Here are tips for a smooth European cruise:

mediterranean yachts

1.    Make a what-to-do list. Write down the specific places you would like to visit. “Visit Paris” is not a good reminder. Try to be specific on everything. If you have not enough information about destinations, visit frommers.com for detailed information about any destination.

2. Check Out The Ports. You can’t imagine the differences between ports. They can be very distant to the city. So, you have travel on a bus. For example, most European cruises stop Civitavecchia, Rome and then travel to Rome. That’s why you will be on some bus instead of exploring Colosseum. Bottom line, my advise is booking a prearranged shore excursion to Rome.

3.  Cruise Research online : You should do Internet research about every port. If you stop at a port such as Istanbul or Athens, you may want to forgo the extra fees and structure of the prearranged shore excursion, and explore the city on your own.

4. Learn the Excursions.  Most of European cruise lines offer special shore excursions; some employ experts in local culture, food and art to join you on the cruise. You will have the opportunity to go behind the scenes at a museum or performance space, or have a tour of a legendary winery; your cruise line may arrange a meeting with famous artists, chefs, or performers.

5. Detailed Planning. You will get mail after you book a European cruise. In the mail there will be cruise materials package. Carefully review the information. Pick the shore excursions and sign up for them before departure.  Even if you have chosen a cruise that is all inclusive, including tour fees, make sure to sign up for the excursions you want. Make note of the shore excursions for which you cannot pre-register.

More Cruise travel articles

• What to pack on a Cruise Vacation
• Luxury Cruise Lines With Smaller Ships
• what to pack for a cruise
• What to Expect from a British İslands Cruise travel
• Western Mediterranean Cruises
• Tips booking your cruise ticket in advance
• Tips before cruising the Carnival
• Things to Know for Cruising

western-mediterranean-cruises

While in Nice, visit Old Town and search for the Opera House. Famous for its International Film Festival, Cannes is perfect for people watching, especially on its Boulevard de la Croisette and long stretches of sandy beaches. If the hedonistic beaches of St. Tropez aren’t your style, visit Old Town and hit the museums.
In Italy, most European cruise itineraries include stops in Rome (Civitavecchia), Venice, Naples and nearby Pompeii; and Florence, Pisa and Siena from the port of Livorno. You could spend weeks alone in Rome, but be sure not to miss St. Peter’s Basilica. Choose from three shore excursions from Livorno: visit the Leaning Tower in Pisa, the Uffizi museum in Florence and the aerial bridges in Siena. While in Naples, take a side trip to view the excavation of Western Pompeii near Mount Vesuvius.

Lisbon is a usual stop for western  Mediterranean cruises.  For a great view of the city, take the wrought iron Elevator de Santa Justa. Other fun shore excursions include a visit to the 16th century monastery, Mosteiro dos Jeronimos. Some European cruise lines include a stop on Portugal’s island of Madeira at the town of Funchal. While in Funchal, make a point to see the Praca do Municipio with its black and white stones.
Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca are popular destinations in Spain.  Some cruise lines offer packages that actually begin in Seville or Madrid, and then travel by land to Barcelona for embarkation. Barcelona offers tremendous opportunities to view great works of Gothic and modern art and architecture; don’t miss the Museu Picasso and the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia. Other western Mediterranean cruise itineraries in Spain include stops in Gibraltar, Malaga and Cadiz.

More Cruise travel articles

• Luxury Cruise Lines With Smaller Ships
• Greece – Turkey and Black Sea Cruises
• Cruises through Fjords
• What to Expect from a British İslands Cruise travel
• The Best Western Caribbean Cruise – Costa Maya
• The best Caribbean cruise Deal
• South Pacific Holiday – Samoa, the Perfect Luxury Cruise Destination
• Must see Places in Eastern Mediterranean Cruise

Seabourn Cruise Line
Seabourn’s fleet have three 208 passenger ships. They all offer luxurious European cruise experience with superior service and the finest cuisine available at sea. Ships’ staff won several awards for their unique and complete service mentality. Seabourn’s ships; Legend, Pride, Spirit will offer you incredible shore excursions which you can’t find on other cruise lines. Passengers can enjoy sports  like water-skiing, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking and windsurfing. Seabourn ships also have retractable platforms. Seabourn’s European cruise itineraries tour Northern Europe and the Mediterranean in 7- to 18-days, and Grand European Voyages that span 18-66 days.

luxury-cruise-lines

SeaDream Yacht Club
Cruising on a Seadream ship is synonym with luxury. Ships’ cabin can be small but they are well packed with amenities. Both the SeaDream I and SeaDream II offer the exclusive Thai Spa, and guests can enjoy water sports from retractable platforms. Activities are not organized and schedule is flexible. Freedom is their motto. SeaDream’s Balinese DreamBeds line the sun deck, and their Caviar and Champagne Splash is legendary. SeaDream offers 7-day cruises in the Mediterranean, although longer itineraries are sometimes offered.

Silversea Cruises
Silversea’s four all-suite ships offers you the highest ratio of space-per-guest on any fleet. Plus they offer the best of the best – Pommery champagne, Lavazzo coffee, Acua di Parma soaps and lotions, Humidor by Davidoff cigars. There many activities like pool, spa and onboard library. Silversea’s 7- to 15-day European cruise itineraries include popular and smaller, less-frequented ports in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean.

More Cruise travel articles

• Western Mediterranean Cruises
• Northern Europe Cruises
• How to Save on Cruises – You Should Know this before you book a cruise
• What to pack on a Cruise Vacation
• what to pack for a cruise
• South Pacific Holiday – Samoa, the Perfect Luxury Cruise Destination
• 5 tips for a smooth European cruise
• Why choose An Exotic Hawaii Cruise travel