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Cruises Southern Europe

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009 at 3:30 pm  
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Southern Europe

The Canary Islands

Several of the cruise lines mentioned on this site offer breathtaking onshore excursions to the three Canary Islands.

Costa and PTO cruises offer itineraries that included the three bigger islands of La Palma, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria. The smaller islands are not accessible by the larger cruise ships.

Right in the middle of Africa and Spain, just write off the coast, the Canary Islands offer plenty of Spanish and African culture. Sleepy little towns, right in the center of beautiful architecture. The Canary Islands offer a stunning experience for all who walk on its pristine beaches. essible by cruise ship, it’s just a matter of finding a cruise line with one of them on their European cruise itinerary.

Eastern Mediterranean Cruises
Greek islands anyone? Italy, Greece, Croatia, and Turkey are just a few ports available on an Eastern Mediterranean cruise. The majority of Eastern Mediterranean cruises begin and end in Italy, in Venice or Rome. It is recommended that you schedule a few extra days to see Rome while you are there. Plenty of history to see! Onshore adventures on a cruise that stops at Rome or most likely include a trip to the Coliseum or a tool are a Vatican City. Depending on the cruise line, there are additional cruises to Sardinia along Italy’s Emerald Coast and to Naples to get a glimpse of Mount Vesuvius.

Common stops on a Western European cruise our Athens, to see the Acropolis, Corfu, and Katakolon. Also, it is understated to speak of just how beautiful the Greek islands are, and an eastern European cruise would not be complete without it. Rhodes, to visit Rhodes Old Town, or the palace of the Grand Masters. If sandy white beaches are your ideal, then you must stop in Mykonos. Other islands that may be on your tour are Santorini, Crete, and Cyprus.

To last stops that are worth the effort are Istanbul, Turkey and Dubrovnik in Croatia. Dubrovnik has no signs of damage from the war in the 1990’s, it has been completely restored and Turkey, Istanbul specifically, is a must see.

Black Sea Cruises
Black sea cruises include ports in Yalta, Odessa in the Ukraine, and in Nessebur, Bulgaria.  Journey to another time and eperience history first hand.

Celebrity, Costa, Crystal, MSC, Oceania, Princess, Sea Cloud, Seabourn, SeaDream Yacht Club, Silversea, Star Clippers and Windstar all have European itineraries in Greece and the Greek Islands, Turkey, Bulgaria and the Black Sea.

Can you imagine how exciting it would be to cruise over to Greece, then on to Turkey and then the Black Sea! Visit the Parthenon, or the Acropolis. Maybe you want to visit the sandy beaches of the Greek Islands of Mykonos, Santorini, Patmos, Rhodes, and the island of Cyprus. Cruise itineraries in Greece often stop in Katakolon, home of the first Olympic stadium and the Temple of Zeus, one of the Wonders of the Ancient World.

Odessa’s Potemkin Stairs stretch all the way to the city – 142 meters – providing European cruise visitors with a grand entrance to this major port. One of the oldest towns in Europe, Nessebur’s romantic cobblestone streets and medieval architecture make it one of the most popular destinations in Bulgaria.

Western Mediterranean Cruises

France, Italy, Portugal and Spain. Not bad destinations to say the least. Have you always wanted to see Côte d’Azur on the French Riviera?

In the Western Mediterranean cruises are the way to go. Enjoy architecture at its finest any truly laid back each style feel in every port along the coast. Even more enticing is St. Tropez’s truly remarkable night life. Celebrity, Costa, Crystal, Cunard, and Holland America offer Western Mediterranean cruises.

After the French Riviera, the western Mediterranean cruise will often stop in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. Visit the de Santa Justa, and climb the iron elevator, for one of the most breathtaking views of the city. you may also enjoy a shore excursion to a 16th century monastery, or just wander through the Alfama quarter. Don’t leave Lisbon without seeing the Praca do Comercio, also called the Terreiro do Paco, site of the former royal palace. Some European cruise lines include a stop on Portugal’s island of Madeira.

Some of the most popular European cruise line destinations in Spain include Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca on the island of Mallorca. And while in Spain don’t forget to stop by the Museu Picasso and the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia. Lastly, western Mediterranean cruise itineraries in Spain also include stops in Gibraltar, Malaga and Cadiz.

Cruises Northern Europe

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009 at 3:27 pm  
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Cruises to the Baltic Sea & Russia

On a Baltic Sea cruise, expect to visit such places as Estonia, Russia, Finland and Sweden. The best cruises offers stops in the capital cities of Tallinn, Estonia; St. Petersburg, Russia; Helsinki, Finland; and Stockholm, Sweden. Celebrity, Costa, Fred Olsen, Holland America, Norwegian, Oceania, P&O, Princess, Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean International and Silversea cruises all offer European itineraries in a Baltic Sea. Make sure to confirm with the cruise lines, because itineraries are changing all the time.

If you’re northern Europe cruise ship stops at Estonia’s capital of Tallinn, then it will probably stop at Helsinki, Finland. Visit castles and palaces built by former Czars And experience medieval history.

