Santorini

Anyone who’s ever seen a calendar featuring gorgeous shots of Santorini has likely dreamed of doing a little Greek Island hopping. After all, with fabulous scenery, delicious food, and interesting archeological sites, the Greek Islands have a lot to offer.

There are two ways to approach seeing the Greek Islands. Flexible travelers with a spirit of adventure or those on a budget can take the ferries that connect the islands. Those who prefer having all the arrangements taken care of for them can choose from a number of Greek Islands cruises.

Your best bet, if you’re doing it on your own, is to travel between May and September when ferries are frequent and the seas are relatively calm. During this peak season there will be daily service to the most popular islands. After that, the winds pick up and cancellations due to bad weather are more frequent.

It’s important not to try to keep to a tight schedule. Delays are inevitable and the current political situation in Greece means that strikes are a very real possibility too.

If you’re not terribly choosey about accommodations, you won’t need to make reservations in advance. You can just ask what’s available at the tourist office near the dock when you arrive. This will allow you to stay longer than planned in the places you really enjoy.

One mistake many people make is to try to visit too many islands in one trip. You’ll enjoy the experience more if you only try to visit two or three and stay a fair length of time in each place.

You can also base yourself in one place and do day trips to other islands from there.

Santorini and Mykonos are expensive and during August, they can be very crowded with cruise ship passengers. Lesser known islands like Milos, Sifnos, Serifos, and Skiathos are more affordable and more low key.

Several different kinds of ferries are available. Hydrofoils will get you where you going the quickest, but at around twice the price.

Since you’ll be carrying everything with you, you’ll need to pack light. But it’s so casual, that you’ll be fine with a bathing suit and a few pairs of shorts.

Mykonos

Greek Island cruises.

Taking a Greek Island cruise will let you visit several islands in a short span of time. You’ll arrive refreshed, walk down the gangway or take a tender ashore, then be able to spend the day sightseeing or enjoying the beach.

Most Greek Island cruises leave from Athens and end in Istanbul or Venice, although longer cruises leave from many different Mediterranean ports. MSC Cruises offers 7-night sailings from Ancona or Bari, Italy.

Fares for one-week Greek Island cruises can be as low as $499 per person. When you consider that they include not only transportation, but also meals, the right cruise can be almost as inexpensive as doing it yourself.

For the best experience, choose the smallest ship you can afford. A 3,000-passenger vessel can completely overwhelm what would otherwise be a charming place.

Some travel agencies in Greece also arrange Greek Island tours that include ferry tickets and accommodations. For those who want to remain independent, this option can provide a little more structure and usually some cost savings.

Read our list of recommended hotels in Piraeus.

Santorini Image Flickr: photographerglen
Mykonos Image Flickr: BluEyedA73

Cruises from Rome

Rome is one of the most popular ports in the Mediterranean. And why not? With ancient sights, vibrant culture, and incredible food, the Eternal City is always magical.

If you’re planning a European cruise, it makes sense to leave from Rome. Because then, you’ll be able to spend a few nights in the city before or after your cruise.

Cruises from Rome actually leave from the port of Civitavecchia, which is about 30 minutes from the city. If you arrange your air through your cruise line, your transfers will be provided. If not, it’s easy to arrange independent transfers to Civitavecchia.

Hundreds of Mediterranean cruises leave from Rome — especially during the summer. But you can also board a ship bound for the Black Sea, Scandinavia, the Greek Islands, the Adriatic, or the Middle East.

If you’re pressed for time, seven-night cruises are available on Princess, Costa, Windstar, MSC, Silversea, Star Clippers, and Seabourn. You can either go roundtrip from Rome, or begin in Rome and end in Barcelona, Lisbon, or Athens.

The 7-night roundtrip voyage on Costa visits Barcelona, and ports in Mallorca, Malta, and Sicily. MSC calls at Salerno, Mallorca, Marseilles, Genoa, and Corsica.

Windstar’s seven-night cruise from Rome on Wind Surf calls at Elba, Corsica, Sardinia, Mallorca, and Valencia before disembarking passengers in Barcelona. Wind Spirit visits Ischia, Amalfi, Sicily, and Monemvasia and Mylos in Greece. Passengers leave the ship a week later in Athens.

Silversea’s Silver Spirit sails from Rome and visits Monte Carlo, Barcelona, and Malaga. The cruise ends in Lisbon. The beautiful clipper ship Royal Clipper manages to fit seven ports into a one-week voyage. Passengers on these cruises go ashore in Ponza, Sorrento, Capri, Amalfi, Sicily, Lipari, and Stromboli.

Those who have a little more time can opt for a 12-night cruise on Princess or Royal Caribbean. These Greek Island cruises also include stops in Turkey, and Naples.

Lovers of luxury have a couple of choices. Sea Dream II operates ten-night roundtrip cruises from Rome that call at Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, Malta, Lipari, Stromboli, Amalfi, and Capri. Seabourn Legend includes many of these ports in their two-week voyage and also adds Le Lavandou. Marseilles, Sanary-sur-Mer, Saint Raphael, and Cannes in France. The cruise ends in Monte Carlo. These are some of the most appealing European cruises.

