-Hi, I'm Rick Steves. I've spent the last 30 years exploring Europe
from every conceivable angle, and now it's time
to check it out the way millions of people are: yep, we're on a cruise ship, and we're sailing
the Mediterranean. Welcome aboard. ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ Cruising is really popular
these days. In this special, I'd like to
explore the ins and outs and pros and cons
of this travel option. Sailing from Barcelona to Athens
with stops all along the way, I'll toggle
from a floating resort to exciting days on shore -- nearly each day
in a different country. Massive cruise ships serve
as both transportation and a floating hotel. From our ship, we'll visit
some of the great ports of the Mediterranean and venture inland to
some of Europe's iconic sights. We'll savor
romantic island getaways and some lazy time
on the beach. We'll learn how to make the most
of the cruising experience -- avoiding lines,
eating quick but local -- while exercising independence to get the most out
of limited time on shore. Along with the efficiencies
of cruising, we'll show the downsides -- the inevitable congestion
and commercialization that comes with mass tourism. And, as we sail
from port to port, we'll enjoy our time
on board the ship -- a virtual playground at sea. While these skills work on
any cruise itinerary, we'll be cruising
the Mediterranean. I'm not here to promote
or put down cruising. For some people,
it's a great choice, and for others it's not. Cruising can be economical
with your transportation, room, and meals all included
at one price. It can be ideal for those who
want everything taken care of for their vacation, and it can also be
an efficient platform for independent types who want
to shape their own adventures each day. Ships can be huge. Ours has about 3,000 passengers
with 1,500 crew scrambling to keep everyone
well-served, safe, and happy. Is it good travel?
That's up to you. The way I see it,
of the guests on this ship, a third of them
are just looking for a floating alternative
to Las Vegas, a third of them
are "bucket list" tourists just checking things
off their list, and a third of them are independent-minded travelers -- well-prepared, and eager
to hit the ground running as soon as that gangway
hits the pier. Whereever you start, you'll need to pack
a little extra patience. It's a big logistical challenge
to get several thousand people and their bags into their
staterooms on the first day. Once on board, I do one thing
right off the bat: move in thoroughly. Staterooms, while thoughtfully
designed, are tight, so make things ship-shape. If you use all
your available storage space, and are constantly on guard
against clutter, there's plenty of room. I rarely use drawers
in hotel rooms, but this is my home
for my entire vacation. You just move in once --
so do it right away, move in fully, and establish
your ship-shape standards. On a cruise, you can get away
with packing heavier. I bring more clothes than usual. How dressy you need to be is a matter of which
cruise line you choose and your personal style. As cruising has become
accessible to the middle class, it's also become more casual. This is as dressy as I get. Most people pack
three kinds of outfits: smart casual for evenings, leisure wear for poolside
and relaxing on the ship, and practical travel clothing
for time on shore. Okay, I'm moved in
and we're on our way. We'll be in the French Riviera
in the morning. We're settling into the rhythm
of a Mediterranean cruise: sail at night and explore
a different port each day. By the way, have some fun
with the key nautical terms: I'm standing near the front --
that's the bow. The back? It's the stern. Left is port,
and right is starboard. And remember: it's not a "boat," it's a "ship." Make a point on departure day to get to know
your floating home. Take advantage of the signage
to understand the layout. Modern ships are
smartly designed. This ship has 1,500 state rooms
on 12 decks gathered around a central atrium where you'll find places to
shop, hang out, eat, and drink. ♪♪ In this floating resort, the top deck
with its swimming pool is the equivalent of the beach. When it comes to fun in the sun, poolside seems to be
the center of the universe. But if you crave
the tranquility of a park, this ship has actual grass. I don't know what happened
shuffleboard, but a little bocce ball
will do just fine. Cruising can work well
for families and for groups
traveling together. Each person can pick and choose
how much to see and do both on land and at sea and still get together
for dinner every evening. And cruising also works
for people who can't walk well or who are less active. The entire ship is as accessible
as any modern resort. Along with the advantages
cruising, has its downsides. Many would say it can insulate
you from the "real Europe." You're going to
the most famous places and seeing them at the same time with thousands
of other tourists. That's just the nature
of cruising. Those who don't make a concerted
effort at minimizing the crowds may come home with memories
