I grew up in Lebanon and trust me, NO ONE, unless they absolutely don't have a choice, wants to be on the water in July/August. It's hot, humid, crawling with tourists and generally very unpleasant. September/October are fantastic times and in some ports, the fall colors are amazing. What did Winnie wind up doing? We're all now emotionally vested in this...

I just got off the Celebrity Edge 2 weeks ago..Embarked in Civitavecchia Italy with a pre night stay in Rome...cruised to Santorini, Rhodes, Mykonos, Athens and Naples. Hardly any crowds, Temp in the 70's with no rain. The ship holds 3,000 but there were only 1,300 on board. The food, Entertainment and service was remarkable. We had a standard Veranda and loved it. at night we left the veranda door open and all you heard was the ocean, so relaxing. I have been on 24 cruises, This was possibly the best cruise I was ever on. Celebrity did a GREAT JOB.

You hit a home run on this one Gary. By including the story of Winnie,Your personalized your post making everyone feel like you were talking about them. See why you’re number one in the Cruise vlog category. Kudos

Inside cabins for us, 99% of the time, we are hardly ever in the room, only to sleep and shower, when we have leisure time we go to like the serenity deck and have a 180 degrees field of views, and I can move around to the left or right side, something you can't do in your balcony, most ports are not attractive and beautiful and you travel at night when it is so dark.

Over the years I’ve done five Med cruises. They have different beginning and ending ports and loads of different ports for excursions. I’ve done extended stays at Rome, Barcelona, Nice, Athens and Istanbul. It’s very important to pay attention to what you want to see. And realize that you can’t see it all in one cruise. Additionally, it’s incredibly hot in July and August. Walking excursions will exhaust you unless you are fit and in good shape simply due to the heat. I took a hike up a dormant volcano, near Santorini as I remember, and our guide passed out from the heat. I wouldn’t recommend the Med in July or August unless you are acclimated to high temperatures as well as being very fit. I rarely see this issue addressed but it’s an important consideration for us senior travelers.

While the ports are certainly important, I have learned to pick the ship over the ports b/c the ports are never guaranteed

I got very lucky. This is my first time in Europe. I just got back from my 2 Europe cruises. The weather was perfect and no more than 2 ships in a port. I made 2 mistakes. First I should have walk everyday before my trip. You will walk alot. Second I should have left 2 or 3 days earlier. Coming from California it was a very long flight and jet lag. I got home safe. I had a great time. Lots of pictures and memory. My friends I met on the ship is amazing.

Just came back from Barcelona, France, Italy, Croatia, Slovenia (2 weeks) and you are right, with only 2 sea days, it was exhausting.

I totally agree with pre and post stays. With length of our flights when going to Europe we like to stay as long as we can, so a 7 day cruise is usually 12-13 days for us.

If you haven't cruised before , this is incredible advice . 100 % on point

I've never objected to the bus trip from ports into the cities as it gives you a great perspective about rural/semi-rural housing. Most cruise ships ensure there's a guide on each bus, so you also get great info about the next stop as we rarely, if ever go on organised excursions preferring to explore cities on our own. And finally, a balcony is a must - we love our sundowner(s) seated on the balcony watching the ocean glide by. I appreciate you can do the same from the bar and deck topside, but truly it's special when you and your partner watch the sun disappear over the evening horizon sipping your favourite drink in your own outdoor space!!

What a great friend you were! You covered the little subtleties that few people think of. I couldn't agree more with your advice, after my years and years of cruising the Mediterranean. I wish. I actually only went once, Barcelona to Civitavecchia, and in my first inside stateroom after always balconies. Would spring for at least an oceanview; I did not like needing to get dressed just to see where the heck we were. The unrelenting succession of port days was indeed quite tiring, no matter how much I enjoyed the cities. I was not thrilled with the thought of a 3 hour drive both ways to see a tourist spot for an hour, so I spent the days in the "gateway" cities. I loved the little walk+boat tour in Livorno, a city that the cruise line categorizes as not worth visiting.

Great advice. We took a week-long island hopping cruise in Greece/Turkey. We had a wonderful time, but you’re so right about some of the challenges. We hit 2 ports on some days, so being physically ready for such busy itinerary is important. Also, our port in Crete was across the island from any real sight-seeing. Because we were either sleeping or off ship most of our cruise, taking a cheaper cruise line with an inside cabin (for daytime sleep between ports) worked for us.

I always feel "cruise smart" after watching your content. Funny thing is, I've still not been on a cruise. But I can guarantee this your videos are definitely on my syllabus! I will watch until and even after I actually book a cruise! Thank you for always sharing the knowledge.