Those who wish to visit the Middle East can opt for several cruises from Rome. Pacific Princess offers a 12-night cruise that visits Nazareth, Jerusalem, and Ephesus in addition to Naples and the Greek Islands. Celebrity does a similar cruise on their Silhouette. Holland America adds Cairo and three ports in Turkey to their 14-night cruise on Prinsendam.

Read more cruising tips.

Cruises from Rome Image Flickr: RobRyb

We travel a lot, so we’re firm believers in packing light.

But that’s really hard when you’re going on a cruise. You practically need a separate travel bag just for your shoes.

When you try to select your cruise clothing, everything in your closet is a contender – from flip flops to formal wear. So how do you know what you’ll really need, what you’ll wear again and again, and what will return home neatly folded and unworn?

Since most airlines charge to check bags these days and all charge for overweight baggage, culling down your cruise wear can save you some money. And even if the cruise line will handle your baggage once you reach the port city, traveling with tons of luggage is a hassle.

What you will and won’t need depends on which ship you’ll be traveling on, whether or not you like to dress up, and where you’re going.

Let’s tackle formal night first. What constitutes formal varies a lot. Some cruise ships – like Cunard’s QE2, Queen Mary, or Queen Elizabeth – are very formal. Tuxedos for men and gowns for women are expected. And for passengers on these ships, that’s all part of the fun.

If you’re sailing with a mainstream cruise line like Princess, NCL, or Royal Caribbean, there’s a little more latitude. Nice dark suits for men, and dressy pant suits are acceptable for ladies. In an effort to take fewer clothes, I usually opt for a pair of black velvet pants and a couple of dressy silk or satin tops.

There’s no getting around the shoes, though. You’ll definitely need dress shoes for these occasions. The other option is to opt out altogether and make reservations in one of the alternative restaurants for formal night. These usually don’t require you to dress up. Just be sure to make reservations as soon as you can.

For non-formal dinners, men will feel comfortable in nice slacks and a sports jacket – no tie required on most ships. Ladies can wear whatever they’d wear to their local country club or resort. Jeans and shorts are off limits, although we’ve seen our share of denim in the dining room.

One thing to bear in mind when you create your cruise packing list is that virtually all cruise ships have laundry service, and many have self-serve washers and dryers. So plan to send out your clothes midway or do a load yourself. This way, you can take half the cruise clothes that you’ll need.

Most cruise ports are pretty casual, so shorts and short-sleeve shirts are fine if the weather’s nice. But if you’re going to a city like Florence or Rome, pants are a better choice. Even if you’re not on a shore excursion, nothing will tag you as a tourist faster than shorts, tennis shoes, and a fanny pack.

If you’ll be traveling in Turkey or visiting religious sites, you’ll need to dress modestly. So either wear long sleeves or bring a big scarf that you can tie around you or use to cover your head.

Oasis of the Seas

For sea days, bring clothes for whatever you plan to do – workout gear if you’ll be using the fitness center, swimwear for the pool, or casual clothes for classes or activities. If you like to get in the water, bring two bathing suits, so you’ll always have a dry one to put on. And pack one in your carry-on so that you can go to the pool when you board and not have to wait for the luggage to arrive in your stateroom.

Sturdy shoes are a must for shore excursions. Those cute little sandals with the rhinestones won’t make it up the Parthenon. And make sure to break them in before your trip.

Bring a nylon or canvas bag that’s small enough to put in your purse. It will come in handy when you go shopping. We also bring a waterproof wallet that’s big enough for a couple of credit cards. If we go to a beach, we take our cruise card, a credit card, and some cash and leave the rest in the safe in our stateroom.

You’ll want something comfy to wear when you’re just hanging out in your cabin, especially if you have a balcony. If you live in yoga pants and a tee shirt at home, bring them along. You won’t be in public all the time.

A windbreaker/rain jacket is a must-have no matter where you’re going. If you drink wine, a corkscrew can come in handy, but you’ll have to put it in your checked baggage. And don’t forget extra memory for your camera and any battery chargers you’ll need.

Find more travel advice.

Flip flops Image Flickr: Minimalist Photography
Oasis of the Seas Image Flickr: Paul Dickerson

Dubrovnik

In many ways, Adriatic cruises are the most enjoyable European cruises. First of all, the Dalmatian coast of Croatia and Montenegro offers spectacular scenery. The ports are some of the most interesting in Europe. And because some of them have limited docking facilities, you’ll likely arrive on a smaller ship and with fewer other cruises – and cruisers – in port.

In places like Kotor, you’ll be able to dock close to town, so you’ll enjoy more time ashore. And many of these ancient cities are a walker’s dream.

Well-known cruise lines including Princess, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Holland America, MSC and Costa Cruise offer cruises in the Adriatic. And ultra-luxury lines like Sea Cloud and Ponant are other options.

