We sailed our first Mediterranean Cruise 2023 | Our Honest Full Review | The Good, Bad and Ugly

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In our JJ Cruise News today, just like the World’s Largest Cruise Ship Wonder of the Seas Cruise did in 2022, we sailed on our First Mediterranean Cruise and share our review of our Mediterranean Cruise 2022! We share our First Impressions of our Mediterranean Cruise onboard the New Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Beyond Cruise Ship 2022! We tell you the Good, the Bad, and the UGLY of our first Mediterranean Cruise Review 2022!
In the cruise news latest, join us as we chat through this cruise news today. The latest cruise news we are bringing is all about our first Mediterranean Cruise Full Review including New Things we have experienced on the New Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Beyond Cruise Ship 2022. This latest cruise news proves Mediterranean cruises 2022 are full of interesting experiences that are unique to Mediterranean cruises first impressions review include people onboard, demographics as well as age range, family cruisers, overall vibe onboard, views, food and dining experiences as well as excursion comparisons, new activities as well as favorite cruise activities, Mediterranean food, WiFi connection onboard, pool deck and outdoor activities, weather, currency exchanges, and so much more! On Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Cruises’ new cruise ship class for Mediterranean, there are so many things to do! Those things include Theatre, Specialty Restaurants, Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Beyond Cruise Ship architecture, Martini Bar, solarium, Casino, and Hot Tubs. Other venues onboard the New Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Beyond Cruise Ship and that are on the Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Edge Cruise Cruise Ship 2022 include Eden, Magic Carpet, and favorites such as Oceanview Buffet, Raw on 5, Luminae, Blu Restaurant, Mast Grill, and Sunset Bar! Will this Mediterranean Cruise Ship Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Beyond Cruise Ship 2022 make cruise news headlines? What are your first impressions of Mediterranean Cruises 2022? This is the latest cruise news allowing cruising to restart in the US! We are talking about what this cruise ship news means for the major North American cruise lines, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Virgin Voyages, and Disney Cruise Line and how it ties into the US Cruise Restart.
We had the incredible opportunity to climb aboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Line's Adventure of the Seas FIRST sailing out of Nassau, Bahamas on June 12th, 2021. We were also onboard the FIRST sailing out of the US on Celebrity Edge on June 26th, 2021. Celebrity Cruise Lines was the first major North American cruise line that sailed from a North American port since March 2020. We were also on the first Carnival cruise out of Florida on July 4th Carnival Horizon sailing. We were on the Inaugural Season Carnival Mardi Gras cruise ship maiden voyage sailing on July 31st! We were on one of the first Disney Cruise Line ships sailing out of the US on Disney Dream on August 20th, 2021! We were on one of the first Alaska sailings in 2021 on Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas on August 27th, 2021! We are thrilled to be on these ships to bring you the latest cruise news and information about the future of the cruise industry in 2022.
Don't miss important information about upcoming Royal Caribbean Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruises, Disney Cruises, Virgin Voyages and Carnival Cruise Line cruises, and cruise news latest about the future of cruising.
Comment and tell us what you think! What are your honest thoughts - what are your thoughts on Mediterranean Cruises? Are you ready to book a Mediterranean Cruise?
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[@JJCruise]

We will never do our Ugly again!! So disappointing but at least for good reasons! Let us know your tips or thoughts on Mediterranean Cruises below! 👇🏼

[@baboran]

No-=-- you MUST do the ugly. Your videos are fantastic. BUT--the best advice here was to not make the ship the center of the cruise in the Mediterranean.TRUE TRUE TRUE- becuase most of the time is in port!!

[@agustinguevara8054]

Aweosme video, thank you. We are going to Greece and Croatia this summer !!

[@JJCruise]

Have a blast! 🥳

[@NFNJP]

I just got back from a Mediterranean cruise. You guys were spot on. I also liked that you told people the toilet, you had to pay to use - everywhere! We stayed in Barcelona for a few nights on each end of our cruise. I need to let people know, the crime in Barcelona is super high. Four people staying at our 5 star hotel were robbed! At gun point. One of our Cab drivers was robbed as well. Be very very careful in Barcelona.

[@azielnik]

Please note that if you are at all mobility limited the Med is not your friend and to research shore excursions or just rambling around port carefully. Uneven surfaces, stairs and transport without ramps, etc, are common although major sites such as the Coliseum or Vatican in Rome are generally more "ADA "-compliant"

[@JJCruise]

Great tips!! Thanks for the help! 🤗🥳

[@andyb2706]

As a European I love cruising the Mediterranean and there are still a few ports I've not visited and the ports I have visited there is still a lot of places I can visit from them, but can I give you all a tip. At some point don't miss out on the Adriatic which is the East coast of Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro and Albania. These cruises seem to be a little bit more relaxed from the Med cruises and you get a chance to visit some stunningly ancient cities and the scenery of sailing in and out of some of the ports just took my breath away. I'm just a little over a month before my next cruise and I'm returning to the Adriatic for that one.

