Greek Island Cruise in early October

Mary, you might have more and well-informed responses at www.cruisecritic.com. You can find out about cruise itineraries, ports of call, large ships and smaller ships, etc., as well, there is a message board for questions like yours.

I'll second cruisecritic.com. I would focus on individual ship reviews. Ships are like chain restaurants, similar but can be significantly different based on the management of that restaurant/ship. Amenities are often based more on when the ship was built/refurbished than what line it belongs to.

Personally I'm avoiding Norwegian and Costa lines (for seperate reasons), but I would happily sail Carnival, Princess, or Royal Carribean.

Even the "small" ships on the major lines are large. I don't think any of them sail without stabilizers that keep the motion to a minimum. Although there is a tiny amount of motion, I haven't noticed people feeling queezy because of it.

I've purchased several cruises from vacationstogo.com. The prices they quote seem to be the same as everyone else but they've been reliable so I keep going back to them.

thanks for the feedback.... im going to try posting on cruisecritic.com

Hi Mary - Perhaps you were actually looking for people who have "Been there and done that" rather than a suggestion of some website - yes ???

I've been there for 30 years,each year, and just returned last week. If you are only going to spend 7-10 days I would use the Ferry system and enjoy about three Islands for A couple of days each. Santorini, Mykonos, and Paros are all in the Cyclades and very easy to reach by intra-Island ferries and/or hydrofoils. Might want to consider that option. As opposed to a cruise ship that will give you 6-7 hours in a port you can actually have some fun on those Islands and enjoy the time.

Greg

thanks for the feedback on suggesting not going the cruise route. i have been thinking the same after doing some research. will probably just do a few Greek islands & enjoy more time there.

I agree with your thought, not a cruise... cruises are more about shipboard life (buffets, entertainment etc), and only passing contact with islands (sometimes as little as 4 hours in a port).

For Early October, also I would suggest going to places that have a year-round population ... otherwise you'll get that "closing-down" feeling. If you just have 7-10 days, I would suggest Athens & 2 islands Max, and use Large modern ferries. Possible scenario: Book a flight that is Non-stop from USA (delta, USAir, Continental) because they all arrive 9-10 am. Then immediately get a 1-hour flight to Santorini (2.5-3 days). Then take Blue Star (daily; 2 hr) ferry to Naxos or Paros (3 days). Fly back to Athens (1 hr flight) for 3 final days.

Mary
I posted a review on cruisereviews.com on the Costa Mediterrana Nov/09. I love Costa because it's not your typical American based cruise company it is European. It has a variety of different languages, food and experiences. All the others like Royal Caribbean, Princess etc. come over from the states. Once and having been on them all you are hard pressed to find a difference on where in the world you are when you are on them. Because every sailing is like the next. Same darn bingo and stupid souvenir drink glasses. We chose Costa for the difference. Most people who complain are never satisfied with anything.