There was a busy mainpoolwith the Doremi Spray Park on deck 11. Please contact the office on 966 785 910, Onboard tips are not inc and 70euros per person will be paid whilst onboard, PLEASE NOTE WHEN ORDERING ONLINE THAT YOU CAN ONLY ORDER 1 CABIN AT A TIME, JUST ADD 1 CABIN TO THE CART THEN RETURN AND ADD ANOTHER ETC.WHERE THE DEPOSIT OPTION IS SELECTED THE BALANCE IS PAYABLE 12 WEEKS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE IN FULL. Check out the available Adriatic cruise itineraries to see which combination of ports is the right one for you. The Grand Atlantic is a 28-night cruise that starts in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil and ends in Venice, Italy. Redeem FCCs for MSC Cruises - Exclusive Offers! Worse still, mine was not an isolated experience. As a thank you, youll also receivea FREEsolo travel toolkit,packed with resources for the solo traveller. It is also warmer at this time of year and the islands are open for business. Some cruise companies may provide a free shuttle bus; others dont, including MSC. As you might have guessed by now, this was far from the case on MSC Sinfonia. She has traveled to over 70 countries on six continents searching for story angles and on assignment. Ports within the countries include Zagreb, Zadar, Sibenik, Split, Hvar, Dubrovnik, Bay of Kotor, Korcula, Mostar and Neum. Wardrobe. Interactive TV, telephone, wireless internet access (for a fee), mini bar, safe. Transatlantic crossing cruises offer a huge array of ports and can often be less expensive, given the cruise line is moving the ship for the season. Searing Mediterranean heat and jostling crowds are never a good combination. The Buddha Bar, Sinfonias piano bar located on deck 6 was less oppressive. Lets take a look at the itinerary day by day. from 16 to 18 sq.m.*. If so, why not take anAdriatic cruise from Venice to the Greek islands? Probably because we had been queuing for so long. Croatia Off the Beaten Path in Split, Croatia. 8614 Westwood Center Drive, Suite 800, Tysons, VA 22182 None of them had the wow factor for me. It's a big ship with a rock-climbing wall, adults-only Solarium, and an 18-hole miniature golf course. What is the best cruise along the Adriatic Sea? An automatic 15 per cent gratuity is added to bar purchases. All rights reserved. Youll find the bus stop on the main road outside the bus station. on How to Spend One Day in Florence: Itinerary & Tips for Your First Visit, on How to Spend 3 Days in Florence, Italy: Itinerary, Tips & Guide, on Renaissance Art in Florence: 30 Famous Paintings You Cannot Miss, on Best Views of Florence, Italy: 13 Photo Spots You Cannot Miss. Why wasn't this page useful? Sample Pricing: The 28-night Grand Atlantic starts at $10,699 USD while the 17-night Barcelona to Venice itinerary starts at $12,399 USD. For example, many sail from Dubrovnik or Venice. Instead of a glitzy chandelier dangling from a great height, there is the use of more restrained primary and neutral colours with touches of marble, brass and glass. With the exception of the extreme ends of the booking season, the weather in this region is predictably warm. From there, you'll visit Montenegro and Dubrovnik, Korcula, and Hvar in Croatia. Interactive TV, telephone, wireless internet access (for a fee), mini bar, safe. The cabin was comfortable, albeit small. Whitewashed houses tumble in waves down the vertiginous cliffside until they reach the Gulf of Santorini below. from 14 to 21 sq.m. MSC does not allow you to adjust this amount. From the port, you need to take a cable carto Fira, on the rim of the caldera. In contrast tobalcony cabins on P&OorCelebrity Cruises or when I sailed on NCL Epic, this was a small space and did not have a sitting area with a sofa and desk. We have the best prices because we are based in the heart of Athens. Sample Pricing: A seven-night cruise starts at $8,900 USD for an ocean view room. Although I remain very cynical about the charge for the shuttle bus, I accept that mistakes can be made. Useful maps are available from the cruise terminal. Dubrovniks old town is small enough to navigate on foot. Air conditioning. The Adriatic Sea is calmer during these months and less prone to thunderstorms and to the high winds that can make navigation hazardous. However, if you are not satisfied with the service provided you can ask Guest Services to remove this charge from your onboard account. All category prices include coach travel, port taxes, EASY DRINKS PACKAGE, basic insurance.. BOOK NOW AND ONLY PAY A 400 DEPOSIT PER COUPLE. The food in themain dining roomwas consistently good and occasionally very good. Bella is the basic fare class whereas Fantastica offers you extra benefits, like upper deck cabins, ability to change your booking