Europe Cruises
Cruising is one of the best ways to see a few European cities in a short time without the hassles of changing hotels and coordinating rail, car and flight schedules. You sail along Europe’s coastline or inland waterways, stopping frequently for shore excursions in your moving hotel, unpacking once at the beginning of the voyage and not having to touch a suitcase again until it’s time to leave the ship. And after your sightseeing, you return to your vessel for dinner, conversation with your fellow passengers, entertaiment, great food and a good night’s sleep. European cruises can be divided into four categories:
Sea/Ocean cruises
An ever larger number of ships offer cruises in the Mediterranean, the Aegean, the Baltic, the North Sea and many other coastal regions of Europe. These vessels carry anywhere from 100 to 3,000 or more passengers in cabins and suites with many newer ships offering private balconies. Nearly all have full amenities such as swimming pools and nightly entertainment and cater to those wanting the traditional cruise with all the food and pampering expected on the old transatlantic liners. Many of these cruises are port-intensive, designed so that ports are visited during the day and the ship sails for its next destination in the late afternoon or evening. Sometimes, however, the ship may stay overnight in a port.
River cruises
Many luxurious boats, sleek and low ( to fit under bridges) and typically carrying 50 to 200 passengers, cruise the great rivers of Europe, gliding past the local scenery and stopping often for local shore sightseeing.
Barge cruises
Once the main highways of Europe, canals and secondary rivers were home to an incredible number of small barges hauling freight bewteen cities. Today, many barges, accommodating between 6 to 30 guests, have been converted into intimate luxury cruise vessels. Thir cruises are slower-paced, with daytime stops, time to visit and cycle between them, and overnight mooring at small villages.
Yacht/Gulet cruises and charters
A few sailing yachts cruise the Mediterranean and Aegean appealing to sailors and would-be yachtsmen. Gulets sail the famous “Blue Voyage” in Turkey along the coats between Bodrum and Marmaris, not an ordinary yacht cruise but an idyllic sailing with the winds into coves and over the seas, becoming one with nature. Gulets offer reasonable comfort for those who would like to participate in the navigation experience itself, and active sporting opportunities for all those who would swim, fish, ski, surf and dive in crystal clear waters. Many ships, from 4 to 20 passengers, are also available for charter in the Mediterranean allowing you to follow your own itinerary and desires.
