Cruises to European Destinations - Mediterranean

A Mediterranean cruise visits places such as Greece, Italy, Spain, Malta, and France - places that invoke images of romance, history, and beauty. With all that a cruise there offers, it is no wonder they are so popular. Travel to France and see Marseille and Paris. Paris is the cultural center of France and one of the most exciting and vibrant cities in the world. Visit the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre Museum, destinations in themselves. Marseille is the oldest city in France, and perhaps on of its most interesting. Close to 800 miles from Paris, Marseille exudes an atmosphere that seems as much Italian as French, but is a place all its own. Those who travel to Italy are able to visit Rome, Florence, Genoa, and more.

Go wine tasting, visit the Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum, stroll quaint market streets and the avenues lined with contemporary shops and caf'es. Florence, on the banks of the Arno River, is the origin of the Renaissance; Genoa, one of the most active ports in Europe, is where Christopher Columbus first set sail for the Americas. Malta is probably one of the most interesting and beautiful Mediterranean destinations around. It's a place where natural beauty and ancient and modern man-made attractions create an air of magic. Looking out on to the Mediterranean Sea, you'll be rendered speechless at the view. There is 7,000 years of human history woven into the fabric of the country, and for those who love learning about history, this place will more than satisfy.

Cruises to European Regions - Northern European Cruises

Northern European Cruises include the countries of England, Scandinavia, Russia, Norway, Finland, Scotland, Ireland, Switzerland, and many more. There are so many great destinations for Northern European Cruises, and the time has never been better than now! Sample some fish and chips, and instead of coffee and bagels, try tea and scones.

Northern European Cruises - Northern European Cruises Ports

Most often, London is the port of call that you'll be stopping at when you visit England on Northern European Cruises. Renowned for its theater and cultural highlights, London is definitely a city that deserves your attention. See the ancient city of St. Petersburg on a Russia & Scandinavian cruise. From the time of the Peter the Great to its significance in World War II and beyond, St. Petersburg is officially claimed as the cultural capital of Russia. Once called Leningrad, during WWII it was held under siege by the Germans; 1,000,000 people lost their lives. Still, you can remember them with a tour of the city. If you're looking for something a little more light-hearted, museums, cafes, shops, and parks are all throughout the city. The "land of the midnight sun," Norway has long summer days in which the rugged mountains, fjords, and glaciers are bathed in sunlight for a majority of the day. Of course, Norway isn't all cold tundra; enchanting forests and beaches can be found in the temperate south.

Cruises to European Regions - European Tours and Cruises

For those who would want to extend their travel time to Europe, many cruise lines offer European tours and cruises, combinations of land and cruise vacations. European tours and cruises give passengers a chance to explore more of inland Europe. Many times, guests can choose whether they want to begin or end their vacation with the land portion of the cruise. Although you must select an itinerary that works best for you, if you take the land portion at the end of the vacation, you're not forced to leave Europe sooner than you might want if you would have to catch the cruise ship. Of course, a World Cruise is another way to go. Besides being given opportunity to see Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, and Western Europe, a World Cruise allows guests to also see areas of Asia and Africa. European tours and cruises are also great options for European Honeymoon cruises - you'll have time to relax on the luxurious ship as well as time to explore on land. It's the perfect union!

No matter where you're thinking about going in Europe, you won't find any better European tours and cruises than you will at Cruisenetwork. com. Call and speak with a knowledgeable Cruise Specialist.

Don't forget to ask about special European Honeymoon cruises and celebration packages that come with them! Whether it's to celebrate your new marriage, or to celebrate your 10 year anniversary, European honeymoon cruises make for a spectacular gift and create memories for a lifetime.

European Cruises - River Cruises to European Regions

See Europe via its mighty rivers on European River Cruises and Luxury European river cruises. European river boat cruises offer a unique perspective, traveling through big metropolitan cities like Paris and Amsterdam through the countryside to places like Normandy or passing blooming fields of tulips in the Dutch countryside. Discounted European river cruises can found at two for one rates or at awesome deals in the off season. Call your CruiseNetwork. com Specialist for more information.

European Cruises - Lines Offer Cruises to European Regions

Hop on one of many contemporary ships, some of the most luxurious vessels in the industry. Royal Caribbean, Costa Cruise Line, Crystal Cruises, Windstar Cruises, Cunard Cruises, Holland America, Princess Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Viking River Cruises and more, give you the opportunity to experience not only some of Europe, but a cruise that lives up to your expectations and very often surpasses them. Below are listed simply some general distinctions when you're talking about the different European cruises. There are a large number of cruise lines that offer European cruises in a wide variety of styles. From river cruises to ocean cruises to European honeymoon cruises, you'll have difficulty choosing.