details, 24-hour room service, priority choice of dining times, and more. Grand Circle Cruise Line is offering an entire Adriatic itinerary with stops in Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia & Herzegovina. For short European cruises like this, MSC adds 10 Euros per person per night to your bill, intended to recognise the service provided by waiters and cabin stewards. As a port city on the western coast of a country known for its magnificent art, the cruise port of Livorno, Italy is a great starting point to exploring the phenomenal paintings and sculptures found in Italy. Copyright 1994 2022 The Cruise Web, Inc. Cruise to Bari and explore this extraordinary city in the South of Italy. However, Santorini is a very popular port of call for cruise ships and when I visited late in the season, four had dropped anchor there. How does that work? These ports include Zagreb, Zadar, Sibenik, Split, Hvar, Dubrovnik, Kotor. MSC Sinfonia berthed at Splits port, a ten-minute walk along the quayside from the old town. Thebalconywas a decent size, accommodating two reclining chairs and a small table. Kusadasi welcomes visitors from all over to discover the ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus, a powerful city that was once home to the Virgin Mary. Windstar Cruises' Adriatic cruise includes stops in Montenegro (Kotor), Croatia (Dubrovnik, Split, and Rovinj), and Italy (Venice). Lighting in the cabin was good with overhead, bedside and vanity unit lights. From here, its an easy uphill climb to the Vindlica viewpoint and its panoramic view of the old town. In total, there are approximately 1,300 islands and islets that lie in the Adriatic Sea. If you are confining your exploration to the town itself you wont need public transport. There was also a power walking track and a smallgym. It took me three days to locate the cabins safe, cunningly hidden behind the vanity units mirror! Istanbul is a unique city that blends its two distinct influences from its founding as the Christian capital of Constantinople to the Ottoman ruled Istanbul. Step onboard the MSC Musica and experiencea magical world of warmth and music that makes your cruise and unforgettable one. OPERATORS THAT OFFER ADRIATIC SEA CRUISES. MSC Musica also has a varied cuisine, freshly prepared on a daily basis you are sure to find plenty of choice. Traditional churches with blue domes teeter on the edge of the volcanic caldera. SANTORINI Because of the crowds in Santorini and the resulting pressure on public transport service, if you want to visit places outside of Fira, I recommend that you shell out for a shore excursion. Learn more about each of the possible departure ports for a Mediterranean cruise with MSC Cruises. The smallbathroomhad limited storage space and soap, shower gel and shampoo were provided in refillable dispensers. Lindblad ships have a casual environment, so you can leave the suit and tuxedo at home. It cost just over 2,000 for the weeks cruise and return scheduled flights with British Airways from London. Some of these cookies are essential, while others help us to improve your experience by providing insights into how the site is being used. MYKONOS Cruise ships dock ay Mykonoss Port Terminal. Pack an umbrella at any time of year in case of unexpected downpours. I also like to pack a few easy-to-wear cotton summer dresses. MSC is the Eurovision of cruise lines. MSC entered the cruise market in the 1960s, and is one of the fastest growing cruise companies in the world, using some of the newest vessels currently at sea. Other cruise operators offer itineraries that includeItalian ports, including Ravenna, Bari and Ancona. Thedurationof Adriatic Sea cruises generally ranges from seven to 14 days. Take one of the frequent city buses (1, 1a, 1b, 3) to Dubrovniks old towns Pile Gate from the cruise port. The food from the buffet service for lunch and dinner at La Terazza Buffet was acceptable but unexceptional. Cruise to Durban and explore the colonial history South Africa and delight in the famous beaches where the locals spend their vacations. If you're after top of the line luxury and/or an all-inclusive experience, Cunard, Azamara Club Cruises, and Silversea stop in various Adriatic ports of calls. Sample Pricing: An eight-night cruise starts at $9,999 USD for balcony accommodations. Built by the eponymous Roman Emperor in the 4thCentury, this area is now a seductive tangle of churches, chapels and houses. View our photo gallery of Mediterranean cruising photos from MSC Cruises. Visit Corfu with its famous Pontikonissi, the beautiful seaside town of the Adriatic, Kotor, St. Mark's Square in Venice, Brindisi located in Southern Italy, the coastal town of Pyrgos, Katakolo and finally Santorini with its picturesque