European waterways essential to life and trade

The Thames: London's river with a big history

The rivers and seas of Europe have always been essential to life and trade. But, until the mid-1800s, European boats and ships were only concerned with moving cargo or hauling in the day’s catch – not with passengers or their comfort.

In 1835, Arthur Anderson, a sailor from the Shetland Isles, wrote about his vision of providing passenger service from Scotland to Iceland in the summer months, and from Scotland to the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) in winter. Two years later, he co-founded the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P&O), which became a major operator of passenger liners.

The mail route and birth of the trans-Atlantic cruise

Other shipping lines, which got their start by carrying mail across the Atlantic, began to offer passenger service. More ships began to consider the comfort of passengers: in 1840 the Britannia, the first ship to sail under the Cunard Line name, reportedly took a cow on board to supply fresh milk on a trans-Atlantic crossing.

The emergence of elegance at sea – luxury cruising

By the early 1900s, European passenger ships had taken on the characteristics of elegant, floating hotels. However, World Wars I and II interrupted the building of new cruise ships, and many ships were pressed into service as troop transports.

Interest in trans-Atlantic cruising surged between the wars and again after World War II, but the introduction of trans-Atlantic flights put a damper on that era. During the 1960s and 70s, the European cruise industry slowly refocused on sailing the coasts and rivers of the continent.

Today, discover Europe all over again via cruise ship

Regent Seven Seas

Today, multiple cruise lines visit an amazing variety of European ports. Major cruise lines that sail Europe include the contemporary lines Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line; premium and deluxe lines Azamara Club Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises; and luxury lines Crystal Cruises, Cunard Line, Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea, Uniworld and Viking River Cruises. Uniworld River Cruises and Viking River Cruises are noteworthy because they cruise the rivers of Europe – the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and more – providing access to inland cities and villages.

The big four – Northern Europe, British Isles, Western Med, Eastern Med

European cruises cover four regions: The Baltic and Northern Europe; the British Isles and Western Europe; the Western Mediterranean; and the Eastern Mediterranean. Some cruise itineraries focus on ports in one region, while longer cruises may include ports in two or more regions.

A cruise of Northern Europe might include the stunning fjords of Norway’s west coast. Or, choose a Baltic-based itinerary, enjoying Scandinavian capitals like Copenhagen, Stockholm and Helsinki. Some cruises also visit Russia’s jewel of the Baltic, St. Petersburg.

Cruises of the British Isles and Western Europe often launch from London and may stop at Inverness and Edinburgh, Scotland; Dublin, Ireland; Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Hamburg, Germany; and Le Havre (for Paris), France.

Western Mediterranean itineraries can stretch from Gibraltar and coastal Spain to the west coast of Italy. Ports of call might include Cannes and other cities on the French Riviera; and the Italian ports of Livorno (for Florence), Citavecchia (for Rome) and Naples. Some itineraries also call on the islands of Sicily, Sardinia and Malta.

The Eastern Mediterranean includes a classic cruise destination– the Greek Isles. However, there is much more to see, including the ports of Croatia (Dubrovnik and Hvar); the gorgeous, watery city of Venice, Italy; and the exotic ports of Turkey (Istanbul, Izmir and Kusadasi).

With so many places to see, deciding on a European itinerary can be challenging. Luckily there are numerous resources available to help make a decision. Consider using  a travel agent to help get the best value for your time to match the right cruise to your lifestyle.

Announcing the 2011 European Collection of Sailings

Oceania Cruises Enjoy 2 for 1 Cruise Fares with Free Airfare.*

 The 2011 European Collection contains 32 wonderfully imaginative itineraries of which 21 are new. We have also added eight new ports within Europe, further expanding our already impressive reach. Furthermore, we focused more attention on the unique destinations along the Western European Coast, a region we call Continental Europe. The most joyous event is the debut of the newest masterpiece in our memorable fleet. 2011 marks Marina’s eagerly anticipated inaugural European season, during which she joins Insignia and Nautica to sail to every corner of the continent.

Historic Reflections
Barcelona to Athens | April 3, 2011 | 10 Days onboard Insignia

Grandeur of Rome
Athens to Rome | April 13, 2011 | 10 Days onboard Insignia

Pearls of the Riviera
Barcelona to Rome | April 16, 2011 | 10 Days onboard Marina

Wonders of the Ancients
Rome to Athens | April 23, 2011 | 14 Days onboard Insignia

Mediterranean Mosaic
Rome to Venice | April 26, 2011 | 10 Days onboard Marina

Cruisers will have their pick of ship to suit every lifestyle choice

Cruise lines belonging to the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) introduced 14 new ships in 2009 and another 13 vessels large and small are scheduled to arrive in the next 12 months.

2009 marked a new era in cruising with the arrival of Royal Caribbean International’s 5,400-passenger Oasis of the Seas. Dubbed the largest ship at sea, the Oasis offers guests plenty of opportunities to customize their cruise experience through multiple dining venues, onboard entertainments, and a variety of cabin options. Another ship that will allow guests to take advantage of numerous onboard choices to promote a flexible cruise experience is Norwegian Cruise Line.

Norwegian Cruise Line will introduce its next generation of Freestyle Cruising ship, the 4,200-passenger Norwegian Epic, featuring, among many other attractions, a ship-within-a-ship suite complex comprised of 60 suites and villas on two private decks. The Epic will be the largest ship in the NCL fleet.

 2010 is going to have almost as many new ships as 2009

Maybe not the largest, but certainly floating masterpieces are more new cruise ships that will launch in 2010. Celebrity Cruises will introduce the third of their Solstice-class ships with the 2,850-guest Celebrity Eclipse. The Eclipse will feed cruisers wanderlust in Europe and the Caribbean.

Variety is the spice of life

Costa Cruises’ Costa Deliziosa, carrying 2,260 guests, will make her debut in Dubai, another reflection of the globalization of cruising.  The 2,518-passenger MSC Magnifica blends comfort with the latest design and technology.

Holland America Line will introduce the 2,100-passenger Nieuw Amsterdam. The Nieuw Amsterdam, joins the recently launched Eurodam to further define and expand the Holland America Line premium brand with new concepts such as the innovative pan-Asian Tamarind restaurant and Silk Den lounge surrounded by panoramic views overlooking the ocean expanse and the Lido pool.

Be on the lookout for Cunard Line’s 2,092-passenger Queen Elizabeth. This gorgeous ship will enable guests to relive the high society glamour of the 1930′s and 1940′s.  Ocean travel and tradition are the hallmarks of this line.

Smaller ships catering to less cruise guests are also introducing new ships. Oceania Cruises will introduce the Marina. The Oceania-Class Marina represents an evolution of the lines extremely popular Regatta-Class ships. Since the inception of Oceania Cruises, their ships have delivered an unparalleled onboard experience. of its Regatta class vessels, the brand-new, 1,260-guest Marina, a mid-sized ship with no lack of amenities includes six restaurants.

Rounding out our survey of new ships is the all-suite Seabourn Sojourn.  She will offer four dining venues, six bars and a luxury spa for 450 world travelers. 2010 will be a great year to cruise new or old vessels.

 To find out which ship matches your distinct tastes and personality, contact Cruise Holidays of Mission Viejo for a cruise profile review.