Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Carnival Destinations: Mediterranean Western & Atlantic Islands

carnival mediterranean cruise

The port has capacity to accommodate the world’s largest passenger ships of Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class (LOA length 362 m, max capacity 6780 passengers plus 2400 crew). This breathtaking palace is located in the Beşiktaş district, in the European part of the Bosphorus Strait, a 25-minute walking distance from Galataport and only a few minutes walk from Salı Pazarı cruise port. The seaport is managed by Autoridad Portuaria de Santa Cruz de Tenerife (port authority company). The cruise port is located just 10 km (6 mi) from Tenerife North Airport and approx 60 km (37 mi) from Tenerife South Airport. The city's bus service is excellent, and it is also easy to pick a taxi almost everywhere. As cruise port, Tenerife is also ranked Spain's second busiest - after Barcelona, handling nearly 1 million cruise ship passengers annually.

Getting Around Istanbul Turkey

The Lido/buffet area was much nicer than any other Carnival ship I have been on. I know you're probably anxious to see the ship and hear about the actual cruise, but I wanted to share one last thing we did in Barcelona prior to boarding our ship... Cruises are a wonderful, worry-free way to explore the great cities of Europe. About three-quarters of all European cruises are Mediterranean cruises, and the other one-fourth are cruises of the British Isles and Northern Europe.

Dolmabahçe Palace

It is dominated by the Monument to the Cadiz Parliament and Constitution in 1812. In 1812 Cadiz was the capital of Spain as the rest was taken by the Napoleonic army. Therefore it was feasible to sign the very first constitution of Spain in Cadiz. Make sure to have a close look as it is full of beautiful historical details.

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

The entrance fee to Galata Tower is 650 TL per person, and there is free entrance for children under 7 years old. There is an elevator inside the tower that takes you to the 7th floor however the last 2 floors where the observation deck is located can only be reached by climbing the stairs. Galata Tower is nowadays a modern museum with a 51.65 m (169.5 ft) observation deck that you can climb and admire the most spectacular panoramic 360-degree views of Istanbul.

Greece and Turkey

It was commissioned by Suleiman the Magnificent and today you can visit the octagonal mausoleums of Suleiman the Magnificent and his wife Hurrem Sultan within the mosque’s complex. The Grand Bazaar (known also as Kapalıçarşı) is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world and one of the best places to shop and see in Istanbul. In the 15th century, Sultan Mehmet II began the construction of a covered bazaar near his palace, originally dedicated to the sale of fabrics and silks. The Gate of Felicity is one of the most important places in the palace because it was the place where the Sultan used to host the most important celebrations. The original name of this imposing mosque is Sultan Ahmed Mosque, built in honor of the sultan who ordered its construction in the 17th century.

Also, there is no entrance fee and no visitors are allowed during the praying times. The Mediterranean region has a temperate climate, but it still gets chilly in the spring and fall and can be brutally hot in the summer. Check the weather before your sail date and pack for the predicted temperatures — with layers, in case the forecasters are wrong and it's unseasonably hot or cold. It's a good idea to book your Mediterranean cruise early, even nine to 12 months in advance. You can take advantage of early booking discounts and promotions and have the widest selection of available cabins and suites and dining times (if applicable).

In the 1980’s a couple of warehouses in the city burned down. Systematic excavation showed it was an entire Roman Theater. The sight is not always open, but why not try as you walk by. The most prominent, well-known landmark is without doubt the cathedral.

carnival mediterranean cruise

You don't need a guide or anything - just set aside an hour or two to wander through it. There are a couple of small bars within the market where you can order coffee, wine and small snacks in case you get hungry. Hashtag your cruise photos #carnival and #rome — you may see them right here. Of course, North Americans taking Mediterranean cruise vacations will need a passport to fly to and from their ship's departure and arrival ports.

10 Best Cruises That Stay in Port Late and Overnight - Cruise Critic

10 Best Cruises That Stay in Port Late and Overnight.

Posted: Tue, 07 Jan 2020 08:00:00 GMT [source]

The varied choices of itineraries, cruise lines and ships can be intimidating, but rest assured, you can't really go wrong with any of them. Just know that once you go, you may feel a need to return — either to see a port you loved more in-depth on a land vacation or to sail to the Mediterranean countries you missed on your first go-round. Most major cruise lines send at least one ship to the Mediterranean every year. Even Carnival Cruise Line, known for its affordable cruises out of U.S. home ports, offers some Mediterranean sailings, as does Disney Cruise Line, which typically bases its ships near its theme parks. You can find a variety of weeklong Mediterranean cruises, but if you've got the time, nine- to 14-night sailings are not uncommon. Seven-night cruises are best if you're short on time or want to tack on a few days in Barcelona, Rome or Athens before or after your cruise.

A taxi ride from Istanbul port to Topkapi Palace takes less than 10 minutes. Remember that the dress code is enforced if you decide to visit the interior of the mosque (no exposed shoulders or legs) and visitors should remove footwear (bring socks). If needed, there is a free-of-charge rental place for headscarves and long skirts.

carnival mediterranean cruise

I actually always enjoyed the garish designs of Farcus on previous Carnival ships, but this had a "classy" feel to it. This is the first time I've ever tried writing a review or uploading photos to CruiseCritic... Hashtag your cruise photos #carnival and #naples — you may see them right here. Today, you'll feel the friendly spirit of this sunny metropolis as you sample its historic sights, fabulous shopping galleria and irresistible cuisine.

If you decide to take public transport, then head over to the closest tram station to the port, get off at Gülhane station and walk around 10 minutes to the Palace. Topkapi Palace is mostly wheelchair friendly however some buildings are not wheelchair accessible. In the heart of the palace, you will find the Chamber of Holy Relics, featuring the Clock of Prophet Muhammed, a hair of his beard, and many other important relics of the Muslim World. Another place to visit is the Imperial Harem or Imperial Quarters, a place where the Sultan, his concubines, and his family used to live. It comprises nearly 300 rooms, 9 baths, 2 mosques, and a hospital. The Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi) ranks among the most representative buildings in Istanbul.

If you've never been to Europe, you may feel overwhelmed by destination choices. If you know which ports are on your must-see list, you might be more stumped by which cruise line to choose or which specific itinerary will be the best for you. In the 16th century it was already the centre of urban activity and it still is. Take in the atmosphere and visit on of the many Paella of ice cream spots here. Somewhere hidden in the streets of Cadiz is where you’ll find the central market. You’ll find over a 100 vendors here that all sell their local specialties.

With its imposing minarets, mosques, majestic palaces and rich tourist offers, Istanbul is a perfect cruise destination that you will always want to return to (as one day in Istanbul is certainly not enough). Since your time in port is limited, I suggest taking an organized shore excursion if you are in Istanbul for the first time, as it will give you an overview of the city’s history, culture, and major highlights. The Grand Bazaar is located within a 15-minute walk of Sultanahmet Square, Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. From the cruise port, a taxi should cost around 150 TL per taxi.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Katy Trail Outpost: The best patio and burgers in Plano, Texas

Table Of Content Katy Trail Ice House "Outpost" Officially Takes Over Bandito's Spot in Plano Katy Trail Icehouse Outpost brin...