Why Travel Europe on Cruises?

Europe is a popular cruising region, second only to the Caribbean (and followed by Alaska in third place), and it's a no-brainer to see why. The region truly offers a lot for everyone who desires to travel Europe on luxury cruises: great sights, shopping, beaches, museums, cultural and natural attractions, and a decent climate.

The Europe sea ports are close together, meaning you can visit several Europe cities in a limited period of time; the seas are relatively calm; the opportunities interesting and diverse. Europe has a seafaring tradition that goes back to ancient times - you can even choose an itinerary that follows the exact route of the ancient mariners - so it is any wonder a travel Europe cruise sounds so exciting and romantic?

A luxury cruise is also one of the most practical, comfortable and economical ways to travel Europe. You only have to unpack once, your floating hotel takes you to different ports in different countries, and you don't have to deal with the hassle and expense of getting around Europe by plane or train.

On luxury cruises, you are fed, pampered, and taken care of in a stress-free environment. You don't have to worry about currency fluctuations and their effect on your hotel, entertainment, and meal costs, because all of these are included in your luxury cruise fares. Food will be familiar - you can even sip a pina colada while viewing, say, St. Petersburg - and you don't have to deal with language problems, because there will be personnel on luxury cruises who speak English as you travel Europe.

A downside to luxury cruises is that you might not have as much time as you'd like in port to experience the local cultures as you travel Europe, although some lines overnight in cities like Venice, Monte Carlo, and Istanbul, and smaller ships may do overnights in smaller Europe cities. The luxury cruises lines do their best, through their organized shore excursions, to get passengers to the major sights. And if you'd rather sit at a cafe and check out the local scene than do an organized tour, you can head off on your own.

We've found that when cruising on your Europe travel, it's best to think of your luxury cruises as a sampler package. If you fall in love with a particular Europe city, plan on visiting it again later.

The Port Experience of Travel Europe

Mediterranean Ports of Call to Travel Europe

The ports in the Mediterranean include Lisbon and Barcelona in the west and Athens and Turkey in the east, and everything in between when you travel Europe. Here, you'll find history from B.C. on, folk culture, high culture (think French Riviera), beaches and shopping as you travel Europe. Above anything else, the region offers great diversity: the riches of Venice and Rome; the glistening beaches of the French Riviera (populated by chic, equally glistening bodies); tiny Monte Carlo with its famous casino; the unbelievably scenic Italian Riviera; Dubrovnik, with its medieval ramparts and role in modern history; and the Greek Isles, with their incredible archaeological and local cultural offerings.

In the Med, you can follow the path of ancient mariners and find history around every corner, or you can just sit back in the sun to admire the incredibly blue sea and fabulous scenery as you travel Europe. There's simply something for everyone!

The British Isles and Ports of Call in Northern Europe to Travel Europe

A northern European luxury cruise is a different animal from a Mediterranean luxury cruise when you travel Europe, offering you the opportunity to explore the stunning fjords of Scandinavia; the windswept shores of the British Isles; historic port cities like Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Stockholm; and even such lovely capital cities as London, Paris and Berlin, accessible via shore excursions from the nearest ports. Some itineraries will also visit cities like St. Petersburg, Russia, with its czarist treasures; and Tallinn, in the former Soviet bloc country of Estonia, where you can see first-hand a country attempting to modernize while also preserving tradition.

All the big cities offer history, museums (including some of the best art museums in the world), and great shopping and dining opportunities as you travel Europe. If it's scenery you're after when you travel Europe, you'll find it in droves, especially in Norway, the land of the midnight sun, whose fjords are unbelievably gorgeous and where, on some itineraries, you can even go all the way up to the Artic Sea.

Booking Your Travel Europe Luxury Cruises & Getting the Best Prices

Luxury cruises prices are not always the easiest things to figure out when you travel Europe, and luxury cruises in Europe can run you big bucks; however, the first important rule to remember is that few people pay the full price to travel Europe on luxury cruises. The retail price quoted in the travel Europe brochure is the optimum price the luxury cruises lines hope to get for the luxury cruises - like the sticker price on a new car - rather than the price it really expects to get. There are all sorts of deals out there, and virtually all the luxury cruises lines offer early-booking discounts, which can offer huge savings if you can book at least 3 months in advance of your sailing date. The best way to find the best deals is through an experienced travel Europe cruise travel agent, but more often than not, it's through the internet that one finds the best deals. We would recommend

FINDING THE BEST FARE TO TRAVEL EUROPE ON LUXURY CRUISES

The best way to save on European luxury cruises is to book in advance via the internet. Luxury cruises itineraries are usually printed 10 to 12 months ahead of the travel Europe season, so there's ample time to find the most suitable Europe luxury cruises for yourself; most luxury cruises lines offer early-bird discounts that generally amount to 10% to 50% off but sometimes reach as high as 60% (for a limited number of cabin types). Policies for the rates also vary, but generally you have a good chance of qualifying for the luxury cruises deals (which are offered in limited numbers on a first-come, first-served basis) by booking at least 3 months in advance before you travel Europe (though some cabin categories may even sell out 6-9 months in advance). If cabins aren't selling, the luxury cruises lines may even extend the early-booking deadlines closer into the sailing dates.

