Best Guidebook for a Mediterranean Cruise

I have always loved travel but stayed pretty close to home in the USA until my 40s. I used to work for Nike and needed to travel for work even to places like China and Japan. Unfortunately, it meant I got to spend time in these wonderful places but didn't really get to see much.

That said, I really wanted to explore Europe but was hesitant to explore it on my own. Would I like it? Would I be safe? Where should I stay? What should I see? Rick Steeves and cruising were the answer. If you are just getting started, I still recommend his guidebooks. Mine are torn up into sections which have been reused trip after trip. The super thrifty cruiser can go to the library and borrow a copy. Another option is to buy an older edition (probably used) for around $5 delivered from Amazon. That said, the newest edition of Rick Steves Mediterranean Cruise Ports is $18.39 as I type this.

I have used his guidebooks extensively and they were really SUPER helpful when I was getting started with my first cruises to Europe. A cruise to Europe is magical. Think of it as a hotel that moves and you get to see the world's greatest hits. You can book excursions through the cruise line that you know will get you safely back to the ship. Personally, this may not be the cheapest way to go but it sure is a way to stretch your vacation dollars for maximum value.

I do want to point out a limitation of the book before you rush out and buy it. Unless you stick to traditional ports you will probably be out of luck. Here are the ports that are covered:

Spain

Barcelona

France

Provence

  • Marseille
  • Toulon (La Seyne-sur-Mer) 
  • Cassis
  • Aix-en-Provence

The French Riviera

  • Nice
  • Villefranche-sur-Mer
  • Cap Ferrat
  • Monaco
  • Cannes
  • Antibes

Italy

Livorno, La Spezia: Florence, Pisa & Lucca 

Civitavecchia: Rome 

Naples: Naples, Sorrento & Capri.

Venice

Croatia

Dubrovnik

Montenegro

Kotor

Greece

Piraeus: Athens

Mykonos.

Santorini

Katakolo: Olympia

Heraklion: Crete

Rhodes

If you are just getting started or this is your first cruise to Europe, I am certain this book will be helpful. I have been to all of the ports except Kotor and I know you'll save hundreds of dollars even if you just follow some of his advice. 

Happy Cruising!

Comments