walks. However, following a decree signed by Italian ministers in 2021, cruise ships are no longer allowed to sail into Venices historic city centre. Surface approx. Shorts are not allowed in the restaurants at dinner. Other attractions include the beautiful Moorish castles and mesmerizing coastal cliffs. These are beautifully-crafted small ships (think 30 passengers) and offer basic amenities. How To Book Your First Cruise Like a Pro! Call today and experience a World of Choices Made Easy! There were no wall-mounted hooks which are a useful feature of cabins on other cruise lines. Explore the varied history and culture of Palermo, Sicilys capital city. See a different side of Europe with a stop at Tenerife in Spains Canary Islands. Although not an exhaustive list, here is a selection of mainstream operators that offer Adriatic Sea cruises: CHECK OUT THESE OTHER GREAT CRUISES BEFORE YOU GO! In a real diamond cruise ship, MSC Musica, you will enjoy seven fantastic days exploring the Aegean, Ionian and Adriatic. Other gratuities are at your discretion. The Mediterranean is one of the most creative and inspiring regions in the world. They will include stops at ports on the mainland and, usually in the case of smaller ships, at some of the 1,300 islands dotting the Adriatic Sea. Lindblad actually has a partnership with National Geographic, and guests have access to underwater observation and research tools. Itineraries range from affordable, three or four day cruises on a simple, no-frills ship all the way up to 20-plus opulent nights on a luxury-suites-only cruise ship. Grand Circle Cruise Line specializes in small ship cruise tours and, for 2015, they are adding a number of perks. Here the cruises are all inclusive and includes everything. Breakfasts were OK, but freshly cooked options were limited. However, the icing on the cake was theoverchargeon the final bill. Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money. IMPORTANT NOTE - IN ORDER TO TRAVEL PASSPORTS MUST BE VALID FOR 6 MONTHS AFTER DATE OF RETURN - OR YOU MUST HAVE PERMISSION FROM THE CRUISE COMPANY TO TRAVEL. I cruised along the Adriatic Sea to the Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini from Venice. For the ultimate Mediterranean experience, choose a MSC Cruises itinerary that includes the Adriatic coast of Italy and heads on to Greece, Romania, Turkey, and Russia. The ports of call were very busy, especially Santorini, which was challenging at times. But if these are rectified with grace, a smile and an apology they can be forgiven. Many of the mainline cruise operators will also throw in a fewGreek portsof call for good measure, including Piraeus (for Athens), Santorini, Mykonos and Corfu. Please help us improve. The large, comfortable bed had good quality linen and a choice of pillows (soft or firm). Surface approx. Whilst this is perfectly adequate for a solo traveller on a cruise, two people sharing this cabin might struggle over the course of a week. Tours are led by officers and staff, so you get a completely difference experience here. The Elegant nights give you the chance to put your glad rags on. As I said on my return, I had a great time despite them, which is a sad indictment. A small fridge housed the cabins mini-bar, but there was no kettle. There was a charge for the all-day shuttle bus at Dubrovnik where I used public transport. These eight cruises are just a sample of the various Adriatic Sea Cruises available. From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. However, I suggest that you take a look at your cruise itinerary before deciding on the type of cabin. Value for money! This is where MSC Sinfonia failed, often spectacularly. Cabin for guests with disabilities or reduced mobility has only single beds. PLEASE NOTE WHEN ORDERING ONLINE THAT YOU CAN ONLY ORDER 1 CABIN AT A TIME, JUST ADD 1 CABIN TO THE CART THEN RETURN AND ADD ANOTHER ETC. This ancient city is sure to charm with its immaculate architecture, tranquil harbor and coastline, delicious cuisine as well as its Greek-Italian feel. Despite this, it does boast a few historic sights, including a 12th Century cathedral, and is home to an art gallery and the regions archaeological museum. We travel on the 16th to Madrid and stay over for 1 night in a centrally located hotel. WHERE THE DEPOSIT OPTION IS SELECTED THE BALANCE IS PAYABLE 12 WEEKS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE IN FULL. Marseilles, Frances second most popular city, offers cruisers a vast landscape to discover the areas ancient history and relish the more modern lifestyle of the French living off the coast of the Mediterranean. MSC Sinfonia 7 NIGHT Mediterranean - Eastern CRUISE Departing From Bari, Italy (Jul 2022 - Aug 2022), MSC Seaview 7 NIGHT