Booking early gives you the advantage of getting the first pick on cabins (the cheapest and most expensive ones tend to sell out first). And, if you are booking your own air, you have a better chance of getting a deal from the airlines, f

If cabins are still not filled up as the season begins, the luxury cruises lines will start marketing Last-Minute Vacations, for which we would recommend usually through their top-producing travel Europe agents. One couple we know managed to book a last-minute 12-day Princess Mediterranean luxury cruise for US$599 per person! However, last-minute vacations may have certain downsides as well. Keep in mind, though, that last-minute vacations require a certain amount of flexibility. Your desired sailing date to travel Europe may sell out, and even if it doesn't, you will have to take whatever cabin is still available. Also, you may have trouble getting a good last-minute vacations on your airfare. And most last-minute vacations are usually non-refundable. You can also save by booking your luxury cruises to travel Europe in the shoulder months of April, early May and November or early December. We would recommend when the pricing of luxury cruises are usually less than in the summer peak season. For luxury cruises lines that operate in Europe year-round, winter, with the exception of the Christmas and New Year holiday periods, is bargain time.

And keep in mind that the luxury cruises lines also tend to offer cut rates when they are introducing a new ship or new itinerary in a market. So it pays to keep track of what's happening in the industry - or to have your agent do so. You should be aware, though, that several new ships have experienced construction delays and have had to cancel their maiden voyages and inaugural sailings, sometimes only weeks ahead of time. Of course, passengers on those cancelled sailings were well compensated with refunds, big discounts on their rebooked luxury cruises, and the like, but if you want to try a brand-new ship to travel Europe, some flexibility may be required.

PRICE PROTECTION

It's a little-known fact that if the price of your cabin category goes down after you've booked it, some luxury cruises lines will make up the difference, in effect giving you the lowest rates. The luxury cruises lines won't call you with this information, but a diligent travel Europe agent will monitor the rates and contact the luxury cruise lines for you if the rates go down.

WATCH OUT FOR TRAVEL AGENT SCAMS

While it is usually worthwhile considering the alternative of getting your luxury cruises deals from a travel agent, it's also good to keep at least one eye open for obvious scams too! As the adage warns, if you hear a deal that just sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. If you get a solicitation by phone, fax, mail or email that just doesn't sound right, or if your travel agent gives you the creeps, contact your state consumer protection agency or local office of the Better Business Bureau  Or you can check with the luxury cruises lines to see if they've ever heard of the travel agency in question. Find more ways to avoid scams at the

STANDARD SAVINGS FOR THIRD & FOURTH LUXURY CRUISES PASSENGERS

Most ships offer standard luxury cruises discounts for third and/or fourth passengers sharing a cabin with two full-fare passengers. These discounts are designed for families and others who don't mind the closeness sharing a cabin brings as they travel Europe. Generally, the first two in a cabin are booked at a regular fare, with the third and fourth passengers booked at a highly discounted rate. If you are four adults traveling together, you can add the four rates together and divide by four to get your per-per luxury cruises fare.

Some luxury cruises lines offer special rates for kids to travel Europe, usually on a seasonal or select-sailings basis, that may include free or discounted airfares. Kids under age 2 usually enjoy travel Europe luxury cruises for free.

GROUP RATES ON LUXURY CRUISES

One of the best ways to get luxury cruises deals is to book as a group (generally at least 16 people in a minimum of 8 cabins), so you may want to get a family reunion together or convince your friends or colleagues that they need a travel Europe vacation, too. For such extra savings on group cruises, we would recommend The savings include not only a discounted rate, but at the least, the luxury cruises portion of the 16th ticket will be free (on some upscale ships you can negotiate a free ticket for groups of eight or more). The gang can split the proceeds from the free ticket to travel Europe, or, just for the fun of it, hold a drawing for the luxury cruises ticket, maybe at a cocktail party on the first night. If your group is large enough, you may be able to get that cocktail party - or perhaps some other onboard amenities - for free as well when you travel Europe.

SENIOR DISCOUNTS ON LUXURY CRUISES

Seniors may be able to get extra savings on their luxury cruises to travel Europe. Some luxury cruises lines will take 5% off the top for those 55 years and above, and the senior rate applies even if the second person in the cabin is younger. Membership in groups such as AARP is not required, but may bring additional savings.

GOOD DEALS FOR THOSE WHO CAN'T GET ENOUGH

If you've been on luxury cruises before and are traveling with the same luxury cruises line, you amy qualify for a repeat-passenger discount or other perks. Policies vary by luxury cruises lines, but repeat-passenger discounts generally range from 5% to 20% (you may have to take several luxury cruises to travel Europe to qualify); past passengers might also get invitations to private shipboard cocktail parties, priority check-in, and cabin upgrades (and nearly every luxury cruises line sends its repeaters enticing direct-mail pieces). Note: If you sail on any of Carnival Corporation's luxury cruises lines, which include Carnival, Costa, Cunard, Holland America Line, Princess, Seabourn and Windstar, you can qualify for a repeat-passenger discount on a sister luxury cruises line.

If you want to visit more than one region, you can usually get a good deal by booking two cruises back-to-back (you stay on the ship for more than one sailing).

