I'm not looking for a shoulder to cry on or sympathy but I would like to share why I watch Rick Steves. I live in Alberta, Canada, I lost my job in 2015 from the oil and gas industry. I've lost everything I had, went bankrupt and have struggled tremendously to try and find a new livable job. Watching these videos takes my head off of reality. It makes me disappear on a vacation for an hour. It relaxes me and helps keep my mind from going insane. I've always enjoyed these shows and like seeing how the rest of the world lives. That said, thank you for making these videos. I will more than likely never get to do what you do or go where you go, so watching these programs fill a little void in my life. Again, thanks.
I agree, Rick Steve’s respectful and non judgmental approach to sharing his experiences are helpful. I hope you are doing better and that you haven’t lost hope of shaping your own dream cruise experience.
Your not alone. I too, have lost much. I know that I will never be able to afford vacation's like this, so I watch and enjoy living vicariously through him. God bless, and going your life gets better. Hang in there. And breathe, your among friends.
38 countries around the world now and many with Rick Steve’s travel books in hand!! He made me the ultimate traveler, and I keep enjoying his videos over and over!
@IntelligentMind-vp6gr France. There’s just no end to it’s beauty overall. Croatia as well. The USA is so vast it has it all as well. The majesty of the African Serengeti… 👍🏽
I have been retired happily in Portugal for eight years now, having been introduced to Portugal by Rick Steves way back in the nineties. Thank you, Rick Steves. It's sunny, and no chaos!
42 years ago I was the ship's photographer based in Sydney Australia, I traveled from UK via the Med, this video moved me to tears as I remember the best 9 months of my life in board my ship. Now disabled and with mobility issues I doubt this will ever happen again. Thank you.
Not Bob Ross. Mr. Rogers! Mr. Rogers was a Seal, or Ranger, or Green Beret (can’t remember which)-gentle and kind, but fierce and focused. Don’t let the haircut fool you; Rick Steves is a Travel Ninja!
@@lisar9425 Mr. Rogers never served. A bunch of internet trolls started a rumor that he was a sniper. I am a very big Mr. Rogers fan. Bob Ross on the other hand served in the Air Force.
As with most of Rick's videos you're left with a bitter sweet feeling - enjoying the moment ,then wishing you were there yourself .Great way to travel .
Another great one, Rickie. After 25 years "travelling" with Rick Steeves, watching one of his videos feels like a visit with an old friend. Nobody does it like him. Surely his own personal calling. I've never had the money and now I lack the health to travel but Rick has taken me all over the world to enhance my life and fulfill my spirit for exploration. Thank you. Thank you. Laura-Lee
I remember watching him on PBS and seeing him w/his wife and two children traveling abroad. It's always been a pleasure to watch Rick. He's just himself and it's fun to go along for his adventures. I'm sure his children have enjoyed the ride!
@@isabellind1292 Me too. When younger I didn't have the money. Now I don't have the mobility. And being diabetic, the food temptations and loss of self control would do me in. Rick is always interesting, informative and appreciative of each place he takes us!!!😊😊😊
@@servraghgiorsal7382 Oh, well probably the best way to travel if you have mobility restrictions would be a cruise. You'd get to see many places from the comfort of a cabin so half the battle would be won but then there's the food and I'm not diabetic but I've been on a cruise and the food just about did me in anyway, it was out of this world. lol! But yes, it's expensive to travel so it's nice to be able to take it all in from Rick's perspective. Stay well!😊👍👍🌺
I've been to many cruises and watched quite a few videos about them, but nothing compares to Rick's unique, classy, logically structured, immensely deep and informative presentations. You are still unsurpassed Rick, even in our times, when virtually anyone can grab a camera or smartphone and share his/her adventure story. It definitely helps to be a skilled PROFESSIONAL like you to stand far out of that crowd of amateurs. Keep doing the great job Rick to help, inspire, entertain and inform us for many years to come.
I agree that Rick's videos are the best on TH-cam. I also have cruised and no missing one single year except 2020/2021 due the Coronavirus. Ricks videos are amazing.
I thought that the pandemic would totally destroy the cruise industry, yet today a record number of cruise ships enter and depart ports all over the world. New ships were being built in the middle of the pandemic and today many of them cruise with a full load of passengers. Watching cruise videos is a favorite past time for me. Thank you, Rick, for sharing this adventure.
dailychecker i am here as a solo traveler and trying to figure out if this travel method suits me and my family. For me: definitely not because i don’t like to be with thousands of people for weeks when i am traveling. I was losing my mind after i see lots of loud people and traffic jam in Italy. My mom loves sea and wants to be on one of these cruise ships but she doesn’t like crowd either and wants to be free when she is exploring. Having schedules in limited times, sea sickness and loudness all the time are bonus. I don’t think that we can do this but she is just in denial. All she wants to see is sea. I should show this video to her.
@@ozlemdr6076 don't worry about many people. As bigger a ship as more lone places are there. On the cabin you are really so privat as you are alone on the ship. It depends on the cruise route what kind of people are with you. I had good experience on the baltic see, to Norway and the transfer from Italy to Brasil. On a caribean route there were little different people, sunseekers. And it depends on the cruise line. I guess, in the Mediterran in summer, it can be horrible with many families and screaming children. Therefore the experience is quite different.
This video brought tears to my eyes, reminding me of the best 9 months of my life aboard that ship. Sadly, with my current mobility challenges, I doubt I’ll ever have the chance to relive those adventures. Thank you for this incredible video-it really means a lot. I wonder, do others here think the magic of life at sea is the same today as it was back then?
We're huge Celebrity Cruise fans and so enjoyed your take on cruising the Mediterranean Rick. We've been to all these ports, some more than once. It's the most comfortable and luxurious way to travel. If you fall in love with some place, you can then book a return trip in the future to spend even more time there.
A big round of applause to this wonderful video! I've never been on a cruise, but all the knowledge and realistic (& relevant) information in this video have given me a clear picture of how things go on a cruise ship. All the 55 minutes have been enjoyed overwhelmingly. Thank you, Rick and your team.
