European Cruise Expert Guide

Europe is one of the premier cruise destinations in the world. Its attraction is overpowering - grand cities, relics of ancient civilizations and breathtaking scenery await European cruise passengers at almost every port of call. The variety is such that one visit to this part of the world is never enough - it'll have you coming back for more?again and again!

European cruises depart from most major seaports around Europe. They often cover a specific region of Europe, although some companies do offer a whirlwind tour of the major sites right around the European coastline.

Starting in Northern Europe, cruises around Scandinavia and the Baltic States are popular, especially those that take in the Norwegian fjords. Here, you can delight in stunning scenery where mountains rise up like towers in every direction, and where waterfalls and glaciers are almost within touching distance. There are majestic cities too. Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen and Helsinki, home to the Uspenski Cathedral - the largest orthodox church in Western Europe - can all be built into a European cruise itinerary.

Northern Europe also has its fair share of specialist cruises. You can do a cruise of the Baltic palaces or simply enjoy Norway's awe-inspiring craggy coastline. A very popular Northern European cruise is a tour up the Scandinavian coastline into the Arctic Circle to view the 'midnight sun'.

A European cruise around Western Europe embraces the British Isles, Ireland, the Low Countries and France. Scottish castles, the emerald green landscapes of Ireland and a visit to a French vineyard and chateaux are just some of the highlights of a cruise around Western Europe. You could also build in visits to historic ports of call, such as Portsmouth in England, where Nelson's 'Victory' can be toured.

Moving further south into the Mediterranean Sea, a European cruise takes in the glory of the historical and beautiful Mediterranean coastline. Portugal, Spain, the French Riviera, Italy, Croatia, Greece and Turkey all have their own attractions. The colosseum of Rome, the birthplace of Salvador Dali, Monaco's grandiose vista and the famous Turkish bazaars await all those who elect for a European cruise in the Mediterranean.

There are a number of specialist tours in the Mediterranean region too. You can enjoy the delights of classical Greece and its magnificent islands, or discover the magic of island hopping from the Balearic Islands in the west of the Mediterranean to Cyprus in the east.

A European cruise is a true voyage of discovery. Tour this region and you'll unearth the very soul of Europe and uncover a past that is rich in intrigue and drama.

John Metcalfe is the author and web publisher of A to Z Cruises your #1 source
for cruise information, discounts and great deals! Visit http://www.azcruises.com
now to book your very own dream European Cruise vacation.

In The News:


Ed Perkins on Travel: It's a great time to cruise
San Jose Mercury News,  USA - 8 hours ago
An early season (April 25) seven-night sailing to Alaska on the Norwegian Star starts at $429 per person. A mid-January 10-night trip to the Canary Islands, ...

Times Online

Pirate attack on cruise liner is 'unlikely to put off cruisers'
Telegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom - 9 hours ago
The attack on Nautica happened at around 9.30am on November 30, when the ship was sailing through the Gulf of Aden, in an area patrolled by anti-piracy task ...
Video: Cruise Ship Attacked by Pirates Is Now Docked AssociatedPress
Cruise lines react to pirate attacks TTG live
Could Pirates Attack Your Cruise Ship? Cruise Critic
NYU Local - CBS Newsall 1,153 news articles

Cruise lines slash prices to lure consumers
Palm Beach Post,  United States - 21 hours ago
That dictates that cruise ships sail full with two passengers per berth; often, they fill the third and fourth berths available in cabins. ...

Royal Caribbean to Open Office in Australia in Response to Rise in ...
MarketWatch - Dec 2, 2008
... cruise experience." Next year, Rhapsody of the Seas will embark on its third season in the South Pacific and Australia. Rhapsody of the Seas will sail ...

Home and Away

Kids Cruise Free, Ships Add Balconies
Home and Away - Dec 2, 2008
By Marge Peterson Kids sail free this winter on Costa Cruises when traveling with their parents. This value is available on all 12 seven-day ...

North Sails - A wealth of experience
Sail World, Australia - 1 hour ago
... and his love of sailing brought him to New Zealand in 1999, when he purchased a Lidgard 44 called ‘Hijacker’ and spent two and a half years cruising the ...