Or if you like your travel Europe cruise so much that you decide to do it again next year, consider booking another cruise while you are on the ship. Luxury cruises lines, making the most of their captive audiences, may pitch you to make future vacation plans while still on board, with discounts - usually 5%. Before you sign on the dotted line though, make sure the on-the-spot discount can be combined with other offers you might find later. Also, be aware, if you do choose to book on board, you can still do the reconfirmation and ticketing through your travel agent by giving the luxury cruises lines his/her name.

MORE LUXURY CRUISES DEALS

Luxury cruises lines market travel Europe cruises with free hotel stays and, in some cases, free airfare offers. You may also see two-for-one travel Europe deals or offers that tack a few free days onto luxury cruises (such as 14 days for the price of 12). Be sure to evaluate these deals carefully by adding up the total amount you would spend to travel Europe with the luxury cruises lines for your cruise, hotel and airfare, and comparing it to offers by competing luxury cruises lines. Make sure that you compare apples and apples though.

Repositioning Luxury Cruises, such as when a ship repositions from the western Mediterranean to the Greek Isles, may be value-priced. Because these luxury cruises tend to cover greater distances than standard luxury cruises, they usually offer more days at sea and last longer than 1 week. On these luxury cruises, you get to see more than one region, which is a particular advantage to those trying to see and travel Europe as much as possible.

Some of the more upscale luxury cruises lines will reward customers willing to pay their full fare in advance (thus giving the luxury cruises lines more cash in hand). The discounts - sometimes as much as 15% - are significant enough that it could pay to go this route rather than putting a comparable sum in a fixed-interest bank account or CD.

AIRFARES & PRE AND POST-CRUISE OFFERINGS

Your luxury cruises package might include airfare, but if not, you will be offered an air add-on. As a general rule, if you are offered air transportation from the luxury cruises line, it's best to take it to travel Europe. Why? First of all, as big customers of the airlines, luxury cruises lines tend to get very good (if not the best) discounted airfare rates, which they pass on to their customers.

Secondly, booking airfares with the luxury cruises lines also allows the luxury cruises lines to keep track of you. If your plane is late, for instance, they might even hold the boat. And most luxury cruises lines include transfers from the airport to the ship, saving you the hassle of getting a cab. (If you do book on your own, you may still be able to get the transfers separately - with or without additional costs).

The only time it may pay to book your own air transportation is if you are using frequent-flier miles and can get the airfares for free. Also, book your own airfares if you are particular about which carrier you fly or route you take (you are more or less at the mercy of the luxury cruises lines to make these choices if you take up their airfares offers, and may end up on chartered aircraft).

Some luxury cruises lines offer special travel Europe deviation programs, which allow you to request specific airlines and routing for an extra fee. The deadline for these requests is usually 60 days prior to the sailing date or the day your luxury cruises reservation is made if you book to travel Europe later.

Be aware that once the airfare ticket is issued by the luxury cruises lines, you will be charged a fee if any changes are made.

If you choose not to book your airfare with the luxury cruises lines, and the said airfare is part of the luxury cruises deal, you will be refunded the air portion of the fare.

Note: If you are not booking your airfare through the luxury cruises lines to travel Europe, make sure to allow several hours between the plane's arrival and when you need to get on the ship. It may be best, in terms of reducing anxiety anyway, to arrive a day before and spend the night in

PRE & POST-CRUISE PACKAGES

All sorts of add-on programs are offered by the luxury cruises lines in Europe, and many people will want to stretch their travel Europe cruise vacations by adding a hotel stay, before or after the cruise, in a port city. These hotel stays are typically booked at the same time you book your luxury cruises to create what's known as pre-cruise or post-cruise offerings.

Just like airfare add-ons, the luxury cruises lines negotiate special deals with hotels at port cities. An advantage to coming in a day or two early when you travel Europe is that you don't have to worry if your flight is running late - you won't miss the boat. Plus, the extra evening gives you time to recover from jet lag before your luxury cruise begins.

Some lines, including Orient Lines, include a hotel package in the luxury cruises fares. When evaluating a luxury cruise line's hotel offering, do consider the following:

- Does the offer include transfers (airport to hotel, and hotel to cruise ship)?

- Does the deal offer a hotel that you will be happy with in terms of location and room style?

- Does the offer include escorted tours, car-rental deals or meals?

LUXURY CRUISES TOURS

Most of the luxury cruises lines also offer some escorted land tours, usually in major cities like London, Paris, Madrid, Lisbon, Venice, Athens or Istanbul, to complement your luxury cruises vacation to travel Europe.

The land portion is typically 4 to 6 nights and may be offered before or after the cruise. The package usually includes hotel accommodations, sightseeing, admission to attractions and some meals, as well as ground transportation (usually by bus) and all transfers (between the airport, the hotel or hotels and the ship).

2. Deposits & Cancellation Policies for Luxury Cruises

You'll be asked by your travel agent to make a deposit, either of a fixed amount (usually US$300 - US$1,000) or at some percentage of your total travel Europe luxury cruises cost. You'll be asked to pay the remaining fare usually 60 to 90 days before your departure date to travel Europe. Make sure that before making any payment you carefully review the luxury cruises lines' refund policy. You'll find the policy listed in the back of the luxury cruises lines' brochures.

Cancellation penalties to travel Europe vary by the luxury cruises lines. Before paying a dime to travel Europe, you should make sure you understand the payment schedule that you're agreeing to by putting down your deposit.