Hi Rick, i have been waiting for your posts after watching all your episodes in the past, am a paralytic patient, i could not dream of visiting all over the world to fullfill my dream of encircling the world, but in these difficult times, you videos come in as handy to virtually watch many parts of the world, no words to thank you si much, after watching this video, i am further assured of watching many other parts on other side of globe by virtually sitting at home without bothering t take strain and hardship to visit all those remote places from where i Live, India, hats off to you, may God give you long life to fullfill the dreams of persons like me,
You very much reflect my own thoughts. I wonder when Rick taped his first travel show if he had any idea how many people who COULDN'T travel due to mobility he would be taking with him. Until you know what it feels like to be trapped in one place you can't fully appreciate the depth of what Rick Steeves has faithfully done with his life. I'll ditto your God bless and trump you with a Thank you, Jesus for Rick Steeves. LL 🙋🏻♀️🇨🇦☺
Cheer up Reddy; even without any physical liabilities thousands like me are watching Rick's clips. Frankly not everyone can afford this kind of travel and entertainment. After watching this clip first on computer monitor, I connected it to digital projector and watched it again in 120 inch breath-taking visuals. We all have to thank Rick. His script is fantastic.
I've become obsessed with your videos. I'm a Brit currently teaching English in Italy. I think I've learnt more about Americans than I have about Europe watching your videos. All the sights.... it's great, but gaining an understanding of American attitudes and perceptions of Europe is far more interesting.
Really nice comment about Americans. I'm an American living in Portugal, 10 years, and love to learn about other cultures. Favorite being the British :)
Oh! Thank you Rick. I know I will never physically be able to see these beautiful historical sights on my own and I am living vicariously thru you and your videos. I would love to see Europe. Thank you so much!!
What a dreaming and mind blowing and heavenly Mediterranean Cruising it is! And Rick Steves, your soothing and smiling narration made it like a feeling that I am not watching it on a virtual mode rather in reality...
My wife and family love cruising. Love the open seas and the choices to do what you want to do and a different place every day. It is important to pick the right cruise line. We like Royal Caribbean for the family including our grandkids and Holland America when we go alone. Completely agree to avoid the guided tours with the cruise lines and go independently or hire private guides that go where and when you want to go. We also love the hop on hop off buses in the larger cities as a great way to see an overview of the city. We ride the entire bus line route once to identify what areas we want to explore more and then hop off where we want to the second time around. We love it.
I didn't realize how badly I wanted to see the Mediterranean until a few years ago. Sadly I probably will never get to. What a mistake not having this on my bucket list when I was younger..Thank you for taking me vicariously. What a trip.
I love this video. Rick is clearly NOT a cruiser and yet he is fair and clear about why this is a good choice for many . He gives the benefit and the drawbacks of ship travel without condescension . Well done . One hint he might have provided is to spend at least a few days in your embarkation port prior to the cruise . This turns a great Med cruise into a fantastic Med vacation .
Absolutely well said! Spent several days in Barcelona before the cruise began, and several more in Venice after the cruise ended! Spectacular!! A vacation and a cruise!
Thank You for all the years of entertainment & traveling with you. Members of my family and I really enjoyed watching you. God Bless You and Your Family 🙏❤️🌈.😇
I worked in various shipboard positions as a Royal Caribbean Cruise Line officer for 14 years, and the last five were spent helping guests plan and book their next cruise vacations. Of course, most of the guests who came to me were so happy with their cruises that they wanted to book their next cruise immediately. I heard people talk over the pros and cons of cruising vs land-based vacations many times. The good things: they unpack once, meet others among the crew and guests, are transported in generally comfortable rooms, have numerous dining options, can either venture ashore independently or on group tours arranged onboard, and have wait staff and housekeepers who get to know them by name, have entertainment and water/athletic facilities onboard, have access to English-speaking medical professionals onboard, aren`t stuck in hotel room or rented flat in bad weather, and get a chance to sample some key ports or nearby sites so they can plan a land-based trip to explore preferred areas later. I also heard the cons from crew and guests ("pax", as we used to say): as ships grow, they seem to resemble an unpleasant mix of shopping mall/food court/entertainment-aqua park/ hotel that moves and dwarfs its destinations. With that growth in each ship, while the cruise lines can earn more for investors through economies of scale, it leaves many guests feeling that they are losing that intimate acquaintance with crew of the bygone smaller vessels. Lines form for more and more services or facilities. Guests get distracted by the crowds instead of the clouds and seas or views islands they are passing by. The quality of the food was lowered once the lines went on the NYSE, and investors had to be pleased with the financials. Following 9/11, the increased vigilance at gangways meant longer waits in line, and those guests who had rushed back to the ship, found themselves just wasting precious shore time in a security line. Since one of the most appealing features of cruising was getting a chance to meet crew from around the world, have them recognize you and greet you later in the cruise or even on a future cruise (and best, on a future cruise on a different ship), it made you feel so welcome and remembered. But that was when ships were on a more human scale, before profitability pushed more intimate hospitality to the back burner. The terms that had defined cruising for so long were shelved in favor of more shoreside-oriented hospitality outlets, so pursers became guest relations officers and passengers became guests. The uniforms changed so that crew were wearing more resort wear instead of maritime uniforms. Crew used to be able to take a week-long "work break" during their 6-month contracts, but that stopped. For crew who work 7 days a week, 10 hours a day, it is hard to maintain the standard of service and attention as the long contract ends, so such a break was a welcome refresher for those crew who wished to take advantage of it. But as it is no more, I wonder how they cope on increasingly larger ships with crew now numbering in excess of 2,000 for the largest ships. I have quite fond memories of my shipmates, some memorable passengers, and particular ports, itineraries and spots of weather, but I would choose a cruise ship very carefully nowadays, given the gimmicks built to attract the market segment we now see walking the decks. It was a different world in the 90`s at sea.