Terrific tips Gary-especially about not necessarily needing a balcony on the western Mediterranean cruises! Thank You! 💙

Brilliant, timely, and such helpful advice! You’re a treasure, Gary.

Such a good point. About window vs balcony. When younger and later with family we did port intensive as our kids aged we did more sea days and splurged on balconies

Excellent points Gary, all things that can take people years to learn. I am sure many of your readers will be helped immensely by the finer points you touch on. Thanks for your dedication to helping people learn all about Cruising.

We went on a 11 day med cruise in October and it was fantastic!!! The weather was absolutely perfect! Crowds were not bad and we got a fantastic deal also we were on NCL and only 2,500 people, wasn’t full and about 10 kids on the entire ship.

GREAT video, Gary! I was fortunate to be able to do a longer Western Mediterranean cruise this past June, and so much of what you said here rang true for me!

I went to the Western Mediterranean cruise and stayed before and 5 days after. Took a few tours and got to see all of Rome! Great info for those that do their due diligence!

Very useful information and we agree with all of your points. Just back from a Celebrity cruise in the Mediterranean which was our first since covid and everything was perfect.

When cruise ships used to dock at Venice city it was no benefit to the city. None of the passengers spent any money on local eateries or bars. It was just mass sightseeing crowds then back to their ship buffet. That’s why so many ports got rid of them or dock them in the shipyards. These cruise ships use wonderful old cities like a Disney prop.

I had nightmare experience in Greece 10 yrs ago. Was booked on a luxury yacht islands cruise from Piraeus. Instead of advertised yacht was brought to a 1970s college party barge looking boat. The Tugboat instead of the Love Boat. Was a Sunday holiday in Greece so everything booked/busy. Like rats leaving a ship we jumped off w luggage after captain claiming original boat broke down. Ran into road and flagged down a taxi. Found one night at luxury hotel in athens. Travel agent in California woken up and working like crazy found us a suite on resort on Crete, flights, hydrofoil to Santorini, tours. So we missed all the cruise and ports, but had wonderful time on Crete. She also got every dollar refunded. Must be flexible and have a good TA!

This video is literally perfect for us. We're on NCL epic beginning of September from Rome, Pompeii, caan etc over 7 nights. My in laws first ever cruise. Great job. Thank you

Tanks again Gary, you're doing a great job passing to us your wonderful experience.

Gary, without a doubt, your channel is one of the top channels out there for cruising. Fantastic content, as always. Lots of great information. Thanks for your time, effort, and attention to detail in putting this video together.

Good points about the "false ports" and balcony cabins in the med. I think the key is to do your research before you book. Our first ever cruise was Western Med and my wife really went to town on the research so we, more or less, knew what to expect (well done her!!).

I’m so very glad I found your videos on Mediterranean cruises. I’ve booked one for October of 2024 and was expecting all the ports to be gorgeous. It’s best to have a reality check ahead of time to plan. My cruise sails out f Barcelona and I plan at least five days there prior to the cruise. Most of the ports are in Spain in cities you’ve said are beautiful. But you’ve given me a heads up to do my research. In the future I’d like to see Greece and Italy. Thank you!

Great and valuable tips! Thanks. I hope to go on a Mediterranean cruise, possibly next year if/when all things COVID seem more manageable. Love all your videos!

This was a great video, Gary. The breakdown of ship and ports is very useful.

My first cruise was a Med cruise, from Marseilles on a loop, touching Tunisia, Malta and a number of stops in Italy with MSC. It was AMAZING! The first day was a sea day which was perfect for exploring the ship before calling into a new port every day. Thanks to your advice, Gary, I booked my first SOLO cruise in a studio cabin with Norwegian and will do 10 days around the Greek Isles! Thank you for the advice and inspiration!

Thank you for your super informative videos! I am retiring in less than a month and looking forward to more cruising in my future. 🥰

We did a 12 night west and east out of Barcelona. Loved it. Busy but so fun

I spend a great deal of time on my balcony on sea days. I find it quite relaxing.

Wow, just Wow! Great advice, well-presented, well-thought out. Thank you for this, and thank you for your channel..

Thanks for these insights! I’ve always wanted to cruise the Mediterranean and wasn’t sure exactly what to consider. Much appreciated

I am thinking of taking my first cruise in the spring of 2023 and am so glad I have found you as I absolutely don't have a clue how to go about it . I will be back watching all your videos .:)

Thank you!! We have been looking at Mediterranean cruises and have flexibility in time. Considering western with extended time in Barcelona and Rome. Appreciate knowing you get no time in Rome if just a stop. We are 70 and have never been to Europe so want to have time to explore more. May piggyback an eastern after we spend time on land exploring Italy inland.