If at all possible, make your travel Europe payment with a credit card. This gives you an additional avenue of recourse should you encounter any problems.

Luxury cruises lines have varying policies regarding cancellations to travel Europe, and it's important to read the fine print. Most luxury cruises lines, but not all, allow you to cancel for a full refund on your deposit and payment anytime up to 76 days before the sailing to travel Europe.

After that time, you'll have to pay a penalty, which increases as you get closer to your sailing date to travel Europe. If you cancel a month before the sailing date, for instance, you might have to pay up to 50% of your fare as a penalty. If you cancel at the last minute to travel Europe, you may not be refunded any of what you've paid. However, exceptions are made based on worldwide events (the luxury cruises lines tend to be more lenient in times of war, for instance).

3. Money Matters when You Travel Europe

You have already paid the lion's share of your travel Europe cruise vacation, but you will still need a credit card, traveler's checks, or cash to handle your onboard expenses such as drinks, shore excursions, photos by the ship's photographer, spa services, gift shop purchases and so forth. Some ships (but not all) will take a personal check when you travel Europe.

You will want cash for taxis, drinks, small purchase and tips for guides in port when you travel Europe. You may also need cash to pay crew tips at the end of the luxury cruises, although some luxury cruises lines allow you to charge tips when you travel Europe. And you'll want a few dollars in hand in case you want to tip a crew-member for room service when you travel Europe.

ABOARD SHIP

Luxury cruises ships themselves operate on a cashless basis. Basically, this means you keep a running tab when you travel Europe. You sign for virtually everything you want to buy all week long as you travel Europe - drinks at the bar, shore excursions and gift shop purchases - and pay up at the end of the luxury cruises with cash or credit card (you can use cash in the casino). Very convenient, yes - and also very easy to spend more than you would if you had to dole out cash each time you made a purchase as you travel Europe.

On some European ships, the onboard items are priced in European currency, such as the euro, so you may want to bring a calculator with you to figure out what you are really spending for that nifty T-shirt with the ship's logo or that special drink of the day when you travel Europe.

Shortly before or after embarkation, a purser or check-in clerk in the terminal or on board will request an imprint of one of your credit cards. (If you want to pay in cash or by traveler's checks, you will be asked to leave a deposit, usually US$250 for a 1-week sailing to travel Europe.) Larger ships will then issue you an identification card that you show whenever you board the ship after spending the day in port and that you also use when you sign for something. On the newest ships, this same ID card often serves as your room key. Smaller and older ships may not use these ID cards and still issue regular room keys when you travel Europe.

On the last day of your luxury cruises, an itemized account of all you've charged throughout the luxury cruises is slipped beneath your cabin door. If you agree with the charges, they are automatically billed to your credit-card account. If you are paying in cash or if you dispute any charge, then you need to stop by the ship's cashier or purser's office, where there's usually a long line when you travel Europe.

We suggest you keep careful track of your onboard travel Europe expenses to avoid an unpleasant surprise at the end of your travel Europe cruise. Some ships make this tracking particularly easy by offering interactive TC, enabling you to check your account from your own stateroom as you travel Europe. On others, you have to visit the purser's or guest-relations desk to review your account. You can do so as often as you choose, but you may encounter lines of others doing the same when you travel Europe.

IN PORT

The cashless system works just fine on board the luxury cruises, but you will need some dough in port when you travel Europe. Of course, you can put any shore excursions you sign up for on your room tab, and credit cards are accepted at most port shops (as are traveler's checks) when you travel Europe.

It can be more expensive to exchange your money for foreign currency in your own country that it is once you've reached your destination. But it's a good idea to arrive in Europe with a bit of local currency, enough at least to buy a cup of coffee and a newspaper between flights or to get you to your hotel or ship when you travel Europe. About US$30 or US$50 should do it.

Many of the larger ships operating in Europe offer exchange services where you can exchange your currency for the local currency of the country you're visiting. This is usually accomplished by a local bank official coming on board at the port as you travel Europe. Some ships have special ATMs (automated teller machines) that do currency exchange (for a fee). Most ships which travel Europe do not offer exchange services at the purser's desk.

You ship, if it's an American line, may also have an ATM that delivers greenbacks (usually for a hefty fee). Some luxury cruises lines will also cash personal checks up to a set amount (usually around US$200).

4. Your Luxury Cruises Documents to Travel Europe

About 1 month before your luxury cruises and no later than 1 week before you travel Europe, you should receive your cruise documents, including your airline tickets (if you purchased them from the luxury cruises lines), a boarding document with your cabin (and sometimes dining) choice on it, boarding forms to fill out, luggage tags, and your pre-arranged bus transfer vouchers and hotel vouchers (if applicable). There will also be information on shore excursions and additional materials detailing things you need to know before you sail to travel Europe.

Read all of these carefully before you travel Europe. Make sure your luxury cruises cabin category and dining preferences are as you requested and that your airline flight and arrival times are what you were told. If there are problems, call your travel agent immediately. Make sure that there is enough time so that you can arrive at the port no later than an hour before your departure time to travel Europe.

You will be required to have a passport for your trip. You won't likely need a visa to travel Europe, but based on your itinerary, ask your luxury cruises travel agent if this applies.

