which side of cruise ship is best for mediterranean which side of cruise ship is best for mediterranean

The standard Veranda Staterooms measure 270 square feet and feature plush beds, free Wi-Fi access and flat-screen TVs. Launched in April 2022, Celebrity Beyond is the third ship in the cruise line's Edge Series, capable of holding up to 3,260 passengers and 1,400 crew members. Luckily, youll see incredible views during your cruise whether youre starboard or port side. Although its widely believed that port out, starboard home was something that was created solely to explain the origins of the word posh, a transatlantic sailing is one situation where this mantra really does ring true on westbound crossings, that is. In 2017, Windstar also became the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation, introducing further special itineraries with culinary themes and guest chefs. Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ships Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Mediterranean has a timeless appeal, with its winningcombination of historical treasures, charming port towns, balmysummer weather and fantastic food and drink. There are many things that make cruises different than other types of vacations. Your email address will not be published. What is the best cruise line to cruise with? 2 What is the best month to go on a Mediterranean cruise? On some itineraries, being on the starboard side or port side, may give you a more scenic view as you sail. Choosing the best stateroom for your ideal getaway is understandably an important step in the planning process. As a member of this class, Odyssey of the Seas offers standout amenities like RipCord by iFLY, billed as the only skydiving simulator available at sea, and the FlowRider, a 40-foot-long surf simulator. One of the highlights of Celebrity Beyond is its 4,500-piece art collection, which includes works by travel photographers and international artists. If youre planning a Western Mediterranean cruise, take a look at the departure port and work out which direction your ship will sail. Nicole Scherzinger Named Godmother of P&O Cruises Arvia, Explora Journeys Announces 2024-25 Itineraries for EXPLORA I, P&O Cruises Secures Stellar Line-up for Arvias Naming Ceremony, Princess Cruises Launches 2024 Japan Season, Explora Journeys Reveals Immersive Destination Experiences. While there are a few itineraries where being on the port or starboard side it can make a difference in the scenic view, most cruise ships are sailing round trip and this isnt the case. Recent travelers were wowed by the ship, appreciating its tasteful, minimalist decor. What is the average cost for a Mediterranean cruise? The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship; A beginners guide to picking a cruise line; The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship; A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines; 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly; 15 ways cruisers waste money; 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up Over the last year, I put together a 47 page cruise travel planner that has everything you need as you plan and get ready for your cruise. On 24 January 2012, Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas told the Transportation Committee of the European Parliament that lessons learned from the loss of Costa Concordia would be taken into account. After all, who wants to spend all their time in their cabin when you could be out on deck? Lindblad Expeditions is something else entirely. What is the best side to stay on a cruise ship? Ovation debuted in May 2018, making itthe newest addition to the Seabourn family. Its interesting to know that the origin of the word starboard comes from the Old English words Steor and Bord. In addition to these thrilling activities, the ship comes equipped with standard facilities like pools, an arcade, a spa, a fitness center with classes, kids clubs and shopping venues. Vigo Spains Beautiful Side Streets and Old Town, Enjoying the Musicians and Sites of Old Town Vigo Spain. Arriving at our first port of call; in the City of Vigo, we were excited to disembark and enjoy our day in Spain. That kind of flexibility appeals to me. To avoid confusion, the nautical terms, port and starboard, were adopted as these terms indicate the direction which a sailor is facing. Its not a cruise; we want to curate something, says Sven Lindblad, CEO and founder of the line, which in partnership with National Geographic operates more than a dozen small ships in destinations including Antarctica and the Arctic, Galapagos, and the Mediterranean. By "big ships," we are referring to Oasis or Quantum Class cruise ships. starboard side For optimal weather and adventures aplenty, the best time to cruise the Mediterranean is in the spring, summer or fall season, from early April through late November. Aqua also operates the expedition ship Aqua Blu, which sails through Indonesia. