Hi Jeff,
My wife and I did a August 16th thru August 28th cruise, in 2000 [the 29
thru Labor Day we invested in Turkey] and it was the best time we ever
had. We even spent time on shore(!) LOL. By the way, you should find out
what type of immunization shots you need. We got two; one for Hepatitis
A and the other I've forgotten. Speak to your physician about his/her
recommendations.
It was hot [very hot in Italy] from Barcelona to Athens; once we got to
Istanbul it got much cooler.
We took the Grand Princess and it was...we got a room with a balcony and
it was just heavenly. We were treated like royalty.
The cruse was 12 days, I believe, but we did stay one week in Turkey. I
believe it was 5K for each person. Be sure to tell your travel agent
that you are soon-to-be-newlyweds. They offer special amenities, like
champagne in your room, etc. We got married on board, which was nice and
then once again stateside. So now, my wife requires 2 anniversary gifts!
IT WAS GREAT! We'll do it again as soon as we can.
We went to Barcelona and saw the great Monsarrat Cathedral. I love
Gregorian Chants.
Monte Carlo was dreadful; the Royal Palace was not at all air
conditioned. Stay away. Instead, I would have wanted to go to the
medieval village of EZE. Lots of little artistic shops.
In Livorno, we did the Best of Florence. Love the artwork, the sculpture
and the food!
In Naples we went to Herculaneum. Stay away from Pompeii. You'll have a
better time in Herculaneum; less crowded and the guide will [hopefully]
hook you on just how very important this site really is to our knowledge
of ancient times. I was just bowled over as soon as we were admitted and
began our walk down the ramp to the ruins. Embrace this wonderful
place for me, if you go there! I just love it.
In Venice, we did an evening gondola ride; it's romantic. If you have
not done this before, you should do it, especially on your honeymoon!
It's a real education; but once is enough. We also went to the Murano
Glass factory and then to Buran Island where most of the locals are
artisans. Painting, weaving, glassware. just so many places and so
little time. We had to run to catch our shuttle boat before it left the
dock.
In Athens, we went to the Acropolis, Plaka and to the Temple of
Poseidon. There is one stop for about two hours; my wife went into one
jewelry shop and she got so enthused that we missed our bus---never made
it to the Temple of Poseidon. I was very disappointed, but in a few
moments I realized, "Hey you are in Athens greece, for God's sake! Enjoy
yourself!!" And so I did.
In Kusadasi Turkey, we invested in the Ephesus tour. I love the ancient
ruins and the spirituality of all these places. Once you get to the
Library of Celsus, you'll be transported back 2,000 years. If you let go
of what you have left behind you in the states---all of your
expectations and preconceived notions and just open yourselves up to the
wonders of this place, you'll never need a reason to return to Ephesus
ot any of these ancient places. Them just BEING THERE is reason enough.
It too, is one of my favorite place on earth.
I have one, very deep regret.
As you approach the Library of Celsus, off to your right hand side, you
will probably find art students painting or drawing the scene before
them in watercolors. Buy something, please!!! Later, after you have left
the ruins, you won't regret what you have purchased, no matter how much
it cost. I had my eye on a 16" X 20" canvas of the Library and the
surrounding area; it was just magnificent!!! I didn't want to carry it
all the way through the tour, so I postponed the purchase until later.
Well, guess what!? The place where the artists are is so far away from
the exit, that I didn't have time to run to purchase my painting!!! I
was so disappointed with myself. When we return to Ephesus, it will not
be a mistake that I will make again, I assure you of that!
Last port was Istanbul; we visited the St. Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
It was very beautiful inside. Once you have a little history about the
place, why it was built nd just how grand these places are, they become
more than "just another church". There is real significance there, if
you permit yourself to feel it.
We also went to a carpet demonstration and, yes they offer you carpets
to purchase and yes, we did buy one. It was shipped right to our door.
They ask you to place your name on the rear label of the carpet as
insurance to you that this is, indeed, the carpet that you purchased. It
comes via UPS, if you are interested. It took about 3 weeks fir it to
get from Istanbul to San Diego.
So Jeff, these are the places that we went to, visited and loved with
all of our hearts. The ones that I recommend are just my choices and you
may have different likes and dislikes; check your itinary and know that,
since this is your first cruise there, you really cannot make a BAD choice.
I must tell you that you will really enjoy the cruise; you and your
beloved will return as different people, for the experience. Don't be at
all concerned about the turmoil that is occurring in certain areas over
there. You'll be just fine; you'll be quite faraway from it, in spirit
as ell as physically. Don't give it the energy of a second thought!
Any questions? Just ask! I'll be here...
Have a wonderful time, relax and just sit back and be catered to, in
mind, body and spirit...
Alain
jeff7miller@ wrote:
> My fiance and I are getting married next September 2006 and are
> starting to make our plans for our honeymoon. I have been to the
> caribbean a few times and really want to go there however I am afraid
> it is a bad time due to hurricane season (would get trip insurance of
> course). We are also toying with the idea of doing a cruise to the
> greek isles etc, so I would like to hear some advice from people who
> have recently been there.
> My questions would be:
> Is it really hot in sept in the mediterranean?
> What cruise line did you take?
> How many days?
> How much it cost?
> What you thought?
> What ports did you visit?
> What you would reccommend?
> Thanks in advance,
> Jeff
> 
Honeymoon Cruise Mediterranean 
