European Cruise Advice

By Fergal Holland

European cruises are fantastic travel experiences; they offer history, beautiful landscapes and the unique flavour of European culture. If you want to visit the heart of Europe as well, don't hesitate to take one of the many European river cruises which are available; the experience is certainly worth any amount of money. European cruises offer so much to take in and so many excellent opportunities to create wonderful memories.

European cruises offer so much to the traveller as well. Your destinations include port cities of Barcelona, Berlin and Cannes as well as plenty of other European ports. Travel by train through breathtaking scenery in Norway, kayak along Geiranger Fjords steep mountain walls, or go on an adventurous glacier hike. Travel to the old world charm of a Scandinavian & Russian cruise. See sparkling palaces and dramatic peaks. Travel via European tours and cruises and you'll experience a little taste of everything.

European cruising allows you to experience all these treasures together. European city ports are closely situated and this makes sailing around the cities in the cruises convenient and fast. European Cruise Advice offers well organized advice to the must visit European sites. European cruise fares are still very cheap, but once they start to fill up the prices will also go higher. You heard it here first, but soon the news about cheap cruise fares, cheap airfare, the Dollar now being much stronger and the weak European economy will sink in.

Cruising in Europe isn't the same as cruising anywhere else in the world! This guide offers everything a traveller needs to know in order to plan the ideal European cruise. The family-friendly vacation package that has gained the most steam in the past five years is cruising. According to the Cruise Lines International Association, ships have seen a record number of passengers-close to 12.5 million-in 2009, up from 8.65 million in 2005.

for help and advice on European Cruises please visit:

[http://www.europeancruiseadvice.com]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Fergal_Holland

Read more

How to Choose a Europe Cruise

By Eric Lam

With the dollar at an all-time low against the Euro, there's never been a better time to explore Europe on a cruise ship. A European cruise enables you to see the history, art, and natural beauty of Europe without having to navigate the roads and train stations or go through the hassle of packing and unpacking at each destination you visit. And because Europe is relatively compact, you can experience many cities during the course of your cruise. Most ships sail at night and arrive in the next port of call early in the morning, allowing you a full day to sightsee-either on your own or on a shore excursion offered by the cruise line.

Image

Because the widest selection of Europe itineraries are offered April to November, you need to book the cruise of your choice as soon as possible to ensure you get the date and type of accommodations you desire. June through September is the "high season" for most itineraries, so if you're flexible, you can usually save some money by booking before June or after September. When you cruise, of course, depends on the itinerary.

Following is a brief look at some of the most popular cruising options, along with suggestions for the best time to cruise.

Mediterranean - The best temperatures are in the spring and fall. Greece, Turkey, the Rivieras, and southern Italy and Spain get especially hot in the summer.

Scandinavia and the Baltics - Northern Europe cruises are available from late May to early September, with the late summer providing the best weather. To see the midnight sun, plan to cruise mid-June to early July.

Great Britain and Ireland - Late summer and early fall are the sunniest months. Temperatures are generally much cooler than on the European continent.

Atlantic Islands, Portugal, and western France - Ships often visit Madeira and the Canary Islands as part of Caribbean/Mediterranean repositioning cruise in the spring and fall. These islands have good weather and moderate temperatures year-round. Ports of call in Portugal and western France are popular in the late spring and early fall.

Along with options for itineraries, you also have a number of ships from which to choose. Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America, Norwegian, Princess, and Royal Caribbean are popular cruise lines that offer a variety of exciting itineraries. We'd love to help you explore the options and select the cruise that's right for you.

Visit us online at http://www.bestcruisespot.com

Eric Lam is a Cruise Consultant of Best Cruise Spot LLC, http://www.bestcruisespot.com For more information, please contact eric@bestcruisespot.com or (866) 277-8618. Best Cruise Spot LLC was founded on the principles of creating the ultimate destination for cruise travel by integrating an innovative Web 2.0 technology with an online cruise shopping experience to deliver the most enjoyable and satisfying cruise vacation purchase experience available to online cruise shoppers worldwide. Combining with our first-class customer service and a guarantee of the lowest fares available to all of our customers, make us become one of the largest sellers of cruise vacations on the internet.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Lam

Read more

Two Great European Cruises Routes

By Kari Cruise

If you are looking for a good way to travel through Europe, consider European cruises. A European cruise is not only a fun way to see many cities and countries in little time, but also a very convenient way to travel. Forget traveling light, or backpacking, when you can bring your hotel everywhere you go. No more worries about packing and repacking between B&B and hotels, your packing is done twice, at home, and at the very end of the trip.

You can opt for short cruises, as short as a few days long, or longer cruises, as long as one month long! A cruise allows you to see part of the world from a new angle, a different perspective.

