Why Cruise To The Mediterranean
Many of the European countries on your travel bucket list lie along the Mediterranean Sea: Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Israel and Egypt. A cruise lets you hit many of the hot spots on one trip without having to navigate multiple hotels, transportation between cities and making dinner reservations in foreign languages.
For some people those experiences are a key part of travel. However, for vacationers who want all the attractions without the hassle, a cruise is an ideal way to explore the Mediterranean. This type of European cruise can be especially alluring to honeymooners, families and older couples.
Mediterranean cruises beckon travelers with a love of culture and history. Visit the Parthenon in Athens, Greece, or the Colosseum in Rome see Michelangelos David in Florence, Italy or make a pilgrimage to the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem. Take a tour to a medieval town or marvel at the construction of a soaring cathedral. If youve always wanted to see the pyramids in Giza, Egypt the ruins in Ephesus, Turkey, and Pompeii, Italy Gaudis Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and the famous casino in Monaco, you can do it easily on a Mediterranean sailing.
You can also eat your way through the markets, cafes, trattorias, gelato shops and crepe stands in the ports you visit. Sample local wines at vineyards in France and Italy, or sip ouzo or limoncello made on the premises.
When Is The Best Time For A European Cruise
The best time for a European cruise will of course vary depending on which part of Europe you intend to travel to. Luckily each destination tends to have its peak season which helps to guide you on the best time to travel.
For Mediterranean cruises, the peak travel time the weather is warm, the water is pristine, and the cities are bustling. For families, this is likely the best time to travel as there is ample time off school to take advantage of. However, for couples or families with children not at school we recommend travelling in spring or autumn to avoid the rush.
For Baltic cruises, you again should aim for slightly warmer months. Baltic cruises run all year-round however the poor weather in winter is less desirable. Therefore, the best travel months are July, August and September. For Northern Europe, such as Iceland and Norway the best travel time is again June through August if you are looking for sun that is. If you are looking to see the northern lights, the best time is between October and March.
Best Music Festival Cruise: Norwegian Pearl
Courtesy of Kiss Kruise
- Duration: 3-5 nights
- Ship Name: Norwegian Pearl
Cruisers looking to let their hair down and soak in some musical vibes at sea should consider a music cruise with Sixthman. The company charters major cruise ships like the Norwegian Pearl to offer music festivals at sea a great way to meet like-minded adults. The Kiss Cruise from Miami features two shows from Kiss , and other fun activities with the band. Norwegian Pearl also hosts cruises like “Runaway to Paradise” with Jon Bon Jovi, “Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea,” the “Outlaw Country Cruise,” the “311 Cruise,” and many more. After the show, passengers can dance the night away at Spinnaker Lounge and Bliss Ultra Lounge and Night Club.
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Best Cruise Lines For Honeymoons
Our picks for perfect honeymoon cruises start with Celebrity Cruises. Celebritys fleet is designed for modern luxury, with grand dining rooms, exquisite specialty restaurants, and inviting public spaces. Celebrity is best known for its top-level accommodations, and onboard the newest Celebrity Edge, they range from two-room suites to two-level villas bigger than most apartments the perfect cocoon for newlyweds. Suite guests have exclusive access to a specialty restaurant, a private lounge, an expansive sun deck, and services of a butler and concierge. On every Celebrity ship, an expansive spa with thermal suites and couples treatments are available.
Princess Cruises the original Love Boat continues its romantic connection to this day. The adults-only Sanctuary can be found on the top deck of most ships, with gorgeous views, food and beverage service, and private cabanas. Couples sailing on Princess newest ships such as the Royal, Regal, and Sky Princess can utilize the Medallion technology to have food and beverages delivered to them anywhere onboard the ship, so they can enjoy in-suite room service, or champagne on deck at sunset, without having to leave each other. Princess also offers Ultimate Balcony Dining, with a sumptuous breakfast served with sparkling wine, or a multi-course dinner served with champagne, lavishly set up on the balcony of the couples stateroom.
Ploe Beach Budva Montenegro
When it comes to romantic beach destinations in Europe, tiny Montenegro might not be on your radar. However, Ploe Beach in Budva is an absolutely delectable slice of perfection, whether you rent a car and drive here when your European cruise is docked at the Bay of Kotor or travel here by your own accord during a trip to the Balkans.
A feast for all the senses, Ploe Beach lures you in with kaleidoscopic umbrellas that rise over its vibrant blue waters and pure white shimmering sands. It then beckons you to stay with fresh-caught seafood, the sounds of live music and the aroma of salt wafted in on a gentle breeze. Return to Kotor to catch your cruise ship or stay the night in Budva and open your eyes in paradise. In spite of its small size, Montenegro plays a big beach game and, in the case of Ploe, it wins.
