Hi Liz

It might help if you list the actual ports you are visiting rather than the country as there are several ports that cruise ships visit in Sicily, etc.

Also have a look at the DIY excursion sticky at the top of the forum as they may be mentioned there.

luci

Sorry Lucie
Never gave that a thougt they are:

Palermo in Sicily (full day)
Cititavecchia in Rome(full day) already booked trip though for this one.
Ajaccio in Corsica(full day)
Alghero in Sardinia(half day)
Mahon in Menorca(full day).

Any advise on ship for tipping etc, or when is the best time to get to shows etc would help, and also we have never been to a casino in our life so really need a helping hand with that one!!

Probably just need to take you all with me!
Thanks Liz.

We have a New to Cruising topic which may answer some of your questions.

We have been to some of your ports, but just had a wander round so can't really offer much info. There is a road train in Alghero and Ajaccio. I think Palermo is too far to do Mount Etna in half a day. We were there on a Sunday and everything was closed.

luci

Hi Liz- started packing? I bet you are excited. I Escape was our first cruise (and 2nd!) and have been on cruises each year since. Look in your cruise news paper that you get in your cabin each day- I am sure they will have a "fun casino" session on the first sea day when they show you the ropes. We always tip our cabin attendant, and any waiters or bar staff who have looked after us particularly well. On IE you won't have a regular waiter so it's a bit different to other ships.
We have been to Ajaccio and taken the land train , looked in Napoleon's house, had drinks by the harbour, strolled around and shopped. There are beaches there but no sunbeds etc when we were there- I think you would have to go a bit further for that.
Same in Mahon really- you are docked right in town like Ajaccio- just a flight of steps to town centre, market right at dockside, gin factory a few yards along the dockside. We used those as amble round "chill out" days!
You will get loads of information on board. Have a great time!
kate

ooh, i went on the med discovery in may.
It was FAB!

the staff are great and the food on board was also really nice
im sure youll be having a great time!

Leah x