Thread: Heading to Europe in 2005

Carnival Cruise Lines: For the first time, Carnival Cruise Lines has a ship sailing European waters. The Carnival Liberty will be the largest ship in the contemporary market in Europe and will offer 12-day Mediterranean cruises round-trip from Rome (port of Civitavecchia).

Celebrity Cruises: This year, Celebrity Cruises offers its largest-ever capacity and features northern and southern European itineraries. The line has tours in England, France, Spain and Italy before or after a cruise.

Costa Cruise Lines: Cruise "Italian Style" aboard any of Costa Cruise Line's 10 ships in Europe, which represents the largest fleet on the continent. The line's most recent addition, the Costa Magica, embarks on her inaugural season on European shores.

Crystal Cruises: On Crystal Cruises' European sailings, passengers can deeply explore their favorite cities since ships drop anchor in each port at least one night on each cruse. Crystal Adventures are new in 2005 and tourists can ride in a Russian MIG fighter plane, scuba dive in Rhodes and more.

Cunard Line: Cunard Line's venerable Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth 2 offer a varied mix of northern, coastal or southern European itineraries, many of which conveniently sail round-trip from Southampton, England. QM2 also sails transatlantic between Southampton and New York City.

Holland American Line: Holland America Line has 130 years of experience in cruising European waters. This year, the line will visit a whopping 98 European cities including first-time calls to Liverpool, England; Mitilini, Greece; and Sevastopol, Ukraine, among others.

MSC Cruises: MSC Cruises' tagline, "Premium Class ™ With A True Italian Signature" positions it as a prime European player. This year, all seven ships in its fleet will cruise Europe with five- to 14-day itineraries.

Norwegian Coastal Voyages: Norwegian Coastal Voyages is a unique combination of cruise ship and working vessel that carries local passengers and cargo between remote Norwegian ports. The line's 11 ships sail year-round between the Norwegian ports of Bergen and Kirkenes, above the Arctic Circle.

Norwegian Cruise Line: The Norwegian Jewel's inaugural cruises this August will be celebrated in northern and southern Europe. NCL ships feature "Freestyle Cruising" which allow passengers many dining options, some of which are included in the fare.

Orient Lines: Orient Lines is known as a destination specialist. With the decline of the dollar against the euro, the line's CruiseTour program is of particular value since it offers European hotel stays before or after each cruise.

Princess Cruises: With all three of its huge, grand-class ships in Europe, Princess Cruises has experienced a 63% increase in capacity in the region. The line also has two other ships positioned in Europe and touts the most cabins with balconies of any fleet on the continent.

Radisson Seven Seas Cruises: Upscale Radisson Seven Seas Cruises has two mid-sized ships in Europe. From May-through November, several Spotlight Cruises focus on food, wine or antiques; alternatively, select sailings offer Le Cordon Bleu workshops.

Royal Caribbean International: New programming on Royal Caribbean International's three ships in Europe bring the culture and customs of various European countries aboard ship. Passengers can design a mask for a Venetian masquerade ball, enjoy Italian and Spanish language classes, or learn the traditional Greek circle dance, among many other options.

Seabourn Cruise Line: Seabourn Cruise Line passengers can save when they book back-to-back, seven-day voyages. Due to the smaller size of Seabourn ships, they can navigate in more secluded ports including those in the Black Sea and Greek Isles.

Silversea Cruises: Luxury liner Silversea Cruises will position its four 296- and 382-passenger ships in Europe. The line offers many theme and enrichment programs, including some that feature celebrity chefs and wines.

Windstar Cruises: The three sailing yachts of Windstar Cruises will ply the warm waters of southern Europe from April through November. Of note is the Wind Surf's May 15 departure where guests may rub shoulders with glitterati at the Cannes Film Festival or check out the race cars in the Grand Prix.

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/desti...5_x.htm?csp=34

That is one place I would really like to go to - Now that Carnival has a ship sailing that way I am sure they can count me in!

We'll be taking our honeymoon cruise in Sept. on the Star Princess. Leaving out of Copenhagen and can hardly wait. It will be my 2nd and my fiancee's 9th cruise. We've obtained the passports and now it's research time. My soon to be Mrs. says she's created a monster .

a few weeks ago from doing a cruise from Civitavecchia to Villefranche on the Silver Whisper. It was May 12th to May 19th and the weather was absolutly fabulous. The ports of call were Livorno, Port Vendres, France, Marseille, St. Tropez, Genoa (weather diverted stop), and Portofino.

Wow! Spain and Celebrity! Sounds like a nearly irresistable combination to me!

Don, I want to hear about EVERY PORT!!! Start writing! please....

CM - Celebrity does sound good , but I like the idea of onboard language classes - which are offered by Royal Caribbean. I wonder if it's just 7 phrases to get you out of trouble, or if these are really worthwhile.

Here is the link to my review on CLF.

http://www.cruiselineforums.com/foru...ticle&artid=58

I am going from Luxembourg to Nueremberg on the MS Symphony the end of next month. Can't wait!

Thanks for reminding us Kat! Are you doing excursions on your own, or following the guides on the ship?

Originally Posted by irishkat

I am going from Luxembourg to Nueremberg on the MS Symphony the end of next month. Can't wait!

We are thinking of doing the Cezanne on a river cruise on the Seine next Spring with some friends so we are anxious to hear how your river cruise goes.

Don