Hello. I come bearing good news:
I will be officially going on my first HAL cruise next year! And what better to start out with than the Nieuw Amsterdam?
Here's the basics:
June 5th, July 18th and August 23rd all in consideration. Although I'm leaning towards July 18th.
Stops: 5 countries (Italy, Croatia, Montenegro, Greece and Turkey)
I have three questions:
1. Is this a good pick for someone new to HAL?
2. Is July 18th the best date?
3. Should I book mostly or entirely HAL shore excursions, or do third-party shore excursions?
Interests: History, Culture
Not athletic
Nieuw Amsterdam / Venice / 12 nights
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Well, IMHO any cruise is the worst way tosee euroep - since yousee a whole lot of the boat and not very much of europe. If you love cruising - fine - but undestand what you're missing.
If you really want to go on this cruise, go on the June 5 one, when there ae fewer tourists already clogging up the streets and sights.
I suggest you post this on the cruises forum to get answers about shore excursions. Most of us here don't do cruises and would not be able to advise you.
How many days per country? I'm amazed at what they are offering.
At two days per country, it seems to me you are not really seeing much of anything.
Not many cruise fans on the Europe forum!
I've looked at the itinerary for the July 18th cruise, and it includes 7 port calls, the shortest 6 hours (Montenegro), and the longest 25 hours (Istanbul). The other 5 port calls are between 8 and 12 hours each. There are 3 days when you don't get off the ship at all.
Personally I'm not a cruise fan either, but can see the appeal of a quick taste of 5 different countries without having to unpack your suitcase. If the idea a a cruise appeals to you, go for it! Then plan another trip when you can spend more time in the places you enjoyed most.
June 5th for sure, unless you are really a heat lizard!
I see you are getting negative feedback about the cruise but to see this part of Europe it works pretty well. 25 hours in Istanbul is enough to get a nice feel for the city and hit the highlights. Istanbul is easy on your own or pay for a small group / private guide. Ship excurisons are IMO the least desirable option. Rick Steves has recently published a hand Med ports guide that I would think cover many of your ports.
HAL IMO is a bit stodgy - you do not mention your age - personally I like Celebrity. And finally go go go to Cruise Critic for much better info and find a roll call to connect with fellow travelers and possibly form small groups for more personalized shore excursions.
I did Europe by train for over 15 years, lately have done several cruises. You do lose a bit by being on the ship but there are advantages as well. Do your homework so you can maximize you time on the land and be sure to leave some time for lunch and cafe sitting!