Mediterranean - Western CRUISE Departing From Barcelona, Spain (Jul 2022 - Aug 2022), MSC Splendida 7 NIGHT Mediterranean - Western CRUISE Departing From Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy (Jul 2022 - Aug 2022), MSC Opera 7 NIGHT Mediterranean - Western CRUISE Departing From Palermo, Sicily, Italy (Jul 2022 - Aug 2022), MSC Meraviglia 7 NIGHT Mediterranean - Western CRUISE Departing From Palma de Mallorca, Spain (Jul 2022 - Aug 2022), MSC Lirica 7 NIGHT Mediterranean - Eastern CRUISE Departing From Limassol, Cyprus (Jul 2022 - Aug 2022), MSC Seaside 7 NIGHT Mediterranean - Western CRUISE Departing From Marseille, France (Jul 2022 - Aug 2022), MSC Musica 7 NIGHT Mediterranean - Eastern CRUISE Departing From Bari, Italy (Jul 2022 - Aug 2022), MSC Sinfonia 7 NIGHT Mediterranean - Eastern CRUISE Departing From Venice, Italy (Jul 2022 - Aug 2022), MSC Opera 7 NIGHT Mediterranean - Western CRUISE Departing From Naples, Italy (Jul 2022 - Aug 2022). A unique cruise from Piraeus with the guarantee and luxury of MSC Cruises. Nothing approaching an apology, let alone a smile, passed the Guest Services assistants tightly pursed lips. Sample Pricing: This 14-day cruise starts at $1,995 USD per person with no single-supplement charge. Look for a well-versed team of cultural experts, historians, and naturalists. The majority of passengers were Italian but there were also British, French, Spanish and German passengers. Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals. Air conditioning. The one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio ensures personalized service, while a casino, fitness center and spa keep you busy on board. This one-week cruise included five ports of call: Split, Santorini, Mykonos, Dubrovnik and Ancona. On an MSC Cruises sailing to the Mediterranean you can visit pyramids in Egypt, taste wine in Barcelona and learn about Greek gods in Athens. Or, how about a transatlantic crossing that includes both the Western Mediterranean and the Adriatic? And I thought that it was the British who love a queue. You can uncover ancient history, lounge on beautiful beaches and enjoy outstanding food and wine throughout the island of Cyprus. Split, Croatias second-biggest city, is one of the oldest settlements along the Adriatic coast, thought to be at least 1700 years old. Exuding a laid back, beach atmosphere, you just might have a new favorite vacation destination in Arrecife. * Bathroom with shower. Answer; four. A major plus point is that there is a proper shower cubicle, not just a shower tray with a nasty nylon curtain. Cruise Ship: MSC MusicaCruise Departs from: Athens - Piraeus (Greece)This cruise includes Full Board, accomodation, entertainment and port taxes. Enrich yourself with a salsa dancing lesson from a real bailador or bask in the architectural excellence of Rome. However, it did provide a shuttle bus costing 13.99 for a day ticket. For the Adriatic Sea, SeaDream offers a Croatia-based itinerary that starts in Dubrovnik and visits Mljet, Hvar, Split, Sibenik, Rab, Opatija, and Rovinj. One example is to choose an inside cabin and then pick from Bella or Fantastica experience. IMPORTANT NOTE - IN ORDER TO TRAVEL PASSPORTS MUST BE VALID FOR 6 MONTHS AFTER DATE OF RETURN - OR YOU MUST HAVE PERMISSION FROM THE CRUISE COMPANY TO TRAVEL. MSC Sinfonia berthed at the Old Harbour, 3 km from the old town. What is the best time to take an Adriatic cruise? *Click on a photo to enlarge and read destination info. All cruises detailed below are priced per person, double occupancy, unless otherwise specified. Consider one of the island-hopping adventures in the Kvarner region that takes you to spots like Krk, Rab, Zadar, Loinj, and more. This was a good itinerary, with diverse ports of call, each of which had something different to offer. The jewel in Splits crown is its old town, once home toDiocletians Palace. Other stops in the Mediterranean include Barcelona, Marseille, Monte Carlo, Saint-Tropez, Portofino, Florence, Rome, Sorrento, Sicily, and Zakynthos. Awe-inspiring landscapes, artistic cultures, and unique flora and fauna highlight this ancient capital city. In Miami, youll enjoy a small taste of the tropical weather many of you will experience during your cruise, and youll see why Miami is one of the most popular places to live in America. SeaDream Yacht Club operates under the motto of "It's yachting, not cruising." Phone: 1.800.377.9383 International: 001.240.487.0155 Fax: 1.240.487.0154. Double bed which can be converted to two single beds (on request). Katarina Line is based in Croatia and offers small cruises out of ports like Dubrovnik, Split, and Opatija. Choose from a 17-night impressive Mediterranean itinerary that includes stops in Venice, Slovenia (Koper), Croatia (Zadar), Montenegro (Kotor), Italy (Bari), and Greece (Corfu). Start your own artistic renaissance on a cruise to La Spezia, part of the beautiful coastal landscape of Northern Italy near Tuscany, Florence, Pisa and Livorno. Located on the Mediterranean Sea, Valencia is a city in Spain that attracts a lot of visitors to uncover the citys past and revel in its modern achievements, most notably The City of Arts and Sciences. Walk for ten minutes along Riva,Spilts caf-lined, seafront promenade, until you reach a set of stone steps. Cruise to the historical port city of Genoa for a laid back walk through history in the citys well-preserved streets, and be sure to try the local foods like pesto and focaccia bread. Remember, this is only a taste of the experiences waiting for you on a MSC Cruises Mediterranean cruise vacation. Its beauty and historical heritage have always attracted visitors but since Dubrovnik became one of the settings for HBOsGame of Thrones, its tourist numbers have exploded. The Adriatic cruise season typically starts at Easter and runs until October. Pool towels were provided in the cabin. Enjoy Messina, the gateway to Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean with a proud heritage and world renowned food. Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Site Map Sample Pricing: Seven-night itinerary under-deck cabins start at 325 Euros for end-of-season and are priced up to 900 Euros for the A+ category during July and August. Join MSC for a great 8 day cruise around Greece & the Adriatc. Highlights include its interesting history and friendly people, who are always ready to show you their way of life. Unlike many other ships in this price bracket, MSC Sinfonia does not feature a show-stopping central space. from 15 to 28 sq.m. Today you can discover both eras and the modern beauty in this thriving city. Sail with the best on a MSC Cruises Mediterranean cruise. On this 14-day adventure, you'll make a round-trip, embarking and disembarking in Venice with stops in Italy (Bari), Greece (Piraeus, Mykonos, Santorini, and Cefalonia), Romania (Constanta), Croatia (Dubrovnik), Turkey (Istanbul), and Russia (Sochi). When it comes to MSC Cruises, Mediterranean cruises are their specialty. Read the full disclosure here. Prepare your appetite if you plan to visit Naples, for it is home to many of Italys most famous culinary traditions. Hope slowly ebbed away from those who had a lunchtime flight out of Venices Marco Polo Airport. There were two-pin EU and US plug sockets. Theentertainment programmewas so underwhelming that I did not attend any of the shows in the ships crampedtheatre. A Day in Urbino, Italy: A Renaissance Gem. There were a few other aspects of the embarkation process that I thought were unusual: However, the cabin was ready, luggage delivered and cruise pass primed and ready to go within 15 minutes of boarding. A beachfront city, this resort city is home to countless historic sites dating back to the 7th century. Other notable cruise lines like Norwegian, Celebrity, Princess, and Holland America have Mediterranean itineraries that also include stops along the Adriatic. Again, just pick the one that is the right fit for you. This entire city is known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site leaving many historic areas and landmarks to explore during your visit to this impressive capital city. Adult Trick-or-Treating Ideas (Because You're Never Too Old), How to Clean an Electric Kettle Inside and Out, 30+ Halloween PartyCocktails and Punches for a Boo-zy Bash, Halloween Dinner Ideas From Eerie Entrees to Spooky Sides, RV Camping Supplies: 28 Essentials for a Smooth Trip, Pop Up Tent Camper Pictures to Inspire Ideas Inside You, Airstream Trailer Floor Plans to Inspire Your Next Move. Reviews on Cruise Critic show more than 80% of travelers giving the Splendor of the Seas a favorable review, so this is a good option for travelers who prefer larger ships. See the beautiful sights of Cape Town, South Africas most visited city, which offers cruisers natural beauty, plentiful wine, historical significance and a sense of peace. Finish off the last night in Venice, Italy. With European-style service, extensive knowledge of the area and attractions within, and regional touches that will bring a smile to your face, these vacation options are a true delight. Hello! The capital of ItalysLe Marche region, the city was pounded by bombs in WWII and then devastated by an earthquake in 1972. Dont expect cultural immersion or art classes. However, the poor customer service I experienced means that it is unlikely that I will cruise with MSC again. Learn about the Greek gods and the early philosophy of Socrates when you visit the incredible ruins left in Athens, Greece.