I have Cruised on 8 ships and have always had a good fun time with many interesting memories of the ship and ports. The crew were always nice, and I appreciated their hard work, and I remember many of them. There was one girl from Romania that I fell in love with too. She worked on "the pizza side" of of a big snack lounge. She was a Doll ❤
Thanks, Rick, for this most informative video. Not only did you show us the beautiful sites in Europe, you also gave a balanced view of the pros and cons of cruising. You gave us some great tips on how to get the most out of the cruise experience, both by taking advantage of the coordinated and arranged packages and alternative choices of solo, or smaller groups with private tour guides. As well, you gave us pointers on tipping, food/drink services, onboard entertainment , cabin types and staffing. A great video indeed.
I've been cruising since 1994 and the Mediterranean was always a dream cruise for me. Was finally able to do it in 2013. It was the best cruise I've done...tied at my #1 with a Disney cruise.
... and for some middle-aged/younger folks (are the thirties really "middle aged" anymore?). Now people in their 60's look like they're 40 and I know folks who are 80, 90 who wouldn't be guessed to be older than 50!
Not that I would ever cruise as a way to explore Europe, but this video totally un-sold me on the idea forever. Trust me people, as long as you're physically able, fly to the first city you want to visit, get a clean hotel somewhere and explore it on your own. Take trains around to other cities and skip the big crowds. Find your own restaurants and accommodations, it's an adventure. I can't help but feel like Rick was gritting his teeth throughout this entire video.
When my Husband and I went to Greece in 2009 we did a cruise and then were in Athens by ourselves. We used the Rick Steves guide to get around and even manage to get a bus to Delphi and tour it just based off his guide book. It was the best!
I am very impressed. I have never heard of Rick Steve before and this come out as a surprise to me for the high quality of the content and its presenter. Well done, Rick. You have won another follower.
I read and took his book “Europe through the back door” 40 years ago, wow, but it was great, went to some amazing out of the way places he recommended!
@@katherinebryant4269 you may not know that RS and his employees/co-workers carefully update those guides EVERY year! He's a good writer; I'd like to buy his Italy guide ( newest out, Dec. 2022) just for reading & vicarious fun. TOO nervous to actually travel....I think he updates that "Backdoor .." book too. 👍🌞
My wife won a trip to the 1995 film festival in santripeye on the french riviera. we watched Rick's travel log about the area before going. Rick, you are the best.
I love cruising. I just went to Alaska and it was beautiful. Cruising is like a sample vacation. You get to see and experience everything. Then based off that, you can plan your own trip back based on what cities, activities, and food locations you liked most. And will have a better understanding and idea of what you need, don't need, etc.
An excellent video. Not only did we get to see wonderful places in Europe, but it was an informative insight into the cruise ship way of touring. Everything was so well explained; whether on board or onshore options. Many thanks again Rick. You are the best at travel information.
It's amazing to see the world from one corner of your living room, visualizing the scenic beauty of Mediterranean sea. 👌👌 Thanks for making this happen Rick Steve and team. Good work folks
I started watching this on TV show by the time I couldn't afford to travel. Now that I've been to Europe and have visited some of those places, it feels like I'm physcally there again.
I loved this video! So detailed and illustrative! Great job! You are so considerate to include the importance of the crew members and the tip. Thank you so much!
Depending on how many people is enough and what you can afford, there may be other options. The cheaper cruise lines can be cheaper because their ships are huge, carrying 3,000 people like the one Rick’s on here. More upscale cruise lines may carry fewer than 1,000. River cruises tend to be smaller still, with 100-250 passengers, but pretty pricey.
"Greetings: Rick Steves, you're my favorite traveling guide tourist, & my international global teacher, indeed!" ... (smiles) ... "You've done it once more again, as usual!!!" ... "You're extremely gifted within your traveling field, and for always providing us, with such "Excellent " and detailed traveled information, for those of us, who "Love to See & Visit the Beautiful World of Europe" ... "And from just viewing this traveling presentation, and this is truly my personal "Mediterranean & Colorful Future Dreams" to come true, indeed, and I too, do look very much forward, within my "Future Wedding Dreams", to share in the "Romantic Moon Lights Views" of traveling the by the sea!!!" ... *PS: In addition; "The Theme Music Song", for this presentation, is also, "Truly Beautiful", indeed!!!" ... "Many Cheerful Thanks", for the Traveling Memories, over the years!!!" ... Blessings, always, your lifetime Traveling Fan, Ms. Deborah J. Steele - 8/20/23 ...
Thank you, Rick Steves! With high-quality, high-definition videography, excellent sound-quality, and your easygoing friendly style, everything was enjoyable, clear to see, and made us feel as if we were right there with you. This kind of documentary is the next best thing to an actual cruise-experience....at a fraction of the travel-angst, costs, inconveniences, queues, crowds, and hidden dangers of being in faraway places, especially if you choose to go ashore by yourself...
Your video must have popped up for me because I’ve been browsing Celebrity Mediterranean cruises so I really enjoyed the video! We are cruisers but have never cruised with Celebrity before. Hoping to do so next year!
11:10 He is right, private tours usally cost less compared to the cruise-line-organized ones. Very relaxed, informative and they never disappointed me.
I just cannot see anyone else's video. I feel when watching Steve's videos, that I'm traveling with him. I can't afford to travel, right now. That's the only way, I try to smooth my cravings. Thank you, Steve
Rick steves videos make me want to travel more. I hope you get the funds to travel once corona is gone. I plan to see greece and many other places! How about you?
I love watching those videos after a shower and with a blow dryer on my hand, having a dream tour in the gap hour while my day is winding down. I know I probably would never step on an actual tour myself but this is rewarding and relaxing to the boot. I don't need to spend a dime and have it all fulfilled: seeing it all and not lifting a foot. It's a lazy but beautiful way to enjoy "much ado about nothing" for a busy person.
I am 71, I have lost my mobility so it’s harder for me to travel I thought I would watch this for a little while and go on but I have had to watch the seat the whole thing ❤thanks Rick Steves, You’re art history…… So good most highly recommendedg😊👍
Thank you so much Rick. This is the best cruise video I have watched, and I’ve watched quite a few. Your narrative is very informative and gives the potential tourist all of the right information needed. Many thanks and happy travels.
I rarely watch long videos. But this one is so informative yet entertaining at the same time! A must see for those who are planning to tour Europe through a cruise. Everything was covered. From what one should expect to what to avoid. Thank you...
