questions for cruises - Europe ,please

[jnc411]

Hi, just returned from our 2nd transit thru the Panama Canal and am ready to do research for cruises to and in Europe. We have never been there and are considering it for our next trip.Northern Europe ? Western Europe? ETC. just am gathering information. Or would you suggest a land tour (like Brendan or something ) Just not sure what we would like to do at this point. Would appreciate input from those of you that have been and what Itinerary you would recommend. ?? Anyone done a repositioning cruise to or from Europe ? Would like any comments or suggestions you might have. Thank You. :)

Cori

[marco]

First off, we love cruising. For Europe however, I prefer a land tour. If you have been to the countries already that you are planning on cruising to, and/or if you are content with seeing one or two highlights in a city, or if you are sampling various ports to decide on where to return to, and which you don't want to spend more time in, in the future, fine. Rarely do you ever have the chance to experence the night life, on land dining, and part of the beauty of European countries is traveling on land between cities. Other than a Greek Island cruise, a land tour in Europe would definately be my first choice if you intent is to see a significant number of historical sights.

[ciera123]

We did the Celebrity Constellation Northern Europe/Norweigen Fjords 14 nights and thought it was the most wonderful cruise. Norway was so amazing, cruising the fjords, all the waterfalls, the glacier we saw....I would do it again in a heartbeat!!! Ireland and Scotland were wonderful, too. I loved all the ports and can't think of a single negative thing to say about the cruise or ports!!!

[winterstar]

We did a Globus coach tour a couple of years ago. We took the Continental Introduction tour in March (winter rates are cheaper). We went through England, France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Holland, and the Vatican City (not in that order). It was very fast-paced, but we had wanted a general overview. We had so much fun!! We had also booked a few pre-tour nights in London. We would definately tour with them again.

 

There is just so much to see in Europe. We are booked on our first cruise, and I can't wait, but there's something to be said for staying right in the cities and experiencing all that you can.

 

Either way--definately go! :D

[caviargal]

I loved my 2 Med cruises and I also love immersing myself in one place for a week. I think the two are very different experiences and I enjoy both for different reasons.

 

If you have not been to Europe before or are hesitant about visiting Europe on your own, a cruise is a good way to sample mulitple cities and get a taste of each. No packing or unpacking, no restaurant decisions, etc.

 

However, plunk me down pretty much anywhere in Italy and I am in heaven!

 

How about a one week cruise R/T Venice or Rome then a week in Italy? The best of both worlds.

[wwinfl91]

We did a Med cruise on the Golden Princess in 2003 from Barcelona to Venice and has a great time. we stayed an extra 4 days in Venice and still didn't see everything there is to see. If you enjoy history and seeing and experiencing it, then try a Med cruise. The one suggestion I would have is not to do it in July like we did. It can get really hot in the Med and many of the museums are not air conditioned.

 

Have a great next cruise.

[skandls]

We went to europe for the first time last autumn. We did a 6 nite barge tour (20 passenger boat) thru the burgundy region of france. Not the big ship with casino and entertainment but we wanted to experience more of the local history and culture. Then we did a Tauck bus tour in Tuscany Italy. It was a great way to see the different countries. Next trip to Europe will be a river cruise (120 pass). We really enjoyed the all inclusive nature of the barge trip. All drinks and wine with lunch and dinner, daily tours with a great guide, of course we were expected to tip the crew. The per day cost may seem much higher than a traditional cruise but so much more was included.

The Tauck tour was by bus 2-3-3 (8 night) tour. At least we didn't have to pack and unpack everyday. As nice as the Tauck tour was we decided the bus tour was not as enjoyable for us as the barge trip.

But great food and wine in both countries. we did quite a bit of wallking in france and italy so you should take that into account if thats a concern to you or your travel partner - You'll have a great time no matter what you decide.

[fmax]

I'm planning a med tour in September.

 

Check out the Ports of Call section on the Boards, Subsection Europe. You'll find a lot of info and reviews in that section.

 

Also, check out the Special Interest Section as there's a message board on River Cruising as well.

 

 

Frances

[jnc411]

Thank You so much everyone for all the great information you have listed. We are just in planning stages and hadn't thought of the barge type trip at all. The land tour would be wonderful ,but as one poster stated it is quite fast paced and I don't know that we would care for that part. Unfortunately our budget doesn't run to the leisurely deluxe type tour. So I am writing down all this good information and start my research. Would love to do a combination of a land tour and cruise for relaxing, just not sure. But the shoulder season might be best for us with milder weather and cheaper prices. Anyway appreciate all the great input. Thanks Cori

[sarps]

Last summer we took the 12 day HAL Baltic Sea tour - It was the best cruise we have taken - we even took and excursion to MOSCOW! 4 summers ago we did a 26 day Globus land tour where we would spend one night in a town and then move on the next day we toured England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland and I would tour with them again anytime.

Sandi

[bUU]

Pardon the inquiry: Does anyone know of any online forums which discuss tour companies (like Globus, or specifically Globus), as Cruise Critic discusses cruises? We're considering a 10 day tour of Britain next year.

[smudge's mom]

We just returned from our Baltic cruise on the Star Princess.

 

I can't say enough good things about the trip - the ship - the itinerary - the ship's excursions.

 

We left and returned to Copenhagen (give yourself enough time to see Copenhagen, too).

 

We visited Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Poland.

 

The ship's tours are a must - they are high class, well run, great guides - however, budget about $1,000 per person for the tours.

 

Most of these ports are not easily done on your own, however, I would consider doing Oslo/Copenhagen on my own.

 

This itinerary alternates with one that visits Germany and eliminates one or more ports - I don't know which.

 

I know it sounds expensive, but it was the best cruise or vacation I've ever taken.

[LHT28]

Pardon the inquiry: Does anyone know of any online forums which discuss tour companies (like Globus, or specifically Globus), as Cruise Critic discusses cruises? We're considering a 10 day tour of Britain next year.

You might find some info at http://www.frommers.com/cgi-bin/WebX?14@@.ee96879

[cruisead]

We've done Baltic, British Isles, Eastern and Western Med cruises plus various land tours, the longest of those being 28 days, and by far we prefer cruises. Not nearly as hectic, no packing and unpacking and lugging your bags everywhere, sleeping in one place for 12 days, being pampered as much as we want and many more things. For your very first cruise in Europe, a cruise that starts in either Barcelona, Rome or Venice would be the best. That way you will sample the most interesting and popular places in the Med. Then, if you find you absolutely love one country or area, you can always go back and do a land trip.

[bUU]

You might find some info at http://www.frommers.com/cgi-bin/WebX?14@@.ee96879

Thanks!