This is a brilliant explanation of Mediterranean sea travel.

Very helpful. Appreciate the low key presentation and the useful information.

I love medium sized ships and balcony cabins. And looking at the sea from my balcony is a great view to me! Especially if there is also a full moon!

This is one of your best videos. It works really well in a “giving advice” mode.

Excellent tips and recommendations Gary. So enjoy following your videos and great information. Thank you so much for this video!!!

I have learned so much over the past few years of cruising. But, wow, you taught me even more about the Med cruises. Excellent information, as always Gary.

LOVE THIS!!!!! Thanks for the details.

thank you. this gives me alot to think bout. Somethings I am right on target and a few other things, I need to go back and take a look at.

As usual, the information is very organized; and as usual, it is succinctly and pleasantly given. Thank you again.

Excellent info and advice. Great job!

Wonderful information. Thank you for sharing.

I’ve never been on a cruise, nor did I plan on trying one. The algorithm suggested this to me after watching aviation videos but I watched it all the way to the end. I’ve clicked on your channel for more. Your presentation and editing is excellent. Cheers!

On our 12 day Mediterranean cruise we had a balcony cabin and loved using it. We went in July so it was hot and crowded so when we returned from our excursions it was nice to sit on the balcony and enjoy a drink away from the crowds. On a sea day after hanging around the ship (and all the people) it was nice to return to the cabin and sit watch the water while sailing to our next port. Having a balcony is a respite from the crowds and I would never sail in any other type of cabin. We sailed with a friend who had an inside cabin and she enjoyed our balcony as well.

Excellent information, thanks

Great tips. I've made plenty of those mistakes! The Med is very hot & crowded in July/August, and the distances from the ports to the attractions can make it a very tiring experience. Sometimes you have to accept that seeing those bucket list sites (Rome, Florence) comes at a cost.

Hi Gary. I really believe in the atraction theory. A friend of my called me today looking for a Mediterranean cruise in July. And I just thought of that and opened my phone and this video from you was the first thing that I saw, even though that this video is 8 months old. Incredible😃

Love your videos. So many great tips. Getting ready to go on AMA Danube. Have been on Ama before and was very impressed. What I saw, the staff,the food. A fabulous trip. Thanks for all your tips.

Great video. Lots of useful info. Thanks, Gary!

Thanks for the info. Heading to an Eastern Mediterranean cruise in a month. So excited!

Very inciteful! After cruising the British Aisles (twice) I've come to expect distances between ports and cities. Cobh/Cork, Grenoch/Glasgow, etc. We're taking a 12 day Apex Western Med trip, and noticed much the same thing. Okay. So glad we chose May, but I've lived in Greece and knew to avoid July and August. Kids in school, and fewer crowds in town also came into play. You perfectly discussed so many issues. This was one of my favorites of yours. Thank you.

Our Western Mediterranean cruise next year is booked for October. The ship spends the first two full days in Venice so we were considering flying in from the US on day one, but after watching your video, I decided to fly in a day earlier to give us those extra hours for traveling from the ship to Venice and get two full days to sightsee. Thank you for your excellent advice.

How did I get hooked on watching tips on cruising videos, when I'm not a cruiser? The more I watch these videos, the more I realize that I probably won't ever take a cruise, mainly because, now I would want "Tips For Travellers" to help book my cruise.

I live in Italy and 100% agree on all you recommended re:Italy!

Very useful and informative, thank you Gary x

Wonderful video! Great suggestions for the 'practical considerations' for cruising the Mediterranean. Thanks for the tips...Cheers!

Excellent content. Professional. Informative. Critical and helpful. Knows the business of traveling. Job well done 👏

Great info as always.. you think of everything! Thanks 😊

Thank you for your insightful, intelligent commentary. It always accords with our cruising experiences.

What a great informative video!!!!!!!! Thanks!

Very informative. Thanks.

Great tips! Going in 9 day cruise with Ncl out of Barcelona. Frequent cruiser by never the Med. So enjoy your channel. So informative and you don’t speak so fast like many do so I sit back and enjoy! Have a safe year! Thank you!❤

Great points, although my first warning when people ask me about a ‘cruise in a balcony cabin’, I always check with them why they want the balcony. Often, people I speak to don’t realise the size of a cruise ship balcony, and sometimes end up disappointed when they can’t sunbathe/have a meal on their balcony, as they could in a ‘typical’ Spanish hotel. Great video! :)

Thank you sweetheart for a very comprehensive travel experience. Hello from Chicago!

Thank you! This video has definitely helped me plan a future Mediterranean trip. Your overview of the options available is fantastic!

