Continental Drift: Cruising through Europe by Jessica L'Esperance
Are your backpacking days long gone? Have you lost interest in learning the rules of the road for a different country--or three? Cruising in Europe offers an alternative to people wishing to tour this exciting and diverse continent in a comfortable and convenient way. Forget fighting for a sleeper car on the third-class overnight train to Venice. Simply board the ship, enjoy a wonderful dinner in a grand dining room, return to your own cabin, and awake in the morning to disembark and explore the Venetian waterways.
Europe is the number-one fastest growing destination for cruisers. Travel agents speculate it's the classic and cultured ports of call that are attracting cruisers to Europe in record numbers. Others agree that longtime cruisers are jumping on board for the chance to explore new routes and fresh destinations. Whatever the experts may conclude, the cruisers themselves will tell you simply that cruising is the most enjoyable, easy, and satisfying way to see Europe.
Voyages exploring the European continent tend to run longer on average then their Caribbean counterparts. While there are many three-day cruises throughout the Greek Islands, most cruises through Europe sail for around a week. Longer voyages offering ample time to explore the Mediterranean Sea and Scandinavia's stunning cities run for 12 days, while some of the Best of Europe voyages feature an in-depth cultural sampler, sailing for up to 19 and others for even 38 days.
Summer is the ideal time to cruise in Europe. Traveling north on a Scandinavian adventure is a voyage you will never forget (especially on a ship such as the Norwegian Leo, left). The sun shines well past bedtime and the air is warm and fresh. While the Baltic coastline offers storybook cities and an intriguing glimpse into history of the surrounding states, both past and present, the fjords of Norway will stun nature buffs and seasoned cruisers alike. The European cities of Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Rome frequently host festivals in the summer and boast warm days and sultry nights.
The world's best museums, classical art, and fine food are as abundant on the European continent as Cineplexes and coffee in to-go cups are on ours. In addition to the abundance of high-culture attractions, European cruisers also visit palaces, castles, monuments, and cathedrals. Sampling different cultures, languages, and cuisine has never been this hassle-free. Forget the trouble of packing and unpacking, and say hello to touring the European cities via your own personal floating resort.
The Routes
While the voyages, ships, and ports of call differ, there are four primary routes that most vessels follow. Here's an overview of the common routes and their popular ports of call to help you choose the right journey.
Mediterranean/Greek Isles: Sail through the azure waters of the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Adriatic Seas on a majestic sailing ship such as Windstar's Wind Song. Disembark in ancient ports immersed in legacies of antiquated civilizations and modern convenience. The Mediterranean's warm and beautiful coastline (970,000 miles of it!) is quickly becoming the most popular European tourist destination. The enchanting architecture, charm, and relaxed way of life in the Greek Islands will soothe your soul and delight your palate. Ports of call often feature Barcelona, Lisbon, Cannes, Monte Carlo, Rome, Venice, the Greek Islands (Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos), Athens, Kusadasi, and Istanbul. Some itineraries travel as far as Croatia.
Scandinavia and the Baltic States: Follow the routes of ancient mariners and Viking traders. Explore the North and Baltic Seas as you encounter friendly people, incredible scenery, and the traditions and culture of the Baltic and Scandinavian regions. Enjoy never-ending pleasant temperatures--the summer sun shines longer here than anywhere else you're likely visit. Voyages typically call on the historically powerful ports of Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo, Helsinki, Tallinn (Estonia), and St. Petersburg.
The British Isles: Enchanted forests and knights in shining armor are less prevalent these days, but their presence is still strong, as cruisers exploring the British Isles will see for themselves. Journey to England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and France, stopping to visit Big Ben, the Blarney Stone, Notre Dame, and St. Patrick's Cathedral. These charming voyages sail through the North Sea, the English Channel, and the Irish Sea.
Norway and the Fjords: Lush, green jagged peaks descend into the sparkling blue waters of Norway's stunning fjords. Glide by and marvel at some of the world's most unusual and beautiful scenery, including the Svartisen Glacier. Vessels sail through the Arctic Circle and the North Sea and call on Norway's small fishing villages as well as the large ports of Bergen, Stravanger, Molde, Honningsvag, and the North Cape.
More than just museums and pockets full of foreign currency await adventurous cruisers. Here's a few highlights of popular ports of call and the best bets for shoppers, beach lovers, and nature buffs, all of which offer additional attractions to the rich cultural history of these famous port cities.
Europe offers wonderful goods and cruising proves to be an excellent way to collect a variety of souvenirs. Some great ports for people who love to shop till they drop: Venice for glass, Paris for haute couture, Rome for shoes, and Nice and Cannes for boutique shopping.
Beach lovers will want to see the Greek Isles of Mykonos and Rhodes, the French Riviera, including Nice and Cannes, and the Spanish Costa Del Sol and Balearic Islands featuring Malaga and Palma.
Norway's scenery is the most unique and stunning of all the European destinations. Nature buffs shouldn't miss the fjords--and be aware that as you cruise north, the scenery just gets better and better, especially as you pass above the Arctic Circle.