of congestion and lots of wasted time. Cruise ships drop large numbers
of people in the same place at the same time. Small ports
can be overwhelmed by crowds when the ship's in port, even worse when several ships
are there on the same day. And then,
when the ships sail away, the port suddenly becomes less
crowded and more romantic -- something cruisers
won't experience because they're back on the ship
heading to the next port. Many cruisers are not
very energetic sightseers. If you are,
get out early as possible and come back late as you can. Doing this,
you'll enjoy fewer crowds and more unforgettable moments. [ Laughter ] Because ships sail at night, you rarely enjoy a
characteristic dinner on shore or the romance of a town
after dark. Having said that, I enjoy evenings on the ship -- hanging out with new friends and thinking about
tomorrow's destination. So, tomorrow it's
the French Riviera. The cruise line sells
a selection of excursions for every port. Early on, it's good to review
what's offered, decide which tours -- if any --
are right for you, and book them. The excursion desk is dedicated to explaining
and selling the many onshore tours
and activities. With each port, you've got
sightseeing options: You can take
the organized bus tour and be on their timetable, or, you can hire a private guide. You can use a guidebook
and be your own guide, or you can just hang out
and be thoroughly on vacation. There's no right or wrong -- it depends on your mood
and your style. Many cruise travelers invest in the cruise line's
shore excursions. Excursions can be
active or easy, fully guided, or just providing transportation
and free time. While pricey, they can also be
a time- and cost-effective way to cover those must-see
sights and experiences. And there's usually
a bus-tour option designed for people
with limited mobility. But, as these tours
target the touristy cliches and many buses hit the same sights at the same time, you'll often be right
in the thick of the crowds. If you're not purchasing the
cruise ship sightseeing package, you've got an array
of fine alternatives. Mediterranean ports
seem to be designed as springboards
for independent travelers. In most port terminals, you'll
find reputable local companies offering essentially the same
tours as the cruise lines for a fraction of the cost. Another option:
Book a private guide in advance. It's a comfort
to be met at the port with a warm personal welcome. Legions of private guides
earn their living serving cruisers directly. ou can book a guide
and share the cost -- four people
hiring a guide with a car costs about the same as four people
taking the cruise excursion. And with a guide, you get
your own private teacher... ...you're sure to know
the way to the summit... and you enjoy the freedom
to go at your own pace. And you can simply be
your own guide. You'll find helpful
tourist offices, and most ports are
well-served by public transit. Independent types and those
on a tight budget can use a guide book. There are handy guidebooks designed to help you get the
most out of your time in port, and taking advantage of apps featuring self-guided walks
on your smartphone empowers
the independent traveler with plenty of
good touring information. In many big cities, hop-on-hop-off companies offer
do-it-yourselfers economic
and efficient transportation. Buses meet the cruise ships
at the port and offer big loop tours,
connecting major sights, letting you hop off and on
all day long, and dropping you
back at the port. And remember,
you're on vacation. You have the option
to do nothing. Anyone can simply walk or
catch a ride to the town center and just enjoy a free day --
shopping, browsing,
sipping a local drink, or soaking up some sun
on the beach. Be creative. Mix it up. Your goal: to get the most out
of your vacation time and money, enjoy the best experiences, and have fun. Some stops feel made-to-order
for town hopping. For example, the French Riviera. Many ships put in
at Nice or Monte Carlo. But we're dropping the hook
in Villefranche and "tendering" -- or, shuttling -- in. And this fabled coastline is ideal for the well-organized
independent cruiser. With the help of the tourist
office in the port and the handy
coastal train connections -- towns are about
20 minutes apart -- we split our day between
the three delightful towns. In Nice:
Browse the morning market... stroll the elegant promenade... and hang out on the beach. ♪♪ In Monaco: Check out the toy
soldier changing of the guard in the tiny country's palace... [ Marching band music plays ] ...lose some money
at the casino... ...and browse the yachts we'll
no longer be able to afford. And back in Villefranche,
within sight of our ship, enjoy the last hour
at the beach, and run out the clock
exploring the old waterfront. We've caught the last tender. Security on board
is taken very seriously, and it's efficiently organized. Because everyone
swipes in and out with their identity cards, at any given moment the staff knows exactly
who's on the ship and who's still on shore. With everyone back on board,
