Rough Guide to Mediterranean Cruises with Royal Caribbean
You have decided to go on your first cruise, but you do not know where to start in picking out your destination. One region that you should definitely consider are the Western Mediterranean cruise holidays with Royal Caribbean. This area of the Med is famous for painting like blue skies and turquoise seas, fabulous gourmet foods, and magical ports of call. There are countless possibilities for itineraries around Italy, France, Spain, and Portugal. You might fill eight to ten vacations with the various interesting activities offered here.
Many cruise holidays in the Western Med will make extensive stops in the French Riviera. In the lands and vistas that moved such artists as Picasso and Matisse, you are certain to be inspired too. Marseille gives you the famed Notre Dame, while Nice boasts a glorious old town and an opera house. Cannes is oozing with film culture from the famous Cannes film festival. Monte Carlo in tiny city state Monaco offers you a look at the wealthiest principality in Europe. Even while you are overwhelmed by the sights and sounds all around you, you will enjoy the mild breezes off of the sea and the sun kissed blue waters.
Spain will tempt you with Barcelona, a popular Western Med stop on many itineraries through the region. Gothic architecture makes its home here, as do the fabled masterpieces of Picasso in the Picasso Museum. Palma de Mallorca is yet another glorious stop on the Spanish Riviera. Palma Cathedral is not a sight that you will soon forget when cruising through the Spanish islands. Mallorca features more than seventy gorgeous beaches that are ideal for walking, swimming along, and sunbathing.
Portugal offers Lisbon its capital just outside of the Mediterranean. Lisbon boasts of numerous beautiful sites, such as St. George's Castle, Belem Tower, and Jeronimo's Monastery. There is also an impressive Oceanarium in Lisbon that proves to be among the biggest aquariums on earth. Called among the most scientifically advanced sites in all of the Western Med, this Oceanarium's modern architecture stands out in stark contrast to the graciously aging stonework in the rest of Lisbon.
Italy marks a centerpiece attraction for many individuals who choose to find cruise deals through the Western half of the Mediterranean. Practically every cruise through the region will start here, stop here, or at least pass through the country. There are more attractions in this fabled nation than there is room to talk about them. Rome boasts of the Vatican, the Colloseum, St. Peter's Basilica, the Arch of Constantine, and the Trevi Fountain. Florence has the Palazza Vecchio, the Piazza della Signoria, and the Uffizi Museum. In Pisa, you can see the Leaning Tower.
When you enjoy your cruise through the Western Mediterranean, do not neglect to try the amazing food. Pastries, gelato, pizza, and other exquisite treats are all waiting for you. Since each region is renowned for its own area specialties, you should allow yourself enough time to sample all of them. You will not be sorry that you did.