Most Adriatic cruises begin or end in Venice, and Norwegian (NCL), MSC, and Costa Cruises all offer seven-day roundtrip cruises from there. If you have two weeks, you can stay aboard for a second week on NCL and see different ports on the latter half of the voyage.

The one-week cruises usually include a couple of the beautiful Greek Islands – Santorini, Mykonos, or Corfu, depending on which itinerary you choose. Two-week voyages usually call in Athens too. A 200-passenger French ship does a seven-night cruise round trip from Dubrovnik.

Sailing roundtrip from Venice makes your air arrangements a little less complicated, and Venice is a magical place to spend a couple of nights before or after your cruise.

There are also 12 and 14-night cruises that begin or end in Rome. These will often call in Malta, Sicily, and Sorrento or Naples for the Isle of Capri. If you haven’t been to Southern Italy, it’s well worth exploring.

Hvar

Bear in mind that Rome is some distance from Civitavecchia, where the port is located. If you haven’t been before, give yourself a few days to see Rome before heading home.

The highlight of any Adriatic cruise is Dubrovnik. Known as the “jewel of the Adriatic,” the medieval walled city was extensively restored following the war in the early 1990s. With its orange tile roofs, smashing ocean views, and marble squares, it’s indescribably beautiful.

A hike on top of the walls that encircle the city is rewarded with incredible views of the Adriatic. When you’re done, you’ll find plenty of cafes in the piazzas for a beer or a glass of wine.

Split, also in Croatia, is similar to Dubrovnik, but on a smaller scale. It’s best known as the site of Diocletian’s palace, built in the fourth century AD. Parts of the palace are remarkably well preserved, and the old town is delightful.

Some of the smaller ships call at the Crotian island resorts of Hvar and Korcula.

Kotor, in Montenegro, is also a stop on many cruises in the Adriatic. Sailing through the Gulf of Kotor to reach the city provides some of the best scenery in the region, and you’ll pass the gorgeous island of Sveti Stefan, which is now home to a luxurious resort.

The old, Byzantine city of Ravenna boasts some of the most brilliant mosaics in the world in its superb churches. If your cruise calls here, it will be one of the highlights of your trip.

Dubronivk Image Flickr: Mike McHolm
Hvar Image Flickr: Lena_Ni

Corfu -- Many Greek Island Cruises come here

The Greek Islands are some of the most enticing in the world, and the cradle of western civilization. Quaint, white-washed villages draped in bougainvillea, brilliant blue skies, and shimmering coves make this destination unrivaled for its beauty, charm, and hospitality.

There’s no better way to explore the area than by cruise, which lets you enjoy not only the islands, but also the sparkling sea. Cruising lets you unpack once, forget about juggling ferry schedules, and just relax and enjoy the views.

We’ve been lucky enough to do two Greek Island cruises, and we’d do another in a heartbeat. It just never gets old. The people are warm and friendly, the food is terrific and affordable, and you don’t need to sign up for shore excursions – just go ashore and explore on your own. Best of all, the weather is nearly always perfect.

Cruises are available in all price ranges and you can go for as few as seven days or as long as three weeks. Greek Island cruises operate from May through November, and prices will be a little lower at the beginning and end of the season.

Nearly a dozen cruises lines sail in the Greek Islands, and you can choose from luxury lines like Seabourn, Silversea, and Sea Dream Yacht Club, or mainstream lines like Princess and Royal Caribbean. For something different, consider taking a cruise on a sailing ship with Windstar or Star Clippers.

The islands are surprisingly varied and you’ll likely visit several on your cruise. Here are the most popular:

1) Santorini
The quintessential Greek Island, Santorini encircles the caldera of an ancient volcano. The best views and the most spectacular scenery in the Greek Islands are here. Ride a donkey or take a cable car up the steep, 1,100-foot cliffs to the town of Fira. Spend the day shopping, rent a car or a cab and go to the charming village of Oia, or explore the ancient Minoan city of Akrotiri.

2) Mykonos
Known for its nightlife and picturesque windmills, Mykonos is a pretty sophisticated place. It has winding, marble streets with upscale shopping and great beaches. The waterfront Little Venice section is a charming spot for lunch or a glass of wine. But be careful not to let one of the big pink pelicans run off with your fish. From here, you can take a sidetrip to Delos – the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis – to see the ancient ruins, especially the magnificent Avenue of the Lions.

Mykonos

3) Corfu
The most developed Greek Island, Corfu is also the lushest with green mountains, pine forests, and olive groves. Corfu town is the most cosmopolitan place in the islands and the stylish shops, restaurants, and hotels rival those of other Mediterranean resorts. A variety of architectural styles reveal the many cultural influences over the centuries.

4) Rhodes
The largest island in the Dodecanese, Rhodes gets 300 days of sunshine every year. The home of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Colossus, Rhodes has a rich history that’s still much in evidence. Take in the views from the town of Ialysso atop 1,000-foot Mt. Philerimos, visit the Acropolis of Lindos, which dates back to 1100 B.C., or just enjoy the shops and restaurants around Mandraki Harbor.

