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.

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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.

The Mediterranean Sea is bounded by North Africa,

Europe, and the Middle East.

The typical cruise itinerary covers the great European ports.

While most cruises focus on either the West or the East,

we'll do a little of both.

Stopping in Barcelona, Nice for the French Riviera,

La Spezia for Florence, Civitavecchia for Rome,

Naples, Malta,

Athens, Mykonos,

and Santorini.

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.

While there may be a lot of things to enjoy on the ship,

the reason I cruise the Mediterranean

is to experience the Mediterranean.

The Mediterranean world is filled with wonder

and richly rewards the well-organized traveler.

The cultural variety seems endless

and it shows itself in traditions, cuisines,

and a distinctive love of life.

For thousands of years,

this was the center of Western Civilization.

Exploring the Mediterranean,

you'll enjoy the sweep of art history --

from ancient treasures to the dazzling accomplishments

of the Renaissance to modern wonders.

And it's just flat-out beautiful.

No wonder the rich and fabulous

have built their palaces and villas here

since ancient times.

The cruiser's challenge is to decide

how to best experience all these attractions.

Your goal: to get the most out

of your vacation time and money,

enjoy the best experiences,

and have fun.

Before we sight-see the greatest hits of the Mediterranean,

let's get an overview of cruising in general.

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.

Cruising originated as an activity for the wealthy --

it was expensive and formal.

The joke was it was for "the newlyweds, over-fed,

and nearly dead."

But, as ships get bigger and bigger,

able to offer comforts unimaginable in decades past,

cruising has changed its image.

Today, it's younger, more active,

and more affordable.

Most Mediterranean cruises start and end in Venice, Rome,

or Barcelona.

Wherever you start, you'll need to be patient.

This is your first peek at the necessary efficiency

of the cruise industry.

It's a big logistical challenge to get several thousand people

and their bags into their staterooms on the first day.

Pack a little extra patience

and leave yourself plenty of time

for the red tape and orientation.

Once on board, I do one thing right off the bat:

move in thoroughly.

Staterooms, while thoughtfully designed, are tight,

so make things shipshape.

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've 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: port, and right is starboard.

And remember, it's not a "boat,"

it's a "ship."

For me, just "being at sea" is a travel destination.

After our first departure, or "sail-away,"

I find myself thinking of the Mediterranean

as a sight in itself.

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 staterooms on 12 decks

gathered around a central atrium

where you'll find places to shop, hang out, eat, and drink.

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Explore the ship on a good orientation walk.

The library is generally quiet and empty.

The gym comes with amazing views.

You'll discover places -- like tucked-away lounges --

that others may miss.

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 to shuffleboard,

but a little bocce ball will do just fine.

Each morning, the deck is busy with walkers --

eight laps and it's a mile.

Being confined on a ship, it's important to stay active.

I make a pact: anticipating lots of eating,

I shall avoid the elevators and use the stairs instead.

They say the average cruise passenger gains a pound a day,

but not me.

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.

With each port, you've got sightseeing options:

You can take the organized bus tour

and be on their time table,

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 clichés

and many buses hit the same sites 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.

You 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 guidebook.