Thank you, Gary. I wouldn’t set sail without checking on your blogs

Very good tips! Thank you!

You present a lot of great information. Thanks for your video.

Great info Gary! Another great reason to use a travel Agent.

Always so informative and helpful, thank you Gary 😊

While I am not in the market for a Mediterranean cruise, I like how logically that you lay out the options for your cruiser. I wish more travel agents were that articulate.

We went in Spring to Europe and while it’s Spring break in the US, it’s not over there. We did not find any crowds and the weather was in the 50s but very sunny. It’s the best time of the year to do.

You are amazing and help people soooo much! My husband has never been on a cruise and when we do someday, I will reference your videos to make our selection! I was on 2 cruises (Holland America), 30 years ago with my X and a lot has changed since then! Thank you, Gary!!

Good recommendation for a first cruise. The Eastern Mediterranean cruise is on our list for 2023.

I really appreciated this post. very helpful. I'm in the beginning stages of planning a Mediterranean cruise and just overwhelmed by all the variables!

Awesome video. Smart well thought recommendations.❤

Thanks for the tips! I typically get a balcony room because it helps my motion sickness to be able to see out. Plus after I day of overstimulation I can relax on the balcony. 😊

Thank you for this helpful video! My husband and I are researching Mediterranean cruises to celebrate our 30th anniversary next year and appreciate your insight, tips, and tricks. We’ve done two Viking river cruises and are leaning toward a Viking ocean cruise because we know what we are getting with that line. Though we are also looking at Silver Seas and other smaller ships options before making a decision.

This is one of your best tips videos yet. Spot on and recommendations I'd make myself if asked. I'll never do the Med in July\August again. Great work here Gary.

Such a great, super informative video Gary. Your videos are always helpful, but this one in particular contains so much value! Although I could give my customers this advice myself, I’m definitely going to share this on my page. - You explain it all perfectly, and concisely. Thank you, as always. Keep up the good work. 🙏🏻

Awesome video, thank you for sharing, greetings from Orlando Florida

Very informative, tks!

Thank you for these inside tips brother.

One of the best cruise tip videos I've run across! Thank you Gary!

This was so incredibly helpful!! I want a travel agent with your knowledge!!

Thank you for the very helpful video

Thanks for this information. Will save this

this information is brilliant!

Really enjoying your videos fella , thanks for making the effort to make them …..

Oh now I'm excited, I've just booked my first cruise which is a western Med. Thank you

Very useful information and a good presentation. Thank you! I've not done a luxury cruise in the Med First mini-cruise was three days out of Piraeus on a package holiday from England:: Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes and Crete (Knossos). Coach/bus tour on Rhodes (city and Lindos) and Crete, so wonderful to see these places. But a very small and cramped Greek boat, and not exactly a great time aboard. Because the boat never left Greek waters, it did not have to meet international standards. Otherwise two tours with Road Scholar aboard the smallish and not luxurious converted ferry boat that was then owned by Voyages to Antiquity and now belongs to Road Scholar. Pros: very good itinerary, excursions, lectures. Con: cramped public space; tiny (single) cabins. Luckily, most days spent ashore. I did the two cruises back to back (Athens to Venice, Venice to Rome). Heartily endorse pre-cruise and post-cruise stays. Jet lag does take a few days to get over! Big warning: went in October, and unfortunately there was a huge storm system in the Adriatic. Sea so rough at Dubrovnik that we couldn't dock near the old city and tender in; had to moor in the big ferry and commercial port about two miles away and have a bus in. In Split we had torrential rain. Venice: St. Mark's Square was flooded. Venice was incredibly crowded even in the off-season! I would advise against a cruise in the Adriatic any later than September, because you get the weather really is uncertain. I think a Greek Isle cruise or one in the western Mediterranean might be better early or late in the year. Also, do check out when Easter falls--Western Calendar or Eastern (Orthodox) for Greece. Easter is notoriously busy. But it's worth putting up with any problems with crowds or weather to see the wonderful sites of this beautiful and historic region. That really is why one takes a cruise here. If you just want sun and sand, take a Caribbean cruise (but look out for hurricane season!). P.S., if you most want to sightsee on the land, why not skip cruising and use local ferries? Jadrolinija ferries up and down the Croatian coast give you a wonderful view, and you can stay a couple of nights on islands such as Hvar and Korcula. Thre are many, many ferries linking the Greek mainland and islands. A long time ago I went on a package tour to northern Spain where we traveled from Barcelona to Palma de Majorca on overnight ferry. And there are ferries linking Italy and Croatia. That might be more interesting--and cheaper!

I am so glad you told us this!