5) Crete
The home of King Minos and the Minoan civilization – Europe’s oldest – Crete has snow-capped mountains, deep gorges, and amazing architecture and artifacts dating back many millennia. In addition to the ancient Minoan sites, there are also many traces of the Venetian occupation, including an old castle and the port of Chania.

Find more places to visit in Greece.

Corfu — Many Greek Island Cruises come here Image Flickr: mickpix
Mykonos Image Flickr: Allan Henderson

Mississippi River cruises have beautiful views

If you read Mark Twain as a kid – and who didn’t – you probably were captivated by the romance of the Mississippi River. The greatest of American rivers, she winds 2,320 miles from Lake Itasca, Minnesota to New Orleans, where she flows into the Gulf of Mexico. The history of America is writ large on her banks.

In 1811, the steamboat New Orleans was the first to sail the length of the Mississippi and by the middle of the 19th century, steamship travel on the river was booming.

A cruise on the mighty Mississippi is a travel dream of many, and before Katrina, there were many Mississippi River cruises to choose from, notably the Mississippi, American, and Delta Queens. But the one-two punch of Katrina and the recession forced the major Mississippi cruise lines out of business.

For now, Blount Small Ship Adventures is the only company offering Mississippi River cruises. But American Cruise Lines is building a new 140-passenger paddlewheeler that is scheduled to begin cruises on the river in the fall of 2012.

Blount offers three different cruises on the Mississippi River on their vessel, Niagara Prince. Built in 1994 and renovated in 2009, she was especially designed for cruising America’s inland waterways. She has an extremely shallow draft and a collapsible pilot house, and a landing ramp that extends from the bow – letting passengers go ashore where there’s no dock.

Active travelers will appreciate the on-board kayaks and bikes. And guest naturalists, historians, and photographers provide enriching commentary to the voyage.

The first itinerary is a 12-day cruise from New Orleans to Chattanooga or vise versa. Port calls include Mobile and Demopolis Alabama; Columbus and West Point, Mississippi; Decatur and Guntersville, Alabama; the Grand Canyon of the South section of the Tennessee River; and Chattanooga.

Cruisers can also choose to board Niagara Prince in Nashville, Tennessee for an 11-day cruise that visits Clarksville, St. Genevieve, St. Louis, Alton, Havana, Peoria, and Joliet. This voyage includes cruising the Missouri, Tennessee, and Ohio Rivers.

Those with a little more time can sail all the way from Chicago to New Orleans in 15 days.

Mississippi cruises are available during the summer and fares are comparable to ocean cruises.

Find other river cruises.

Mississippi River cruises have beautiful views Image Flickr: y entonces

Rhine River Cruise

The Rhine is one of the most important – and historic – European waterways. Flowing more than 800 miles from the Swiss Alps to the North Sea in the Netherlands, the river’s banks are lined with medieval castles, ancient ruins, and rolling vineyards.

Rhine River cruises are a wonderful way to explore Germany, and there’s a Rhine River cruise for virtually any taste and budget. From day cruises along the most scenic stretches of the river to month-long luxury voyages that continue on to some of Europe’s other great rivers, there’s a Rhine cruise for everyone.

If you have the time and money, European river cruises offer the best of all worlds. You can settle into a comfortable, well-designed stateroom, unpack once, and then lean back and watch the scenery roll by – right at eye level. Avalon, Globus, Uniworld, Viking River Cruises, and AMA Waterways all offer cruises along the Rhine. And service and amenities on these lines are first rate.

In most cases, a daily shore excursion is included in the fare. You’ll have time to explore on your own. And you can often go into town in the evening for a little nightlife or local cuisine.

An 8-night cruise from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland – or vice versa – provides a great introduction. Most programs have an overnight in Amsterdam before boarding the vessel, so there’s time to visit the Rijksmuseum, the van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank’s house or the flower market before getting under way.

The next stop is usually Cologne, known in Germany as Koln. The magnificent Gothic Cathedral here is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most visited site in Germany. Those interested in history should also check out the Roman-Germanic Museum, where there’s a fantastic, ancient mosaic.

Further downriver is Koblenz, where the Rhine is met by another of Germany’s majestic rivers, the Mosel. The attractions here are rich and varied, ranging from 9th-century St. Castor’s Church to a 17th-century pub. One of the highlights of any visit here is tasting the delicious local wines.

Medieval Rudesheim is a fairy tale village of wine stubes, cafes, and shops selling local crafts. During the holiday season, Christmas markets make this region especially appealing. Just be sure to pack plenty of warm clothes.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is home to Germany’s most prestigious university, which dates from 1386. The bridge over the Neckar River leads to a lively downtown populated by eclectic students and a mix of 16th- and 17th-century buildings.

The capital of the French province of Alsace, Strasbourg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, and quaint canals. The Cathedral of Notre Dame has a fascinating astronomical clock.

Art lovers will enjoy their time in Basel, where there are several excellent museums and galleries, including the Kunstmuseum and the Renzo Piano-designed Fondation Beyeler.

Those with more time can choose 10-day cruises that add Prague to the beginning or end.