Top European Cruise Holiday Destinations and Shore Excursions

This is your chance to discover the bountiful treasures of Europe, hopping from country to country whilst relaxing in stylish surroundings all the way.

European cruises to Italy

Italy was made for romance with sumptuous landscapes, fascinating history, culture and cuisine that just about seduces everyone. Explore the canals of enchanting Venice and gaze at beautiful churches or Renaissance art. Or why not take a shore excursion to Rome and enjoy a walking tour around this historic city, packing in the Spanish Steps, The Pantheon and of course the Colosseum.

European cruises to Holland

The land of wooden clogs and tulips, Holland is beautiful, calming and colourful, none more so than Amsterdam. Here you can soak up the exquisite 17th century architecture, romantic canals and interesting shops. Don't forget to sample the local traditional cheeses in the vibrant street markets.

European cruises to Russia

Russia offers a wealth of history, enormous diversity and many cultural traditions. Escape to the past in St. Petersburg with its vast, crystalline squares and palaces, offering a glimpse of the once glittering imperial Russia.

St Isaac's Cathedral, Peterhof, Catherine Palace and the Hermitage are all a must for your list. Or revel in the awe inspiring art collections in Moscow (pictured right) whilst sampling some of the delicious local cuisine.

European cruises to Greece

Discover Athens. the centre of the ancient world and the birthplace of civilization. Explore the many fallen columns and architectural masterpieces, or sample the vibrant Athenean lifestyle with its quaint restaurants and lively nightlife.

Visit the site of the original Olympic Games at Olympia or alternatively take a cable car ride to the top of the cliffs in Santorini for the amazing seascape vistas.

European cruises to Portugal

The Portuguese capital of Lisbon offers a unique combination of diverse cultures and architecture in a laid back atmosphere. Legendary cafes and art nouveau shops will tantalise you away from your sumptuous ship for a day's exciting excursion.

European cruises to Spain

Cruises to Spain offer a fantastic range of culture, from the Gothic Cathedrals of Barcelona to the designer boutiques of Cadiz. The Iberian treasures also include the Atlantic coastline of Bilbao where you can visit the Guggenheim. For the sun worshippers there are the beautiful beaches of Alicante or Palma. European cruises to Spain take you through Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture and from stunning landscapes to vibrant cafe culture.

European cruise tips and making the most of your Mediterranean Cruise Vacation Packages

Cruising Europe is a relaxing and rewarding experience - even more so when you do a little planning before you go. The more you prepare for your journey abroad, the more time you'll be able to spend simply enjoying your vacation and discovering all of the wonders the Old World has to offer.

The Best Time to Cruise the Mediterranean

May to October is European cruising's peak season, chiefly because these months offer the most sun and blue sky. And the days last longer - Scandinavia can stay sunny for nearly 20 hours a day! Mild weather makes it easy to pack and travel light, and the attractions are easily accessible - the royal gardens are abloom in London, the sidewalk cafes come alive in Paris, and beaches from the French Riviera to the islands of Spain and Greece sizzle with beauty. Outdoor festivals and art shows also make the summer popular with travelers. And in August, the crowds will be a little smaller - because many Europeans go on vacation abroad.

Early spring and late fall are also popular with travelers. American holidays (like St. Patrick's Day) and European holidays (like Germany's famed Oktoberfest) draw many visitors in Europe's cooler months. From Ireland's emerald countryside to the sun-washed vineyards of Italy, the colorful changing of the seasons can be a magical time. Some vacationers prefer this period because there are smaller crowds - imagine having Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper all to yourself! And, of course, there are plenty of great deals at this time of year.

Types of European Cruises

Transatlantic Cruises . Cross the Atlantic amidst all the comforts of a full-service floating resort, including endless dining options and world-class entertainment at sea. Transatlantic cruises usually embark from within the U. S. or the Caribbean, and then disembark in Europe (or vice versa), so you'll only need one-way airfare. Want to start your cruise vacation immediately? Embark from a U. S. port. Prefer to save the best for last? Cruise home from Europe. If you have time, nothing beats an extended roundtrip sailing from either side of the Atlantic.

