Before your cruise

Eastern Mediterranean and the Greek islands

Greece, Turkey and the Adriatic coast, sometimes Israel and Egypt. Every ship has its own ports, so pick the countries on your ticket.

Say: Kaliméra (Καλημέρα) (kah-lee-MEH-rah), Good morningefcharistó (ευχαριστώ) (ef-hah-ree-STOH), thank you
Try: Moussaka, Greek village salad, Tzatziki
See: The Acropolis and the Parthenon, The Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, The Sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi
Money: Euro (€)
Good to know: 'Nai' means yes. The Greek word for yes, 'nai', sounds like 'nay'. For no, many Greeks give a small upward nod with raised eyebrows, sometimes with a 'tsk' click of the tongue.

Say: Merhaba (MER-ha-ba), HelloTeşekkür ederim (te-shek-KUR e-de-RIM), Thank you
Try: Meze, Red lentil soup, Menemen
See: Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, The Blue Mosque
Money: Turkish lira (TRY, symbol ₺), divided into 100 kuruş
Good to know: Visiting mosques. Take off your shoes at the entrance and carry them in the bags provided. Cover your shoulders and knees; women should also cover their hair, and scarves are often lent at the door. Avoid prayer times, especially Friday midday, and do not walk in front of people who are praying.

Say: Dobro jutro (DOH-broh YOO-troh), Good morningHvala lijepa (HVAH-lah LYEH-pah), Thank you very much
Try: Peka (dishes cooked under the bell), Zagorje štrukli, Pašticada
See: The Old City and Walls of Dubrovnik, Diocletian's Palace, Plitvice Lakes National Park
Money: Euro (€), since 1 January 2023
Good to know: Euros, cards and a little cash. Croatia has used the euro since 1 January 2023, so old kuna prices in guidebooks are out of date. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but carry some small notes and coins for markets, tips and small cafés.

Say: Dobro jutro (DOH-broh YOO-troh), Good morninghvala (HVAH-lah), thank you
Try: Njeguši ham, Pljevlja cheese, Kačamak
See: The Old Town and Walls of Kotor, Our Lady of the Rocks, Njegoš Mausoleum on Mount Lovćen
Money: Euro (€), used since 2002 although Montenegro is not in the eurozone
Good to know: Register within 24 hours. As of September 2026, every visitor must be registered with the local tourist office or police within 24 hours of arrival. Hotels and most holiday lets do it for you, but in private accommodation make sure it is done, or you risk a fine.

Say: Buongiorno (bwohn-JOR-noh), Good morning, hellograzie (GRAHT-see-eh), thank you
Try: Pizza margherita, Spaghetti alla carbonara, Risotto alla milanese
See: The Colosseum, The Trevi Fountain, Florence Cathedral and Brunelleschi's dome
Money: Euro (€)
Good to know: Validate your train ticket. Paper tickets for regional trains must be validated in a machine at the station before you board, or you can be fined. Digital tickets do not need it.

Say: Shalom (shah-LOHM), Hello, goodbye (literally: peace)Todah rabah (toh-DAH rah-BAH), Thank you very much
Try: Hummus, Falafel, Sabich
See: Caesarea, The Old City of Jerusalem, The Israel Museum and the Shrine of the Book
Money: Israeli new shekel (₪)
Good to know: Plan around Shabbat. In most cities, buses and trains stop on Friday afternoon and start again on Saturday evening, and many shops and kosher restaurants close. Taxis and some shared minibuses (sherut) still run. Book transport and shopping for Friday morning.

Say: Sabah el-kheir (صباح الخير) (sa-BAH el-KHAYR), Good morningEl-hamdu lillah (الحمد لله) (el-HAM-doo lil-LAH), Thanks be to God (I'm fine)
Try: Koshari, Ful medames, Ta'ameya (Egyptian falafel)
See: The Pyramids of Giza, The Great Sphinx, The Grand Egyptian Museum
Money: Egyptian pound (EGP), divided into 100 piastres
Good to know: Dress modestly. Egyptians generally dress conservatively. Clothes that cover the shoulders and knees are the most comfortable choice in towns, villages, markets and religious sites; resorts on the Red Sea are more relaxed. A light scarf is handy for women, for the sun and for visiting mosques.