For a relaxing European vacation with good food and wine, magnificent culture and scenery, and few if any hassles, Rhine River cruises are a great choice. And since many include free airfare, hotels nights, and more, they’re also a great value.

Read more about European river cruises.

Rhine River Cruise Image Flickr: nzboyinoz
Heidelberg Image Flickr: dmytrok

Baltimore Harbor

Cruises can — and should be — extremely relaxing. But sometimes, getting to the cruise ship is anything but. Tight connections, lost luggage, and weather delays can be stressful even if you’ve planned to spend a day or two in port before your departure.

Taking a cruise from a port that’s close to home is really convenient, especially if you can drive. For residents of the mid-Atlantic states, Baltimore is an ideal embarkation port. And it offers quite a few options.

Carnival and Royal Caribbean both offer cruises out of Baltimore, and travelers can visit Bermuda, the Bahamas, or Canada and New England.

Bahamas cruises from Baltimore.

The 2660-passenger Carnival Pride sails from Baltimore on Sundays and spends two days at sea before calling at Port Canaveral, where passengers can visit the Kennedy Space Center, Universal Studios, or Walt Disney World. The next day, she arrives at Nassau in the late morning.

In Nassau, there are plenty of activities to choose from including catamaran trips, swimming with dolphins, relaxing at a private island, or parasailing. And because the ship doesn’t sail until 10:00PM, passengers can spend the evening ashore.

Pride arrives at Freeport the next morning, and cruisers will be able to enjoy more water sports and sightseeing before she sails in the afternoon.

Another sea day leaves time for spa treatments, or lounging by the ship’s pools. Pride returns to Baltimore the following Sunday morning. Discounted fares start around $699 per person.

Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas has nine-day cruises that leave from Baltimore. These voyages also call at Key West and Coco Cay, Royal Caribbean’s private island.

Bermuda cruises from Baltimore.

In mid-April, Enchantment of the Seas offers five-night Bermuda cruises. They sail from Baltimore on Saturday, spend Sunday at Sea and arrive in King’s Wharf, Bermuda on Monday morning. During their time in Bermuda, cruisers can snorkel, dive, explore the caves or aquarium, go fishing, bike, hike, or golf.

Because Enchantment is in port overnight, passengers can go ashore for dinner or nightlife.

Baltimore Waterfront

Fans of Carnival can take their seven-night cruise to Bermuda in April, September, October, or November. Their Bermuda cruises include an extra night in King’s Wharf. She sails and returns on Sunday.

Caribbean cruises from Baltimore.

During the early spring, Royal Caribbean offers 12-night Caribbean cruises that call at Labadee, Haiti; Samana in the Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands; St. Maarten; and Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. These voyages also include five days at sea so there’s plenty of time to enjoy the amenities aboard Enchantment of the Sea.

Later in the season, Enchantment offers nine-night cruises that bypass Haiti and St. Maarten.

Carnival Pride operates one-week cruises that leave Baltimore on Sunday, and call at Turks & Caicos Islands, and Half Moon Bay and Freeport in the Bahamas.

Other cruises from Baltimore.

During the summer and early fall, Enchantment of the Seas calls at Portland and Bar Harbor, Maine; Saint John, New Brunswick; Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Boston. This is a great way to see Canada’s Maritime Provinces, which are noted for their rugged coastal beauty. These cruises generally offer very good value for money.

Read our advice for choosing the right cruise ship.

Baltimore Harbor Image Flickr: kymagirl
Baltimore Waterfront Image Flickr: Jennie Faber

Cruise ships off Santorini.

There are three main types of European cruises, and each offers travelers a very different experience. So if you’re considering one, you should understand the plusses and minuses of each kind.

Conventional cruises on ocean-going cruise ships visit the countries that border the Mediterranean, Adriatic, or Baltic Seas. If you want to explore Scandinavia, the British Isles, France, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Turkey, Greece, or Croatia, there’s an ocean cruise for you — on everything from a five-masted clipper ship to a 4,000-passenger city at sea.

They’re the best way to see islands like Malta or Corsica, or destinations that really only require a few hours to explore. If you’ve dreamed of visiting the Greek Isles, Monte Carlo, or Portofino, an ocean cruise is your best bet.

The main advantages of these cruises are that you only have to pack and unpack once, all you really have to do is show up, and since your transportation, meals, and accommodations are paid for, you’ll likely spend less than you would traveling independently.

The downside of ocean cruising in Europe is that many of Europe’s great cities, including, London, Paris, and Florence, aren’t coastal. And even cities like Rome that aren’t far from the sea take a while to reach from the cruise port. Most ships arrive in port in the early morning and depart in the late afternoon, so your time ashore is limited. And you’ll likely spend some time reaching the things you want to see.

For instance, if your ship calls at Le Havre, the port for Paris, you’ll spend several hours just getting back and forth to the city. And you won’t be able to experience Paris at night when it’s the most romantic. But many travelers like the amenities of a big ship and enjoy having dinner in an American-style restaurant and going to shows each night.

