 Год назад

We're taking a transatlantic Cruise in the spring of 2023. Several stops in portugal, several stops in Spain, there is a stop in France and multiple stops in Italy. Would certainly like more of your perspective on a Mediterranean cruise.

@eminiarvii 2 года назад

Hi Illana i am glad you mentioned the travel to your cruise. A friend and i went on a South American/Cape Horn cruise early in 2020 We did travel to Chile 2 days ahead of the the cruise, it was the best thing to do. I was so exhausted from the 11 hour flight. The other nice thing is we did eat the local food and wow you cannot go wrong, yummy, especially Argentinian beef. Yes also knowing the specific details of your cruise excursion is a must. One excursion was 5 hours but travel time was 3 hours, by bus, so i elected to take the speed boat tour, it was more expensive but it got you to the same place but faster. Your tips for the new cruiser/ new destination is great

@LifeWellCruised 2 года назад

Thanks so much for the feedback and for sharing your experience. How I want to go to Argentina 😉

@eminiarvii 2 года назад

@@LifeWellCruised Do so, great time there, we went to different cities and tasted different preparations of their beef dishes…You cannot go wrong

@alexandergillis5274 2 года назад

Excellent 👏

@zenofplants1764 2 года назад

One extra thing about food, for anyone with specific food allergies or dietary needs. Do some research online before visiting the ports to find allergy or special need friendly locations. As a vegetarian with Celiac I did lots of research before our cruise to Italy and discovered they are very accommodating for gluten free needs. I never had a problem eating in Rome, Naples, Sorrento, Venice or most parts of Sicily.

@LifeWellCruised 2 года назад

Great tip! Very important

@katecarley7227 2 года назад

We're going on a Mediterranean cruise in 2022! We were forced to rebook due to the pandemic, so it feels as if we've been planning this for decades. I can't wait to travel again! I'd love to hear any travel tips you might have for the area.

@LifeWellCruised 2 года назад

You’ll have such a wonderful time!! I’ll definitely share more tips in an upcoming video

@elpocho8699 2 года назад

Samzies!! High five!

@vickylopez8379 2 года назад

Booked for May 22 to 29 Western Mediterranean Cruise. This is very helpful. We’re so excited boarding the biggest ship “ WONDER OF THE SEAS”

@LifeWellCruised 2 года назад

That’s awesome!! Great cruise

@nannycheryl644 2 года назад

Heading on the Oceania Sirena in April 2022 to visit the Mediterranean, can’t wait!

@LifeWellCruised 2 года назад

Beautiful cruise!!

@yvonneharper8912 Год назад

Thank you for sharing so great tips! My family and I will be taking an European cruise next year embarking from Barcelona, Spain. We do like the excursion but most of all we love the shopping and eating. Do you have any suggestions for an excursion that offers that?

@DonLekei 2 года назад

This was great. We are going on a 14 day Mediterranean cruise in June-July although we have done some med before. I totally agree on the HOHO busses for many cities. In Barcelona there are the City Passes which include unlimited transit and discounts on attractions. The couple of days before and after suggestion applies to every start and end port in a new city. We spent 3 days pre-cruise in Barcelona and it wasn't enough. Same goes for Orlando/Port Canaveral (Disney, Universal, Kennedy Space Center), Miami, LA, Southampton, Honolulu, Sydney, etc. If you are going there make the most of it!

@LifeWellCruised 2 года назад

Great idea & you’re right, the embarkation city is worth visiting a bit more than we often do

@boysrus61 Год назад

Don, we are planning a Med cruise with Royal. I'm wondering about the HOHO buses. Do you get the tickets at the hotel, do they need to be purchased with local currency etc? Thankyou

@DonLekei Год назад

@@boysrus61 I usually get tickets from Viator but in Villefrance we were winging it and we bought tickets from a kiosk at the port. In Naples, and other places we used our vouchers directly on the first bus. Not sure about Las Palmas the vouchers to ticket exchange was at the port. Terms vary with each company and city, for example, in Honolulu we bought "tickets" online but they require us to take an Uber etc. to Waikiki to exchange our vouchers for tickets.

@ruthadams7133 Год назад

I am planning my first Mediterranean cruise and would love more tips

@andrewbovenzi8150 8 месяцев назад

Amazing this popped up for Mediterranean cruises. I am waiting for my travel agent to call me back for a Mediterranean cruise that we want to take. Please keep any tips coming

@tomsinsky5548 Год назад

Good video!

@daveduffy2823 Год назад

I decided to do land tours instead in the Mediterranean. The culture is so rich there, a one day stop won’t be enough. I said to my wife, let’s spend a week on Santorini or two weeks touring Italy or Spain. Attempting to speak the local language goes over very well.

@sarahsup 2 года назад

Have done both Monaco to Rome and Athens to Venice. 3 couples on Athens cruise were delayed 2 days in travel. Then their luggage didn't arrive! The farther you go, the more time you need to plan for delays.

@LifeWellCruised 2 года назад

Very true! Thanks for mentioning

@priscillabohn4621 2 года назад

my husband and I were stationed in Europe for 2.6 years, before we were stationed there the Army had us go to classes to learn their language to get around easier. Yes Italians are like Hispanics in Mexico ( where I live 15 miles from Mexico) they close their shops for a siesta and lunch

@LifeWellCruised 2 года назад

Thanks Priscilla. Lol I heard this but Ryder expect it 😂

@dianespizzirri8140 2 года назад

May want to factor bus times to get from certain ports to actual cities and also tender times.

