Sunquest cruises the Mediterranean with excellent values

Relaxing and socializing on board the MS Carousel.

t first glance, Sunquest's Mediterranean Cruising brochure for summer 2000 was astonishing. After scrutinizing the excellent roster of ports and the 'almost all-inclusive' pricing details, my thoughts were confirmed: Sunquest offers Canadians the most affordable cruise packages under the beaming Mediterranean sun.

How does the company do it? I wondered. Its three, seven-day itineraries start as low as $1699 per person–guaranteed in Canadian dollars–and include return direct flights from Toronto, plus round-trip transfers between airport and ship, meals and snacks, and all shipboard gratuities (which on many cruises may add 20 per cent to costs). Better not ask, I figured, and quietly spread the word that, at this price, there is arguably no more economical way to reach so many of the Mediterranean's top ports, and indeed, some of the region's most illustrious sights.

Two ships, many itineraries
Sunquest has two ships plying the Mediterranean Sea. Its newest vessel, the four-star Sunbird (formerly Royal Caribbean's Song of America) recently completed a major renovation. The Carousel (formerly Royal Caribbean's Nordic Prince) was recently refurbished.

Both ships follow the 'Mediterranean Classics' route, stopping at Corsica or Genoa. The Sunbird visits Corsica, Civitavecchia, Livorno, Villefranche and Barcelona while the Carousel visits Civitavecchia, Genoa, Livorno, Villefranche and Barcelona. As well, the Sunbird alternates weekly routes to offer 'A Touch of Africa', departing Palma for Naples, Sicily, Malta, Tunis and Menorca. And the Carousel alternates weekly routes to offer 'Italian Renaissance' cities, departing Mallorca for Civitavecchia, Naples, Sicily, Malta and Sardinia.

A Bernini sculpture in a clifftop garden of Capri.

Since all three itineraries depart on Saturdays from Palma, Mallorca, it's possible to extend your holiday with a week on Mallorca or combine two different itineraries for an extended cruise.

In every port, Sunquest offers a variety of guided excursions. Sure, if you sightsee independently, you have freedom to follow a whim. But before going solo, it pays to research by checking a cruise book that details port excursions or by asking the ship's shore excursion officer. Some ports, for example Malta–where the city is a short walk from the ship–are easy to explore independently. Yet you must join a tour or find a driver to see Mdina, one of the world's finest medieval walled cities. In some ports–for example Civitavecchia which requires a one-and-one-half-hour drive through tight traffic to reach Rome–it's best to join the ship's bus, if not for the entire tour, at least for the round-trip to the city.

Recommended sights to take in
The beauty of cruising the majestic Mediterranean is that if you return time and again, you'll always find a memorable experience. Here are some of my favourite excursions–some escorted some independent.

Ajaccio, on the mountainous French Island of Corsica, is famed as the birthplace of Napoleon. If the tour is offered on your visit, it's worth the long drive to see Les Calanches. The spectacular range of red granite mountains soaring above crystal clear waters is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Civitavecchia is the gateway to Rome. If it's your first visit to the 'Eternal City', join the tour to the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, Coliseum and Forum–if only to avoid endless lines. I usually head for the Via Condotti, the old Jewish ghetto, and inevitably end up lunching on pasta at Tre Scalini overlooking Bernini's fountains in the Piazza Navona.

Rome’s Coliseum is always a popular cruise tour stop.

Livorno is the gateway for Florence. To see the famous Duomo and Michelangelo's David, it's best to join the ship's tour. If you want to visit the Uffize Gallery or shop on the famous Ponte Vecchio Bridge, take the ship's city shuttle.

Villefranche, the picturesque French Riviera port for Nice, Cannes and Monte Carlo, is among my favourite ports. From here I hire a car or take the local train to the historic perched mountain villages of Eze or Ste-Paul de Vence for a decadent lunch.

Barcelona is a treasure trove of delights. You can easily follow a city map to stroll along the famous Las Ramblas, visit the Picasso Museum, and ogle Antoni Gaudi's unique architecture.

Naples is notorious for thieves and pickpockets, so it's best to stick with a ship's tour whether you take the ferry across to the Isle of Capri or the bus to see the incredibly preserved ancient city of Pompeii.

From Messina, Sicily, my favourite excursion is to Taormina. The 18th-century hillside village is renowned for its ancient amphitheatre, colourful ceramic crafts and delicious frosty gelato.

The beauty of cruising the blue Mediterranean is that–if you're tempted to forgo all these gorgeous sights to lounge on deck under the gorgeous sun–that's just fine. After all, it's your vacation.

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