Fröhlich Weihnachten & Happy Newyear bringen wünschen ich es Euch allen Kleinen heute Geboren acht Stärker wie Natur.... Vielen Dank allen Politikern Opas Omas & Väter Mütter Bemühungen gegeben haben...............................................................!
A fantastic trip! I love The Mediterranean: scenic, beautiful ethnic outfits, an attractive mixed cultures, mouthwatering food. Thank you for sharing this great video.
If I can only click "like" a million times, i will do it...I'm from a poor country in southeast asia and I can only dream having a tour like this with my family..watching it maybe the closest thing I can get...but i always enjoy these types of videos...thanks Sir Rick!!!
Since we can’t travel right now because of the pandemic, I enjoy watching these videos. It’s a way to recall the memories of places I have been and added places to my bucket list.
Thank you Rick! This video helped us relive our Mediterranean cruises while we remain at home in this pandemic. Our first cruise was the Western Mediterranean on NCL Jewel, the second was Eastern Med, Greek Isles and Turkey and our last Med cruise was aboard the new Celebrity Reflection from Venice to Barcelona. Your video brought us back to ports and excursions from all of them.
Rick I have been watching your travel videos for years and you have not changed a bit! It goes to show travel is good for not only the heart and soul. Thank you for your wonderful work.
My step dad enjoyed you. He was a fine man and was not a good flight traveler-fear. We had a simple conversations of places we had traveled and how much more I would have been more able to travel. I had made a qualified statement from limited funds, "I have traveled the world by National Geographic!!" So, he gently replied, "I like Rick Steves. He seems very good where he travels that he tells of his detailed interest in various locations and experience." I was so very touched as I knew he felt he was a personal part of your journeys. So, I started to follow you regularly when able. Your Christmas travels were very sweet. I guess, he was right. I miss him very much, and he gave me my first Christmas I will never for get. Thank you for your lov of travel. Happy Journeys when ever we can get past covid 2020. 🌐
Just loved it, u have explained every bit of it, all aspects, the rush gush, history, architecture, nature, how to chose guided tours. Totally spectacular and panoramic 👌👍
Rick Steves' approach to cruising the Mediterranean transforms it from a simple vacation into an enriching journey through history, culture, and natural beauty. By providing practical travel advice and encouraging cultural engagement,
This video was wonderful. We are planning a cruise of the Mediterranean next spring and this was super helpful! Best Mediterranean cruise review I’ve seen.
I've been on a 21 day cruise of the mediterranean ( it was fantastic and waiting to go again) and may I say you did a great job of showing novices what to expect when seriously considering cruising. Well done Rick
I'm not looking for a shoulder to cry on or sympathy but I would like to share why I watch Rick Steves. I live in Alberta, Canada, I lost my job in 2015 from the oil and gas industry. I've lost everything I had, went bankrupt and have struggled tremendously to try and find a new livable job. Watching these videos takes my head off of reality. It makes me disappear on a vacation for an hour. It relaxes me and helps keep my mind from going insane. I've always enjoyed these shows and like seeing how the rest of the world lives. That said, thank you for making these videos. I will more than likely never get to do what you do or go where you go, so watching these programs fill a little void in my life. Again, thanks.
Yes it does and hopefully u bounce back aswell maybe a change in city could work
I agree, Rick Steve’s respectful and non judgmental approach to sharing his experiences are helpful. I hope you are doing better and that you haven’t lost hope of shaping your own dream cruise experience.
Hear, hear.!!
Your not alone.
I too, have lost much.
I know that I will never be able to afford vacation's like this, so I watch and enjoy living vicariously through him.
God bless, and going your life gets better.
Hang in there.
And breathe, your among friends.
Hoping your life gets better .
Nobody does it better than Rick Steves.
38 countries around the world now and many with Rick Steve’s travel books in hand!! He made me the ultimate traveler, and I keep enjoying his videos over and over!
@IntelligentMind-vp6gr France. There’s just no end to it’s beauty overall. Croatia as well. The USA is so vast it has it all as well. The majesty of the African Serengeti… 👍🏽
Yes sir .☝️💐
I have been retired happily in Portugal for eight years now, having been introduced to Portugal
by Rick Steves way back in the nineties. Thank you, Rick Steves. It's sunny, and no chaos!
Can you speak Portuguese now?
42 years ago I was the ship's photographer based in Sydney Australia, I traveled from UK via the Med, this video moved me to tears as I remember the best 9 months of my life in board my ship. Now disabled and with mobility issues I doubt this will ever happen again. Thank you.
I also have mobility problems, and cruising has made it possible for me to continue traveling. There are a few youtubers that are disabled and cruise.
Keep faith.
Keep faith and healthy and hope you can enjoy another beautiful trip in near future.
Please rest assured that your time was well spent, and be proud of it.
@@peterzurich3330
Corona virus...
Englishman here. I met my beautiful, lovely wife, an Italian, while cruising the Mediterranean 😊 it was amazing
This man is a travel guru for the ages. One hundred years from now his videos will still be relevant. Thank you Rick Steves!
I really liked his TV show back in the day.
He's like the Bob Ross of travelling.
Not Bob Ross. Mr. Rogers! Mr. Rogers was a Seal, or Ranger, or Green Beret (can’t remember which)-gentle and kind, but fierce and focused. Don’t let the haircut fool you; Rick Steves is a Travel Ninja!
@@lisar9425
Mr. Rogers never served. A bunch of internet trolls started a rumor that he was a sniper. I am a very big Mr. Rogers fan. Bob Ross on the other hand served in the Air Force.
They will be looked upon as a record of the ancient history of the obsolete activity of "cruising". Like we view travelling by stage coach.
steve is an instutution in europe travel ... THE KING OF PBS.. RICK is so humble that gave away all his work to pbs........GOD BLESS YOU RICK
Thanks for the information just found him on TH-cam a week or so ago
As with most of Rick's videos you're left with a bitter sweet feeling - enjoying the moment ,then wishing you were there yourself .Great way to travel .
AnSonn xtv I agree! I was just on a Royal Caribbean cruise last month and these videos are making me wish I could go back in time😭
@@songbird377 ha ha , that's the price you pay - nostalgia !