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Best Historical Cruise: Voyages To Antiquity
Courtesy of Voyages to Antiquity
- Ship Name: Aegean Odyssey
- Itinerary: Piraeus, Delos, Mykonos, Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, Karpathos, Nisyros, Rhodes, Santorini, Athens
History buffs who want to learn more about ancient cultures of the Mediterranean ports should consider a cruise with Voyages to Antiquity. The company operates a single ship, the Aegean Odyssey, on longer voyages throughout the Mediterranean region, including the Classical Greece voyage that explores the Greek Islands and comes with a two-night hotel stay in Athens before the cruise. The journey features educational excursions such as the UNESCO World Heritage site of Epidaurus, the deserted isle of Delos, the religious center of the Cyclades and the villages of Karpathos all bundled in the fare. Additionally, the 378-passenger ship has two dining venues, a small spa, library and several lounges.
The Best Couples’ Cruise Experiences With Norwegian
Caribbean Islands or The Mediterranean Sea? A riverboat down Paris Seine River, or a helicopter ride above Alaskas fjords? If youre considering Norwegian Cruise Line for a romantic couples cruise vacation, the world is yours for the taking. But no matter which island, region, or continent you choose, Norwegians cruise ships all share the same distinction: An array of onboard offerings tailored for romance, luxury, and of course, a little decadence thrown in… From an intimate couples massage to a full-staged wedding, Norwegian Cruise Lines fleet offers keepsake cruise experiences of a lifetime.
Here are some suggestions for maximizing your pleasure with some of the top couples cruise ship experiences with Norwegian:
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Celebrity Cruise Line: Celebrity Solstice
Rekindle your romance on the most lavish and luxurious ship Celebrity Solstice of Celebrity cruise line that offers numerous activities on board to make your vacation a memorable one. Wine bars, multi-specialty dining venues, double pool loungers, real grass lawns and rooftop gardens is divine. Private retreats for people who are looking to spend some time in complete privacy, private hot tubs on the balcony, and adult only solariums. Have a picnic at the Lawn club or have an a la carte dinner at Muranos, Celebrity Cruise Line offers everything that you need.
The Joy Of Going Dutch
The Dutch have managed to keep the sea at bay for hundreds of years, but many of the best European cruises still make their way into Amsterdam. If you tire of the tranquility you find amid tulip fields and beneath towering windmills, make your way to the hipster capital of Rotterdam.
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Best Short Cruise: Celesytal Cruises
Courtesy of Celesytal Cruises
- Ship Name: Celestyal Olympia
- Itinerary: Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes, Santorini, Piraeus Greece Kusadisi, Turkey
If you dont have time for a longer voyage but want a little taste of Greece, consider Celestyal Cruises which packs a punch with six ports of call on a four-night cruise. The Greek-based cruise line operates the 1,664-passenger Celestyal Olympia, and is all about immersing passengers in Greek culture. Onboard, the entire ship is Greek-themed from décor and food to music. Activities include yoga, dance competitions, Greek language classes, cooking lessons and more but dont expect the over-the-top amenities found on mainstream ships.
Gratuities, unlimited drinks and two excursions are also included in the pricing. For this itinerary, its an acropolis tour of Lindos, the Citadel of the Knights and an ancient Ephesus bus tour.
Crystal Is Best For Couples Visiting The Mediterranean
Crystal Cruise Line is among the best cruise lines for couples and the best cruise lines in the Mediterranean. Crystal sits at the number 2 spot for cruise lines in the Mediterranean and the number 3 spot for couples. It earns its merits because of its extensive Mediterranean itineraries, which include both more and less popular ports. And, because it is not a cruise line shy of luxuries, it stands among the top 3 for couples.
Luxury is important for couples looking for romance. Crystal offers luxurious suites with a private verandah. Beyond that, its known for exquisite cuisine. You can book butler-serviced suites and penthouses. On top of that, the Hollywood Theater is the perfect entertainment for couples.
As for its accolades in the Mediterranean category, Crystal clearly has an immense array of Mediterranean cruises. Theres a 7-night cruise called Dreaming of Dalmatia with an unbelievable itinerary. It departs from Dubrovnik and arrives in Venice. The rates start from $6,999.00.
The reason the rate is high is that this cruise takes place on a luxury yacht. This cruise takes you from Dubrovnik, Croatia, to Kotor, Montenegro. From there, you continue to explore different parts of Croatia. Before arriving in Venice, you get to explore Piran, Slovenia, which has been called an antidote to Venice.
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European River Cruises Highlights
- Glide through countries filled with captivating history, impressive cities and spellbinding beauty.
- Unpack once and wake up to a new city every day to the sights, sounds and flavours of Europe.
- Relax without having to navigate roads, your cruise is an all-in-one travel experience.
- Enjoy ultimate luxury from the second you step on board youll be spoilt for choice.
- Danube: With a dozen languages spoken on its banks, the Danube is a haven for traditional delicacies and panoramic views.
- Rhine: Explore fairytale castles and vineyards along the banks which highlight the value of the historical towns that line the waters.
Copenhagen And London Two Of The Worlds Greatest Cities In Two Days
This 10-night Northern Europe cruise is offered by MSC Cruises, on board MSC Grandiosa. It departs Denmarks capital city, Copenhagen.