2008 Sailing Industry Study
Cruising World, FL - Dec 2, 2008
Simply fill out this form to receive a complimentary issue of Cruising World! If you like it, pay just $19.97 for 11 more issues (12 in all) and receive ...

Carol Cronin's first book is full of surprises
Jamestown Press,  USA - 6 hours ago
She has since retired from Olympic sailing and now focuses her life on writing for magazines such as Sailing World and Cruising World, as well as Seahorse, ...

Sailing in Hawaii at King's Cup
Sail World, Australia - Dec 2, 2008
As Cruising Yacht Club of Australia Commodore Matt Allen said after winning the IRC Division 1 aboard his Beneteau 44.7 Ichi Ban, ‘Today it was like sailing ...
Phuket King's Cup Day: Classic conditions YACHTe.com.au
all 3 news articles

UK & France. 'Gordon Brown could learn from Fountaine Pajot' says ...
BYM News (press release), Spain - 15 hours ago
Sales success has also coincided with further improvements with the fleet’s sailing performance, with the option of Fountaine Pajot’s new CST (Cruising ...
cruising sailing - Google News

Alaska Glacier Cruises: Alaska Up Close and Personal

What do you have in mind for your next vacation?... Read More

The Best European Cruise Travel Vacation!

So, you are contemplating a European cruise. You are looking... Read More

Caribbean Cruise Expert Guide

Comprising of around 50 islands (750 if you count the... Read More

Back to Nature: Observing Marine Life When Boating

"Whether you boat on fresh water or on the ocean,... Read More

Yacht Winterization Service Business

If you own a boat maintenance business you need to... Read More

Want a Dream Career? Get a Job on a Yacht!

If you're the "outdoorsy" type, prefer to work on a... Read More

Finding Discount Royal Caribbean Cruises

For those new to cruising, there are a few things... Read More

Sit Back and Relax on a Crewed Yacht Charter Vacation

Ever wanted to really put yourself to the test and... Read More

Yacht and Ship Registration in the Isle of Man

The maritime history of the Isle of Man dates from... Read More

Interesting 5 Tips that First-Timer Cruisers Need to Know

First-time cruisers sometimes confuse about choosing the destination for neither... Read More

Online Shopping for Cruise Deals, Travel Deals & Great Vacation Packages!

Are you contemplating a travel vacation and don't know how... Read More

The Merchant Navy and the Internet

A web site dedicated to the writings of the sea,... Read More

At the Boat Ramp

The weekend is finally here. You're all loaded up (well,... Read More

High-School Reunion Time? Host Yours on a Yacht!

Sometimes it can be difficult to round up the old... Read More

Are you Ready for the Cruise of a Lifetime?

Cruises are one of the best ways to unwind and... Read More

Meguiars RV and Marine Boat Cleaners and Waxes; Test Results

One of the most famous and popular brands in the... Read More

Want To Know More About Cruises and Cruise Ships?

Today, Norm Goldman Editor of Sketchandtravel.com, is pleased to have... Read More

Bahamas Cruise Expert Guide

The Bahamas is arguably the most popular cruise destination for... Read More

Water Molecule Alignment for Increased Speed In the Water

A submarine can move faster thru the water if the... Read More

New Zealand Cruise Expert Guide

New Zealand is a country guaranteed to surprise. Emerald green... Read More

Inflatable Boats and Inflatable Kayaks Are Naturally Safe and Stable

Inflatable boats such as inflatable kayaks, inflatable catamarans, and inflatable... Read More

Defeating the Drug Smugglers in Ultra Fast Boats, Skimmer Craft and Hydrofoils

The drug smugglers have ultra fast boats, skimmer craft and... Read More

Beautiful Tropical Beaches!

The world is blessed with wonderful beautiful sandy tropical beaches.... Read More

The Nile Cruise

Egypt is where history first emerged. It is here that... Read More

Carribean Cruise

Caribbean Cruises are among the most demanded cruise vacations in... Read More