[@RachaelStern]

Which line did you see those countries on? I cant' find any that incudes all of them

[@melton68]

@@RachaelStern NCL. We are doing one in July. Italy, Greece, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia.

[@orthodiva7487]

@@RachaelStern we went on Holland from Barcelona to Venice which includes the Adriatic Sea on Croatia and Montenegro. Loved it.

[@jules2565]

My original NCL cruise had Croatia and Montenegro which was one of the reasons I chose it, as it had a nice mix of Italy, Greece and Adriatic....and then they changed the itinerary and took out Croatia and Montenegro :(

[@genebelledulay3593]

This was a pleasure to watch and in sharp contrast to another channel that I just watched before this where they faces were scowled the whole time. Doesn’t sound like they enjoyed themselves as much as you guys did and even though you guys included a “bad & ugly” your faces were still light and welcoming. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@lisadee1623]

Now that we’re retired, this is our plan for fixing the “Ugly”: book the last Med cruise of the season (usually late Sep/early Oct) back-to-back with the transatlantic cruise returning to the US. This gives a mix of focused port days ashore followed by a lot of sea days to enjoy the ship. Love your content!

[@JJCruise]

That’s a great call!! Definitely the best way to do a Transatlantic cruise 🥳 Just be sure to give yourself a few days before the cruise to get through the jet lag 😅

[@thiggs333]

What a great plan!

[@pookerwesley]

I'm taking my first cruise in October 2025 io the west mediterranean. What was the weather like in October? 😊

[@suewolf3279]

Thanks for reminding people of the VAT Tax. Now if you're staying in Europe keep your receipts and you can redeem the vat tax at the airport, with a customs agent when you're leaving the country.

[@jeffdinter600]

You can always ask some of the crew members on board your ship for some local places that they go when they have their day off the ship. Because they Cruise the area frequently they have special places that they like to go that are off the beaten path that they know of for you to be able to go and enjoy a good meal at a great price.

[@kirstenvigh776]

Very very helpful, thank you. As an Australian, I really needed to hear the truth about not picking the ship for this destination as I won't be on the ship but out exploring. I was going crazy trying to look at all the cruise ships and the newest and the best out there. I definitely have a new perspective on how I will plan my trip now. Great video.

[@penelopepitstop762]

Me too! Most of the European/Mediterranean Celebrity cruises are their older ships and same for Royal Caribbean. I am kind of scared to go on an older ship, but after hearing what they said, maybe I will consider it.

[@aquascoob]

Really check out private excursions. People are usually reluctant because they are scared to missed the ship, but these companies do this all the time and most guarantee you will get back in time or they will get you to the next port. Also you will usually pay less and have a more customized itinerary. For Naples I booked a private Amalfi Cost tour where I picked which stops we would make and for how long, there were four of us (2 from the roll call) and the price was the same per person as the cruiseline's big bus tour. The private tour guide I had in Florence recommended a driver for pickup from port. Our group took the transportation but only two of us went with the private guide for an in depth walking tour, and just the guide and myself did an Uffizi Gallery tour. Best day EVER! Do your research, it can turn a nice trip into a once in a lifetime vacation.

[@svetlanaz5904]

What company? Or website did you use to find them? Need some for ibiza and majorca

[@DinaCruisingThruLife]

I totally agree that Mediterranean cruise are port heavy and a port costs are more expensive. This is why I did choose NCL for my first Mediterranean cruise to get that shore excursion credit for each port. It’s worth it. Also, I love my sea days, and Eve though it was my first Mediterranean cruise, I didn’t want to be tired on my “must see” excursions. I made a decision to stay on board for our stop in France. This worked out for me since it was the day after a 10 hour excursion and knowing the next day I would be on another long excursion. The cruise had one true sea day towards the end of the cruise and this was great to break up my cruise for my “rest” days. My thought was I would be going back so I didn’t feel as if I was missing anything.

[@texasboy5117]

As someone who has been to Europe probably 35 times over the years, it is very different then many other cruises. The best advice is really drill down and read about the ports. Watch KZbin videos and ask questions of your travel agent for advice. And yes prepare to spend a lot of money. We always fly in 4 for 5 days early for a mini vacation before or after the cruise. This way you get to see more based on the fact we fly over in business class and want to see more for what we spend. Also go hungry!