Seriously!!!! Just wanna pick up my bags and go now!! Lol
It is beautiful over there and I can't wait to go back!
On
Another great one, Rickie. After 25 years "travelling" with Rick Steeves, watching one of his videos feels like a visit with an old friend. Nobody does it like him. Surely his own personal calling. I've never had the money and now I lack the health to travel but Rick has taken me all over the world to enhance my life and fulfill my spirit for exploration. Thank you. Thank you. Laura-Lee
I remember watching him on PBS and seeing him w/his wife and two children traveling abroad. It's always been a pleasure to watch Rick. He's just himself and it's fun to go along for his adventures. I'm sure his children have enjoyed the ride!
@@isabellind1292 Me too. When younger I didn't have the money. Now I don't have the mobility. And being diabetic, the food temptations and loss of self control would do me in. Rick is always interesting, informative and appreciative of each place he takes us!!!😊😊😊
@@servraghgiorsal7382 Oh, well probably the best way to travel if you have mobility restrictions would be a cruise.
You'd get to see many places from the comfort of a cabin so half the battle would be won but then there's the food and I'm not diabetic but I've been on a cruise and the food just about did me in anyway, it was out of this world. lol!
But yes, it's expensive to travel so it's nice to be able to take it all in from Rick's perspective. Stay well!😊👍👍🌺
I've been to many cruises and watched quite a few videos about them, but nothing compares to Rick's unique, classy, logically structured, immensely deep and informative presentations. You are still unsurpassed Rick, even in our times, when virtually anyone can grab a camera or smartphone and share his/her adventure story. It definitely helps to be a skilled PROFESSIONAL like you to stand far out of that crowd of amateurs. Keep doing the great job Rick to help, inspire, entertain and inform us for many years to come.
I agree that Rick's videos are the best on TH-cam. I also have cruised and no missing one single year except 2020/2021 due the Coronavirus. Ricks videos are amazing.
@@yvonnecerna459 Huh?
I thought that the pandemic would totally destroy the cruise industry, yet today a record number of cruise ships enter and depart ports all over the world. New ships were being built in the middle of the pandemic and today many of them cruise with a full load of passengers. Watching cruise videos is a favorite past time for me. Thank you, Rick, for sharing this adventure.
It's a masterpiece of filming! Nobody has ever explained cruising and how it works in this particular and detailed way.
Exactly! ;-)
It's because Rick is the awesomest 🙂
dailychecker i am here as a solo traveler and trying to figure out if this travel method suits me and my family. For me: definitely not because i don’t like to be with thousands of people for weeks when i am traveling. I was losing my mind after i see lots of loud people and traffic jam in Italy. My mom loves sea and wants to be on one of these cruise ships but she doesn’t like crowd either and wants to be free when she is exploring. Having schedules in limited times, sea sickness and loudness all the time are bonus. I don’t think that we can do this but she is just in denial. All she wants to see is sea. I should show this video to her.
@@ozlemdr6076 don't worry about many people. As bigger a ship as more lone places are there. On the cabin you are really so privat as you are alone on the ship. It depends on the cruise route what kind of people are with you. I had good experience on the baltic see, to Norway and the transfer from Italy to Brasil. On a caribean route there were little different people, sunseekers. And it depends on the cruise line. I guess, in the Mediterran in summer, it can be horrible with many families and screaming children. Therefore the experience is quite different.
Exactly
This video brought tears to my eyes, reminding me of the best 9 months of my life aboard that ship. Sadly, with my current mobility challenges, I doubt I’ll ever have the chance to relive those adventures. Thank you for this incredible video-it really means a lot. I wonder, do others here think the magic of life at sea is the same today as it was back then?
I'm an avid cruiser. It's certainly different cruising now, but the ocean is the ocean and it's still magical!
We're huge Celebrity Cruise fans and so enjoyed your take on cruising the Mediterranean Rick. We've been to all these ports, some more than once. It's the most comfortable and luxurious way to travel. If you fall in love with some place, you can then book a return trip in the future to spend even more time there.
A big round of applause to this wonderful video! I've never been on a cruise, but all the knowledge and realistic (& relevant) information in this video have given me a clear picture of how things go on a cruise ship. All the 55 minutes have been enjoyed overwhelmingly. Thank you, Rick and your team.
Really...!!! I saw this video several times . Beautiful editing and presentation. 🙏
Hi Rick, i have been waiting for your posts after watching all your episodes in the past, am a paralytic patient, i could not dream of visiting all over the world to fullfill my dream of encircling the world, but in these difficult times, you videos come in as handy to virtually watch many parts of the world, no words to thank you si much, after watching this video, i am further assured of watching many other parts on other side of globe by virtually sitting at home without bothering t take strain and hardship to visit all those remote places from where i Live, India, hats off to you, may God give you long life to fullfill the dreams of persons like me,
Love from Kerala
You very much reflect my own thoughts. I wonder when Rick taped his first travel show if he had any idea how many people who COULDN'T travel due to mobility he would be taking with him. Until you know what it feels like to be trapped in one place you can't fully appreciate the depth of what Rick Steeves has faithfully done with his life. I'll ditto your God bless and trump you with a Thank you, Jesus for Rick Steeves. LL 🙋🏻♀️🇨🇦☺
Cheer up Reddy; even without any physical liabilities thousands like me are watching Rick's clips. Frankly not everyone can afford this kind of travel and entertainment. After watching this clip first on computer monitor, I connected it to digital projector and watched it again in 120 inch breath-taking visuals. We all have to thank Rick. His script is fantastic.
@@premkumarparikarath1569 you can book costa cruises it is good you will enjoy it
I've become obsessed with your videos. I'm a Brit currently teaching English in Italy. I think I've learnt more about Americans than I have about Europe watching your videos. All the sights.... it's great, but gaining an understanding of American attitudes and perceptions of Europe is far more interesting.
Really nice comment about Americans. I'm an American living in Portugal, 10 years, and love to learn about other cultures. Favorite being the British :)
Hehe, we're not all boarish, eh? Some of us are quite polite and calm.
