Mediterranean Shipping Cruises

My husband and I want to go on a Mediterranean (European) cruise next summer or fall. Specifically, we would like to see parts of Italy and southern France. which are the best cruise lines to go on this, and what is the average cost? and are the areas that we see may be visited by a cruise ship or are we better than to visit the countries themselves? thank you!

See websites online cruise brochures or for a cost that depends on cruise line, cabin, itinerary and length of cruise.
Take a look here and cruise line reviews. http://www.fodors.com/cruise/index.cfm
and participate in this forum for answers and advice on issues on the cruise
http://www.cruisecritic.com/
Remember that even if the cost of the cruise includes food and board while on ship, ship visits, drinks purchased on board and tips can increase your cost substantially cruising

A cruise round the Med is usually a day at sea followed by one day to port each day for the rest of the cruise. Not really ideal if you want to spend some time exploring different regions of Europe. Good experience as a taster, if you really like somewhere you can always go for a vacation to explore the area properly.

There are several cruise lines and itineraries to choose from for a Mediterranean cruise and you can choose 4 days, 6 or 7 days or 12 days, plus some cruises are round trip and others are one-way ( that is to start in Venice and Rome at the end). Cruise lines, you can choose from this base are about the United States are Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Norwegian and Carnival. Then there are some European routes based as Costa and some upscale (for example, very expensive but exclusive) lines like Regent Seven Seas and Crystal.

A 12-day cruise of the Mediterranean can be had, if you book early (like now for next fall) for about $ 1,500 per person or less on most cruise lines. Lines premium costs about double that per person. Then you must consider the airfare, which for us was about $ 800 each from the East Coast of the United States, and hundreds of travel insurance. If you book online you can book your cruise on most lines of a deposit of $ 400 per person, and pay online in increments of $ 100. That's what I do on the RC website and also on Norway.

So you need to know your budget and how long you on the cruise. In addition, it is a good idea (and recommended by all good travel agents) for flying to the port of embarkation at least one day earlier so you're less likely to miss your cruise because of a plane problem, and also to give you time to adjust somewhat to the new time.

It is easy to shop for a Mediterranean cruise by going on the websites of cruise line and clicking on the link that says "destination" or something similar, then select "Europe" or "Med". You can also read on port stops online. So if you do not know if you want to go on a cruise that stops in Mykonos, you can read what the cruise line said about this port stop. But look what's available before seeking the right combination for you.

Now, here's my experience:

We did a 12 day cruises the Mediterranean in October two years ago. It was a fabulous cruise. We sailed on Royal Caribbean ship, Brilliance of the Seas. The ship is outstanding, my favorite of all Royal Caribbean ships.

The crowd of people on board was mixed, most people 30 to 60 years and not many children. The period of the year (October) about custody families with children to go. It is also a great moment for the good weather and fewer tourists and can be a big plus important judgments as to whe The Vatican.