Question on Greese
JWC
specifically the Greek Isles. This will be our 4th cruise with the others
all being in the Caribbean. This being so, we feel that we have a handle
on cruise in general but we have some questions.
The biggest one is which line to take, as they are not the ones we are
acquainted with. Lines like Royal Olympic, Costa, and Orient are new to
us. Not looking for the "best" as I know that is subjective. We are just
looking for good are bad comments. Also, what are the opportunities to
sample local foods and culture on such a cruise?
Thanks in advance for any help.
OcnGypZ
If you are looking for a very destination-oriented cruise, then take at look at
Swan-Hellenic a division of P&O Princess. Fabulous itineraries and lecturers
and most shore-excursions and tips are included in the price (albeit a little
high).
Next in line would be Orient. I loved the Marco Polo to Antarctica!
Royal Olympic........well......I did like them...... but the last two times I
booked, they screwed up my booking.. confirmed me for a different ship than I
had booked... and not even close to the same itinerary.... then after I had my
tickets in hand for the second trip (Amazon), they cancelled my
booking!!!!!!!!
We enjoyed every minute with Swan-Hellenic :-)
Babette
j coulter
Royal Olympic is the most "Greek" of the three, although in general a
cruise is not a good way to sample food or culture as one is only in the
cultural millieu for a few hoursof the day.
Costa is my favorite because they have good wines at a low price, clean
ships and a very diverse clientele. One does get a pan european ambiance if
not a cultural awareness of an area.
I do not have any experience personally with Orient although they have
recieved good reviews in the past and a client on mine with food allergies
found the ship very accomodating to his needs.
Royal Olympic has a reputatoin for being friendly in a family sort of way
although I am not sure what their new and larger ship does to that
ambiance.
If being with Americans is important I would stay away from Costa and be
inclined to go with Royal Olympic as they are going to give you the most
Greek of Greek cruises.
Mike Cordelli
it was an excellent cruise. Service, food, tour guides, ports, etc all
excellent.
"JWC" <J...@his.com> wrote in message
news:o75o8uo5mj74ck7g8...@4ax.com...
FRANK
coulter) wrote:
>JWC <J...@his.com> wrote in <o75o8uo5mj74ck7g8...@4ax.com>:
>
>>The Mrs. and I are thing of cruising the Mediterranean this summer,
>>specifically the Greek Isles. This will be our 4th cruise with the others
>>all being in the Caribbean. This being so, we feel that we have a handle
>>on cruise in general but we have some questions.
>>
>>The biggest one is which line to take, as they are not the ones we are
>>acquainted with. Lines like Royal Olympic, Costa, and Orient are new to
>>us. Not looking for the "best" as I know that is subjective. We are just
>>looking for good are bad comments. Also, what are the opportunities to
>>sample local foods and culture on such a cruise?
>>
We cruised on Royal Olympic several years ago. The great difference
we found with the Med and the Caribbean is that in the Med the Greek
Islands are the attraction, not the cruise ship. If you want US
standards for the ship, go with Princess etc. In the Carib it is just
the opposite. We sail the Carib regularity, and usually stay on the
ship, as it has a lot more to offer than the islands after you have
seen them once, in my not very humble opinion. Our Greek cruise had
comfortable quarters, adequate food, little entertainment- but the
islands were great, and well worth the trip. You can get plenty of
local food, but be careful, local sanitary standards can be more
casual, altho the major hotels and restaurants are usually fine.
Definitely check with your MD re immunizations, and get a hepatitis A
series for either trip.
Frank