Plenty of itineraries feature ports in Great Britain, Spain, and Portugal. But some sailings include unique ports like the Canary Islands and the islands of The Azores. Located halfway across the pond, both destinations are ruggedly beautiful and rich with culture. Many transatlantic cruises also drop anchor in the Caribbean for a day or two. Western Mediterranean Cruises . The towering Rock of Gibraltar welcomes you to the breathtaking gateway of the Mediterranean Sea. Here, along the western shores of the sea, you'll discover an array of eclectic cities. Popular hotspots include Barcelona, Ibiza, Cannes, and Monte Carlo. For a truly exotic adventure, choose an itinerary featuring south coast stops in Morocco and Tunisia. Eastern Mediterranean Cruises . Once the center of power for an empire that stretched across most of Europe, Rome is the unofficial cruising capital of the Mediterranean. More cruise ships embark and disembark from the city's terminal port in nearby Civitavecchia than from any other European location. Classic Eastern Mediterranean itinerary favorites include Venice, Naples, Athens, and the islands of Italy and Greece. Popular exotic ports include Istanbul and Cairo. Northern European Cruises . Year after year, spectacular coastal scenery and fascinating cities keep cruisers coming back to the waterways of Northern Europe. Traditional itineraries usually include stops in London (or two nearby terminals) and Dublin. Paris and Amsterdam, located just across the English Channel, are perennial crowd-pleasers. More exotic thrills await beyond the dramatic white cliffs of Dover and the European mainland. Don't miss the hot springs and glacier-capped volcanoes of Iceland, the Viking lore and fjords of Scandinavia, and the ornate czar palaces of St. Petersburg, Russia. European River Cruises . To experience a vacation that is truly unique, adventurous and enriching, embark on a voyage with Uniworld Grand River Cruises and Tours. As you sail the world's historic waterways, you'll enjoy an intimate look at exotic destinations, cruising past scenic countryside, cultural landmarks and bustling city life. European Land and Cruise Tours. A hotel stay in an exciting gateway city is the icing on the cake - it's the most relaxing way to kick-off or wrap-up your journey. Catch up on sleep and adjust to the change in time zones, or rise with the sun - step onto your hotel room's balcony, breathe in mouthwatering scents from a local bakery, and watch the neighborhood come alive. Overnight stays also afford you an opportunity to experience completely the legendary nightlife of vibrant gateway cities like London and Barcelona.

Interested in an European cruisetour? Learn more about adding a deluxe land stay to your Royal Caribbean. Princess Cruises. or Celebrity Cruises European cruise!

Cruise vacations to Europe

Europe has a large number of different seas in which to take a cruise, from the warm waters of the Mediterranean, where you can see the ancient cities of Rome and Venice, to a Baltic voyage, where you can explore Northern Europe with its rich medieval history. Another popular destination for European cruises is Norway. Norway is a land of myths and legends, and once you experience the amazing scenery on a European passage, you'll understand why. The Norwegian fjords are unlike anything else on Earth. Cut into Norway's mountains, the fjords run for hundreds of miles and have breathtaking backdrops that range from snowy mountains and beautiful islands, to reefs where the Vikings once ruled. Other popular destinations for cruising around Europe include the British Isles, the South of France and European river cruises taking you along the Danube, Rhine or Seine.

European cruises around the Mediterranean

If sunshine is your thing, a Mediterranean cruise offers the chance to relax and unwind amid some of the most beautiful of European coastlines. Most cruise liners take in some of the Mediterranean's most beguiling cities, such as Rome, where you can see the Coliseum and Pantheon, Barcelona, with its vibrant and cosmopolitan lifestyle, and the French Riviera, where you can relax on the beaches often populated by the rich and famous. The Mediterranean is also a place of fine cuisine and ancient architecture, so for those that love culture, good food and wine, a European voyage to the Mediterranean is an experience you'll never forget.

European cruises don't just explore seas, and an idyllic way to see Europe is to take a passage down some of the main waterways of France, Germany and Southern Europe. As a more tranquil type of European vacation, a river cruise allows you to enjoy the beautiful scenery and explore the major cities whilst relaxing in comfort. You can take a journey down the Rhine, exploring Germany and the Swiss Alps, or coast along the blue Danube, seeing Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava. Whether you want to cruise the Mediterranean, voyage around the Baltic or take a sedate passage down the many rivers and estuaries of Germany and France, European cruises offer perhaps the most diverse choice of cruise line vacations on Earth.

River Cruises

River boats now cruise up and down the Danube, the Rhine, the Main, the Moselle, the Rhône, the Seine, and the Elbe, as well as smaller Dutch and Belgian waterways. The river cruise industry is a crowded field, but it means there are that many more options for travelers. Many river cruises are all-inclusive of airport transfers, WiFi, alcohol, excursions, and tips. Meanwhile, onshore activities may include biking and hiking tours, a night at the opera, walking tours of historic sites and museums, as well as opportunities to sample regional cuisine—and sometimes even lessons on how to cook it. Did we mention butler service? What could be more European than that?

Looking for a sun-dappled sail through the Cyclades? A journey through the dramatic landscapes lining the Baltic? A leisurely river cruise through Europe’s great capitals? T+L is here to help you navigate.

Scandinavian Cruises

Cruises that travel the Baltic Sea can carry their passengers from the wonders of St. Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum to the stunning fjords of Norway. Winter cruises expose travelers to the icy beauty of Europe’s north (as well as its cozy holiday markets) but summer cruises—the most popular time of year for Baltic tours—reward passengers with a more temperate climate, lush meadows bursting with flowers, and nearly 24 hours of daylight.