We recommend that you confirm your flight 3 days before departure to travel Europe. Also, before you leave for the airport to travel Europe, tag your bags with the tags provided by the luxury cruises lines, and fill in your boarding cards. This will save you time when you arrive at the ship to travel Europe.

5. Travel Insurance for Luxury Cruises to Travel Europe

Three primary types of insurance are available: trip cancellation, medical and lost luggage.

which we most recommend, is a good idea because you have paid a large portion of your expenses up front for luxury cruises, and want that investment protected. It typically costs 6% to 8% of the total value of your luxury cruises vacation. Make sure the policy also covers the bankruptcy or default of the luxury cruises lines.

Medical Insurance and Lost Luggage Insurance don't make sense for most travelers because your existing health insurance should cover you if you get sick on your travel Europe vacation (though if you belong to an HMO, you might want to make sure you are fully covered when away from home), and you homeowner's insurance should cover stolen luggage if you have off-premises theft protection. Check you existing policies before you buy additional insurance coverage, and don't buy more travel Europe insurance than you need. If, for example, you only need trip-cancellation insurance, don't buy coverage for lost or stolen property. Be aware that some credit cards (American Express and certain gold and platinum Visa and MasterCards, for example) offer automatic flight and baggage insurance. Keep in mind that airlines are responsible for up to US$2,500 on domestic flights and only US$635 on international flights if they lose your travel Europe luggage; if you don't have baggage insurance and plan to carry anything more valuable than that, keep it in your carry-on bag.

6. Extra Costs on Luxury Cruises to Consider to Travel Europe

While your luxury cruises price typically includes accommodations on the ship, meals and snacks, activities and entertainment, there are some added costs that arise during your travel Europe cruise; before your Europe trip, you may want to make a tentative budget.

Additional expenses usually include shore excursions, bar drinks, dry cleaning and laundry services (some ships have coin-operated machines for passenger use as well), phone calls, massage and other spa services, beauty parlor services, photos taken by the ship's photographer, wine at dinner, babysitting and souvenirs. Such extras can easily add up to US$50 or US$60 per person per day or more if you really indulge. Plus on most ships, you are expected to tip the crew.

SHORE EXCURSIONS

The most expensive addition to your luxury cruises fares when you travel Europe will likely be the shore excursions. With some luxury cruises lines, shore excursions are included in your cruise fares, but with most lines, they are an added (though very worthwhile) expense. Ranging from about US$30 for a 3-hour city tour to more than US$200 for a long excursion to a city far from the port, these sightseeing tours when you travel Europe are designed to help luxury cruises passengers make the most of their time at the Europe destinations the ship visits, but they can add a hefty sum to your travel Europe vacation costs. Sometimes, you'll actually be in port long enough to take more than one shore excursion.

Our advice? Don't discount the excursions on the basis of cost. Think about it this way: You probably don't get to Europe very often, so it would be a shame to limit your travel Europe experiences just to save a few bucks.

In general, you get the biggest bang for your buck by taking shore tours that go beyond the port city (in many cases, it's easy to walk around the port city on your own).

Shore excursions are generally booked on board, not in advance, and you will have an opportunity on board to ask questions of the ship's tour staff, who will even offer lectures on the subject, before you make your decision. Keep in mind that popular tours sell out fast.

GRATUITIES

You'll want to add to your calculations tips for the ship's crew. Of course, tipping is at your own discretion - Holland America even makes a point of this, with their "no tipping required" policy - but with the luxury cruises lines being so forthcoming with their tipping advice (they even have special envelopes and cheat sheets prepared to help you out), you'll feel like a crumb for not obliging.

Tipping is usually paid at the end of your travel Europe cruise. Figure on about US$10 per passenger per day for tipping the room steward (US$3.50 - US$4), waiter (US$3.50 - US$4), and bus-boy (US$1.50 - US$2): this makes a total of about US$70 per person for a 7-day travel Europe cruise.

Additional tips to other personnel, such as the head waiter or maitre d', are at your discretion. Most luxury cruises lines add 15% to bar bills, so you don't have to tip you bartender, though some people will slip a bartender they really like a few bucks at the end of the travel Europe cruise anyway. You aren't asked to tip crew members who bring you room service or bring back your clean laundry, but you can if you want to (having a few dollar bills on hand is useful). On some European and small-ship lines, the crew pools tips, with the recommended contribution of US$10 to US$12 per person, per day. Other lines suggest you pay your tip based on a percentage of what you paid for your luxury cruises (usually 5%). Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises automatically add tips of US$10 per passenger, per day to your shipboard account (you can adjust the amount up or down as you see fit). Some luxury lines, including Seven Seas, Seabourn and Silversea, include tips in the luxury cruises fares.

DRINKS

Most ships charge extra for alcoholic beverages (including wine at dinner) and for soda. Non-carbonated drinks such as lemonade and iced tea are typically included in your luxury cruises fares. When you travel Europe, Luxury cruises lines may also include wine with lunch and dinner, bar drinks and an in-cabin bar setup in the cruise fares.

PORT CHARGES & OTHER FEES

Port charges, taxes and other fees are usually included in your luxury cruises fares but not always, and these charges can add as much as US$200 per person onto the price of a travel Europe cruise. Do a check when you purchase your cruise tickets whether the ships include port charges and taxes in their rates.