@LifeWellCruised 2 года назад

Very true! Thanks for sharing

@debrafazzi5382 Год назад

The best thing we did was book a private tour of Rome. It was fabulous the guide was so knowledgeable and on cost around $75.00 more then a group. She got round the city at the right and where to sit to see the best view of the Sistine chapel ceiling. Also went to more place then bus tour because os smaller vehicle. The on and off buses are great, highly recommend.

@robabramazani8019 Год назад

Would you be able to share the private tour please.

@mabelname7002 10 месяцев назад

@@robabramazani8019 This might be too late, but we also did a private tour with RomeLimoTours. It was great.

@Fwtx24639 2 года назад

Rick Steves travel guide is an amazing resource for Europe. We picked up some tips and tricks to make our trip even more successful.

@CarolPetersen-wv8oq Год назад

I loved the tips, thank you for sharing! I would love any tips and advise! My friends and I are going to Italy, Greece & Turkey on a 10 day cruise in September 2024. This will be the 1st time for all of us in the region. We are Americans and would love to hear about your perspective. We don’t want to be the typical pushy, loud, entitled Americans! We want to experience these cultures and at the same time be respectful of it.

@miltongee1627 2 года назад

Thank you for this video. We are going on 2 Europe cruises in May 2022. First round trip from Rome going down to Greece and Turkey. Stay 4 days in Rome

@LifeWellCruised 2 года назад

Amazing!!

@nancywong2532 10 месяцев назад

thank you

@nancywong2532 10 месяцев назад

My ?? is we fly from JFK to Rome. should we get EURO money ahead of time in NYC

@Ericalawsoncentury21 Год назад

Can you share your excursion in Kusadasi? Thank you, lovely video!

@ttperez924 Год назад

Thanks for the tips. Is it advisable to take "explore on your own" excursion?

@nurseloco2003 Год назад

Did you ever do a video with your tips on Mediterranean cruising? Would love to hear them!

@salliestewart4713 Год назад

Taking my 1st June 2024. Also 1st time norwegion.

@CruisingEngineer 2 года назад

A Mediterranean cruise is in our future (2023). Yes, please expand on your first-hand experiences with another video. We speak French and Spanish but would like to know more about local social customs, etiquette dos and don'ts, dress codes, etc. Great informational video as always.

@LifeWellCruised 2 года назад

Thanks for sharing your feedback!!

@GlobalAdventurer Год назад

If you haven't already gone on your european/mediterranean cruise, I can give you a few pointers on dress codes etc. If you're from north america, then don't bring clunky running shoes, tshirts with sports teams splatter all over it, and definitely don't wear baseball hats. Everybody will know where you're from. Also, don't wear workout clothes in the streets, people dress up when they're out or at least acceptable types of clothing. I travel lots of places around the world, and I can spot somebody from the USA/CANADA easily. They all look the same. Sports jersey, socks with sandals, safari hats, baseball hats, knee high shorts, etc. Most people that live there will be wearing dresses, long pants with slim line tennis shoes and other casual walking shoes. You won't see people in hair rollers and pajamas outside of their house😁 If you see anyone there dressed as I described above, they are tourists from the UK, USA, CANADA and AUSTRIALIA generally, and a few other countries too.

@CruisingEngineer Год назад

@@GlobalAdventurer Thank you for the information on dressing for Europe.

@Discodoos 11 месяцев назад

Also when visiting Italy and Spain, famous churches will not allow visitors in with shoulders bare or too skimpy of clothing. At least this is how it was when I visited 15 years ago. Bring a light sweater and wear pants if it’s comfortable

@jackieb1022 2 года назад

We are planning a Mediterranean and Greek Isles cruise in October of ‘22. Would love to hear any tips and tricks you might be able to pass on. Thank you for the wonderful videos you continue to put out there. Always so very helpful!

@lisabaker4255 2 года назад

I second that! We are going to the Greek Isles in September 2022.

@stevebartley628 2 года назад

check out EECC Travels vlogs

@launaedwards9257 2 года назад

Same here, going on NCL Escape on Greek Isles cruise out of Rome. Was planning on letting NCL book our air. Would love to know if anyone has experience with this and if so, how were your flights? Airlines used?

@LifeWellCruised 2 года назад

Thanks so much!! I appreciate the feedback:)

@miltongee1627 2 года назад

May 2022. I will be going on 2 Europe cruises. First cruise is a 11 day roundtrip from Rome to Greece and turkey. We stay in Rome 4 days. Second cruise is a 7 days Mediterranean roundtrip from Rome. This is my first time in Europe. I will let you know when I get back.

@trishagoodwin4069 Год назад

What I would say as a fairly well travelled person in the UK, is the Med is a different culture altogether from the USA and also the UK! Yes, English is not spoken as much; you will find in most of Scandinavia and the Nordic countries (where I have been many times due to having Scandi inlaws) that by comparison, most people speak English as a second language, and speak it flawlessly too! In the Canary Islands, it helps to have a little Spanish, but you can usually get by. In respect of cruising in the Canary Islands, you don't even need to get a bus from the port to the nearest town in 95% of places, you can simply walk into the town, which is usually only a few minutes away, and you would miss a lot by going by bus. We have done a few cruises and only ever done one excursion, as we enjoy finding things ourselves and just exploring, not necessary seeing all the appointed "sights" but rather soaking in the atmosphere. Sitting in a square with a drink, watching the world go by, is far more preferable to us.

@stevebartley628 2 года назад

people need to know that you don’t dock at Florence or Rome but an hour or so away.

@susansmith864 2 года назад

And for Rome the easiest and cheapest way is hop on the train - takes an hour or so and costs

@LifeWellCruised 2 года назад

👌