European Cruises

Europe is a diverse collection of countries, each with its own great cities, rich culture, scenic landscapes, and fascinating history. В When you dream about a European cruise, what images come to mind? В Is it the artwork of great masters, magnificent vistas, or the quaint little villages with cobblestone streets? В Maybe it'ss a fairytale castle or open-air markets where you can do your best bargaining! В Regardless, there is a European vacation out there to call your own.

Northern Europe can be thought of as having three distinct geographical regions.

The most familiar region, Great Britain (also referred to as the British Isles), is made up of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Palaces, ancient cathedral cities, delightful villages and glorious gardens abound. It'ss a comfortable place for us North Americans to visit because we don't face much of a language barrier, not to mention our historical kinship with England! There is so much to see in London and a great way to do it all is a ride on the hop on/off bus. В Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, St. Paul'ss Cathedral, Covent Garden, Madame Tussaud's, and the Tower of London are some of the more popular sites. In Scotland it doesn't get any more dramatic than the West Highlands. How about a trip to Scotland'ss most famous lake, Loch Ness, where you can possibly snap a picture of “Nessie” from the ruined Urquhart Castle? Other places you may want to visit are Edinburgh, Dublin, Belfast, Cork and Glasgow. It is said that Ireland is the land that boasts 40 shades of green!

Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland are part of the Scandinavian region. From its Viking past to its modern-day charm, this area is both culturally and historically rich. В В In Norway contrast the bustling cities of Alesund, Flam and Bergen with remote landscapes and scenic fjord cruising. В This is your chance to experience the astonishing natural phenomena of the spectacular Northern Lights and the Midnight Sun. Stockholm, Sweden is a great walking city and you can get to just about all of the many wondrous sites on foot. The immediate vicinity also offers three sites on UNESCO's World Heritage List: the beautiful Skogskyrkogarden (the Woodland Cemetery), Drottningholm Palace, and the remains of the Viking settlement, Birka. In Copenhagen, Denmark the entire family will enjoy a trip to Tivoli, both a beautiful garden and amusement park. A drive toward Kronborg Castle is a pleasurable way to see the Danish countryside and the Swedish shore. Literature lovers will recognize the castle as “Elsinore,” the setting for much of William Shakespeare'ss famous tragedy Hamlet.

The Baltic States Estonia and Latvia, along with Russia comprise a third region. Baltic countries have rich histories that stretch back hundreds and sometimes thousands of years. Each city offers treasure filled museums, fairytale-like castles, and glorious royal palaces for you to discover. For many, the highlight of this region is St. Petersburg, Russia. You will want to visit the Hermitage Museum, the Peter and Paul Fortress and Catherine Palace with its exquisite Amber Room. And have you heard of Estonia? The country has been previously occupied by Russians, Swedes and Germans with each leaving its mark on the culture. В The old town of Tallinn is quite possibly the best protected and intact medieval city in Europe.

Cruising is an easy, cost-effective way to explore the continent of Europe. With the number of itinerary possibilities, upwards of 20 countries or 70 ports to consider visiting, being able to leave the complicated logistics involved in European travel to the cruise line is a wonderful thing! No lugging around heavy suitcases; instead, unpack once and your ship acts as a floating hotel, moving from city to city while you sleep or enjoy the amenities of the vessel. From a monetary standpoint, choosing a cruise makes good sense. В Fluctuating exchange rates have little impact on your budget when you cruise because it'ss nearly an all-inclusive pre-paid package.

There are very few cities located near or along the coast Europe that are not accessible by cruise ship. Ten to fourteen night cruises combine the British Isles with the Norwegian Fjords or Scandinavia with Russia. Some even venture up to the Arctic Circle. Escorted cruise tours or pre and post cruise stays add the chance to travel further inland or linger a few days in the city of embarkation. All this makes cruising to Europe a wonderful, stress-free opportunity to visit some of the most enchanting cities in the world.

Embark On A Journey That Stirs Your Soul

Journey to Russian riches, Renaissance art, and Rotterdam daytripping with Holland America Line’s European cruise vacations. Soak in Celtic rhythms. Drink up Bordeaux wines. Look down deep into the well of human history in the Mediterranean. Black Sea and Holy Land. From the Arctic Circle to Portugal. from Gibraltar to Turkey. seven spectacular mid-sized ships give you a myriad of cruising choices.

We were born in Europe and we know this land — from its sophisticated capitals to its remote gems. With Holland America Line European cruise vacations. your experience of Europe won't be just seen, but felt.

Onshore, long days in port and one-of-a-kind excursions give you access to events and sights experienced only by a few. On board, spacious accommodations, gourmet meals and a wealth of activities combine with timeless elegance, modern amenities, and intuitive service to round out your dream vacation.