[@PL-mu1cp]

I have done 2 cruises in the Med. At the time I was 50 and my travel companion was about 30, Both of us said we would have liked the cruise to be a couple days longer just to have a couple sea days to relax and recharge. We did the 11 night Greek Island cruise on Celebrity and a 14 night repositioning from Rome to Florida. Both on the Equinox (My favorite ship out of 30 cruises). I like seafood and Mediterranean food so I was very happy with the food on the ship. On Thanksgiving night I was the only one at the table that had ordered the Thanksgiving Turkey dinner, the rest of our table were Europeans. I noticed that Europeans do dress up more then Americans for Formal nights. The lady in the cabin next to us was surprised to see me in a Tux for a formal night. "You clean up well for Americans" was her comment.

[@suewolf3279]

Wow! A real snarky remark from your next-door neighbor on the ship

[@DiG900]

In Europe we do buy clothes that are much dresser than American clothes… Most Europeans would only wear what Americans wear in the gym or doing jobs at home ie gardening housework!! So not really a rude comment as 90% of European think it,, but may not say it to your face 😂😂

[@brianbarriger8553]

Great Job Guys!!!!! You are soooooo right. Really expensive Excursions, definitely have to do the tours on your own, and arrange if possible, pre-cruise. There are companies and websites that can help you plan and arrange your tours. The cruises will mark up their Tours 2X to 3X if you arrange the Tours through the cruise companies. And you nailed it on Rome, and also Florence/Pisa is the same thing,....at least a 1 or 2 hour distance between the Port and the Cities. We were looking at a Celebrity cruise that had an Overnight in Florence. Sounds great, but think about going back and forth 4-times to see Florence over the 2 days. Nope. So we would go and see Pisa and Florence again on the same day, stay late in Florence and have dinner, maximizing our time there, and then head back late to the ship with our pre-arranged Driver. But 1-day only, and on day 2, we would either hang out around the port City on day 2, or plan another area to see, again, pre-arranged if so, for the 2nd Tour. And a Med cruise is work, for sure, and not really relaxing. You GO GO GO throughout the days, as it it really educationally and culturally focused. But exhausting. And then the Time difference, which takes you at least the first 2 days to adjust to. We always pay for a Suite when we do a Caribbean cruise, but a Balcony room when we do a European or Med cruise, and put the Cabin savings into the private Excursions and Food around those Cities. Also, because we are purchasing more Food and Drinks on these Tours, we are not eating as much on the Ship, which we already have paid for, so it's like a double charge. Therefore, a Balcony room makes more sense for us. And we also try and cruise in the Spring or Fall, before and after the Tourist season rush. You save some cash AND avoid the long lines and craziness. Anyway, just a few thoughts to share. Again, EXCELLENT review!!!!!

[@JJCruise]

Thanks Brian for adding some great additional insights to cruising the Med! 🥳

[@MikeHInCT]

I agree that the long days can be exhausting but our attitude is when will we get this opportunity again. June 2019 we did a Baltic cruise that included overnight in St Petersburg. We did a 9 hour castle tour the first day, went to the ballet that evening and then did 10 hour tour on day two of the inner city and museums. Were we tired, yes, but considering where the world is today I don’t think anyone will be cruising to St Petersburg for the next decade we a glad we had the opportunity. BTW we were both 67 years old. Just did our second Mediterranean cruise in July yes it was hot but we saw Venice, 2 cities in Croatia, 4 Greek islands in 9 days ( cruise line cancelled stop in Montenegro) your advice is right on point choose for the destinations not the ship.

[@ParkWinters]

Wow, amazing advice! I especially appreciate knowing the information you gave about the long distances from the ports to the attractions.

[@bethsimpson1916]

We're doing our first Mediterranean cruise next week out of Rome, 12 days on the Apex. We'll be in Israel for 3 of those days. One of the excursions is 10 hours! We will have 4 much needed days at sea. Thanks for the tips guys. This Canadian always appreciates your views and input.

[@danielbobberson9849]

This is a great comprehensive review of cruising in the Med. A real must see video for first timers. Excellent point on the distances to get to the major cities...that can be a real drag. Agree all about the ports...thanks for the great video.

[@lisathaviu1154]

One reason you might not be closer to the cities when you go into ports is how big the modern ships are. These are old places, actually ancient, so the original ports were not built for the gigantic ships most big lines use. This is one reason that river cruises might be preferable for some European cities that are not on the beaten path. Also, smaller ocean cruise lines can get to places you might not be able to go to in a big ship.