There are Russian influences everywhere you stop on the northern European cruise. There are cathedrals that were Russian built in Helsinki. Then stopover in Riga in Latvia to view its Art Nouveau architecture. When you finally get to St. Petersburg, you may not want to leave. There are so many dining options with the finest Russian cuisine, cathedrals, and historical sites. You will need to schedule an entire day to visit the Czars Winter Palace.

Sweden will take your breath away with its beautiful landscapes and even more beautiful people. In the city of Stockholm, there is a mixture of modern and medieval architecture. There are museums galore and don’t forget to see the archipelago, the series of 24,000 small islands that Stockholm is built upon.  Check with your cruise line before booking as itineraries are changing all the time.

Ever wanted to cruise the coast of the Emerald Isle? A European cruise that includes the British Isles will give you plenty of history, mixed with beautiful views. Stop in London England or Glasgow Scotland for the best nightlife. Celebrity, Costa, Crystal, Cunard, Fred Olsen, Hapag-Lloyd, Holland America, MSC, Oceania, P&O, Princess, Regent seven seas, Royal Caribbean international, Silver seas, and Swan Hellenic all offer European cruise itineraries in the British Isles. Be sure to check with the cruise line for leaving because itineraries can change at any time.

Northern Capitals Cruises

A popular European cruise is the northern capitals cruise. Most of the major cruise lines offer similar itineraries. You will be able to see all of the capitals of Copenhagen, Denmark; Helsinki, Finland; Oslo, Norway; Stockholm, Sweden; and St. Petersburg, Russia. Costa, Crystal, Fred Olsen, Holland America, MSC, and Norwegian, Oceania, Orient, P&O, and Princess, Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean international, Seaborn and Silversea cruises all have European cruise itineraries that include the northern capitals.

With most cruises stopping in Copenhagen, you will be able to experience the nightlife. There are plenty of palaces to see, like the Christiansborg and the Amalienborg. An amusement park called Tivoli Gardens also provides hours of entertainment would rise and activities.

Then enjoy Helsinki, Finland with all of the artists andintellectuals that call Helsinki home.  Other capitals you will visit like Stockholm, Sweden and experience the city’s old town. In Oslo, Norway don’t pass up the chance to see Ackershus Castle as well as the Viking and museums.

A shore excursion to Stockholm, Sweden might include a walk through Gamla Stan, the city’s Old Town. Stockholm is built on a series of islands, as becomes more evident as your ship sails near the Archipelago islands. Gamla Stan is built on three islands that are linked to each other by a series of bridges. The largest of the tiny islands is Stadsholmen, where you can experience the history of Stockholm. Here you can also view the Royal Palace – make sure to stay for the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Cruises in Scandinavia & Fjords

Lastly it is worth noting the Scandinavian and Fjords cruises. Travel through a series of inlets in West Norway and enjoy the view of the majestic mountains and glaciers. These cruises are truly in a different category.

Celebrity, Costa, Cunard, Fred Olsen, Hapag-Lloyd, Holland America, MSC, Orient, P&O, Princess, Royal Caribbean international, Seaborn, and Swan Hellenic all have European cruise itineraries that involve touring the Fjords of Norway.

Most of the larger megaships can’t offer to take you up inside the inlets, but still offer wonderful cruises. You will not be disappointed. These cruises, to the Fjords, will most likely include ports in Scandinavia and other northern European cities, such as Copenhagen, Oslo, Helsinki, London, Glasgow and St. Petersburg. Some even begin and end in Amsterdam.

Planning Your Adventure – Cheap Cruises Europe

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009 at 3:20 pm  
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The Perfect European Escape

Depending on your taste, there is a cruise out there for you. The wonderful thing about a cruise, in contrast to just taking trains across Europe, is that your hotel goes with you everywhere you go. There are no worries about finding a place to stay. Even if you choose to just stay on the ship, there are plenty of activities for anyone to enjoy.  Every European cruise ship is its own private paradise and amenities will differ from ship to ship. During the planning stage of the trip it is important to ask yourself, what type of experience do I want to have? Rock climbing and a pool with a bar on the deck? Whatever your fancy each European cruise has limitless options for recreation, entertainment and dining.

Waiting for Your Ship Arrive

The check-in process is relatively painless. You should be prepared to go through customs and present proper identification before boarding the ship. After going through customs, you will be guided or shown to your room. Some cruises have stewards that will show you to your room, while others will have attendants stationed all over the ship during the boarding process to help all or the new sailors get to their rooms.

If you are lucky enough to have a steward, that steward will be your guide for the entire trip. It is important, when you first get to your room, to review all the written information about the ship. Safety regulations, deck maps, and guides showing what activities are going on will be provided.

What To Do

One of your best sources for activities while on the cruise will be the daily bulletin. This will be delivered to your room daily and will include all activities for that particular day. This includes on deck activities, the menu for dining, what the port of call for the day is and what there is to do when you arrive. Your European cruise will offer you non-stop action, or if you prefer, you can always lounge by the pool. Several of the newer cruise lines offer a “wave pool” or even wading pools with real sand!