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos, Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, Policy regarding COVID related Discussions. 2 Will Mediterranean cruises resume in 2021? P.S. Plus, travelers in these cabins will have more space: Rooms reach up to 1,448 square feet and may include separate living and dining areas. Those who splurge on upgraded staterooms receive extra perks like priority reservations for excursions, spa treatments and specialty restaurants. The luxury, As the countdown continues to the naming ceremony of the brand-new P&O Cruises ship Arvia, details of the star-studded event have begun to emerge. "Rio was very funny and always wanted to make you laugh. Depending on your cruise itinerary, you may have a preference for a port side or starboard side balcony cabin. Related: Queen Mary 2 Crossing Review and Tips. Compare that with an April or November stop there, where the daily cruise passenger load tops out around 3,000. . How to Market Your Business with Webinars? Also Check: Are There Any Pet Friendly Cruises. Choosing the best stateroom for your ideal getaway is understandably an important step in the planning process. Amenities include multiple pools and shops, as well as a cinema, a live performance theater, a jazz lounge, a spa, a fitness center and a salon. The lines six shipsthree sailing yachts and three all-suite motor yachtsspecialize in visiting ports that ban larger ships, like the Byzantine hilltop town of Monemvasia in the Greek Islands, and the sleepy, palm-fringed island of Bequia in the Windward Islands of the Caribbean. Ill share some tips for Alaska, Hawaii and Transatlantic itineraries, however its always a good idea to ask your travel agent or cruise vacation planner for specific advice. Call your credit card companies before you depart. British MEPJacqueline Foster warned against trial by television and trial by newspapers, a view that was backed by fellow British MEP Brian Simpson, who said that it was good practice to wait for the official report. Sunset in Venice, Italy, a popular Mediterranean cruise destination. At night, enjoy one of four shows at the onboard theater. Facing away from the mainland, youll have views of the colonial Naikoon Provincial Park on the tip of Canadas Graham Island, youll see Petersburg, Alaska, which calls itself Little Norway because of the fantastic views, and you might even be able to see Sitka all the way across the other side of Frederick Sound. Our 13 Night NCL Mediterranean Cruise Itinerary. She was also a very protective friend and would never let anyone mess with you." But, on October 17, 2022, the 21-year-old mysteriously . . I am looking for something that will really get my 1. Second Cruise Port Lisbon, Portugal 08:00 am 05:00 pm. Which is the best port in the Mediterranean? Viking offers a plethora of Mediterranean sailings that travel to a variety of ports. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for USS ENTERPRISE CVAN-65 1963 Navy Cruise Book Mediterranean Larry Flynt Photo HTF at the best online prices at eBay! The Swiss cruise line has just four medium-size shipsthe Lirica classwhich accommodate between 2,000 and 2,600 passengers. Hope you enjoy! Western Mediterranean. Theyrange from casual Norwegian cuisine at Mamsen's to alfresco dining on the Aquavit Terrace. The stateroom you choose depends on what you most want to see. It depends on the number of ships in port and wind and sea conditions. The ship can hold 930 passengers and 465 crew members. A First Hand Review of an Iona Staycation, Jewel of the Seas Review 7 Night Greek Isles Cruise, What to Look Out for On Board Silver Nova. This has, of course, been debunked numerous times over the years (mainly because many of the cruise ships of the 1800s offered relatively few, if any, outdoor staterooms), yet this mantra has stuck around. The port side may be mainly blue with red details, for example, and the starboard side carpet may be mainly red with blue details. Call 1.406.541.2677. Had to do with the side of the ship opposite from the sun where it was cooler. Debuted in September 2021, the 732-passenger, 567-crew member Seven Seas Splendor is the newest ship within the Regent fleet. The 930-passenger Viking Sky which debuted in February 2017 receives rave reviews from past cruisersfor its port-heavy itineraries (fares include one complimentary excursion per port) and luxurious, comfortable staterooms. Read more:The Ultimate Cruise Lingo Glossary: 85 Nautical Terms You Need to Know. Best for Families: Disney Cruise Line. Watch the sun come up from the sweeping windows of Cafe al Bacio with a cappuccino in hand. Should the restaurant be fully booked, guests can dine at one of four other casual and fine dining venues, such as the Japanese-focused Sushiand the buffet-style Colonnade. On board, guests have their pick of 32 food and beverage venues serving everything from Greek to French to Italian cuisine; there are also several cocktail bars and lounges where guests can grab a drink. But. Spend your days relaxing at the spa, playing paddle tennis or bocce ball, working up a sweat on the jogging track or taking a dip in the ship's two whirlpools and two pools, one of which is an infinity-edge pool that stretches along the edge of the ship, providing swimmers with exceptional views of the ocean. To enjoy stunning water views, enjoy Celebrity's "Magic Carpet," a large platform that hangs off the edge of the ship and moves from deck to deck. Carrying 930 passengers, the ship's small size is designed to allow direct access to smaller ports around the world. 