European river cruises provide a more in-depth experience.

If you want to see more of Europe and spend more time in European cities and towns, a European river cruise may be a better choice for you. These cruises often dock overnight in places where you simply walk off the boat to enjoy a meal or attend a concert. Even when you’re traveling, the scenery is right in front of you. Many of the cabins have French balconies so you can enjoy the view and the fresh air.

River boats are small and usually carry fewer than 200 passengers. And many include wine with meals and shore excursions in the price. As a rule, river cruises are more expensive than ocean cruises, but you’ll spend a lot more time in Europe.

The most popular river cruises are on the Rhine, the Danube, the Elbe, and the Rhone rivers. They visit interior cities like Budapest, Prague, Basel, and Antwerp. You can also travel through Belgium and the Netherlands during tulip season.

How slow can you go?

View from a European river cruise.

Barge cruises are another option for those who want to really get to know a region such as Burgundy or the Loire Valley. Barges carry as few as four guests or as many as twenty. And food and wine are a big part of the appeal. Most voyages include several local wines and cheeses with each meal. And the chef often shops the local markets for ingredients.

You’ll know all your fellow passengers and all the crew after the first day or so, which depending on your disposition can be good or bad. Staterooms are comfortable, but on the small size.

Most barge cruises are six nights and start on Saturday. There are shore excursions each day, but also plenty of time for relaxing. The barges travel so slowly that you can walk or bike along the tow path by the side of the canal and do some sightseeing on your own. The towns along the way are smaller and have fewer tourists, so you’ll make friends more easily.

For a special occasion, you can charter the whole barge — but it’s quite expensive.

If you like to have all the comforts of home, enjoy nightlife, and don’t mind crowds, an ocean cruise offers the best value for money. If experiencing as much of Europe as you can is your top priority, choose a European river cruise. And if you’ve been to Europe before and want a leisurely week savoring a region’s cuisine and unique culture, splurge on a barge cruise.

Cruise ships off Santorini Image Flickr: Abeeeer
View from a European river cruise Image Flickr: Her Own Journey

Entertainment on Virgin America

If you’ve flown recently, you’re no doubt aware that air travel is less enjoyable than it used to be. Plane tickets cost more than they did last year. And because many airlines reduced the size of their fleet to save money, there’s rarely an empty seat.

To avoid paying the checked baggage fee, nearly everyone carries on their travel bag. Which means the overhead bins are packed. If you don’t board early, yours may be full by the time you get to your seat. And if you don’t fly often, it’s unlikely that you’ll get a good seat. Airlines are charging extra for exit rows or saving them for their best passengers. And if you want to eat, you’ll be charged for that too.

But if you’re willing to pay extra – or you’re traveling for business and can expense it – some aspects of air travel are actually more enjoyable than they were back in the good old days.

Air travel entertainment.

Jet Blue was the first U.S. domestic airline to offer individual TV monitors with satellite television service in coach. Today, Jet Blue and Virgin America offer plenty of free TV channels, on-demand TV shows, pay-per-view, first-run movies, music videos, satellite radio, games, and more.

Travelers flying across the country now have more ways than ever to pass the time.

Road warriors on Virgin America can stay connected with in-flight WiFi. For $12.95 for flights of three hours or more, you can check your email, surf the web, or make the plane your virtual office. United offers the same service on their Premium Service transcontinental flights. And both have power outlets available at every seat.

Football fans will be pleased to know that Jet Blue is now showing NFL Sunday Ticket games live on Sunday flights. You can follow all the action for free, right from your seat. Norwegian Cruise Line is also making this available on their cruise ships.

In-flight dining options.

Although you’d never want to pay for a conventional airline meal, some of the food available for purchase these days isn’t too bad. And on some airlines, it’s easier to get.

On Virgin America, you use the video monitor to order the items you want and pay for them with a swipe of your credit card. No more waiting in vein for the beverage cart to return or the flight attendant to find change.

Jet Blue at JFK

With deli-style sandwiches, hummus, cheese, fruit, and a variety of snacks, you won’t go hungry. Although you can probably buy a better meal in the airport and carry it on.

Travelers who don’t want to be crammed into a middle seat with no leg room can upgrade to a premium coach class seat. Jet Blue’s Even More Legroom Seats and Virgin’s Main Cabin Select have 38” pitch – 6” more than regular coach. United’s Economy Plus section adds 5” of legroom.

Choose your airline and upgrade your services wisely, and you just might enjoy your flight now more than in the past.

Read our tips for making air travel easier.

Entertainment on Virgin America Image Flickr: Binder.donedat
Jet Blue at JFK Image Flickr: Seth W.

Cologne from the Rhine

The growth of European river cruises has been nothing short of explosive. In fact, between 2004 and today, river cruising has grown by almost 60%.

What’s responsible for the boom? In a nutshell, river cruising is a relaxed, low-key way to explore an area up-close without the hassles of land-based travel. Instead of traveling from place to place by bus, train or car, and packing and unpacking every few nights, river cruising takes you where you want to go in comfort and style.