PHONE CALLS FROM THE SHIP

Making phone calls from any ship when you travel Europe is extremely expensive (up to US$16.95 per minute), so you're much better off waiting until you're at a port. However, making calls from a port in Europe can also be tricky. You can bring along an AT&T, Sprint or other phone-service card from home, but make sure you know the local access number for the card in advance (you can call your phone service for the numbers for each Europe country you will be visiting).

On some pay phones as you travel Europe, you can drop in a coin (in the local currency) to connect to your local access number, but others require the use of prepaid phone cards (not coins). In either case, you usually can't just pick up the receiver free. If the phone requires a prepaid card, you can buy one at a newsstand or tobacco shop. If you are using the prepaid card just to connect to your phone service's local number, buy the card in the smallest denomination available.

If you don't want to hassle with the prepaid cards or figure out the local coinage, we've found that most hotels will let you use a phone to call AT&T or your other phone service if you walk in and ask nicely (looking lost helps!). They may charge you a small fee.

OTHER ONBOARD COSTS

Luxury cruises lines make a substantial amount of their revenue on board, meaning you'll find enticements at every turn (especially on the big ships) - from the friendly bar staff offering the drink of the day (the largest source of onboard revenue for the luxury cruises lines is drinks), to the roving photographer snapping that must-have photo. to the glass snow globe with the cruise ship inside.

There may be additional extras as well, depending on the ship, such as caviar at the champagne bar (if your ship has one), or cigars at the cigar bar (if you ship has one). Some ships charge extra for afternoon ice-cream sundaes. All ships that offer babysitting (as opposed to the organized kids' programs) charge for it.

You'll also pay extra for such activities as golf simulators or miniature golf, and video games as you travel Europe. And some luxury cruises lines charge a small service fee for dinner in the ship's alternative restaurant. If you have teenagers or are a Type A personality who needs to stay in touch, you may find that you tally up an impressive e-mail bill.

Don't underestimate the lure of items in the gift shop in your budget planning. The shops offer frequent sales, and are especially attractive during days at sea (when you can't shop in port). And don't think you won't be tempted by the photos snapped on board by the ship's photographer as you travel Europe. Even if you're a reluctant poser, they'll get you, and you'll find them offered the next day not only in regular pictures but also as key chains and other niffy souvenirs.

Choosing Your Ideal Luxury Cruises to Travel Europe

There are many things you should consider before plunking big bucks for the perfect travel Europe luxury cruises. What kind of itinerary are you looking for and when do you want to go? What size ship will make you most comfortable and will its age matter? What special things should you know if you are a family traveler, a honeymooner, or a person with disabilities? Travel Europe luxury cruises come in all different styles to suit all different tastes, so the first step in ensuring that you'll have the best possible vacation is matching your expectations to the appropriate itinerary and ship. In this chapter, we'll explore the differences between your various travel Europe luxury cruises options.

1. The Travel Europe Luxury Cruises Season

The travel Europe luxury cruises season is generally considered to be April to November, although some lines operate into December, and even year-round in the Mediterranean. April, early May, and November/December are considered shoulder season, and lower fares are usually offered during these months. High season is the summer months.

If you are considering traveling in the shoulder season, keep in mind that some visitor facilities will operate during more limited hours, and some - say, in the Greek Isles - may not be open at all. The least expensive cruises are typically the first and last runs of the season, though these have their own charm: Specifically, you'll avoid the big tourist crush, which can really make a difference in some port towns. During the high season in Venice, for instance, you can't swing a stick without hitting a family from Duluth.

WEATHER

Europe is a continent of distinct seasons, but as in the U.S., there can be great variations in temperature from one part to another. The warmest months are July and August. August is the month when many Europeans go on vacation, and when beaches and other resort facilities will be particularly packed.

Here's the typical summer weather you can expect to encounter by region:

- Britain & Ireland: Average temperatures in the low to mid-60s (high teens Celsius), although the weather may be milder in Ireland. August, September and October tend to be the sunniest months.

- Scandinavia: Average temperatures above the Arctic Circle in the mid-50s (13 Celsius); in the south, in the 70s (low 20s Celsius), with Denmark tending to be the mildest. It may be rainy in the fjords.

- Holland & Belgium: Average temperatures in the high 60s in Holland and Germany (about 20 Celsius), with possible rain in May; in the low 70s in Belgium (low 20s Celsius), with the sunniest weather in July and August.

- France: Average temperatures in the mid-70s (mid-20s Celsius) in Paris; can be in high 80s or above (30s Celsius) on the Riviera.

- The Baltics: Average temperatures in the 70s (20s Celsius), with the best weather in late summer.

- Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal & Turkey: Temperatures in the high 80s or higher (30s Celsius), but there may be nice breezes along the coast. Portugal tends to be collar, more like mid-70s (20s Celsius), but also rainier. Greece and Turkey are the hottest, and if you're not a hot-weather lover, you're better off visiting these countries in mid-April to June or mid-September to the end of October.

2. Luxury Cruises Itineraries to Travel Europe

There's really no such thing as a standard travel Europe luxury cruises itinerary. Instead, the luxury cruises focus on specific regions and sometimes more than one region. And there are many variations on each theme when you travel Europe. A cruise of the Norwegian fjords, for instance, may depart from Bergen, Norway. Or it may depart from London or Copenhagen.

