The Mediterranean coastline, with its rich blend of culture, history, and landscapes, has since long been a favorite getaway for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation.
While there are many ways to explore this stunning region, two primary options by sea, cruise, and ferry, stand apart from the others.
That said, since both modes of travel offer a unique experience, choosing between the two can be quite challenging. To help you decide what is the best, we delve into the pros and cons of each in this article.
Cruises are alluring
Cruises have become synonymous with comfort, convenience, and luxury for an upscale travel experience. In fact, a Mediterranean cruise is the perfect vacation for those looking to explore multiple destinations, without the hassle of planning for every step of the journey.
Moreover, these five-star floating hotels provide a wealth of amenities, plus high class entertainment and dining options. From opulent sea-facing suites with private sit-outside to comfortable cabins, cruises can cater to every taste and budget.
A significant advantage of taking a cruise is that you can hop from one port of call to another without having to pack and unpack repeatedly.
A Mediterranean cruise covers some of the most iconic destinations such as Rome, Barcelona, and Dubrovnik along with Greek gems like Mykonos, Santorini, and the spectacular Amalfi Coast.
Cruise guests can enjoy land excursions on these exotic places and also enjoy a host of onboard activities, ensuring that there is never a dull moment on the entire trip
Despite the overwhelming popularity of cruises, there are many travelers who are reluctant to go on one. The structural nature of a typical cruise itinerary can feel a bit restrictive.
Port stops are limited at times, which might not be sufficient to explore the destination fully. Also, the cost of cruise is quite high, especially after including shore excursions and gratuities.
Ferries can be flexible
Ferries appeal to those travelers who need a bit of flexibility and wish to have a deeper immersion of the local culture. Unlike cruise ships, ferries ply between two destinations and are convenient for those wanting to explore the Mediterranean coast independently.
Another distinct advantage of traveling by ferry is that it allows guests to stay at a destination for a longer time to allow for better interaction with the locals.
For instance, after exploring the historical sites of Athens, one can catch a ferry to the tranquil Greek islands and then head to Spain to enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Ibiza.
Ferries are also typically more budget-friendly and offer an economical way to travel between Mediterranean destinations. There are no hidden costs for meals or onshore activities as passengers are supposed to make their own arrangements.
However, ferry travel also comes with its own set of drawbacks. The level of comfort on a ferry is not comparable with cruise ships and they don’t have a comprehensive entertainment and dining plan.
Additionally, bad weather can play an important role in ferry schedules and frequent disruptions delays or even cancellations can happen.
Choosing between the two
Cruises offer luxury and convenience and a comprehensive travel package, which is ideal for those who want minimal planning.
On the other hand, ferries provide an authentic travel experience and the opportunity to create your own itinerary.
Finally, no matter what you choose, in the end the Mediterranean coast-hopping adventure is the clear winner.