high end cruise lines
Sep 19, 2017, 9:53 am
#106
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
those who like all-inclusive, i would also recommend checking out what is possible on land (or private islands or small actual yachts) in terms of things ranging from african safaris, or safari style properties, to ultra luxury really properties with few rooms and full amenities. can be amazing.
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Sep 19, 2017 at 4:27 pm
Sep 19, 2017, 12:23 pm
#107
Join Date: Jul 2009
Programs: Delta Gold, silver, what yr is it?
Posts: 2,417
Can't comment on the lux lines, but we did an Athens to Venice cruise that went into the Black Sea, including an overnight in Istanbul. Not sure anyone is doing that these days, due to, um, "concerns" (valid or not isn't my point, but I know a lot of cruise lines have reconfigured their Istanbul & Black Sea itineraries) Such gorgeous scenic cruising! Not ideal if you only want to see big cities, though.....
Have you ever used the site VacationsToGo? I've never used it to book a cruise, but it has a great search engine where you can enter possible dates, regions - and even a required port to visit (like Rome). They don't cover ALL cruiselines, but they have most of the big ones. Could give you a nice idea of the itinerary options that are out there....
Have you ever used the site VacationsToGo? I've never used it to book a cruise, but it has a great search engine where you can enter possible dates, regions - and even a required port to visit (like Rome). They don't cover ALL cruiselines, but they have most of the big ones. Could give you a nice idea of the itinerary options that are out there....
Last edited by Hoyaheel; Sep 19, 2017 at 12:30 pm
Sep 19, 2017, 4:00 pm
#108
Join Date: Jan 2013
Programs: Mileage Plus
Posts: 186
We just did a Seabourn Venice to Athens 7 day cruise down the east side of the Adriatic. We loved eating on the Colonnade restaurant outdoors on Deck 8 and the weather and the speed of the cruise was perfect for it. Food ranged from very good to excellent. They have a specialty restaurant, Thomas Keller, which you can book for one night, and there is no charge but you need to make reservations well in advance. We preferred the outdoor dining. Their main dining room on Deck 4 was the choice of most most of the time. They also have a number of nice options such as salmon and steak which you can have in your room or on the pool deck, and I would imagine anywhere on the ship you want it.
Sep 19, 2017, 4:25 pm
#109
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
indeed turkey tourism/cruising is way down
bournemouthecho.co.uk/leisure/travel/travelstories/15401709.Travel__Why_the_new_LUX_Bodrum_is_the_per fect_sunshine_escape/
bournemouthecho.co.uk/leisure/travel/travelstories/15401709.Travel__Why_the_new_LUX_Bodrum_is_the_per fect_sunshine_escape/
"A few years ago, 600 cruise ships came to this coastline," says Ummahan's son, Engin, who runs the co-operative. "Last year there were 300, and now we have 20."
Sep 24, 2017, 11:15 am
#111
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Hawai'i Nei
Programs: Au: UA, Marriott, Hilton; GE
Posts: 7,145
Sep 24, 2017, 2:40 pm
#112
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 309
My wife and I are 53, no kids, and want to take a 7-8 day luxury cruise in the Mediterranean next summer.
Cruise History:
Queen Elizabeth II Cruise (Very formal, prefer casual)
Alaska Silver Sea (Food was disappointing but liked small size ship)
Amawaterway Rhine River cruise (Okay overall).
Travel History:
We have been to Venice.
We have never been to Rome so that is a mandatory stop on the front or back end.
Critical Factors:
Money isn't an issue
We really want good food.
Regarding destinations, we can either go East or West from Rome. If we go West, then we could theoretically go as far as Barcelona. Going East to Greece and Croatia sounds interesting but I am a little concerned about the suffering economy (Greece) and totally unfamiliar with Croatia.
Questions:
1) Any feedback on the Eastern itineraries which include Greece & Croatia? Where would you suggest we go (East or West from Rom)?
2) What is the best cruise line for food in the Mediterranean?
3) What time of year would you go?
Thanks in advance.
Cruise History:
Queen Elizabeth II Cruise (Very formal, prefer casual)
Alaska Silver Sea (Food was disappointing but liked small size ship)
Amawaterway Rhine River cruise (Okay overall).
Travel History:
We have been to Venice.
We have never been to Rome so that is a mandatory stop on the front or back end.
Critical Factors:
Money isn't an issue
We really want good food.
Regarding destinations, we can either go East or West from Rome. If we go West, then we could theoretically go as far as Barcelona. Going East to Greece and Croatia sounds interesting but I am a little concerned about the suffering economy (Greece) and totally unfamiliar with Croatia.
Questions:
1) Any feedback on the Eastern itineraries which include Greece & Croatia? Where would you suggest we go (East or West from Rom)?
2) What is the best cruise line for food in the Mediterranean?
3) What time of year would you go?
Thanks in advance.
Have you read individual cruise reviews on cruisecritic.com?
Sep 24, 2017, 3:31 pm
#113
Join Date: May 2011
Location: San Antonio, TX
Programs: AA EXP, DL Silver, Global Entry
Posts: 1,863
I would hardly put the German centric Aida in the luxury or high end category of cruise lines and ships. Not saying they’re bad but they’re not small all-inclusive ships and really belong in the mass market category.