TYPICAL LUXURY CRUISES ITINERARIES

The Greek Isles/Eastern Mediterranean: The Aegean Sea and sometimes the Adriatic as well, with port calls in the Greek islands (Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos, and so on), Athens, Kusadasi, Turkey, and sometimes Istanbul. Some of the cruises also visit Dubrovnik or other ports in Croatia.

Western Mediterranean: The area from Barcelona or Lisbon to Rome and including port calls in Spain, France and Italy.

The Rivieras: The French Riviera (with ports such as St-Tropez), Monte Carlo, and small Italian Riviera ports (such as Portofino). May also include Rome.

Scandinavia & Russia: The Baltic Sea; Copenhagen, Denmark; Stockholm, Sweden, Helsinki, Finland; Tallinn, Estonia; and St. Petersburg, Russia. May also include Oslo.

The British Isles: England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, and sometimes France; sailing in the North Sea, Irish Sea and English Channel.

Norway & the Fjords: Norway from Bergen up to Honningsvag and the North Cape.

The Black Sea/Middle East: The area from Athens or Istanbul to Yalta, with port calls in Bulgaria, Romania, and the Ukraine. Europe luxury cruises may also be combined with the Red Sea (Egypt and Israel).

SPECIAL LUXURY CRUISES ITINERARIES

THE BEST OF EUROPE

One of the best ways to travel Europe if you've never been here before is on one of the 2-week luxury cruises that visit the major Europe cities. These luxury cruises tend to combine aspects of the above itineraries to give passengers a comprehensive (albeit quick) look at Europe. An example is Holland America's 14-day Northern Europe Capitals cruise from Copenhagen to Rome/Civitavecchia, which visits Oslo (Norway), Antwerp (Belgium), Le Havre/Paris (France), Lisbon (Portugal), Barcelona (Spain), and Monte Carlo, among other ports.

And there are some Grand Mediterranean-type luxury cruises sailings like Princess' 12-day Med: From Venice to Barcelona, with port calls in Monte Carlo (Monaco), Livorno and Naples (Italy), Athens (Greece), and Kusadasi and Istanbul (Turkey). You can extend your stay with hotel nights in Venice and Barcelona.

RIVER LUXURY CRUISES

Europe's inland waterways offer a wealth of cruise opportunities on smaller vessels specifically designed for river and canal travel, including luxurious barges that ply the waterways of inland France, Holland, Ireland, Belgium and England, offering a close-up view of the local culture.

There are larger river ships in France, Holland, Belgium, Germany, Austria and the former Soviet countries, as well as in Italy and Portugal.

COMPARING LUXURY CRUISES ITINERARIES

LENGTH OF LUXURY CRUISES

In choosing a region or regions to visit, you will obviously have to consider the length of the luxury cruises you want to take. Itineraries in Europe range from a few days to several weeks. The shortest cruises, 3 and 4-day offerings, can be found mostly in the Greek Isles and on inland waterways. Norwegian Coastal Voyages also do 5 and 6-day luxury cruises in Norway. One-week luxury cruises are regularly offered in the Greek Isles/Eastern Mediterranean, in the Western Mediterranean, in the British Isles, in Norway, in the French and Italian Rivieras, and on Europe's inland waterways. There are also 1-week luxury cruises sailings in the Baltics and other regions. But more common in most parts of Europe are 10 and 12-day luxury cruises. The longest cruise itineraries include several different regions.

TIME IN PORT & TIME AT SEA

It's important when comparing the various itineraries to make sure there will be enough time in port for what you came to see and do. Some ships even overnight in key ports such as Venice, Monte Carlo, or Istanbul to give you time to both explore and enjoy the local nightlife. Alternative ships may spend more evenings in port.

Keep in mind that visiting a port a day in an exciting region like Greece, where there are so many ancient sites to see, can be exhausting. And some of the ships make more than one port call a day. Experienced cruisers will know some of the most relaxing times to be had on ships are lazy days at sea, and consequently often choose an itinerary that spends a day or two without a port call.

MATCHING YOUR HABITS TO YOUR DESTINATION

Some ports are better for certain things than others. Here's a short rundown of "The Ports of Call".

PORTS FOR SHOPPERS

London, Paris, Rome and all the other major cities; Nice and Cannes, France; Venice, Italy.

PORTS FOR BEACH LOVERS

Cannes and St-Tropez, France; Mykonos and Rhodes, Greece; Malaga and Palma, Spain.

PORTS FOR ANTIQUITIES

Kusadasi, Turkey (Ephusus); Sorrento (Pompeii); Athens (the Parthenon); Rome (the Colosseum, and so on).

PORTS FOR NATURE BUFFS

Norway (especially above the Arctic Circle); British coastal areas.

3. The Port Experience When You Travel Europe

The ports you see when you travel Europe are likely the reason you've chosen your luxury cruises in Europe. Nearly all of the Europe ports offer historical attractions, in some cases truly ancient historical attractions (it's amazing how young 1776 is in the scheme of things when you travel Europe!). In addition, the ports offer cultural attractions, shopping opportunities, and in many cases, beaches. And some of them allow you access to famous cities like London, Rome, Amsterdam and Paris as you travel Europe.