You board the ship in a central location, and then your hotel travels with you for the next week or two. The things you came to see are just across the river or right down the gangplank. Because most of the ships carry fewer than 200 passengers, you’ll never be part of a mob, service will be personal and attentive, and you’ll likely get to know the crew and fellow passengers in no time – and vice versa.

Although river cruises aren’t as inexpensive on a per-day basis as their ocean-going counterparts, in most cases, they include a lot more. Things you’ll pay extra for on a conventional cruise – such as shore excursions and beer or wine with meals – are often included on river cruises. And many cruise companies also include deals on airfare, such as two-for-one offers. Your initial purchase price may be more, but chances are that your shipboard account will be much less at checkout.

Because riverboats have so many fewer staterooms than huge cruise ships, they have to manage their inventory much more carefully, so if you wait until the last minute to get the best deal, you may be disappointed. But with four major cruise lines and 200 river boats offering basically the same product, competition is tough. So be sure to shop around for the best deal before booking your cruise.

Spring and fall are especially appealing times to travel in Europe. The weather is pleasant and you’ll miss the crowds of July and August. Since these are off-peak season, cruise fares and airfare are usually lower too. Tulip Time cruises through Holland in spring are very popular.

Bruges from a European River Cruise

New European river cruise ships.

Uniworld introduced River Beatrice last year and this year, she was named best new river ship by Cruise Critic. Carrying 160 passengers, she sails on the Danube. Eighty percent of her staterooms have French balconies and she has more junior suites than any other ship of her size. The free bicycles are a nice amenity.

AMA’s MS AmaBella introduced double balconies that include the traditional French balcony and an outside balcony where passengers can enjoy the river first hand. AmaBella also features free WiFi access throughout the ship and an innovative infotainment system that delivers hit movies to passenger staterooms.

Avalon launched two new ships in 2010 – Avalon Felicity and Avalon Luminary. Both feature wall-to-wall windows, WiFi, a fitness center, whirlpool, and Sky Decks.

Cologne from the Rhine Image Flickr: Maschinenraum
Bruges from a European River Cruise Image Flickr: Fújur

Tulip time in Holland

European river cruises have a lot going for them – wonderful scenery, intimate experiences, and hassle-free shore excursions that don’t involve tenders or long bus rides. No wonder they’re gaining in popularity every year.

One of the most enjoyable European river cruises is a “tulip time” cruise through the Netherlands and Belgium when the spring flowers are at their peak. At Kuekenghof Gardens, you’ll see 70 acres planted with 7 million bulbs. It’s a riot of color you’ll never forget.

More than 90% of the world’s flower supply comes from here. After a long, grey winter, it’s just what the doctor ordered.

The tulip season is relatively short, and most of these trips are offered only in March and April. So you’ll have to act fast to enjoy one this year. But if you do, you’ll be able to take advantage of substantial savings.

Tulip time cruises on AMA Waterways.

AMA Waterways has two river cruise vessels in Holland and Belgium this spring – the 148-passenger Amalyra, which has its maiden voyage last year and the 148-passenger Amalegro, which launched in 2007.

Most of the staterooms on these ships have French balconies, and all have in-room infotainment systems that include Movies, a music library, English-language TV, and Internet access.

Red and white wine are included with dinner each evening and there are bikes on board for passengers’ use.

Kinderdijk windmills

They offer seven-night cruises that begin and end in Amsterdam. Along the way, there are visits to Volendam, Edam – to sample the cheese – Arnhem, Nijmegan, Antwerp, Ghent, Willemstad, Dordrecht, Utrecht, and spectacular Keukenhof Gardens.

At press time, cabins were still available on April departures and fares were starting at $1,999 per person. Contact AMA Waterways for details.

Tulip time cruises on Avalon Waterways.

With four riverboats in the Netherlands this spring, Avalon Waterways has availability on several departures. The Avalon Artistry was one of Conde Nast’s Top Cruise Ships in 2009. The interiors were designed by Hans Sabert and the staterooms are some of the biggest of any riverboat.

The 138-passenger Avalon Felicity is new this year and features a whirlpool on the sky deck. With the bridge at the rear, Avalon Tranquility and Avalon Imagery offer stunning views from their lounges and restaurants.

Kuekenhof Gardens

Avalon’s cruises are also seven nights and begin and end in Amsterdam, but the itinerary is slightly different. After leaving Amsterdam, you’ll visit Arnhem, Dordrecht, and Kinderdijk to see the charming group of windmills. From there, you’ll call at Antwerp, Ghent, Middleburg, Rotterdam with an excursion to Keukenhof Gardens, and return to Amsterdam for an overnight.

Fares start at $2,049 per person – a $2,000 per couple savings. Contact Avalon or Vacationstogo for more information.

Tulip time cruises on Uniworld.

Those with a little more time will enjoy a 9-night cruise on Uniworld’s River Duchess, River Empress, or River Queen. All carry around 134 passengers and include complimentary wine with dinners, portable audio systems for shore visits, and complimentary bicycles.

