Europe cruising: A twist on the typical vacation

By Kim Windyka

When it comes to Europe vacations, there are countless ways to immerse yourself in the rich culture of the continent. While an old-fashioned backpacking trip can certainly be an adventure, taking a Europe cruise allows you to experience the beauty and excitement of several different countries in one fell swoop — plus, you won’t have to worry about unpacking more than once! Cruise lines offer both Eastern/Western Mediterranean sailings and Northern Europe sailings.

Western Mediterranean Cruises
On Western Mediterranean cruises, you can explore Spanish, Portuguese and French ports, and see an abundance of historic charm along the way. Experience the vibrant contrast of old and newon a stroll through Barcelona, make believe you’re royalty on a castle tour in Lisbon, or take in the many amazing vistas and gorgeous scenery that Marseilles has to offer. For an exotic touch, opt for a cruise that hits Palma de Mallorca in the Balearic islands of Spain. Featuring almost perfect weather all yearlong and a lively beach, shopping and nightlife scene, it’s a unique stop that’s worth a visit.

Eastern Mediterranean Cruises
Eastern Mediterranean cruises might include stops in Italy, Greece, and even Egypt. You’ll need plenty of film (or memory card space) to capture the incredible architecture of Rome and Naples, the intricate canals of Venice, the historic monuments of Athens or the intriguing shore-side city of Alexandria, Egypt. Some Eastern Mediterranean sailings visit a variety of destinations in the region — perfect if it’s your first cruise or visit to Europe — while others focus on a specific region or theme, like the Greek Isles or ancient relics and ruins.

Northern Europe Cruises
Northern Europe cruises often feature visits to such popular cities like London, Amsterdam, Paris, and Dublin. Whether you’re in the mood for a visit to world-famous Buckingham Palace or Big Ben, a cup of coffee at a cozy Dutch cafe, a tour of the Louvre, or a pint in a true Irish pub, you’ll find European adventures on any one of these exciting voyages.

Planning Your Cruise
Fortunately, virtually all of the top cruise lines offer Europe cruises, so you’ll have your pick in that regard. But there are only a few fleets that offer sailings year-round. These include a couple major lines like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, as well as Costa and MSC which specialize in Europe cruises — something to keep in mind if you’re forced to sail in the dead of winter. Otherwise, any time from April through November is usually ideal in terms of weather, depending on your personal preference, and you shouldn’t have any trouble selecting your perfect cruise from the wealth of itineraries and fleets that offer them. Bon Voyage!

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Kim Windyka is a travel brands copywriter, bona fide Twitter addict and freelance feature writer whose work has appeared in Metro Boston, the New Hampshire Visitors Guide and the Nashua Telegraph. Despite being a Northeast native, she dreams of palm trees daily.