A Great Cruise but... - Western Mediterranean "Ports" Review by Principal Traveler

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Home > Member Reviews > Principal Traveler's Port Reviews of Rome (Civitavecchia), Naples, Crete, Santorini, Kusadasi, Mykonos

Principal Traveler's Port Reviews of Rome (Civitavecchia), Naples, Crete, Santorini, Kusadasi, Mykonos
Celebrity Solstice cruise in July 2011

Member Name:	Principal Traveler
Cruise Date:	July 2011
Embarkation:	Barcelona
Destination:	Western Mediterranean
Member Review:	Principal Traveler's Celebrity Solstice Review

	Rome (Civitavecchia) Port Rating: Understand that the boat lands in Civitavecchia (about an hour's drive from Rome)so a ship excursion may be the best way to go. Our all-day excursion included guided tours of the Colosseum and the Vatican. In addition to the tour guide on the bus, an additional tour guide joined us in Rome who was so knowledgeable about the history of each of the sites. Lunch, at a rooftop hotel restaurant overlooking the city, was splendid. Rome in the summer is very crowded so expect crowds at each of the sights.
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	Naples Port Rating: Naples itself is not a very attractive or interesting stop but it's a prime vantage point for so many nearby historical and recreational sites. We took a fantastic excursion by mini-van to the Amalfi Coast with sufficient time spent In Positano and Sorrento. Lunch in a luxury hotel overlooking the water was another highlight. The afternoon tour of Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius was unforgettable- everything we had hoped to learn and see and then some. An outstanding excursion!
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	Crete Port Rating: We made an unanticipated sop in Crete due to the fact that unrest in Athens precluded our landing there. Crete was a "real" city- I so enjoyed visiting the central market and walking around town. The "Hop On, Hop Off" bus offered a complete tour of the island at a reasonable price. All in all, I was glad that we made a stop in this historic port.
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	Santorini Port Rating: Santorini is a magical place! Located at the top of a volcanic crater, Santorini features all white buildings, narrow streets and a rocky locale that is pictured in many of Greece's publicity photos. You need not book an excursion to enjoy Santorini- there are three ways to access the town after arriving on the island via tender. Most people take the cable car which is quick and cheap. Some brave souls took a donkey or walked up the stairs, both torturous ways in light of the heat, smell and height. Just wander around Santorini browsing shops, marvelling at the vistas and eating, as we did, at a small, out-of-the way, restaurant. You needn't spend more than three-four hours to enjoy the Santorini experience.
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	Kusadasi Port Rating: Kusadasi is a small city of contradictions. It epitomizes the Turkish experience in its many shops, grand bazaar, bargaining atmosphere and Turkish food delights. However, it is also the location of modern condominiums and new construction for newly retired Europeans. Of course, the highlight of Kusadasi is a visit to Ephesus, an ancient city whose ruins resemble Pompeii and whose story is just as remarkable. Since Ephesus is about a half-hour from Kusadasi, a ship excursion might be the best way to go.
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	Mykonos Port Rating: Another world renowned and photographed town, Mykonos is a labyrinth of streets filled with shops, restaurants and hotels. Getting lost in Mykonos is part of the fun. The windmills located at the top of the island are its singular tourist attraction. If you plan to visit beaches, you'll need to take an excursion to the other side of the island- otherwise, three-four hours are sufficient to enjoy the sights and sounds of Mykonos.
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