The European cruise really gives a person the chance to create the paradise that they want. With all the activities that are offered, it might be ideal to just visit the on board luxurious spa. Some cruise lines offer indoor golfing to improve your swing.

Usually, the larger the ship, the larger the crowd. The way to beat the crowd, is to review all of the ship’s entertainment material and sign up for as many activities as possible on the first day. Get your assigned dining times, sign up for classes or watch a first-run movie at the onboard theater. It is essential that you sign up for these activities early on.

Dining Options

Will there be food on my European cruise? You bet there will be! Not only is the cuisine on European cruises world class quality, there is a lot of it. Due to the size of the ship, and the number of passengers, there are multiple dining times on different parts of the ship. So there is ample opportunity to eat some of the best dishes in the world. Some of the different types of dining options are the buffets, where you can come dressed however you please. There are also formal dining rooms, and even pizza shops! I challenge anyone to find a part of the ship during any time of the day when they can’t find delicious food.

Most shis have a stable of professional chefs from all over the world. Presentation is key and your dining experience will be nothing short of extraordinary. One of the most amazing experiences is when you are invited to dine with your ships Captain! If you frequent the formal dining rooms, and dress to impress, you could find yourself rubbing elbows with the man in charge.

Dinner is, for the most part, the only formally planned meal. Most meals and snacks are served buffet style, and are open for a two or 3-hour window for passengers to enjoy at their own pace. Don’t think that just because it is late that the kitchen is closed. Well into the evening, there will be the “midnight buffet.” Get a full stomach and then get a good night’s sleep for the next day.

Just be sure to do this early on in the cruise. Your dining time is also pre-arranged, and there is often a formal dress code. Your seating will also be pre-assigned after you are given your dining times. If the formal dining style isn’t your style, then some ships offer a more casual dining ambience, and more and more cruises are adding specialty restaurants. Truly one of the most cherished experiences of any vacation is ordering Room service. Most cruises offer Room service at no additional charge.

Heading Home

Unfortunately, at some point you will have to return home. Your European cruise can’t last forever. When you return to your original port, and depart the ship, you will again have to go through customs. At this point you will also have to settle your bill for incidentals with the ship. You can also tip your steward, maitre d’ and wait staff and any other crew you would like to show your appreciation. Usually a generous tip is between $10 and $12 per day for your steward, maitre d’ and head waiter.

Things to Consider

The most important thing to remember in planning your cruise is, YOU are in charge. Make this the trip of YOUR dreams, and plan exactly what you want. Here are a few things to help in your planning. Consider the following:

1. Destination – Where Would You Like to Go?

There is an old wise saying, “A man without a destination is just a wanderer.” So the first thing to decide is the destination. European cruises focus on one region of Europe per cruise. For example, you might choose a Baltic Sea cruise, with stops in Copenhagen, St. Petersburg, Helsinki and Stockholm. Or, if island hopping in the Mediterranean is more your cup of tea, then book a roundtrip cruise from Rome, with multiple stops in Greece, Italy, and stops in Turkey and Croatia. Perhaps your ideal cruise takes place in Norway, as you tour the majestic ice glaciers.

2. Size of the Ship – Large Crowd or Intimately Small?

Your experience will be different on a small to medium size cruise ship, versus a larger cruise liner. The ports that you will be able to visit diminish with the larger ships. Whilst the smaller to medium type cruise ships can offer locations that the bigger ships just can’t. The average large cruise ships can carry approximately 2500 or more passengers, kind of like a traveling resort. The larger ships have bigger activities like onboard shopping centers and movie theaters.

If you prefer a more intimate interaction with other sailors on your cruise then a small to medium size cruise ship might be for you. Smaller cruise ships are able to visit most of the European ports, and the shore excursions are often free. The atmosphere is relaxed and the meals are generally informal, although there are luxury cruises on smaller ships. Alternative sailing ships offer activities geared toward the adventurer, and intimate surroundings offer opportunities to forge new friendships with other passengers. The ride on a smaller cruise ship can get a little bumpy, so if you are prone to motion sickness, a small ship is not the ideal cruise for you. Small European cruise ships lack the stabilizers present on the larger ships.

3. Activities – What Would You Like to Do?
Would you like a very active cruise where there is always something to do? The kind where you finish your day by collapsing on your bed with an exhaused smile on your face showing your level of fulfillment at having as many activities as possible packed into your day. Spa treatments, casinos, live entertainment and shopping are all available to you on the mega ships and on many of the mid size ships as well.

Alternatively, for those who want an ideal cruise experience that seems tailored to their specific interests, a themed cruise is the best choice. European cruise companies have added Singles cruises, art and history cruises, and food and wine cruises.

Lastly, if you prefer spending more time off the ship exploring historical sites or enjoying sandy beaches, then the smaller to medium cruises might be able to go to more ports that will offer a less mainstream experience. The large ships still offer plenty of off ship excursions also, so consider what types of adventures you want to go on before choosing what ship you will go on. Find our from the cruise line websites what types of activities they offer.

Check out our guide to Booking Your European Cruise.  Your European Vacation starts here.

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