Explore Europe by Cruise
January 16th 2012 -
Although many travellers enjoy transatlantic cruises to visit the majestic areas of Alaska or the warm climates of the Caribbean, I think there is an exceptional land for exploration that is closer than you may think. Cruises throughout Europe give you the chance to visit areas that you might otherwise miss out on, and you can plan a trip for a short three day holiday or choose to go on a longer two week cruise. Here are some of my best tips for cruising through Europe.
Plan the Itinerary: There are a vast array of cruises available that travel throughout Europe. Due to Europe being so large, most cruises will only cover a small section of the area. In most cases, cruise lines will offer cruises through Northern Europe and the Baltic or Western Europe and the British Isles. For Mediterranean cruises, some cruise lines will offer a tour through the western portion or the eastern portion of the Mediterranean. If St. Petersburg is a place you want to visit, make sure you find a cruise that covers the Baltic. If you want to explore Barcelona, make sure to find a cruise that travels through the western area of the Mediterranean.
Decide the Dates: You can find everything from short three day cruises to 14 night cruises throughout Europe. After deciding where you want to go, you may find that you will need a few extra days for the cruise. For instance, Norwegian cruise line offers a short three day cruise that covers Barcelona, Naples and Rome. They also offer a longer seven night cruise that includes Barcelona and Rome, as well as Florence, Nice and Provence.
Don’t try to See Everything: Whilst cruising throughout Europe, you will undoubtedly be eager to see some of the most exciting attractions at each port. The problem with cruises throughout Europe is that you may only have one day at each port. This hardly gives someone enough time to see everything, so choose what attractions you want to see before the cruise. Make sure to plan the trip, keeping your schedule in mind. Know when to partake in shore excursions and when to go sight-seeing by yourself. Some of the places you want to visit, such as Paris or Rome, will require a fairly long drive from the port. Make sure to see what type of bus transportation the cruise line offers. You can also inquire about participating in a ship tour, where a tour guide will accompany you.
Consider a No-Fly Cruise: If you dislike flying, want to save money on airfare, and you don’t want to worry about luggage restrictions, I recommend finding a no-fly cruise. There are numerous cruise lines that operate out of Southampton that offer no-fly cruises. For instance, P&O offers no-fly cruises from Southampton that travel to the Baltic and the Mediterranean. Explore the splendid scenery of Egypt on a cruise to the Eastern Mediterranean or feel refreshed and rejuvenated after a short two day cruise through Europe. With a no-fly cruise, your holiday will be stress-free and relaxing.
Whether you hope to see the lovely fountains of Rome or explore the history and scenery of Greece, there are plenty of options for exploring Europe on a cruise. With numerous ships offering cruises through Europe, such as P&O, Cunard, Fred Olson, Princess and Holland America, you are sure to find a cruise that will reflect your interests and will appeal to the entire family.
Tags: Baltic, British Isles, Cruise Lines, Cruises Lines, Eastern Portion, Europe Cruise, Itinerary, Mediterranean Cruises, Naples, Night Cruise, Night Cruises, Northern Europe, Norwegian Cruise Line, Provence, St Petersburg, Transatlantic Cruises, Travel Europe, Warm Climates, Western Europe, Western Portion