These sailings include medieval Bruges, which is one of the most delightful cities in the Benelux countries.

Passengers embark in Amsterdam and spend the night there aboard their ship. The next day, you’ll visit Keukenhof Gardens and then sail for Hoorn. Other port calls include Enkhuizen, Nijmegen, Rotterdam, Veere, Antwerp, and Bruges.

The cruise ends in Antwerp.

Fares start at $1,849 per person. Contact Uniworld or Vacationstogo for availability.

At press time, Viking River Cruises tulip cruises were virtually sold out.

Read more about European river cruises.

Tulip time in Holland and Kuekenhof Gardens Images Flickr: ComùnicaTI
Kinderdijk windmills Imagle Flickr: my name is Ingo

Carnival Cruise Ship

Last year, more than 14 million people took a cruise. Most of them were happy, well-fed, and had the time of their lives.

But some were disappointed, disgruntled, and even down-right miserable. So when you’re finally ready to take the plunge and try cruising yourself, how can you sort through all the cruises ships that are out there to find one that’s right for you?

As is so often the case, our advice is to do plenty of trip planning in advance. The more you figure out ahead of time, the happier you’ll be.

A good travel agency that specializes in cruising can help you make an informed choice. But don’t leave the choice of a cruise line up to them. It’s your money – and precious vacation time.

Here are ten questions that can help you narrow down the field:

1) When you go out to eat, where do you go? Do you like Olive Garden, the little corner bistro where they know your name and your wine order, or the buzzy place with the celebrity chef that’s nearly impossible to get into?

2) When you go to a hotel, where do you stay? At a Comfort Inn, a Hilton, or a Four Seasons? Are you okay with a standard room, or do you need an ocean-view suite? Which amenities are most important to you?

3) What kind of car do you drive? A domestic sedan, a minivan, or a European import? Which kind of rental car do you get?

4) How social are you? When you’re in line, do you often talk to whoever is next to you or do you usually keep to yourself? How do you feel about dining with strangers?

5) What kind of clothes do you wear? Is comfort more important than style, or is your appearance your top priority? Do you hate to dress up or do you get all decked out every chance you get?

6) How do you feel about crowds? Are you a more-the-merrier person or someone who likes their personal space? Do you like being around other people or do they usually bug you?

7) Are you adventurous, cautious, or fun-loving? Easy going, or tightly wound? Do third-world countries intrigue you or make you nervous?

8) When you travel do you want to have lots of exciting new experiences, or just relax and unwind?

9) Do you love kids or do you like them only from a distance?

10) When you travel, do you worry about every dollar or figure you’re on vacation, so who cares? Which is more important to you – price or value?

Once you’ve answered these questions, finding the right cruise ship shouldn’t be too hard.

If you travel with kids, enjoy other people, and want a wide range of fun activities and a party atmosphere, you’ll probably enjoy the “fun ships” of Carnival. Carnival cruises ships are big and boisterous and the passengers are there to have a good time. Think conga lines and umbrella dinks.

For something a little more refined, but still casual and fun with an emphasis on activities, try Royal Caribbean or Norwegian. From the fitness facilities to the swimming-with-the-rays shore excursions, these cruises are for active travelers who’d rather participate than watch. In fact, you may find it a challenge to do nothing but relax in a deck chair on these ships.

Baby Boomers who want a near-luxury experience without the luxury price tag should look at Celebrity. The food on board is more up-scale – more Roy’s than Red Lobster – the ambience more sophisticated, and the décor more elegant. Most of the passengers enjoy wearing designer clothes to dinner. If you like a martini made with flavored vodka, Celebrity is a good choice.

Travelers who want a relatively calm experience, like to dress for dinner, and want to see the sights and then return to the ship for a relaxing afternoon will enjoy Princess or Holland America. There are certainly plenty of activities to choose from – but many, such as wine tasting and art auctions, are pretty low key. Food, service, and entertainment are all good. With older passengers, smaller ships, and more formal ambience, Holland America is less likely to satisfy active travelers.

Those who want luxury, and are willing to pay for it, have several great options.

Crystal has lots going for it – incredible suites, world-class cuisine, and impeccable service. But their 900+ passenger ships are large in a category where smaller is generally thought to mean better. What you gain in amenities, you’ll trade for flexibility. Fixed dining times, rare on luxury cruises, are the norm. Given all that, Crystal’s passengers are extremely pleased with the experience and return again and again.

If you want to visit exotic destinations, eat as well at sea as ashore, and spend your time at sea in the spa or a beautiful stateroom, you’ll likely love Seabourn or Silversea. These two lines have some of the smallest cruise ships at sea in terms of passenger capacity. So if it’s personal attention you crave, these set the standard. Passengers are always well dressed, and tuxedos are the rule after sun down. A nice benefit of these cruises is that they include many of the things less expensive cruises charge for.

We hope these tips will help you find the cruise ship of your dreams.

If you’re interested in repositioning cruises, you can learn more about them here.

Get more tips for finding the right cruise ship here.

Carnival Cruise Ship Image Flickr: motleypix