10 Tips to Make Your Cruise More Enjoyable. At Mundy Cruising we specialise in ships that carry guests inthe hundreds, rather than the thousands, which makes for a verydifferent atmosphere on board: more intimate, more spacious, with alevel of personalised service that has more in common with aboutique hotel than a mainstream cruise ship carrying 5,000passengers. While many got off the ship to roam around New York, we had a starboard balcony overlooking New York harbor. The first luxury line to sail the Galpagos, Quasar Expeditions is best known for its in-depth trips aboard its two intimate ships that carry fewer than 32 passengers each. There are however, advancements and innovative developments taking place at this very moment to make the experience of sailing past the Statue of Liberty even more spectacular. This wont make a difference if youre booked in an inside cabin. It is comfortable and the service is great. This resort-within-a-resort features villas and suites with added luxuries like plunge pools, hot tubs and butlers. This one-week cruise included five ports of call: Palma de Mallorca, Cagliari, Livorno, Civitavecchia and Barcelona. Part of the magic of setting sail on a cruise is the sunrises and sunsets youll see each day of your vacation. 7 How much does a cruise to the Mediterranean cost? Join me on YouTube at Life Well Cruised (Vlogs and cruise tips), Join me on Pinterest at Life Well Cruised, Join me on Instagram at Life Well Cruised. Enjoy your breakfast alfresco at La Veranda and grub down for lunch at the Pool Grill buffet. Here are our best tips for finding a cheap cruise or cruise deal to the Mediterranean. You May Like: How Far Is Miami Airport To Cruise Port. Once again, this is one situation where the best place for viewing the scenery is out on deck, where you can see both sides of the fjord at once. If you found this helpful, please dont keep it to yourself ;-). #1. On Southbound sailings youll get sunrises and morning sun on the port side and sunsets on the port side. Aqua Expeditions has three river ships: Aria Amazon and Aqua Nera, which sail the Peruvian Amazon, and Aqua Mekong, which traverses the Mekong between Cambodia and Vietnam. In fact, these days, cruise ships might be docked with the starboard facing the cruise port, and vice versa. Launched in May 2021 from Portsmouth, England, Viking Venus features modern amenities and a contemporary design. PORT has 4 letters and ends with the letter T, just like the word LEFT. You can always choose to dine in your stateroom so you get a front-row view every night. But if you're sailing in a balcony or veranda stateroom, you might want to choose to stay on a specific side of the ship based on the direction of your itinerary. I learned this easy tip for remembering Port and Starboard on my first cruise and it always stuck with me. In this post we went over some information about the nautical terms PORT and STARBOARD, how to remember them, as well as some useful information on choosing a cabin based on your itinerary. The other, the Evolution, will allow you to retrace Darwins footsteps in the Galpagos. East Mediterranean And Greece Cruise Tips And Watch Outs. What are Tips to Find Cruise deals to the Mediterranean? During the winter, many locals close up shop, making it difficult for travelers to enjoy the full Mediterranean experience. Im an avid cruiser and have been giving out insider tips for more than 10 years! When in the ports, I'd like to be able to look over the cities while sitting on the verandah. 6 Which is the best cruise line in the Mediterranean? Relax on the lounge chairs of an upper-level pool deck as the sun fades. The Edge is dressed to the nines in contemporary designs and features a diverse array of technologies, amenities, activities and dining venues on board. By You May Like: What Are The Best Cruise Ships For Families. If you want scenic views of land, look on a map and see where the cruise will be departing from. Those who opt for an upgraded stateroom or suite aretreated to additional perks, like priority reservations at the spa and specialty restaurants. Browse cruise itineraries on our website. Pricing: A pitfall of sunny, beautiful weather and mild temperatures in the Mediterranean is rising cruise fares. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. We went off course and watched the volcano and the lava coming down into the ocean for at least two hours, and this was at 11 p.m. at night, Pool says. We had starboard side, my favorite, and we sat on our erandah for breakfast each morning at 5AM ready to slide into port & the workers waving, etc. Port or starboard? Cruise ships dock at the end of Las Ramblas, the main thoroughfare in the old part of the city, so it's easy to leave the ship and simply wander. All accommodations include balconies, flat-screen TVs, king-sized beds, complimentary Wi-Fi access and bathrooms with heated floors. Visit the CDC websitefor additional COVID-19 cruise ship health and safety data. Even within the small ship category you have afantastic breadth of choice in the Mediterranean, from resort-styleships offering dining choices and entertainment venues aplenty, totiny 100-guest vessels that are more like travelling on your ownprivate yacht. Given their size, these ships provide every amenity you can think ofand plenty you cant even imaginefrom waterparks to world-class musical productions to autonomous bars staffed by robots to double-decker suites with slides for the kids. These terms were coined sometime in the 16 th century as the New World colonization came into full swing. Map of ports of call on Norwegian Epic's Western Mediterranean cruise DAY ONE: LEAVING BARCELONA At 6 pm, NCL Epic released her moorings and set sail for Palma de Mallorca, 112 nautical miles southeast of Barcelona. For Istanbul, on one side you have Europe and the other Asia, a pretty spectacular attraction, and your ship will again return from where it has come from, giving you the opportunity to see both. Unless you have a specific preference, staying on either the port or starboard side of the ship shouldnt make any difference to your cruise holiday. Sardinia in Italy has the most beautiful beaches and water I have ever seen. Villefranche-sur-Mel Best Mediterranean Cruise Ports - Greece Athens Cruise Port Recommended by Anda at 'Travel for a While' While Athens isn't a port itself, it has the largest port in Greece-Piraeus, nearby. Go with starboard for sunrises. starboard side of the ship is best to stay on. For those of you that have been on the ship, which side would be the best to book? Keep in mind that the sun always rises in the east and sets in the west. For exciting destinations such as Venice, Istanbul . So, which is best? U.S. News ranks 68 Best Cruises to the Mediterranean based on an analysis of reviews and health ratings. Luxury expedition ships are part of a growing trend that appeal to an adventurous set who also want the finer things in life, like suites with butler service. Using POSH you should book a cabin on the port side of the ship. Celebrity Edge makes sailings acrossthe Caribbean, the Panama Canal and Europe. Other standard in-room amenities include interactive flat-screen TVs, luxurious bath products, bathrobes and slippers, signature queen-size beds and dining tables for two. Join the Cruise Club. However, avid cruisers have experienced rough seas in the spring and summer, so be prepared for anything. When leaving port, be sure to head up to the open decks for a sailaway party, youll be shown key landmarks along the way, as well as some great music, entertainment and an all-round experience to remember. Delfin, the first Relais & Chateaux cruise line, makes the journey incredibly comfortable, offering boutique hotellike accommodations aboard its three rustic-luxe ships. Until it launched Norwegian Epic in 2010, then the Breakaway and Breakaway-plus classes in 2013 and 2015, respectively, Norwegian primarily focused on mid-sized ships that carry around 2,000 passengerswhich still make up the majority of the fleet. 4 What is the best side to stay on a cruise ship? The words port and starboard have been used in the maritime industry for many years for very practical reasons. Plus, guests of The Retreat have exclusive access to a private sundeck, restaurant and lounge, along with an onboard credit that can be used however you see fit. Best Activities: Norwegian Cruise Line. Once upon a time it was generally the "port" side (hence the name) but with busy ports and modern ships that are easier to maneuver and dock, it seems to be about 50/50 as to which side may. Seven Seas Splendor along with most of the line's other ships takes opulence to the next level by equipping each suite with its own private balcony. On the other hand . Viking Sea's staterooms range from 270-square-foot Veranda Stateroomsto the 1,448-square-foot Owner's Suite. They sail down the coast, so the port side of the ship will face the coastline and the starboard side will face the Gulf of Alaska. As an added bonus, each room is equipped with free Wi-Fi access. Best luxury cruise lines in the Mediterranean are: Seabourn Cruise Line and Regent Seven Seas Cruises are the best for the luxury Mediterranean cruises. 