I will discuss here two popular European cruise routes.

1. Cruises through the Baltic Sea

Baltic Sea cruises will bring you to more northern or eastern European countries, such as Finland or Norway and normally pass through the beautiful city of St. Petersburg, in Russia. Other interesting cities that may be part of your route are Hamburg in Germany and Copenhagen in Denmark.

2. Mediterranean cruises

One of the most popular cruise route in Europe by far is the Mediterranean route, where travelers get the opportunity to explore cities and ports full of romance, history and of course great food! Explore and discover the romantic regions of Italy, the great wines of France and the relax atmosphere of Spain coastline.

Europe has a lot to offer, and a cruise is simply a relax way of traveling and discovering great ports and cities of this old continent, full of history.

For more information about European cruises, please visit Cruise to Europe.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kari_Cruise

Read more

Europe Cruise Vs Tour

By S Lobo

Many clients come to us asking for advice on whether to take a Europe cruise or a land tour. Many people feel a cruise is the better choice. The answer, at the risk of being evasive is yes and no. It's like comparing apples and oranges, and although both taste great, they are quite different.

A rather simplistic answer could be that you won't really see Europe on a cruise ship. You'll see piers and ports which are usually industrial areas that you will want to hurry through to catch the tour bus that will take you on a tour of the region for a few hours. So you're back to the land tour option, and a brief one at that.

For example, a cruise of the Mediterranean stops in Rome, well that's not true. The port of Rome is really the city of Civitavecchia which is 50 miles from Rome and takes about one and a half to two hours by bus. So, if your ship is in port for 12 hours you will be spending almost a third of your precious time shore traveling to and from the ship. You will have time to see a few, (very few if you are traveling in the summer months,) of the sights and perhaps enjoy an espresso or gelato before your bus ride back to the port.

Another popular port of call is Barcelona for usually 8 hours. The port is close to the city, but it is not nearly enough time to see and taste what this wonderful city has to offer.

Most ships give twelve hours in St. Petersburg, Russia. That only gives you time for a run-through of the Hermitage, a glimpse of Peter-Paul Fortress, a blini and then back to the ship.

Shore excursions on cruises can also be quite expensive. To spend the day in Rome could easily cost $150 USD pp. If you are taking a cruise that has several ports of call, you could be talking about spending as much on your sightseeing tours as you did on your cabin.

Now don't misunderstand me, I love cruising! The leisurely dining, great theatricals, breakfast on the balcony, cocktails at sunset, unlimited ship-board activities, unpack once for the entire trip and sleeping in the same bed every night are all wonderful, but not, in my opinion, a way to really get the flavor and see a country. Cruises also offer a wonderful advantage to families by having programs to keep the children occupied on sea days versus trying to entertain them on a bus.

On the other hand, land tours are not the total panacea. There's that suitcase to pack and unpack every few days and a different hotel. Depending on the itinerary, you would experience long bus or train rides between your highlighted cities. The plus side is that there will be much more time for sightseeing. and if you plan properly and in advance, free time to visit areas on your own, unhurried and in depth. A ten day tour of Italy will typically visit at least the three major cities of Rome, Florence and Venice giving plenty of time to visit museums and cathedrals, small shops and mysterious back streets as well as wonderful restaurants and trattorias. However, unlike your cruise ship, not all (if any) of your meals will be included in the price and as on-site gyms, spas, beauty salon and gracious service are not at your fingertips. Also look at itineraries closely to see how much sightseeing in included versus having to purchase optional excursions.

There is one way to combine your apples and oranges and make a nice fruit salad, which is the packaged "cruise-tour" offered by many of the best ship lines and some tour operators. This is your chance to combine the best of both. Depending upon the cruise and the area involved, you can tour an area for five, six or seven days then board your ship for a wonderful restful sail, and even make brief visits to other cities.

No matter how you travel, Europe is filled with gems, amazing history, architecture and cuisine, so you are sure to enjoy your vacation. The key is knowing what to expect in advance so you are not disappointed. Europe cruise versus a Europe tour? Well, whatever floats your boat.

Sue Lobo blogs about the latest news, travel advice, tips and deals for Atlas Cruises & Tours => We invite you to read more @http://www.atlastravelweb.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=S_Lobo

Read more

How to Source Europe Cruise Deals

By Samson Mandez

If you have ever dreamed of travelling the vast oceans and rivers of our beautiful world, then this can be achieved by locating. There are many cruise operators who cater specifically for the countries located in Europe and it can truly be a trip of a lifetime.