In our Cruise From Copenhagen article we give you a 3-day detailed guide to help you make the most of the city before starting your cruise from Copenhagen.
You are going to love this Nordic capital and we recommend that you experience this city before you start your criuse by booking 3 or 4 pre-cruise hotel nights before exploring the rest of Europe on your cruise from Copenhagen.
We offer travel info, tips and itineraries on our Copenhagen pages to help you make the most of your stay.
You next port of call is in Southampton, England. And that means you have have the opportunity to see the beautiful Jurassic Coastline of Southern England during a shore visit, or take a bus tour to London for the day and see the gleaming captial of Great Britian.
Whichever alternative you choose, be sure to disembark early to pack as much as you can into this one shore day. Often the cruise ship will stay in port until late evening as there is so much to see and do. Check your cruise itinerary.
To help you decide if you want to spend your time exploring Southern England and the surrounding area of Southampton, or visit London, we have travel tips and detailed itineraries for you on our Southampton page and on our London page.
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European River Cruises Tips
- Choose from the delightful Danube for cultural immersion, the relaxing Rhine for an enchanting adventure or the stunning Seine for an intimate tour of Paris, there are many possibilities to ensure that you have the best river cruise experience.
- Get up at least once to watch the sunrise! Remember to wear warm clothes as it can be chilly as the mist rises up from the river and the sun peeks over the hills to wake up all the birds along the banks.
- It would be a crime not to sample the delicious flavours on your cruise ship! Indulge in a sweet stroopwafel in Amsterdam, a tasty trdelník in Prague, or a mouthwatering macaron in France.
- There is a wide range of cruises to choose from. Lueftner, Regina, or Nicko offer cheap and cheerful comfort cruises, or if you like living the life of luxury, AmaWaterways, Scenic and APT are for you!
- Make the most out of your river cruise by bringing some binoculars. They will help you zoom in on those fairytale castles scattered throughout the landscape. If you forget, the boat might have extras.
- Dont hesitate! European summer is prime-time for cruising so make sure you grab our last-minute 2019 deals so you can spend your days cruising on tranquil waters. Its pure bliss!
Praia De Benagil Algarve Portugal
Spain’s Balearic Islands are most famous for the pounding house music of wild Ibiza, so you might not expect to find one of the most romantic beach destinations in Europe a short ferry ride away. Located on the islands of Formentera, themselves a well-kept travel secret, Ses Illetes evokes the visions that parties on Ibiza’s sands might hallucinate, with a hidden cerulean bay sheltered by a pine-covered peninsula that makes a perfect place to catch the sunset. If you charter a private boat from Ibiza to Formentera, you could also enjoy the ambiance of the beach from the sea rather than the shore.
Once dusk has fallen, you can boat it back to Ibiza, though it’s doubtful that any fantasies you dream about as you dance and drink the night away will match the reality of your day at Ses Illetes. Or you can remain on Formentera, which is rapidly gaining notoriety among travelers as one of the best islands to visit in Spain and is at the very least a calmer alternative to busy Ibiza.
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Best Overall: Regent Seven Seas
Regent Seven Seas
For an ultra-luxurious yacht voyage, Regent Seven Seas features all-inclusive pricing and premium service. Regent operates five vessels,with most carrying around 700 passengers in spacious suites offering modern, elegant furnishings, stocked minibars, and private balconies. On Regent, everything is included in the price: airfare, specialty restaurants, gratuities, Wi-Fi, and beverages. Private butlers and concierge service offer personalized attention to guests. Theres plenty of amenities onboard as well, ranging from a relaxing spa, onboard cooking lessons, trivia, and lively evening shows. Plus, Regents destinations span the globe although they dont have polar vessels.
How Do You Find The Best Experience For The Two Of You
When some people consider going on a romantic couples cruise, they tend to think generically. They tend to think more about the destination than the overall experience. While the destinations are great, you do spend quite some time onboard a cruise ship. This experience needs to be memorable and special if you are spending time together alone.
What you want to avoid are:
- Family cruise ships if it is just the two of you
- Potentially noisy dining experiences
- Generic settings
- Bland experiences
To do this, you may need to think outside of the box in terms of a cruise ship experience. This isnt a family experience where you can incorporate a little bit of everything. This is a chance to reconnect with a partner or spouse.
To make it special, you need to consider similar interests. What activities do the two of you enjoy? What do you find fun? What type of couple are you? This will help you find a cruise line catered to your interests and personality type.
Not only will the experience be fun, but it will show your significant other the thought and preparation that went into creating something special. In turn, it will make them feel valued and special as well. This will be the foundation of the most memorable event ever.
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Step Into A Scottish Fairytale
When you visit Scotland, it can be difficult to discern legend from real life. Strolling down Edinburgh’s Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle might feel like a dream, while the fabled and mythical Loch Ness may surprise you with its charm and stunning scenery. Scotland’s one of the best places to visit in Europe, period.