5 Do any European cruises depart from us? CC Help Jenn Rough Waters: Cruise travelers might experience rough seas in several places in Europe. While its said that which side of the canal youll sail on is 50/50, ships typically stick to the right where possible. Duanerice1, August 7, 2004 in Celebrity Cruises. MSC Grandiosa is hailed as one of the most . They also found the food delicious and suggested purchasing the upgraded drink package. If watching the sunset every evening is on your bucket list, make sure your chosen dinner time doesnt conflict with the hour that the sun dips below the horizon. A great way to remember port and starboard is to go by the number of letters in each word. Visit the CDC website for additional COVID-19 cruise ship health and safety data. For afternoon tea and light snacks, travelers can stop by Wintergarden, or for a heartier meal, the main dining room, Manfredi's Italian Restaurant or World Caf offer scrumptious European delicacies, Chinese fare and everything in between. Looking to book either the Venice to Barcelona or Barcelona to Venice cruise. On a recent Transatlantic cruise in September, the ship was forced to sail south from Europe to avoid two hurricanes in the Atlantic. Norwegians ships have itineraries all over the world, with many focusing on North America. These are called closed-loop cruises or roundtrip sailings. Currently, the cruise line has scheduled the Cyprus cruise program to run through October 2021. Blog The view on the opposite side is the Gulf of Alaska, also peaceful and beautiful. Visit picturesque seaside villages in Italy, sun-soaked towns in Spain, idyllic islands in Greece, and spectacular beaches in Croatia. Unfortunately, this isnt easy to predict and can change in every cruise port. Welcoming up to 930 passengers, the ship featuresall-veranda staterooms rangingfrom270 to1,448 square feet. The Eastern Med is known more for its beaches and ancient historical sites, offering calls on ports in Turkey and Greece, as well as occasional visits to Croatia, Montenegro, Israel and Russia. 1 Which side of cruise ship is best for Mediterranean? Learn how your comment data is processed. A colorful atmosphere pervades the ships, as guests enjoy everything from water slides to silly pool contests like synchronized swimming to everyones favorite: bingo night. Of course, your cruise ship will rotate a complete 360 degrees at some of the cruising ports like Dawes Glacier and Hubbard Glacier, so you can enjoy incredible views no matter where youre staying on the ship. Silver Spirit. Royal Caribbean's latest ship is the first Quantum Ultra Class vessel to sail in the United States. My pleasure Donna. Celebrity. The ship holds 600 passengers andhasan intimate crew-to-passenger ratio of nearly 1-to-1. Don't miss Gaudi's fantastical buildings or a meal of tapas. Westbound crossings will get more sun on the port side of the ship. Port and starboard were adapted from Old English, specifically in the maritime trading industry. Free shipping for many products! On Northbound Alaska cruises, many people prefer the Starboard side of the ship, where youll see the rugged coastline. Its been a few years now, but I just wanted to share Our NCL Mediterranean Cruise with you. Its an incredibly diverse region, and here in the UK werelucky enough to have the Med right on our doorstep, so its nosurprise that it remains the most popular destination for Britishcruisers year after year. Sailing ships such as the Sea Cloud allow passengers to feel closer to the water. When you enter a fjord, the only way out is to go back again. Our 13 night cruise on board the Norwegian Jade was simply fabulous, offering new and exciting ports of call each and every day. You are closer to areas you want to see, whether its a wildlife area, natural history, or a cultural area, says Lindblad fan Judy Pool of Denver. .css-1ryp3zh{display:none;}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.css-1ryp3zh{display:initial;}}We found you 115 ships. Recommended Reading: What Is The Name Of The Newest Celebrity Cruise Ship. There is no real concern for cabin position on Mediterranean cruise unless you have an individual preference or are looking to see something specific. VAT Registration Number: 295 3678 09. Recommended Reading: Where Do Cruise Ships Dock In Barcelona. If you could use cruise packing lists, to-do checklists, shore excursion forms and more, youll love the Life Well Cruised Ultimate Cruise Planner. U.S. News ranks 68 Best Cruises to the Mediterranean based on an analysis of reviews and health ratings. Related:;75 Genius Cruise Hacks and Tips: Get Organized, Save Money, Cruise Better, You May Like: What Is Concierge On Disney Cruise. Will Mediterranean cruises resume in 2021? The key attraction is The Statue of Liberty and a regular question from our clients is which side of the ship they should book to get the best views. Regent Seven Seas markets itself as the world's most luxurious cruise line, so its hefty price tag makes sense. Alternatively, the open decks are always ready and available for you to capture the magnificent entrance to the Panama Canal. Where are the best beaches in the Mediterranean? If youre planning a Western Mediterranean cruise, take a look at the departure port and work out which direction your ship will sail. ;Day 1 Ship departs Southampton, Great Britain; First Cruise Port Vigo, Spain 08:00 am 05:00 pm. For fine dining, there's The Restaurant, Manfredi's Italian Restaurant and The Chef's Table, which touts a multicourse tasting menu with wine pairings. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Recommended Reading: When Is Jungle Cruise Coming Out. Visit Santorini in June or July and you will find yourself fighting for breathing room among as many as 15,000 other cruise ship passengers. Your email address will not be published. . How much does a cruise to the Mediterranean cost? Collectible European & Mediterranean Broadswords, Cruise Ship Model, Collectible Ancient European & Mediterranean Gladius; When sailing round trip to Alaska from Seattle or Vancouver, youll see different parts of the coast at different times, so either starboard or port side is just fine. We all had a great afternoon enjoying the sites and sounds of Vigo on a beautiful summers day in Spain! This minimizes confusion for anyone navigating any kind of vessel, including a cruise ship. Viking offers a plethora of Mediterranean sailings that travel to a variety of ports. But a small ship cruise opens up a wholedifferent side to the Mediterranean, allowing you to visit thesmaller ports and secluded bays that a bigger ship just cantreach. Wind Surf 10 Night Sicilian Splendors 10d Cvv-cvv 247 Reviews Leaving: Rome Cruise Line: Windstar Cruises Itinerary Ship Reviews Full Details No prices currently available for this sailing.. MSC sailings are quite lively, especially at night, with many guests partying at nightclubs into the late hours. #2. So it really comes down to chance. Although propulsion systems tend now to be relatively quiet electric pods with small propeller blades rather than a big whirring drive shaft, there can be more vibration at the stern of the ship. Best luxury cruise lines in the Mediterranean are: Seabourn Cruise Line and Regent Seven Seas Cruises are the best for the luxury Mediterranean cruises. Best Small Ship Cruise: Windstar Cruises. The line has just two ocean-going vessels, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, which both have capacities of fewer than 1,000 passengers and sail global itineraries. Luckily, youll see incredible views during your cruise whether youre starboard or port side. The plus: Rear-facing staterooms are popular because they provide panoramic vistas and a nostalgic view of where youve beenwith the ships wake marking the path. What's more, with a roughly 2-to-1 passenger-to-crew ratio, service across the ship will be spot on. Hi All, Im Ilana. These are called closed-loop cruises or roundtrip sailings. Whats the best side to stay on for an Alaska cruise? A good suggestion is to join a roll call for your specific cruise where you can discuss all things related to your cruise, and get some great advice and share information with others on your sailing. You'll find plenty of evening entertainment options, too, including themed bars and lounges, a club and a theatershowcasing a variety of productions. For Southbound cruises, you may want to have a Port side cabin. Then there was the time in Indonesia when the captain got word that a volcano was erupting. When on the cruise ship and get off the elevators, its easy to get disorientated and forget if youre on the port or starboard side. Many ships will turn at glaciers, when it is safe to do so, allowing passengers on both sides of the ship to get some great photos. Three more ships are scheduled to be added to the fleet between 2022 and 2023. Which side of cruise ship is best for Mediterranean? Which side of a cruise ship is better? Le Boreal. Which side of the ship is best for Mediterranean cruises? Amenities range from complimentary fitness classes to spa and salon treatments to a deck with private cabanas and a whirlpool. It cost $12,600 a person to stay in a double-occupancy concierge suite, which included taxes, port fees, food, drinks, flights, a hotel before the ship's departure, gratuities, and everything else on the ship. However, if youre in an ocean view or balcony cabin, you may have a preference for one side of the ship versus the other. Mediterranean cruises typically depart anywhere from Atlantic-facing Lisbon, Portugal, to the west to Istanbul, Turkey, to the east, with literally hundreds of ports (some points of embarkation) in between. Powered by Invision Community. This means that portside cabins will often overlook the canal and the other ships passing by, while starboard cabins will look out over land, including the cities of Panama and Colon when sailing from the east coast of the USA, and the small town of Las Cumbres when sailing from the Caribbean. Search 1000s of cruisesfor your next holiday. Book the Baltra Island itinerary, where youll work your way from San Cristobal Island to Baltra, and explore all the central and southern islands of the archipelago in between.