You will find yourself visiting many famous cities and landmarks on the coastal towns and cities of the countries of Europe. The ship's itinerary may mean that it will dock at locations such as Barcelona, Venice, Naples, Gibraltar and Athens.

There are usually three types of Europe cruise deals that you can opt for; you could try a Northern Europe, Eastern Mediterranean or Western Mediterranean cruise. No matter which option you choose, you will find there are plenty of great ocean views and many famous attractions to visit.

If you fancy something a bit different, then you could opt for River cruises in France. These cruises take you into the heart of the country and you will get a glimpse of local village life and be able to see some spectacular scenery. River cruises in France are a popular choice with many kinds of traveler as they cater for group dynamics. There is also the option of themed vacations such as golf or wine when you choose River cruises in France.

The facilities on board the vessels used for European cruises are luxurious and modern. Many of the ships have amenities such as gyms, spas, hair salons, internet access, laundry services and some of the larger ships have cinemas. It really feels like a home from home when you book any of the Europe cruise deals.

Many of the cabins have balconies so that you can enjoy the sea views on your trip. If you are lucky, you may be able to spot some famous landmarks as the ship is coming in to port. Most Europe cruise deals include any flights and meals that may be required during your vacation.

You can find many operators who have their own website offering Europe cruise deals on the World Wide Web. It is possible to book your trip on these websites and this process is generally quick and simple to do. You will be asked for certain details when you book including your insurance company details and how many places are to be reserved. It is recommended that you let the operator know of any special requirements at the time of booking.

Searching and booking Europe cruise deals is straightforward and you will end up having one of the best journeys of your life. There is so much to see and do that you will be hard pushed to not enjoy yourself!

EuroRiverTravel.com has the answers to all the questions that you were afraid to ask about european river boat cruises! To make sure that you won't settle for anything less than the full story on western europe cruises, check out the site right away!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Samson_Mandez

Read more

Europe Cruise Deals - Where to Find Them

By Dennis Lindsay

Looking for Europe cruise deals? Here are some valuable resources to help you find the best deal available on a dream European cruise vacation:

1 - Visit a travel agent - Though it might seem like these people are starting to go the way of the dinosaur as more and more people book their vacations online through sites like Expedia nothing could be further from the truth. With years, or even decades of experience to draw upon they can still be an enormously valuable resource in helping you plan and book your trip. Remember, they are working in the industry 40 hours a week, so their finger is on the pulse of the business. Also, they've likely made hundreds of contacts over the years that they can draw upon to find deals that may not show up online. Not only can they help you find the best deal on a cruise, they can help you in other ways as well. Most travel agents are well traveled and can give you personal recommendations on where to go, what to see, and what cruise companies are likely to offer you the type of vacation you are looking for. Even if they haven't had personal experience they can draw upon feedback they've received from other clients over the years who've made similar journeys. Don't overlook this resource. You might ultimately wind up booking your cruise online, but there is no harm in exhausting all possibilities before doing so.

2 - Ask on travel forums - Arguably your greatest resource when planning a vacation are the experiences of other travelers. By posting your queries on a forum like the Lonely Planet Thorn Tree you can tap into the knowledge of thousands of other travelers, many of whom have likely taken trips similar to the one you are planning. They may be able to point you to a resource to find cheap European cruises that you never would have uncovered on your own. Again, like your travel agent their advice can extend far beyond that, letting you know what shore excursions to take, what sort of service, food and amenities you can expect to receive on the cruise ships you are considering and more.

3 - Check company websites for their best last minute deals on cruises - Though you may spend days researching sometimes it ends up being best getting your information straight from the horse's mouth. Major cruise companies update their websites on a daily basis, posting their best deals in an effort to fill ships that are due to sail soon. Granted, this takes a more flexible vacation schedule as many of these deals are last minute. But if you have the luxury of being able to take off at a moment's notice you can save significantly off the rack price.

These are just 3 great ways to find Europe cruise deals. By doing your homework and not rushing to book the first option you see you can make sure you save as much money possible on your dream vacation.

Looking for more advice on finding Europe cruise deals. Visit us at European Cruise Vacations for information and advice on finding discounts, planning and booking, and even what to pack for your trip.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dennis_Lindsay

Read more

Discover European River Cruises

By Michelle J Miller

Living in this fast-changing and busy world is so tiring. After days, weeks, and months of restless workdays, you should really take a break. But how? And where? There are many tourist destinations around the world, and finding the best one for you could be hard. So why not try European river cruises? If you want to visit different cities in Europe, this is the best choice you have. Most countries and cities in Europe are accessible through water transportation, which is why cruises are becoming more popular, especially to tourists who want to experience a great European tour. It might sound expensive, and yes luxurious, but if will consider everything that is covered in the tour you will know how much you can save from it.