[@orthodiva7487]

If you’re going to take the time and the money to go across the pond, we don’t take a round trip Med cruise. We take ones that leave one port and end at another port and get in two to 3 days before and after to really enjoy the city. Example, stayed one day extra in Barcelona and. 2 days extra in Venice. Stayed 3 days extra in Paris for our river cruise. Taking my daughter back to the Med later in the summer this year and planning on being in Rome 4 days early and Athens 2 days after.

[@sarahmcgrath462]

Just a quick tip, Europe is HOT in the summer and our aircon is not the same as that in the US. The bus aircon was the main complaint on excursions from US guests on our Greek cruise on Beyond

[@kathycoutinho5665]

We did a 12 day cruise from Venice thru Greek Islands and ended in Rome. I discover after 2 days of long excursions that I had bitten off more than I could chew so I was a the excursion desk changing things up. We had stops in Montenegro and Croatia and did have to get currency to use rest rooms and not all our stops used Euros so that was different. The vat fee is around 20-22 % and varies slightly by country. (I sell internationally so I run into the VAT stuff all the time) and it does mount up fast. I'd love to do another Med cruise but next time with Spain Portugal and France.

[@Amanda-tw4xy]

Thank you for sharing your tips. I’ve been watching a lot of videos preparing for my cruise and yours has given me probably the best knowledge to prepare. Thank you!

[@nowgettheretravel6877]

I am counting down, 7 weeks till my very first cruise. Onboard Quantum of the Seas from Brisbane through South Pacific for 8 nights. Can't wait! Vanuatu and New Caledonia here I come!

[@laurieackerman94]

That's great advice for everyone! We're doing Israel/Egypt in June of 2023; you are so right the ship isn't the destination. We're sailing RCCL Rhapsody of the Seas, which is an older ship that's ok with us. It's still a nice ship, just not all the bells and whistles. The cruise was less expensive than other ships which is a plus because with flights, hotels pre, post besides the excursion's it gets very pricey! So, I totally agree with all the best tips you had for Mediterranean Cruises. We are so excited about this cruise! Thanks for the great video!

[@aracelisvalentin5275]

Outstanding. Very helpful. Thank you sooooo much

[@Pandbswideworldofports]

Thanks for the great tips guys! My first cruise ever was a Mediterranean cruise in 2012 and I really want to go back!

[@aonetruthr]

You two are killing it! I envy your life experiences and love that you made your own theme song. Keep it going JJ

[@JJCruise]

Thanks Alain! We are super blessed to be able to cruise the world and can’t wait to do more cruises soon! 🥳

[@briannao3967]

@@JJCruise Me and my family were thinking of doing a Mediterranean cruise again but we don't know if we wanna go back to rome or go to greece or leave from london on royal caribbean but we cant deside also love your videos🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@rayvaul3539]

Don’t envy other people, be glad for their experiences instead

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

Good points for the Med. Thanks for sharing

[@thiggs333]

That was a great review. Most appreciated. Fortunately for Mima and I we will be getting on Beyond in New Jersey in October and visiting Bermuda, Aruba, Curaçao and have 4 sea days to enjoy the ship. We tend to be more about the ships than the ports.

[@df.dominguez2746]

Thanks for all of your tips and advice. Planning my first European cruise and this was all super helpful!

[@JJCruise]

Have a blast!! So happy to hear you found this helpful! 🥳

[@denisebenjamin7139]

Awesome information and I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@McAlhanies]

Thank you for sharing your experiences that very helpful and give us ideas what to expect.

[@JJCruise]

Happy to help! Thanks for watching! 🤗

[@singalingbooberrylynch4575]

Great, great information. So many things I hadn't thought about. We are thinking about a Mediterranean cruise for 2023. Thank you!

[@mattrootes2429]

great info....thanks guys!!

[@fredopere7134]

I took my family on a Western Mediterranean cruise in October 2022 on Wonder of the Seas. If I was just with my wife I would agree to not make the ship the destination. However, if you are with kids (I had boys of 13, 12 and 9), having the mega ships helps since they are not into the cultural aspects as much as adults may be. That being said, my kids did love the experiences in Barcelona, Rome and Pompeii (Napoli).

[@robinmonroe5936]

Thanks for the tips!

[@splatmacpuffin]

Very helpful advice. We sailed the Med for 12 days on the Brilliance of the Seas and made the ports the destination. Great content guys, love the Good, Bad and ugly format.

