Crystal offers a large number of 7- to 12-night Mediterranean cruises, many with romantic overtones. For example, Renaissance Reflection cruise originates in Lisbon and stops in Barcelona, Cannes and Monte Carlo. The Italian Treasures cruise spends seven nights on west coast of Italy. The Path of Phoenicians is a twelve-night odyssey from Athens to Istanbul followed by stops at historically famous Greek islands of Kusadasi, Rhodes, and Santorini before terminating at Venice.

The Yachts of Seabourn cruise line advertises that they provide “Ultra Luxury” by “delivering highest levels of personalized service to an exclusive group of guests aboard intimate, elegant ships that could visit most enticing destinations worldwide.” Seabourn sails three identical all-suite ships that cater to only 208 passengers each. Of course, dining and service is world-class.

Seabourn offers longer, leisurely cruises that can explore a small or unique area in-depth. For example, 17-day Spring Time in Spain cruise originates in Lisbon, Portugal, stops at six Spanish ports plus ports in Monaco, France and Balearic Islands. Many of stops were selected due to availability of golf courses. The 16-day Mediterranean Odyssey II begins at Istanbul; spends six days at Greek ports, four days at Italian ports along with several days at sea before terminating at Lisbon. The 7-day Capitals of Antiquity cruise begins at Cairo, Egypt; tours historic Greek islands of Rhodes, Mykonos, and Kusadasi before terminating at Istanbul.

If luxury is your objective, there are a large number of out of ordinary Mediterranean cruises to choose from beyond those discussed here.

Food on board is a major plus and what you would expect from a floating hotel. Breakfast and lunch can either be taken in one of ships main restaurants or in open air around outdoor swimming pool .On board our 3 star ship, dress code alternated between, formal with dinner jackets and cocktail dresses to informal and casual, although no dress code is compulsory. (If you do not possess a dinner suit, these can be hired on board most ships, although a suit and tie will suffice in most cases.) The food is varied from vegetarian dishes to roast sirloin of beef, from sticky toffee pudding to passion fruit salad. The problem is, not knowing when to stop. If at end of day you are still hungry, you can always participate in midnight buffet, before you wake up and it starts all over again. There was also a range of good wines to suit all tastes, and all drinks are very reasonably priced. (The house red was of a high standard and very good value.)

Life on board is so relaxed and you can either join in all activity or sit back and watch world go by. Information came via a daily bulletin with a full timetable of events, weather forecasts and special offers in many shops on board.

The captain and officers are regularly seen throughout ship and this commences early in cruise with The Captain’s welcome cocktail party. This generally happens on first formal night where you are introduced to captain, and have pleasure of having your photo taken with him. This ceremony happens again all too soon at captains farewell party. (If you are lucky you may be invited to dine with captain one evening.)

Our cruise holiday had gone all too soon when we pulled back in to Southampton. The previous 14 days had been perfect antidote to dull grey weather of Good Old England. Some of passengers on our 14 day adventure became friends who to this day remain in touch. It is certainly a most wonderful way to relax and it transformed my life completely.

I entered cruise business shortly afterwards and since my first cruise with Fred.Olsen, I have had pleasure of cruising with P & O, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Festival, Star Clippers, Holland America, Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Lines and Orient Lines. In addition I have visited ships from Thomson, Island Cruise Line, Cunard, Discovery Cruises and Costa Cruises.

Our team at 1st Cruise Holidays have a wealth of knowledge and like myself will help where possible to ensure that cruise you choose is right for you and will I am sure, like many others become a frequent cruiser.

Since enjoying his first cruise, John Gibb now works in the Cruise industry, helping new cruisers have enjoyable experiences.

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