it's time to haul anchor and sail away. I'm into the rhythm now. After a full day of sightseeing,
I'm ready to relax: stowed my wallet in the room,
got comfortable, and I'm looking forward
to dinner and an evening at sea. By the way, even with
so many people on board, I'm impressed by
how it rarely feels crowded. If you want quiet,
you can find it. If you're in the mood
to socialize, you can enjoy
an impromptu balcony party with friends
you've made on board. And, if you want more action,
there is always lots going on. [ Lively music plays ] It seems any excuse for a party
is good enough. Full moon tonight. Yep, it's the "full moon" party. ♪♪ One thing I like about cruising is how easy it is
to meet people. ♪♪ People who are young at heart. ♪♪ ♪♪ Many major cruise destinations
are actually landlocked and far from the sea. For example, Florence. Our ship docks in La Spezia
a couple hours away by bus or train. Like in many cruise ports,
we arrive in a gritty world of shipping containers and cranes. And from this springboard,
lots of eager travelers are up and out early
to catch their tour buses. Like thousands of
other travelers, today we're heading
into Florence, and most of us have the same
great sites in mind -- Michelangelo's David
and the Uffizi Gallery. Taking the cruise lines tour, I know I'll get a quick blitz of
the great sights of Florence. The tour includes
transportation, reservations
for the big attractions, a professional guide, and the assurance that we'll make it
back to the ship on time. Florence is one of those places
everybody wants to see, and almost everybody wants
to see the same sights. You won't be alone. While those without reservations will waste lots of precious time
in lines, with a tour,
you'll be more efficient, certain to see the glories
of the Florentine Renaissance -- Brunelleschi's
magnificent dome... Botticelli's Birth of Venus... and Michelangelo's David. ♪♪ Cruise ships are businesses. They need to make money, and there's not much profit
in the base cost of a trip. So they need to make more money
from land excursions and from extras you buy
while on board -- things like gambling,
photography, shopping, and alcohol. As smart consumers, it's important
to understand the game plan. It's possible technically
to do the entire cruise with no extra expenses on board, but extras are enticing. They're cleverly sold, and your purchases
can really add up. It's a cashless world
on the ship. Along with getting you
into your state room, your handy ID card
is how you buy things. On board,
there're lots of temptations, and purchases feel painless --
like it's almost free, until you check out and get the
grand total for your final bill. As the sun rises over
the volcano Mount Vesuvius, we reach our next stop,
Naples. It's one of Europe's most
intense yet rewarding cities, and the cruise terminal
is right downtown. Naples is a jumping off point
for many great sites. You can tour Pompeii,
the ancient Roman city destroyed by the eruption
of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79, enjoy the jaw-dropping beauty of
the Amalfi Coast with a stop at chic Positano, and a visit to the romantic
Isle of Capri with its famous Blue Grotto. Or simply venture
into the city center from the cruise terminal. A short walk takes you into
the heart of this urban jungle with neighborhoods bursting with Naples' distinctive
basso living -- or, "life in the streets" -- and the best pizza
you may ever taste. The food on our ship is good, but it generally ignores
the cuisine of whatever port we're visiting. So for lunch,
rather than fast food or some forgettable sandwich, choose authentic local food
designed to be eaten quickly. And here in Naples,
it's got to be pizza. Each country has its quick
and easy go-to meal. It's tapas in Spain. My favorite Barcelona tapas
bars are Basque style. You just grab what looks good and then count the toothpicks
on your plate to figure out how much you owe. In France,
I love a good salade niçoise. What better lunch in Nice? In Greece, a souvlaki pita
is fast, tasty, and cheap. And in Istanbul, it's fresh fish
right off the big, tipsy dingy. [ Conversation
in native language ] This is Istanbul fast food. Occasionally,
when the distance between ports is longer than
an overnight ride, the ship spends
an entire day at sea. You know, one of
my favorite things about a Mediterranean cruise
is the day at sea -- sleep in, leisurely brunch,
read a book, just hang out by the pool. For activities on board,
each evening a printed program with a busy schedule
for the next day lands on your bed. Cruise lines work hard to make
time on the ship enjoyable. They arrange something
for everyone. Poolside is ground zero
for fun and relaxation outdoors. Every day is filled with
ship-sponsored activities like dance classes. And there are plenty of other
ways to enjoy the sunny hours on deck. ♪♪ The port of Athens is Piraeus, another industrial springboard
serving a popular destination. While Athens
is perfectly tourable for the independent traveler, many opt for
the cruise line's excursion. Cruise lines excel