[@JJCruise]

Thanks Matt! Definitely the right way to do things! 👏🏽

[@bradschwamberger1217]

Thank you for all the info!

[@Mzladiie226]

A Greek Isle cruise is on my list. Great advice. I wanted to book my cruise on the Celebrity Ascent with you guys. But I jumped on it without thinking.

[@user-tu8tp8ff3f]

Thank you so much for the info about not being on the ship a lot. We’re planning a Mediterranean cruise for next year and this was the most helpful tip of all the reviews I’ve watched!

[@gerardkiff2026]

Thx guys. Learned a lot !

[@stepone06]

Great advice! Spot On!

[@marilainefontenot8220]

Thanks for the great information. We are planning a Mediterranean cruise next year to celebrate 70/50 birthdays and your video was eye opening. We love Celebrity cruises and most likely will do that line while there.

[@normafuentes9153]

Thank you. Information was very helpful. Taking some of your advice and doing my research on all the ports I will be visiting in Aug.

[@JJCruise]

Glad we could help! Thanks for watching! 🥳

[@OutcastRichard]

Thanks guys. Appreciate the insights on the excursions and the vat. Oh and the heads up on the “Swipe to Wipe!”

[@karendarrell6626]

Thank you! Thank you! This was so helpful! My husband and I are about to cruise the Mediterranean for the first time and I am so glad we made the ports our main destination!!!!

[@JJCruise]

We are so happy to hear!!

[@TMTMcruz]

I keep missing the live chat on these lately. Ughhh Great video! ❤️

[@joanevans3872]

LOVE you guys, I.m doing a medterranean cruise in May 2023 (I;ve only done one Canada Cunard cruise in2019) but my companions are virgins ...so I really APPRECIATED your hint to not do too many huge days .. I;ve actually changed my tours to reflect this, more half day and only full day 12-14 hours on other days. were on going on Celebrity Relflection on 13 May .. from Australia !! (ps my beautiful son , aged 40.. has a trans partner.. want to do a cruise with them - let me know if theres a cruise which will make them feel good and not different)

[@annettebyrd8259]

A Mediterranean cruise is on my list. Thanks for these awesome tips. I hope the cruise lines start going to Cuba again, because that is on my list too!!!

[@Shapress7779]

Thanks this was very helpful

[@JJCruise]

We are so glad to hear! ☺️

[@krisharrell8696]

Thanks for sharing! We are looking at the Med next year and trying to decide between Beyond vs Reflection. There is a $3k price difference (granted for 12-day vs 10-day) and your “ugly” now makes the decision a no brainer.

[@mignonevans1563]

Thanks for sharing. Cruising to the Med on Celebrity Ascent in June for my birthday.

[@michaelbertolone5758]

Going on our first Mediterranean cruise, July 2023 on royal Caribbean enchantment of the seas can’t wait. Great video thank you.

[@jenniferperez946]

Thank you for this! We are sailing on HAL at the end of April. I was looking at the itinerary last week and noticed the long days at each port. Normally we're back on the ship by 5-6p, but all the ports have us there til 10-11p, I thought, how are we going to enjoy the ship?! 🤭 we're still planning our excursions, but we will also be staying in Rome an extra 5 days after the cruise so I intend to use that time to eat the local food then. Thanks again, your info is much appreciated!

[@JJCruise]

So happy to help! Thanks for watching! Enjoy your cruise! 🥳

[@orthodiva7487]

@ Jennifer Perez, we sailed HAL because of the ports that are on the itinerary. You’ll love it. Sailed 14 days from Barcelona to Venice. Stayed one day extra in Barcelona and saw La Segrada Familia and the gothic district. Stayed in a hotel right on Las Ramblas and went to La Boqueria market and stayed 2 extra days in Venice. Stayed in a hotel on the same canal as the Bridge of Sighs and only two blocks from St Mark’s square. Go attend mass at the cathedral. It’s in Italian and the mosaics inside the church is magnificent. Enjoy.

[@dmac1111]

Great information! I have my first mediterranean cruise planned for July 2023. Didn’t know about the VAT, very helpful. I’ll be on RCL and I did notice there is only one sea day.

[@JJCruise]

Have a wonderful cruise! 🥳

[@donnawatson5606]

Thank you for the tips. Especially having some euros for the toilet. (LOL). Having heard your "ugly" makes sense as we will be booking excursions for every port. Will be sailing in July 2024 on one of the Celebrity ships. ☺

[@katiekendrick8866]

I haven’t done a Mediterranean cruise but did Asia and it was very port intensive! Not a lot of time to hang on the ship! But it was a cruise of a life time! ❤️

[@JJCruise]

Yes! Such an awesome experience! We hope to do an Asian cruise some point in the future 🤞🏽

[@lynnleipold2617]

We are sailing soon on Oceania from Bangkok to Tokyo. We’re old,77 and 85. Sometimes you just have to go for it while you still can!