@@sithlordhibiscus9936it’s boorish not boarish 😂
BEAUTIFUL!! I enjoyed my saturday evening "travelling"
Oh! Thank you Rick. I know I will never physically be able to see these beautiful historical sights on my own and I am living vicariously thru you and your videos. I would love to see Europe. Thank you so much!!
Breathtaking sights combined with lively and professional narration create a highly pleasurable viewing experience. Rick Steves is absolute best.
What a dreaming and mind blowing and heavenly Mediterranean Cruising it is! And Rick Steves, your soothing and smiling narration made it like a feeling that I am not watching it on a virtual mode rather in reality...
Rick Steve is an outstanding, soothing travel itinerary ideal. He gives a lot of tips for the travelers of all pocket
No words....cant express how good the whole tour was with Steve....
I always loved watching Rick Steves on PBS
My wife and family love cruising. Love the open seas and the choices to do what you want to do and a different place every day. It is important to pick the right cruise line. We like Royal Caribbean for the family including our grandkids and Holland America when we go alone. Completely agree to avoid the guided tours with the cruise lines and go independently or hire private guides that go where and when you want to go. We also love the hop on hop off buses in the larger cities as a great way to see an overview of the city. We ride the entire bus line route once to identify what areas we want to explore more and then hop off where we want to the second time around. We love it.
Elegant people, elegant travel, elegant ship, elegant places..elegant life...have a nice day folks.
Very elegantly said 😂
I didn't realize how badly I wanted to see the Mediterranean until a few years ago. Sadly I probably will never get to. What a mistake not having this on my bucket list when I was younger..Thank you for taking me vicariously. What a trip.
I feel the same way. I'm almost 58 and I wish I had traveled abroad when I was younger and healthier
Many thanks for sharing. Watching from the tropical rainforest of Suriname 🇸🇷
I love this video. Rick is clearly NOT a cruiser and yet he is fair and clear about why this is a good choice for many . He gives the benefit and the drawbacks of ship travel without condescension . Well done .
One hint he might have provided is to spend at least a few days in your embarkation port prior to the cruise . This turns a great Med cruise into a fantastic Med vacation .
God bless you.
Absolutely well said! Spent several days in Barcelona before the cruise began, and several more in Venice after the cruise ended! Spectacular!! A vacation and a cruise!
Thank You for all the years of entertainment & traveling with you. Members of my family and I really enjoyed watching you. God Bless You and Your Family 🙏❤️🌈.😇
I worked in various shipboard positions as a Royal Caribbean Cruise Line officer for 14 years, and the last five were spent helping guests plan and book their next cruise vacations. Of course, most of the guests who came to me were so happy with their cruises that they wanted to book their next cruise immediately. I heard people talk over the pros and cons of cruising vs land-based vacations many times. The good things: they unpack once, meet others among the crew and guests, are transported in generally comfortable rooms, have numerous dining options, can either venture ashore independently or on group tours arranged onboard, and have wait staff and housekeepers who get to know them by name, have entertainment and water/athletic facilities onboard, have access to English-speaking medical professionals onboard, aren`t stuck in hotel room or rented flat in bad weather, and get a chance to sample some key ports or nearby sites so they can plan a land-based trip to explore preferred areas later. I also heard the cons from crew and guests ("pax", as we used to say): as ships grow, they seem to resemble an unpleasant mix of shopping mall/food court/entertainment-aqua park/ hotel that moves and dwarfs its destinations. With that growth in each ship, while the cruise lines can earn more for investors through economies of scale, it leaves many guests feeling that they are losing that intimate acquaintance with crew of the bygone smaller vessels. Lines form for more and more services or facilities. Guests get distracted by the crowds instead of the clouds and seas or views islands they are passing by. The quality of the food was lowered once the lines went on the NYSE, and investors had to be pleased with the financials. Following 9/11, the increased vigilance at gangways meant longer waits in line, and those guests who had rushed back to the ship, found themselves just wasting precious shore time in a security line. Since one of the most appealing features of cruising was getting a chance to meet crew from around the world, have them recognize you and greet you later in the cruise or even on a future cruise (and best, on a future cruise on a different ship), it made you feel so welcome and remembered. But that was when ships were on a more human scale, before profitability pushed more intimate hospitality to the back burner. The terms that had defined cruising for so long were shelved in favor of more shoreside-oriented hospitality outlets, so pursers became guest relations officers and passengers became guests. The uniforms changed so that crew were wearing more resort wear instead of maritime uniforms. Crew used to be able to take a week-long "work break" during their 6-month contracts, but that stopped. For crew who work 7 days a week, 10 hours a day, it is hard to maintain the standard of service and attention as the long contract ends, so such a break was a welcome refresher for those crew who wished to take advantage of it. But as it is no more, I wonder how they cope on increasingly larger ships with crew now numbering in excess of 2,000 for the largest ships. I have quite fond memories of my shipmates, some memorable passengers, and particular ports, itineraries and spots of weather, but I would choose a cruise ship very carefully nowadays, given the gimmicks built to attract the market segment we now see walking the decks. It was a different world in the 90`s at sea.
I have Cruised on 8 ships and have always had a good fun time with many interesting memories of the ship and ports.
The crew were always nice, and I appreciated their hard work, and I remember many of them. There was one girl from Romania that I fell in love with too. She worked on "the pizza side" of of a big snack lounge. She was a Doll ❤
Thanks, Rick, for this most informative video. Not only did you show us the beautiful sites in Europe, you also gave a balanced view of the pros and cons of cruising. You gave us some great tips on how to get the most out of the cruise experience, both by taking advantage of the coordinated and arranged packages and alternative choices of solo, or smaller groups with private tour guides. As well, you gave us pointers on tipping, food/drink services, onboard entertainment , cabin types and staffing. A great video indeed.
Hello.
I was just going through the website hoping to meet someone nice and your profile just made me halt at your spot.
Thumbs up! Nothing like a visit to the Mediterranean. It's out of this world!!! Thank you Rick Steves. You'll have memories that will last a lifetime.
I've been cruising since 1994 and the Mediterranean was always a dream cruise for me.