in efficiency. Before leaving the ship, tourists meet in the theater, get their tour group number, are escorted
to their awaiting bus, and meet the guide. Within minutes,
they're on their way as he narrates the ride into
town with information about the leading city
of ancient Greece, the home of Socrates and Plato, and everyone's got
their sights on the Acropolis. Our group converges
with other groups, and everyone clamors up
the famous hill. While cruisers are unavoidably
a part of this crush, guides do a good job of managing
the cruise ship rush hour each morning. Once on top, tourists marvel
at the iconic Parthenon as guides do their best
to bring the ruins to life. And from the summit
of this historic bluff, all are rewarded
with a commanding view of sprawling Athens. After each day of sightseeing, back at the ship passengers
enjoy the ritual "welcome." A cool cloth
and a refreshing drink, and they're back home
in their floating resort. Our last two stops
are fabled Greek islands in the Aegean Sea. The isle of Mykonos comes with a classic
whitewashed Greek port. While a small island
with a small main town, it's a standard stop
for the big cruise ships. As always, it's smart
to get an early start. We caught the first tender, beat the crowds,
and beat the heat. It's easy to enjoy Mykonos Town with no planning, no tour,
and no guide. This is a stop which lends
itself to unstructured free time just lazing on the beach,
wandering, and browsing the shops. Like most Greek islands, Mykonos
offers a range of beaches. The most trendy is Paradise -- one of the ultimate
party scenes in the Aegean. The Paradise action
is non-stop. The deejay's busy all day as the cruise set
joins the backpackers from around the world
to make the scene. As is standard around here, beaches rent comfortable lounge
furniture with umbrellas. Just plop onto whatever appeals. Don't worry,
drinks will come to you. Back on the ship, we set sail
for our last Greek island. By the nature of a cruise
schedule, dinners are at sea. Food is unlimited
and generally included. Traditionally,
there's one big dining room where cruisers have
a set table and dining time with the same table mates and a chance to
get to know their server. But that's changing
as people want less formality and more flexibility. Now there are more choices. Cafes, snack bars,
and a burger grill poolside. Stand by
is a sprawling cafeteria with a huge
and efficient selection of food available at almost any hour. And ships also offer
a variety of higher quality specialty restaurants. These are more formal,
often require reservations, and come with a surcharge. If you don't mind
the extra fee, they can be a romantic
and tasty splurge. Many cruise lines still have
"formal night" about once a week, usually on
the day at sea. While this is becoming
more optional, the personality of the ship
changes on these evenings. On our ship, the dress code
was called "casual chic" rather than "formal." If you don't wanna dress up,
no problem. Just steer clear
of the formal areas. But for many people
this is the time to put on a suit and tie
or a glamorous gown. When you're dressed up, a moment
like this at sea by moonlight is especially romantic. ♪♪ The isle of Santorini
is like none other. About 1,600 years before Christ,
it blew its top, leaving
just its dramatic caldera or flooded volcano crater. Santorini
is everything you imagined in your Aegean dreams -- whitewashed villages with
evocative windmills, a ruined Venetian fortress, black-sand beaches, and your own getaway
for a quiet lunch. It's an island
you could explore for days, but with even a short visit, you sail away
so glad you came. A cruise can be
what you make of it -- a pre-packaged travel cliche or a springboard
for the independent spirit. Whether you took
the cruise excursion, or hopped a donkey, or just had lunch in the port, you'll take home
unforgettable memories. A cruise allows you to explore
this unique and historic region in a way that suits you best, whether that's touring
ancient sites in Greece, crossing off some
of those must-see highlights in Italy or France, or just relaxing
on the beach of your dreams. Like with travel in general,
for cruisers, life-long memories such as these
can be yours when you know your options and then match them with
your personal style of travel. Our cruise is nearing its end, and I'm savoring
our last evening at sea. While we've enjoyed a quick look at a selection
of Mediterranean ports, there are plenty more. We'll be back in the real world
in the morning. ♪♪ There are many ways
to explore Europe. For a lot of people,
taking a cruise, especially if
you know how to do it smartly, can be a practical mix of
efficiency, economy, and fun. I hope you've enjoyed
our Mediterranean cruise. I'm Rick Steves. Until next time,
keep on travelin'. -They say the average cruise
passenger gains a pound a day, but not me.
[ Chuckles ] Whee! [ Laughs ] Okay. I get to be
on your honeymoon now. -Yes, you do.
-[ Laughs ] -[ Laughs ] All right.
-Awesome. -Ah! [ Laughs ] It's raining! [ Indistinct ] ♪♪