[@user-bq4sn9jw2t]

Thanks for sharing about making the ports the destination and not the cruise ship. We are trying to plan our first Mediterranean cruise from Canada and you advise was very interesting with very good tips all around, much appreciated and please keep up the good work 🙏👍

[@francismcilvaine9083]

Thanks for the tips.... If you 2 were overtired with long back-to-back days I hate to think how I would be. I hadn't considered this.... but I will in the future

[@MACHSS7]

We're retired in Florida. I think we've cruised to every Caribbean port from St. Thomas to Bonaire and every port in between. We done the Panama Canal and Alaska. So lately we've been discussing a Med cruise. Your tips and advice are a huge help and very much appreciated. Thank you!

[@Sharkfan]

do you have a favorite spot ?

[@TheDjuku]

Great informative video. As an EU citizen it was more of open doors. Love the added perspective (at 16min mark). One way to pick port and ship as a destination is to book a transatlantic with ports on both sides. Like the Odyssey of the Seas 27 october sailing.

[@DaveM-FFB]

Great advice! We have an upcoming Mediterranean cruise, so your advice is timely. I wasn't sure if we could exchange cash on the ship. But we were prepared for long touring days.

[@JJCruise]

So good to hear! Yes, you usually can exchange onboard but it may be limited. Thanks for watching!

[@cynthiaroman3957]

Thanks for sharing your Mediterranean cruise. One day I would love to go its so beautiful👍🌹

[@JJCruise]

It is a different cruise scenery than what we see in the Caribbean that’s for sure!

[@sandravasquez4458]

Great video!! I have always cruised in the Caribbean, so it will be the first time in the Mediterranean

[@JJCruise]

Enjoy sailing he Mediterranean! 🥳

[@user-en4xz4sm5k]

Great information guys

[@JJCruise]

Thanks Ruth!

[@josellefebrero6686]

Thank you for your honest review, to be honest the bad and ugly are still good for us, we booked the inside cabin, a cheaper room option, for the first time because we know we will only sleep on the ship most days.. moreover, we plan on skipping a port day to spend extra day Onboard, while others are out and exploring, we will be there enjoying.. and most importantly glad to hear they have a different cuisine served on the ship.. it will be very exciting to eat something you don't normally eat at home.. it's like experiencing Mediterranean / European culture onboard, it will be exciting and amazing experience.. we don't normally go for long excursions because we don't want to exhaust ourselves especially when port days are almost every day, we will take everything easy and do things as we please.. we are going to sleep in and not wake up too early, it's a vacation anyway it's a relaxing time for us.. again thank you, as you made us more elated to go to our next cruise this coming April, glad to hear about the weather, now I can pack clothes accordingly.. very helpful and informative review.. More power to your channel, looking forward to see more videos of you guys.. Cheers🤗

[@michelleb749]

We have a cruise coming up in a month. We do have 2 long back to back days but the 2nd tour is a private one so we will have a private car to nap in going to/from the port. The following port we will skip.and make an extra sea day.

[@kathryncashner3294]

Suggestion--look at a map before you go. You'll quickly see that many of the big cities are located inland, which is why you have long transportation times from the port to the city. There are cruises that focus more on smaller locations where you can dock near the location. There are many different itineraries around the Med. Each is different, each cruise line is different. VAT is charges on all purchases in Europe, whether on the ship or on land. It is built in to the prices on land. You nailed it--in the Med, the ports matter more than the name on the ship.

[@caseytcat888]

My first two cruises were Western and Eastern Mediterranean. I took a map and taped it to the glass on the large picture attached to the wall of the cabin. I was able to follow our itinerary and see exactly where we were. It was kinda fun seeing exactly what was nearby the port city.

[@mariemolloy2392]

I was bummed to see only one Carnival ship mentioned in your review. You guys really did a lot of different cruises to fascinating places.

[@JJCruise]

Carnival Celebration was in the running for Best Casual Food, but we were let down by Guy’s food onboard. 🥹

[@bajanboinoho5378]

Doing Atlantis Mediterranean cruise this august! CANT WAIT!1

[@JJCruise]

Enjoy!! 🥳

[@paulkeay5032]

The Non EU ports in the Med to look out for on your itinerary are Montenegro and Gibraltar. If these ports are on your itinerary your cruise will be VAT free.