Was finally able to do it in 2013.
It was the best cruise I've done...tied at my #1 with a Disney cruise.
You are very lucky man 😉
What cruise line gets you the best deal?
thanks rick steves for cruising the mediterranean with you. i enjoyed so much...
Rick Steves, the man with the best job on the planet.
i am searching for a small ship 300 people or less
my ncl was awful. toilet didn’t flush shower only had cold water. really awful!
ncl= norwegian cruise line.
Love this way of traveling,watching from home no packing ,no crowds no planes,We traveled a lot times are different.prefer to be home watching on TV
Thanks so much, Rick. You make YT a nice place to hang out for us older folks.
... and for some middle-aged/younger folks (are the thirties really "middle aged" anymore?). Now people in their 60's look like they're 40 and I know folks who are 80, 90 who wouldn't be guessed to be older than 50!
and for some teenagers too! like me :)
Greek islands are really beautiful and safe! Top destination for your summer vacations!
I love Rick's videos. They are so informative...I get to see the world through him....Thanks Rick
Not that I would ever cruise as a way to explore Europe, but this video totally un-sold me on the idea forever. Trust me people, as long as you're physically able, fly to the first city you want to visit, get a clean hotel somewhere and explore it on your own. Take trains around to other cities and skip the big crowds. Find your own restaurants and accommodations, it's an adventure. I can't help but feel like Rick was gritting his teeth throughout this entire video.
When my Husband and I went to Greece in 2009 we did a cruise and then were in Athens by ourselves. We used the Rick Steves guide to get around and even manage to get a bus to Delphi and tour it just based off his guide book. It was the best!
Hello
Beautiful places Steve. I love it very much thank you so much 🙏🥰🥰🥰
I am very impressed. I have never heard of Rick Steve before and this come out as a surprise to me for the high quality of the content and its presenter. Well done, Rick. You have won another follower.
It's a masterpiece of filming! Nobody has ever explained cruising and how it works in this particular and detailed way.
I read and took his book “Europe through the back door” 40 years ago, wow, but it was great, went to some amazing out of the way places he recommended!
@@katherinebryant4269 you may not know that RS and his employees/co-workers carefully update those guides EVERY year! He's a good writer; I'd like to buy his Italy guide ( newest out, Dec. 2022) just for reading & vicarious fun. TOO nervous to actually travel....I think he updates that "Backdoor .." book too. 👍🌞
Rick was a Tour Guide and had a television show about travelling. He isn't just a regular TH-cam guy.
My wife won a trip to the 1995 film festival in santripeye on the french riviera. we watched Rick's travel log about the area before going. Rick, you are the best.
I love cruising. I just went to Alaska and it was beautiful. Cruising is like a sample vacation. You get to see and experience everything. Then based off that, you can plan your own trip back based on what cities, activities, and food locations you liked most. And will have a better understanding and idea of what you need, don't need, etc.
Rick, by far you're the best tour guide! I watched many on TH-cam!
An excellent video. Not only did we get to see wonderful places in Europe, but it was an informative insight into the cruise ship way of touring. Everything was so well explained; whether on board or onshore options. Many thanks again Rick. You are the best at travel information.
Rick is a gift for all of us! Thank you for all your work, Rick. We'll done!
It's amazing to see the world from one corner of your living room, visualizing the scenic beauty of Mediterranean sea. 👌👌 Thanks for making this happen Rick Steve and team. Good work folks
Hands down the BEST!
BEST PRODUCED
BEST FILMED
BEST GUIDE
THANKS RICK STEVES
I started watching this on TV show by the time I couldn't afford to travel. Now that I've been to Europe and have visited some of those places, it feels like I'm physcally there again.
Rick Steves is the best in travel intuition. He knows his stuff,so listen to him.
We adore you, Rick! So much great content, thank you for sharing via TH-cam.
I loved this video! So detailed and illustrative! Great job! You are so considerate to include the importance of the crew members and the tip. Thank you so much!
Absolutely spectacular ! Enjoyed traveling vicariously whilst watching this. Bon voyage !!!
Thank you.
For me: too many people. Too much boat but I'm grateful to be able to see all of this from the comfort of my home.
Depending on how many people is enough and what you can afford, there may be other options. The cheaper cruise lines can be cheaper because their ships are huge, carrying 3,000 people like the one Rick’s on here. More upscale cruise lines may carry fewer than 1,000. River cruises tend to be smaller still, with 100-250 passengers, but pretty pricey.
You are amazing...pointing out the good and bad. Excellent as always. Thanks, Rick.
"Greetings: Rick Steves, you're my favorite traveling guide tourist, & my international global teacher, indeed!" ... (smiles) ... "You've done it once more again, as usual!!!" ... "You're extremely gifted within your traveling field, and for always providing us, with such "Excellent " and detailed traveled information, for those of us, who "Love to See & Visit the Beautiful World of Europe" ... "And from just viewing this traveling presentation, and this is truly my personal "Mediterranean & Colorful Future Dreams" to come true, indeed, and I too, do look very much forward, within my "Future Wedding Dreams", to share in the "Romantic Moon Lights Views" of traveling the by the sea!!!" ... *PS: In addition; "The Theme Music Song", for this presentation, is also, "Truly Beautiful", indeed!!!" ... "Many Cheerful Thanks", for the Traveling Memories, over the years!!!" ... Blessings, always, your lifetime Traveling Fan, Ms. Deborah J. Steele - 8/20/23 ...
Thank you, Rick Steves! With high-quality, high-definition videography, excellent sound-quality, and your easygoing friendly style, everything was enjoyable, clear to see, and made us feel as if we were right there with you. This kind of documentary is the next best thing to an actual cruise-experience....at a fraction of the travel-angst, costs, inconveniences, queues, crowds, and hidden dangers of being in faraway places, especially if you choose to go ashore by yourself...
TRAVEL ANGST, c'est moi!! A perfect term for it!! Shucks, I ought to just go ANYWAY... 🤔🌞
Your video must have popped up for me because I’ve been browsing Celebrity Mediterranean cruises so I really enjoyed the video! We are cruisers but have never cruised with Celebrity before. Hoping to do so next year!
