European Itineries

[tracy2011]

Hi
Not been on for a while, since our cruise on Liberty of the Seas Western Caribbean last October which we loved so much. She is a fantastic ship and there was so much to do. We had an owners suite and were truly spoilt with the concierge service.
We have booked for 27th August on Independence of the Seas for a 10 night itinery in a Junior Suite as it is more expensive to sail in Europe for some reason. The ports of call are Gibraltar, Vigo Spain, Lisbon Portugal, Barcelona Spain which don't particularly excite me when I had a look at available excursions for these ports. They were mainly historical siteseeing type excursions of which don't really interest us. We like snorkelling, bost trips, beach. etc anything relaxing really but allows us to get a taste of the country we are visiting. Does anyone know if there are any other things to do in these ports other than visiting historical monuments and museums?
We know the ship is going to be great and maybe if there is nothing we particulaly want to see maybe we can just stay on the ship and enjoy the facilities.
I guess its just because we loved the Caribbean so much why I have some reservations about the European trip, but I would be happier to know that there were things we will enjoy doing in these ports of call. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Tracy

[jj luvs to cruise]

I did the Med cruise in Nov, but we spent most of the time in Italy. It was fabulous. I loved the cruise. I have been to the caribbean several times but this is a totally different experience. Be sure to take advantage of every port. We flew in and out of Barcelona and spent 2 extra days there. I would encourage you to spend time in Barcelona if you are able to. I loved it. There is so much to see and do there. Enjoy!

[Hank]

Tracy, We have cruises and traveled extensively in Europe as well as the Caribbean, and it sounds like you might be setting yourself up for disappointment. Understand that the best beaches in Europe do not come close to the quality of beaches you are used to in the Caribbean or US. As to snorkeling in Europe, there are very few areas worth considering (there is some decent snorkling on certain Greek Islands). Europe is about history, sightseeing, eating, drinking wine, learning about the various cultures, visiting ruins, churches, museums, etc. Gibraltar does offer some of the best duty-free shopping in Europe. You could go west of Lisbon down the coast to the sea resorts of Estoril or Cascais, but you would be disappointed in the beaches. In Barcelona, if you had enough time you could take the train about 45 min to the beach town of Sitges (this town actually has a decent sandy beach). But if you are looking for a Caribbean kind of vacation, save your money and do not go to Europe. In the future, if you do want to return to Europe, consider a cruise that spends some time in the Greek Islands, where there is usually sun and even some sand.

Hank

[tracy2011]

Many thanks for your comments and we might consider the beaches you suggested. Maybe we should become a bit more cultured and get learning about the history of all our destinations! One more question, we are docking in Barcelona overnight firstly is the casino open whilst in port? and an evening in Barcelona sounds like it might be fun. Good food, wine atmosphere. Does anyone have any recommendations? I guess this is going to be a very different cruise to what we have been used to in the past, it will be good to try something different, a bit of sightseeing, but we can still relax on the ship. We booked this cruise mainly for the ship, and we would very much like to do a Southern Caribbean cruise next year, and it is cheaper evern with the flights added on!
In August I would've thought the Med would be pretty hot, has anyone got any comments on the weather on a Med cruise in August?

Many thanks for your help
Tracy