[@JJCruise]

Thanks for sharing!! 🤗

[@andreyelena6428]

Hey! We are planning a cruise trip with my family on September and this video helped a lot! Thanks!! Which destination do you recommend going to on that month? Thanks again!

[@deborahhoward5471]

This was great. Just starting to look at the Ascent for July 2024 to celebrate my 50th birthday. Greece, Italy and Turkey itinerary. We aren’t going to do an interior room, but I think we won’t go too high up the scale in terms of room level based on your “ugly.” Getting excited!

[@brucetodd443]

OF our 4 cruises 3 were in the Mediterranean and most of them did not have long times to the destination. We have never done the Spain France and Italy cruise specifically because the time traveling is large and my wife is an Italian citizen so we have done a lot of those places on land.. We have not done the Caribbean because the ports are not that exciting to us and we have never thought of a cruise as the "Ship is the destination" but that makes sense. I am really enjoying listening to you all and I am glad I have found this channel (not sure what the real term is)

[@JJCruise]

Thanks Bruce for watching! Glad you found our channel and subscribed. 🥳

[@gettingslim186]

Great review!

[@JJCruise]

Thanks Getting Slim! 🤗

[@46foryounger]

I’m doing my first transatlantic cruise next month. First international cruise. Great tips JJ❤

[@JJCruise]

Enjoy your first TA!! So exciting! 🥳

[@susanknight4043]

Loved your review, I did learn about a Vat Tax Refund that you can get an application from places you buy from and scan at the airport for a small refund in a few days to your account. we are going on a med cruise soon, will keep watching you

[@cathystahl2921]

My first med cruise. First trip to EUROPE. Thank u for the tips, especially the one about paying for bathroom.. and the excursions being far away

[@gwynethglas-brown9171]

Lovley to see you both 🥰. Yes Europe is getting more expensieve ( just as a round the world at the moment ) I say always have some currency of the country you travel to with you ( number of time i heard of peoples bank cards or credit that wouldn’t work its unbelievable ) it happens You don’t want to be left in a tricky situation 😱 Yes the summer this year in Europa has been a very long dry one ,we still at temps of 25 thats begin September. Crazy But later this week we are going fully in to Autumn with much lower temps 🙏 thank goodness. The very very dry condition is horrible,,so much grass / trees have died from the heat 😱. I sadly not do a Mediterranean cruise ,not good with Heat ,so be probably Norway ,Iceland for me . Have a Great week 🥰🥰

[@sweetypatnett6123]

You guys are amazing. Thank you for sharing this video. I'm longing to go on a medditteranian cruise 🛳 it's on my bucket list. I've been on quite a few and I can totally relate to what you're talking about. Continue to enjoy life!😊😊

[@diegoc1818]

I am so so so glad I watch your video. I will have my first cruise in the Mediterranean on the end of July with my mom to celebrate her 60 & my 40. We leave Rome and will spend 10 days thought Greek Islands. First, I was about to set up everyday excursions, not anymore, I’ll definitely just enjoy a beach club or cute beach and have easy days in between heavy excursions like Athens or Pisa, etc. The one you shared that I am most relieved about it, I’ve been questioning myself “why I didn’t get Virgin or Celebrities cruise ship? They look so fancy”, you’re right we liberally just sleep on the ship and I should focus on the ports, Mykonos, Santorini, Naples, Malta. Thank you for your video!

[@ruthadams7133]

This was extremely helpful. I’m cruising the Mediterranean next June

[@JJCruise]

We are so happy to hear!

[@miketansey8321]

In your Drink upgrade scenario, if you upgrade before your cruise would you still have to pay the VAT?

[@susankerchner3843]

Thank you. We have not sailed the Mediterranean and have only sailed a transatlantic to Barcelona. This information is really helpful as the Mediterranean is on our bucket list.

[@JJCruise]

We are so happy to hear! Definitely worth it but on a cheaper cruise.

[@susankerchner3843]

@@JJCruise What Mediterranean cruise would you suggest first?

[@penelopepitstop762]

Nice video, thanks! I’ve been browsing Celebrity for Mediterranean cruises. I’m one of those people who likes new ships and I try to avoid the older ones. I noticed for 2024 most of the cruises were their old ships and that concerned me a bit so I was glad to hear your point about not being on the ship as much as you would a Caribbean cruise.

[@JJCruise]

Yes! Definitely know that Celebrity will be a fantastic choice as you can rely on great accommodations and great food every night which are of most importance after long days at port. 👍🏽

[@coralgwyn-williams9933]

very good observation about picking the expensive ship that you won't spend much time on. I am looking to go on a Mediterranean cruise and would never have even thought about how little time I would actually spend on board.