My favorite trip of my life time was a Rick Steves 21 days tour of western Europe! The six countries we visited took my breath away!😯
Hello
Excellent and thanks for showing the true colours of nature...
Your travel documentaries are the best to have a relaxed and smooth evening time. Hope we can discover Europe soon again!
What a wonderful video on a cruise ship. Enjoyed the helpful tips as I hope to go on a cruise one day. Thank you Mr. Steves. What a blessing 😊.
Yes Steves, during the lockdown I enjoyed traveling with you, you such a great friend, Thanks.
11:10 He is right, private tours usally cost less compared to the cruise-line-organized ones. Very relaxed, informative and they never disappointed me.
Don't get left behind. If there is a problem the ship won't wait for you.
I just cannot see anyone else's video. I feel when watching Steve's videos, that I'm traveling with him. I can't afford to travel, right now. That's the only way, I try to smooth my cravings. Thank you, Steve
Rick steves videos make me want to travel more. I hope you get the funds to travel once corona is gone. I plan to see greece and many other places! How about you?
I am a big fan of cruising. They are worth every penny.
I listen to your podcast everyday at work Rick. Thanks for everything.
I love watching those videos after a shower and with a blow dryer on my hand, having a dream tour in the gap hour while my day is winding down.
I know I probably would never step on an actual tour myself but this is rewarding and relaxing to the boot. I don't need to spend a dime and have it
all fulfilled: seeing it all and not lifting a foot. It's a lazy but beautiful way to enjoy "much ado about nothing" for a busy person.
I am 71, I have lost my mobility so it’s harder for me to travel I thought I would watch this for a little while and go on but I have had to watch the seat the whole thing
❤thanks Rick Steves, You’re art history…… So good most highly recommendedg😊👍
We were in the casino, but it’s so nice to see someone enjoying the day, enjoying their food enjoying life❤❤❤❤
Rick's narration is impeccable.
Thank you very much for featuring our beautiful celebrity ship.
Enjoy journeying with Rick, a good guide and narrator.
Thank you so much Rick. This is the best cruise video I have watched, and I’ve watched quite a few. Your narrative is very informative and gives the potential tourist all of the right information needed. Many thanks and happy travels.
This is so sweet. I shouted and gasped at every stage. This has been my best experience on YT
Best video about Mediterranean cruises! No wonder why it is getting to 10M views! Great job and thanks for sharing!
I rarely watch long videos. But this one is so informative yet entertaining at the same time! A must see for those who are planning to tour Europe through a cruise. Everything was covered. From what one should expect to what to avoid. Thank you...
Fröhlich Weihnachten & Happy Newyear bringen wünschen ich es Euch allen Kleinen heute Geboren acht Stärker wie Natur....
Vielen Dank allen Politikern Opas Omas & Väter Mütter Bemühungen gegeben haben...............................................................!
A fantastic trip! I love The Mediterranean: scenic, beautiful ethnic outfits, an attractive mixed cultures, mouthwatering food. Thank you for sharing this great video.
great review you did on this video
good words guarantee good thinking
If I can only click "like" a million times, i will do it...I'm from a poor country in southeast asia and I can only dream having a tour like this with my family..watching it maybe the closest thing I can get...but i always enjoy these types of videos...thanks Sir Rick!!!
Since we can’t travel right now because of the pandemic, I enjoy watching these videos. It’s a way to recall the memories of places I have been and added places to my bucket list.
Really enjoyable and informative video . Great commentary as well . Many thanks .
Rick, I hope you will continue to have timely trips..2020,!!!! I enjoy.... Thank-you so much. Watched for years,! Peace. Thanks again.
Thank you Rick! This video helped us relive our Mediterranean cruises while we remain at home in this pandemic. Our first cruise was the Western Mediterranean on NCL Jewel, the second was Eastern Med, Greek Isles and Turkey and our last Med cruise was aboard the new Celebrity Reflection from Venice to Barcelona. Your video brought us back to ports and excursions from all of them.
Rick I have been watching your travel videos for years and you have not changed a bit! It goes to show travel is good for not only the heart and soul. Thank you for your wonderful work.
Respected, Sir.your photography and your speech,all places very nice and wonderful thanks very much.
Absolutely great job Mr. Rick, wonderful video, beautiful presentation. Well done.
thank you Rick for being there for us who may never have a chance to experience it.
Mediterranean sea and the costal towns and villages are amazing
My step dad enjoyed you. He was a fine man and was not a good flight traveler-fear. We had a simple conversations of places we had traveled and how much more I would have been more able to travel. I had made a qualified statement from limited funds, "I have traveled the world by National Geographic!!" So, he gently replied, "I like Rick Steves. He seems very good where he travels that he tells of his detailed interest in various locations and experience." I was so very touched as I knew he felt he was a personal part of your journeys. So, I started to follow you regularly when able. Your Christmas travels were very sweet. I guess, he was right. I miss him very much, and he gave me my first Christmas I will never for get. Thank you for your lov of travel. Happy Journeys when ever we can get past covid 2020. 🌐
Just loved it, u have explained every bit of it, all aspects, the rush gush, history, architecture, nature, how to chose guided tours. Totally spectacular and panoramic 👌👍
AS a senior I will never get to go these places but enjoy these travels.I also am from Alberta Canada.
I love how informative and extensive your videos are.
Rick Steves' approach to cruising the Mediterranean transforms it from a simple vacation into an enriching journey through history, culture, and natural beauty. By providing practical travel advice and encouraging cultural engagement,
This video was wonderful. We are planning a cruise of the Mediterranean next spring and this was super helpful! Best Mediterranean cruise review I’ve seen.
Enjoyed thoroughly. Thanks Rick.
I've been on a 21 day cruise of the mediterranean ( it was fantastic and waiting to go again) and may I say you did a great job of showing novices what to expect when seriously considering cruising. Well done Rick
@@mikailjohan4494 HELLO MIKAIL, HAPPY NEW YEAR!
@@mikailjohan4494 AU
@@mikailjohan4494 Australia
We adore you , rick! So much great content , thank you for sharing via you tube .