There’s a
challenge that comes with planning a European cruise, but it’s a fun one. With
such a big variety of itineraries, it can take some time to figure out which
one is your top choice.
To begin,
consider which region you would most like to explore:
Eastern
Mediterranean
cruises often focus on the timeless beauty of the Greek Isles and ports along
the Adriatic Sea, such as Kotor, Montenegro; Dubrovnik, Croatia; and Venice,
Italy. The Eastern Med is rich in ancient archaeological sites; delicious,
rustic cuisine; and stunningly beautiful beaches.
Western
Mediterranean
cruises focus on the coastal cities of Spain, France, and Western Italy – think
Barcelona, Marseilles, Nice, and Rome. Here, you’ll find historic architecture,
modern sophistication, fine art and some of the very best food and wine on the
planet.
Western
European cruises often
include the British Isles and ports on the North Sea, such as Copenhagen, Amsterdam
and Bruges. You can explore cobblestoned city centers, centuries of history, and
sample the region’s delicious beer and chocolate. Some of these cruises include
the gorgeous fjords of Norway’s western coast.
Northern
European cruises
take you to Baltic Sea capitals like Stockholm, Helsinki, St. Petersburg and Tallinn.
The weather here is often warmer and sunnier than you may think, and you can
enjoy the region’s café culture, historic sites and wonderful museums.
All these
regions are very popular destinations for cruisers and other travelers, and in
summer months the ports can be quite busy. If you’re looking for a quieter
onshore experience, look for itineraries that include emerging and
less-frequented ports. Examples include:
·
Valetta – The
capital of the Mediterranean island of Malta has spectacular medieval
architecture and ancient megalithic temples.
·
Cephalonia – the
largest of the Greek Isles in the Ionian Sea has an irregular coastline of secluded
coves and white sand beaches; find one to make your own.
·
Olden – Norway’s Oldeelva
river carved out the Oldedalen, a river valley surrounded by snow-capped
mountains with the town of Olden at its mouth. The scenery is absolutely
stunning, and you can hike on a glacier.
·
Cobh – The port
for the city of Cork, Ireland and the famous Blarney Castle, Cobh has its own
charms, including colorful houses and a graceful cathedral. It’s also steeped
in history. This was the last port of call for the Titanic and the port of emigration
for millions of Irish people.
For help
deciding which part of Europe you’ll cruise to, talk with Anita, your
professional travel advisor.
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