Looking for one that stops in Italy and France for sure. Had no idea how many options there were. Any suggestions?

My parents have done a couple. One that started in Venice and circled down around Greece before doubling back and finishing up in Rome. They then took a week and did a road trip through Italy back to Venice for their return flight.

The other started Rome (I think) and went through Barcelona, Gibraltar, Portugal, France, Belgium and finished up in Britain.

You might check w/ Jennifer at Traveling Aggies. I know they make a couple of Med Cruises every year.

There are lots of choices as you have seen. We pick a cruise based on the ports visited including the start and stop points. Many times we spend a few extra days on one end or the other. We have started or stopped in Istanbul, Barcelona, Rome, Venice and Copenhagen and in each one we have stayed extra time.

If you do not know about cruisecritic.com message boards, it is time to learn. There is a wealth of information for all phases of cruising.

Come back here if you need more help.

Whatever you do, you will have a great time.

Gig 'em Aggies!

Thanks Mike and bq. Cruise critic is OK, but there are so many ships. Any particular cruise line for young couple - late 30's early 40's that doesn't want to bring the kids?
We'vd done RC and Princess and they are OK, Holland America is great - didn't see them in the Med. Carnival is not our thing.

We have only done Silver Seas and Seaborn. Pay more upfront but I feel it is worth it as there are zero added costs including tipping.

Oceania is our favorite line. With all they throw in, we find it not much more expensive than the mainstream lines. Air included, extra days at some ports, free hotels before or after, most non alcohol drinks, better shore times, no art auctions, no photo takers, etc. They do not have very many 7 day trips though. If you drink a lot, look at the other premium lines as they include alcohol, as the above poster stated.

Gig 'em Aggies!

quote:

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Any particular cruise line for young couple - late 30's early 40's that doesn't want to bring the kids?
We'vd done RC and Princess and they are OK, Holland America is great - didn't see them in the Med. Carnival is not our thing.

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I recommend you take a look at Celebrity too. They'll have 3 ships in the Med starting in the spring. Carnival in the Med isn't bad. Their new ship, the Carnival Breeze, will be sailing the Med starting in June and won't be filled with the passengers that everyone likes to base their Carnival stereotypes on.

I agree that Oceania may be your best choice

Oceania is incredible, took a Med Cruise(10 days) with them last summer. Not cheap but well worth it.

Traveling Aggies has a Med Cruise on Oceania this summer

Choose your cruise based on not where they go but cruise line. They all basically go to same areas. Oceania is best choice. Have a good time. I've been on the traveling aggies Oceania Med. cruise

I've done several chartered (5 cabin) cruises on private boats. The cost works out to about $300 per cabin per night including food and that gets you 2 attenants, a captain, a first mate, a chef, and a butler. If you are interested, PM me and I'll send you some websites.

The chartered cruises are a MUCH better deal as you control your destination, duration, stops, and routes. If you see something you like, you can stop. If you want an extra day somewhere, no problem. Going the private route is miles above doing a commercial cruise with your 5,000 closest strangers.