Mediterranean Cruise: the forces at work on the Adriatic Coast

Despite the sometimes outdated and uptight image often conveyed by some (The Love Boat left strong impressions!), cruise lines have become major players in the world of tourism.

The image of the unattainable luxury cruise now only represents one facet of this type of trip and the universe of these floating hotels has been largely democratized, thanks, partly, to giants of the sector.

Cruises offer an impressive range of activities that will make most vacation clubs burn with jealousy, all while enabling to explore (surely very quickly) different destinations during one single trip.

While we cannot really consider them as the ideal mix between a tour and club stay, they serve as an interesting alternative (and often cheaper) to amateurs of organized tours, who will prefer the comfort of the boat over the long hours on a bus (no matter how comfortable it may be.)

For this study, we looked closely at cruises that will be available on the market in the coming weeks.

Translation of table (translator's note):
Voyagiste: Cruise Company
Bateau: Boat
Départ: Departure
Prix de base en € (à partir de): Basic Price in € (starting rate)
Complet: Full
Prix brochure: Brochure Price

In order to undertake a true comparison, we limited our zone of focus to cruises sharing the common base of stop-overs on the coast of the Adriatic Sea.

While Venice, and to a lesser degree, Dubrovnik are popular, there are many lesser known harbors to the French public that are worth a day of exploration.

Here is a review of the cruises offered on this “itinerary.”

Caution, the Costa rates do not include the fees of €8.50 daily and per person, to be paid onboard at the end of the cruise. This is also the case at Norwegian (around €9.50.) Be sure to find out or read the terms and conditions to not miss these “additional” costs.

In terms of price and regularity of the offer, it clearly seems that the leaders (on the French market) are Costa and MSC.

The intention to offer affordable cruises is emphasized while attempting to not turn away from the “luxury” image. Some say that the popularization of cruises gives a kitch touch to the opulence of the infrastructures…

Next up, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise (group Star Cruises) are also well positioned, considering that the Mediterranean is not their original development zone.

The cruises presented are usually composed of 7 nights at sea. But for a little extra, Regent Sevens and Windstar cruise around for 8 nights while that of Croisière de France journey expands over 9 nights!

On the contrary, the cruise on the Neo Classica of Costa includes only 5 night onboard. As for the meal formula, full board is in order.

Crystal Cruise, Silversea and Regent Sevens, that practice the most expensive rates, include the “all inclusive” formula (gourmet meals, champagne…) in their price.

In general, those with rates over €2,000 clear target a wealthier clientele.

For additional information, do not hesitate to contact us via consultourisme@gmail.com.