Who's cruised Europe?

zebra · May 30, 2006

I'd like to hear from everyone who's been to Europe - what are your favorite

ports-of-call?

Our are definately Santorini and the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. Can't wait to return to both of these later this year.

JoeyandDavid · May 30, 2006

I'll let you know in a little over 5 months LOL... Seriously though Santorini? really Jackie... wow thats surprises me... after all your travels .. what is it about that area .. DP and I were just going to go out on our own....

Mebert · May 30, 2006

zebra,

On my cruise in Europe my favorite ports of call were Venice, (Livorno) Florence, Cannes, and Dubrovnik.

There's just something very special about Venice and the fact that there is so much of an area that you can walk in without looking out for cars. Venice is also a great place to get lost in because there is a discovery around every corner and one has to keep track of those surprises so that one can get back to them. It also helps to have a good map.

Post some things about your ports of call and your experiences.

TheSkipper · May 30, 2006

For shear beauty, I'd also go with Santorini. Loved Florence and Venice and Vienna on a river cruise. Also enjoyed all the ports in the UK. I guess we have enjoyed all of the ports of call.

Where are you heading?

Joanandjoe · May 30, 2006

How can one choose just one port, from a list that includes Nice, Copenhagen, Barcelona, Lisbon, Ibiza, Malaga, and other lovely places? If we have to choose just one, Copenhagen, with Nice a close second and Barcelona third.

The most surprising nice port was much-despised Marseille. Our little ship was berthed in the old port instead of the industrial port, and we had a wonderful time in Marseille.

Mebert · May 30, 2006

The Skipper,

I couldn't say it better myself. I actually enjoyed all the ports of call too. Can you please post a little more about Santorini? Does the ship dock in Santorini or does it dock in Naples?

zebra,

This sounds like the start of a good string. Thanks for posting it.

I forgot to mention that I enjoyed Naples and an excursion to the ruins of Pompeii. On that same excursion one was able to see Mt. Vesuvius, the volcano that wiped out Pompeii, in the distance.

jbond · May 31, 2006

Can you please post a little more about Santorini? Does the ship dock in Santorini or does it dock in Naples?

We may be a little confused. Santorini is in Greece. It's the top of a volcano and the bay is the caldera. It is spectacular. http://community.webshots.com/photo/206657...032533819gcpBGA

You have to take a funicular up the side of the mountain. The more adventurous can take a donkey ride up and down, but we were told that you'll smell like a sweaty donkey all day. It's a tender port. If you go, don't stay in town, Fira, all day. Take a ride out to Oia. It is breathtaking.

Like everyone else, I can't choose a particular port. I've never had on that I haven't loved.

For sailing in and out, Venice is tops. It is beyond description, especially in the evening when it's turning dusk. I think that it is by far the most romantic city we have ever visited.

The most surprising nice port was much-despised Marseilles.

I loved Marseilles. So historic and the bouillabaisse was to die for. I never in my life thought that I would sit outside a Marseilles restaurant, eating bouillabaisse and drinking a really good, cold, dry rose. It was like being in a movie.

zebra · May 31, 2006

Joey..... Santorini is absolutely breathtaking!!! We did a tour of the entire island and totally fell in love with the beauty and the food!

Whatever you do, don't just go into the town, Fira. You must go to Oia (pronounced eeya) it is spectacular. Wow any more superlatives???

JoeyandDavid · May 31, 2006

Outstanding..Awesome ..Fantastic...Amazing..Cant Wait !<] :grin:

Joanandjoe · May 31, 2006

Quote from JBond: "I loved Marseilles. So historic and the bouillabaisse was to die for. I never in my life thought that I would sit outside a Marseilles restaurant, eating bouillabaisse and drinking a really good, cold, dry rose. It was like being in a movie."

Our sentiments exactly. The town used to have a bad rep, but they've certainly cleaned up their act. Bouillabaise: impossible to pronounce, wonderful to eat. Ah, the dry rose, so different from the sweet goop you get here. On our recent Celebrity cruise, we had five bottles of wine, and two of them were Rose de Provence, from the vinyards of Michel Roux. Wonderful!