Today's post was written by Cruise Freek Forum's Resident Expert on Italy "DCDuncan". This was a thread started under the section "Group Cruise Proposals" on the Cruise Freek Forums board. THIS GROUP IS GAY FRIENDLY.
"Let's Talk About A Euopean Mediterranean Cruise For 2009
Being your resident Italy expert, I'd thought I would get this one going. I am absolutely going - and yes I know it's a bit early but, the sooner the better - this way more people can join.
I do want to advise those who have never traveled to Europe that most shops, attractions and other major tourist areas will more than likely be closed in the month of August. Not to mention it will be brutually hot.
I lived in Italy for 15 years and Spain for 3 years of my life so this is first hand knowledge and not speculation. Therefore, August will not be a choice in this group offering. While it's my personal choice to go in May or early June, I will conform to the group's wishes.
To my knowledge most 2009 European itineraries aren't available yet so this is just a general interest poll without a selection of date or cruise line just yet.
Your voice counts please vote today and be sure to send this link along to a friend!
The Poll Is Open for 120 days beginning August 13, 2007 (you must be registered with Cruise Freek Forums to vote)
What are the pluses to a European (Mediterranean) Cruise?
1) You'll see multiple countries on one vacation
2) The language barrier will be mostly eliminated as English speaking tour guides are chartered by the cruise lines
3) The majority of expenses are paid before you even leave
4) It's a better value than if you had planned Europe as a land package
What are the pluses to booking a Cruise Freek Group Cruise?
1) You'll meet your fellow Cruise Freek posters - but only if you want - our groups aren't about forced socialization
2) Depending on the cruise line selected, groups generally tend to receive some type of amenities package like onboard credit
3) Reliable, dependable, trustworthy travel agents to make booking your cruise a pleasure
4) Host Bob, our assigned travel agent for this group is one of the best in the business and is the manager of a Virtuoso agency
Want To Know What You Might Do In Port In Europe?
Here is just a sprinkling of examples:
Venice - Considered by many to be the most romantic city in the world, Venice is famous for its canals and the grand Piazza San Marco. A walk through the city's narrow streets inevitably leads to discoveries that are bound to become fond memories - pleasant plazas bordered by cafes, galleries of fine art and crafts and everyday scenes of life in a unique city.
A Gondola Tour - Fleets of these distinctive single-oar boats stand travel among the canals that crisscross Venice, giving tourists a water-level view of the city and a unique memory to take home.
Island of Glass - A short boat ride from the main part of the city takes visitors to the small island of Murano, where artisans demonstrate the skills that have been used to create masterworks of creative glassmaking there since the 13th Century. Today Murano glass is famous throughout the world.
Piazza San Marco - Any tour of Venice must at some point linger for a while in this world famous plaza. St. Mark's Basilica, which dates to the 11th Century, and the Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace) anchor one end, and cafes and shops line the arcades behind graceful porticos on the sides of the Piazza.
Barcelona - Some experienced cruise travelers rate Barcelona among the world's most beautiful port cities. The tree-lined walkways, cafes and flower stalls of La Rambla, the mile-long focal point of the city's shopping and nightlife, could alone earn this Spanish port city that distinction.
Architectural Wonder - Among Barcelona's most famous landmarks, the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia represents the crowning achievement of architect Antoni Gaudi, though it remains a work in progress more than 100 years after its construction began in 1882. The church's fantastic towers, striking artistic touches and unconventional design of the church today hint at the grandeur of the architect's design.
La Rambla - This distinctive urban space invites visitors to linger and enjoy with open-air cafes, shops and non-stop entertainment throughout the day and night. Its proximity to the cruise port also makes it an ideal place to begin or end a tour of the area.
Montserrat - A relatively short coach trip outside the city into the mountains takes visitors to the spectacular Benedictine monastery at Montserrat, which dates back to the 9th Century. Both the richly decorated basilica and the views from this historic religious center could be described as breathtaking."
Since this poll opened we've had a very positive response. A secondary poll has now been opened regarding which month to sail. And that thread states "With the overwhelming response for the Europe for 2009, I think we can safely proceed to start selecting our Month which we'd like to cruise. Keep in mind ships and itineraries won't be available until April of 2008. However, this way Host Bob, who has been assigned this group can start getting an idea of what we'd like and when we'd like to go.
Again this is strictly for the Month and strictly for the 2009 Europe sailing.
Thanks for your participation!
I will leave this poll open for 120 days (that's approximately 6 months) which will bring us right into the time when the cruise lines release the next round of sailings including the summer of 2009."
To vote in the month poll please click here
Your vote counts - if you plan to join Cruise Freeks on our Europe 2009 Group Cruise, register and vote today!
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