Cruise Deals to Europe and the Mediterranean

The sinking economy has a large impact on anyone (Americans) thinking about going to Europe on vacation. Thankfully the Cruise lines are well aware of what is going on with our economy and are offering significant savings and value for cruises ranging from the Mediterranean to Scandinavia. Regular cruisers already understand the savings involved and may want to move on to the bottom of the article where the top deals to Europe are listed. If you are new to cruising, it is important to remember that the price includes all of your meals, your cabin, activities on the ship and in many instances, onboard credit.

These cruises are appropriate for everyone - families, friends and couples. Of course the larger cruise lines will have the largest variety of folks, the smaller and sometimes, more expensive cruises tend to be geared for adults.

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Cruise itineraries through Europe, Destination information and Current Deals: Beginning from the North moving South:If you want to see spectacular scenery, majestic Fjords and old European towns, then Scandinavian Cruises are the way to go. There are varying itineraries, but for the most part if you are departing from Norway, you will cruise through the Fjords cross the Arctic Circle to Kirkenes, an outpost near the Russian border. This is a cruise focused on scenery, wildlife and Viking towns. Finland is a popular spot and quite a unique surprise for Americans. Finland has been called "Finwacky" because of the Finnish sense of humor and pastimes. Even if you are visiting the city for just one summer day during a cruise ship port of call, you can check your inhibitions at the dock and get a little Finnwacky, whether you fancy spinning around upside down on a ride at Linnanmaki Amusement Park, lunching at an antique prison turned modern-day hotel or careening through the city to your own rendition of "My Way" in a Karaoke Taxi.

Right now you can enjoy 7 exciting nights experiencing the "Finwacky" culture for yourself starting at $1249 for your very own balcony. Look out into the Mediterranean Sea as you make stops in Copenhagen, Oslo and so much more! Bring the family along and have kids, 17 & under sail free. The sailing is in June, so you may want to pack a little light.

The next set of itineraries is for the Western Mediterranean:The Western Mediterranean offers arts and culture, surf and sand, cafe hopping and boutique shopping, a variety of sights, attractions and activities.

Itineraries that sail the Western Mediterranean typically emphasize ports of call in Spain, France and Italy (with a few interesting detours along the way). These could also include stops in Portugal (primarily Lisbon though Oporto is occasionally featured), Morocco (Casablanca and Tangier), Monte Carlo, Malta and Croatia (Dubrovnik, most commonly). The actual ports of call vary and could include everything from France’s very chic Villefranche to Italy’s open-air museum of Florence.

Some of these fabulous cruises start at just $999 in a Balcony. The cruise is for 7 nights and has a free upgrade from a balcony stateroom to a balcony superior.

Some Great Deals to the Eastern Mediterranean

Moving east some memorable locations for your cruising experience come in the way of the Greek Isles, Turkey and the Croation Coasts. Because the summer months are in close proximity to us here in the America's, June is the best time to go. Sailings in June to explore the Eastern Mediterranean start at just $1399 for a balcony stateroom or you can leave a month earlier in May and pay just $1299 for the same balcony. Imagine waking up to the sites of places like Venice and the Greek Islands.

Alternatively, if you decide that exploring Turkish treasures and the Croation Coasts is something that you would find more enjoyable, you can find some great deals starting at $1119 for a 7 night trip.
Via: Ilizabeth Sutera

Hot Links: Cruise Deals, Europe Cruise Deals, Western Mediterranean, Eastern Mediterranean, Finland

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Mediterranean Cruises - SocialiteTravel.com

All of the major cruise operators offer cruises around the Mediterranean including, P&O, Royal Caribbean, Island Cruises, Thompson Cruises and Ocean Village. They all have a slight variation in their itineraries however, they attract their passengers by offering the best value for money and providing different atmospheres targeted at different styles of holiday experiences. They all have various durations from short three or four days to the more popular 7 or 14 nights.

Luxury Mediterranean Cruises are also available including a 12 night cruise on the sumptuous Crystal Symphony liner operated by Crystal Cruises. The accommodation offered is among the grandest money can buy, with penthouse suites with verandas and separate seating areas to staterooms with balconies overlooking the sea and coast. The well known word 'posh' was first used as an acronym of the very wealthy when cruising, it stands for Port Out, Starboard Home, indicating that their accommodation had to be on the appropriate side of the ship, these wealthy 'cruisers' became know by the general public as 'posh' people! The dining restaurants on the Crystal Symphony are waiter service, decorated in different styles and unobtrusive themes, for a less formal atmosphere there is one bar and grill. Entertainment onboard is refined, comprising of piano bars and lounges. The ship boosts a computer lab and computer 'university', a spa, beauty salon, treatments rooms offering sheer indulgences in pampering, a well equipped fitness room, a pool and sun deck. This luxury cruise does not cater for children in any way, shape or form! It does however, cater for corporate events and is ideal for those who enjoy the traditional style of cruising.

There are many tour operators, and online booking sites such as SocialiteTravel.com who offer discounts on all the major cruise company's brochure prices. Discounts can be found offering a variety of different percentage reductions, free up-grades, free drinks and even a book one place get another one free!

Mini cruises are also widely available throughout the Mediterranean. Holiday makers in Cyprus can take a three night, two day mini cruise across the Mediterranean Sea to Port Said, Egypt to visit the wonders of the ancient Egyptian pyramids and discover the treasures of the pharaohs in Cairo museum. Mini cruises departing from Athens are also widely available, enabling passengers to 'island hop' for three days in comfort and style.

Cruise and stay holidays are becoming increasingly popular, combing a week ashore in Majorca, Cyprus or the French Riviera with a week onboard a cruise ship visiting different ports and countries in the Mediterranean.

The cruise season for the Mediterranean is from late April to October, however, cruising off season is usually considerable cheaper and while you may escape the crowds the temperatures will be much lower and the sea less calm.

For those who are new to cruising a short duration Mediterranean cruise is an ideal opportunity to sample life at sea before embarking on cruises farther a field.

The majority of Mediterranean cruises are fly-cruise holidays which bypass the Bay of Biscay and offer instant sunshine, however, there are some cruise companies who depart from and return to UK ports, which is ideal for those who dislike flying or are unable to fly.

Hot Links: Western Mediterranean Cruises, Eastern Mediterranean Cruises, Discounted World Cruises

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