[@JJCruise]

It’s something that truly surprised us too!

[@cavycruiser5217]

I am booked for 14 days next May. I was second guessing the ship choice, but now I think I will be ok. I am doing enchantment of the seas starting In Athens and ending in Barcelona. I saw you 2 on Quantum last week while you were live streaming but never saw you again.

[@susan_elizabeth]

Great tips, Gentlemen! Excellent information and explanations! Thank you both so much!! 💜

[@JJCruise]

Thanks Susan! So glad you enjoyed our video and found some helpful tips!

[@susan_elizabeth]

@JJ Cruise I went to Vegas last October. While I'm a 58 year old woman with an autoimmune disease, I THOUGHT I was ready for all of the walking. Oh no. Between changing planes in Chicago, and then collecting my luggage in the Vegas Airport, and then exploring the enormous Venetian Hotel, I was in so much physical pain the first 3 days in Vegas! Not just feet - it was calves, shins, thighs, hips, and back. Heed these warnings, People!

[@corinnegokcen4995]

Great informative video! We are doing the same cruise this summer. We have Livorno and Portofino on consecutive days - being that you recommend not doing 2 long excursions back to back would you recommend the 9 hours to Florence or Cinque Terre? Thanks for any suggestions

[@JJCruise]

Great question! Cinque Terre would be our choice but no wrong decision!

[@dianej1714]

I'm very surprised you guys didn't consider the time you wouldn't be able to spend on that big, new ship before you chose it. I think smaller Royal ships with less than 3,000 passengers are the best for a Med cruise.

[@basketballstr710]

Thank you so much for this review! So helpful! We're looking to do a Mediterranean cruise this summer, but one question I did have is do you think that 1 day at each destination is enough/worth it? Thanks again!

[@JJCruise]

It’s a really great taste to see where you want to spend more time in the future. For example, we would have blindly booked a stay in Amalfi and been disappointed. Now we know we prefer Florence and Cinque Terre in Italy 🇮🇹

[@teresamiller5412]

We are headed to Hawaii, Tahiti, NZ, and Australia, we have booked 2 excursions through Airbnb, thanks for tip from another video. RC did not offer many to choose from.

[@JJCruise]

So happy to hear! Have an awesome cruise!!

[@cissyd.2070]

We are doing a Meditation cruise next year on NCL Gem & our prospective was exactly that. The boat isn’t the focus it’s the ports are. For this trip for us anyway.

[@JJCruise]

Yes! Completely true!

[@MICHELLE-ib6ns]

We are taking a cruise to the Med in Oct. Is there a tour company that you recommend? I do not like most of the excursions the cruise is offering. PS: So excited and resting up for this cruise!!

[@michaelb9673]

Did you do this? Last time I did a cruise there my wife bought a leather coat on Florence and we recovered the VAT at the airport before we flew home. We traveled from Barcelona.

[@mcbrides1]

I'm doing Celebrity Reflection next September. We chose this one because it stays the night in La Spezia. We can do Florence one day and La Cinque Terre the other. The rest, we aren't going to the bigger cities.

[@JJCruise]

Good overnight to have!

[@laurenmaureen]

Thank you for all these tips! We’re thinking about a Med cruise for our honeymoon in 2024. Based on your “ugly,” would you say that it’s worth it to have a room with a balcony/sea view, or is that an area you would save money on?

[@JJCruise]

Great question! There is a lot of beauty on the coast but most of your sailing is during dinner and overnight (docked in early mornings). Thus, we would honestly say as long as you are okay with an inside or oceanview cabin, it would be a great way to save money!

[@Asemar162]

Thanks for this information! We are planning Europe for 2025 and will definitely consider these tips and do some additional research before choosing our booking.

[@kaitlynking7513]

We are looking at 2025 as well. The pope has announced a jubilee year. So just be aware of that. I'm actually super disappointed because it's the only year we can feasibly go for a while and it will make it super busy 😭 Have the best time

[@joedonuts13]

I'm going to an Italy and Greek Island cruise in late Oct this year. A couple of the ports are Naples, Sicily and Livorno (Florence). We want to go to Sorrento when at port in Naples, Taormina when in Sicily and Florence when in Livorno. We will probably take excursions because of the long rides to get to the destinations. I have a little apprehension about taking public transportation and getting back to port late so I'll probably pay for the expensive excursions. Thanks for the excellent video!

[@JJCruise]

Have a wonderful time! 🥳