So, what do European river cruises usually cover? It is not similar to ocean liner cruises that will give you a plain view of the ocean for your whole vacation. These cruises stop in several cities everyday. Depending on the kind of tour package you have chosen, you can enjoy shopping, sight-seeing, and free hotel accommodations. This is also covered in your trip, so you do not have to worry about your meals, luggage, and destinations. Your whole vacation will be very organized, allowing you to visit more places in Europe than being contained in one city. As you get on board, you will not have to worry about a single thing anymore. The package will include everything, thus you will not have to think of booking flights to another destination, or making reservations at a hotel. It will be arranged for you. Isn't that convenient? A vacation is meant to be fun and relaxing, not stressful, so getting into these river cruises is a good way to make things easier for you.

You can even make new friends while on board. Because the boat usually accommodates 150 to 300 people, it will be easy to talk to someone, plus the ambience is real good. If you worry about the budget, there are some affordable packages too. You can choose different tour styles, and bring your family, or your group of friends. This kind of vacation can be a great adventure, yet relaxing. However, cheaper tour packages usually use smaller boats, thus you cannot experience the luxury and amenities that bigger cruise liners can offer. For instance, more expensive tours include free use of spa salons and other fitness centers while you are on board, enough room for a large group of people, entertainment, and a huge variety of foods. Just imagine, if you will spend your vacation in France, you will pay for the airfare, hotel and room accommodations, and you will not be able to see the real beauty of the whole Europe. But if you choose European river cruises, you'll get to see most of Europe, no hassle in making reservations, and even in unpacking your luggage. You'll comfortably settle in a river cruise than any other vacation choices out there.

Are you looking for more information regarding European river cruises? Visithttp://www.wisdomoftheelite.com/ today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michelle_J_Miller

Read more

What to See in Barcelona on Your Princess Cruises Mediterranean Cruise

By Andy Cockayne

Montserrat Mountains & Monastery

'La Moreneta", the patron saint of Catalonia, lives in the mountains just outside Barcelona; and enjoys some of the best views in the whole country. The Montserrat Mountains are about a one-hour train ride north-west of Barcelona, and home to some pretty bizarre rock formations. On a mountain top, almost 1300m in the air, sits the Montserrat Monastery, home to a venerated statue of the "Black Virgin Mary".

Once here, there are breathtaking views to be had (both of the cliff-top monastery and surrounding valleys) as well as plenty of mountain trails to follow, fresh air to breath in and a gob-smacking museum to visit.

The Montserrat Museum houses work by Dali, Picasso and Caravaggio and would have to be one of the most idyllically located museums in the world! One can marvel at both Mother Nature's priceless creations, and some of the world's most valued art, all in one day. A visit to Montserrat is a truly unforgettable experience.

Enjoy the comfort of an English-speaking guided tour from Barcelona (but share your time and space with a group), or self-guide using public transport. The choice is yours, but we would lean towards the self-guided option here.

You'll have all the relaxation in the world on your Princess Cruises ship, so make a little effort to do this day trip on your own; you'll be so wonderfully rewarded.

Figueres & Girola

Now here's a day trip aimed specifically at Salvador Dali fans. Actually, never mind that. Even if you've never heard of Salvador Dali (where have your been hiding?) you should still consider this tour!

Dali was obsessed with all things visually distorted: clocks, giraffe statues, his own moustache etc, and is often regarded as the most prominent surrealist artist of all time. The Spanish Maestro was born in Figueres and this town, about 140km north-east of Barcelona, now houses the star's epitome collection in the aptly named Dali Museum. The building itself is a work of art, but it's the contents of the various collections which are sure to entertain, enthral, and sometimes baffle, all who take the time to visit.

If you decide to visit here on an organized tour from Barcelona (something we highly recommend in this case due to the distances), you'll also pay a visit to a special little town called Girola.

This old, Roman walled town plays host to the 'best preserved Jewish quarter in Europe' and is an absolutely delightful city to get lost in. When booking a tour, make sure you pick one which includes entry to the Museum and lots of free time to peruse both towns at leisure.

Whilst it is handy to have an air-conditioned bus and an English-speaking guide at your disposal; no one needs to be baby-sat for the entire day! This can also be the only chance you'll have to get away from the crowds for a few hours.

Barcelona is the capital of Spain's Catalonia region and has a rich history as well as current international flair with a big emphasis on fine-art, however, this cosmopolitan city offers much more than Las Ramblas or the Camp Nou, if you are visiting for the day as part of your Princess Cruises Mediterranean cruise then you should certainly investigate what on-shore tours are available - these can normally be pre booked via your Princess Cruises representative.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andy_Cockayne

Read more