Below, we describe the ports in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe on a country-by-country basis. In each, we've noted distance of attractions for the port as well as the availability of transportation to help you decide whether to take a shore excursion or a tour on your own as you travel Europe.

(A) Debarkation In Port When You Travel Europe

Generally, ships on European itineraries stop at a port a day, with some spending 1 day at sea (without stopping at a port) when they travel Europe. On longer cruises, you will have more than 1 day at sea, during which the emphasis will be on smooth sailing and providing you with pretty views of the coastline when you relax and enjoy the onboard facilities as you travel Europe.

Coming into port, ships generally arrive right after breakfast, allowing you the morning and afternoon to take a shore excursion or explore on your own when you travel Europe. Your ship will either dock right at the pier or tie-up slightly offshore when you travel Europe, in which case the ship will tender passengers ashore in small boats. In either case, there is a fair amount of time (sometimes as much as 2 hours) between when the ship stops and when you can actually get off. That's because local authorities have to board and clear the ship, a process that allows you to leave the vessel without going through Customs. Despite the logic of it, it can be frustrating to see a city laid out in front of you and have to wait to be told when you can step off the ship when you travel Europe.

If you're on a large ship, the process may be further delayed when you travel Europe because thousands of passengers will want to get off at the same time. In these cases, you may be assigned to a specific group and be requested to wait to leave the ship until your group is called. Those on shore excursions usually get to disembark frist. SHip officials will keep you well-informed of the process when you travel Europe.

Remember, whether on a shore excursion or touring on your own, to bring your boarding pass when you leave the ship, since you won't be able to get back aboard without it. Remember also to bring money - after a few days in the cashless atmosphere of a ship, it's remarkably easy to forget. Some ships offer currency exchange services on board. You can also usually find an ATM, bank or other money exchange within distance of the pier where you can exchange a few dollars (though don't exchange too much or you'll end up having to change it back!).

We also advise you to wear comfortable shoes (cobblestones and uneven surfaces are common in Europe) and bring along some bottled water (available on the ship), a hat and sunscreen, especially in the summer months when you travel Europe. If you are visiting churches or other religious sites, women may be required to cover their arms and legs. Your ship tour director should be able to offer you advice in this regard when you travel Europe.

TAKING THE TRAIN

More intrepid travelers may want to save a few bucks by taking a train to get beyond the port city rather than booking the ship's pricier shore excursion or transfer options when they travel Europe. Convenient service is offered in ports including Livorno (to get to Pisa or Florence) and Civitavecchia (to get to Rome). Keep in mind though, the train station may not be right near the pier (a cab or bus ride may be required to get there). For train travel information, consult our

REBOARDING

Whether you do go off to explore on your own or are just puttering around in the port after your excursion, you'll need to carefully pay attention to the ship's departure time and be back at least a half-hour before that time when you travel Europe. If your shore excursion runs late, the ship will be held, but if you're off on your own and miss the boat, you will be responsible for paying your way to the next port. (If you do miss the boat, immediately contact the ship's representative at the pier when you travel Europe).

Ships usually depart in the early evening, giving you an hour or two to rest up before dinner. Small ships may even stay in port each evening to offer you a chance to sample the local nightlife, and some large ships will overnight in major ports such as Venice, Istanbul or Monaco when you travel Europe.

(B) Shore Excursions When You Travel Europe

No matter what size ship you're on or what its itinerary is, you can choose from a variety of shore excursions at any given port, ranging in price from around US$30 to more than US$200 per person. The most popular are city tours, which typically highlight the historic and scenic attractions in each port city. Other, pricier tours take you beyond the port city to inland attractions.

We enjoy exploring port cities on our own and take only those tours that go further inland, but that's just us. It's a personal choice.

On the Big Ships, excursions can sell out quickly, so don't dawdle if you know what you want; sign up before the trip (if the luxury cruises line allows you to do so), or on the first or second day of the luxury cruises. Because of the large numbers of passengers on large ships, be prepared for some waiting around as each jumbo-size tour group is herded from the ship to the waiting fleet of buses or minivans.

On the Smaller Ships, there's usually room on the excursions to accommodate all passengers on board, and the excursions may even be included in your luxury cruise fare (in which case 100% attendance is not uncommon). The whole process is saner, and group sizes are most likely smaller.

Whatever the size of the ship, the attraction itself, quality of the tour guide, and execution of the tour are what determines whether you have an enjoyable time.

The luxury cruises lines offer shore excursions to various sites of historical or cultural value or natural or artistic beauty, all designed to help you make the most of your limited time at each port of call as you travel Europe. In general, excursions that take you well beyond the port area are the ones most worth taking - you'll get professional commentary and avoid hassling with local transportation. In ports that have attractions within walking distance of the pier, however, you may be best off touring on your own. If you are not a good walker, look for a shore excursion that does not involve much footwork when you travel Europe (most luxury cruises lines have offerings in this regard).

Shore excursions when you travel Europe typically involve buses, with a guide assigned to each bus. Even when you are on a European ship, you will have an English-speaking guide. However, if there are not enough English speakers to fill a whole bus, you may have to hear the commentary repeated in another language as well. Some of the more upscale and educational lines have expert lecturers who accompany shore excursions, and some offer tours in limos and mini-vans rather than in big buses.

Tours include entrance fees to attractions, and some include lunch or local folklore performances, as well as time for shopping either on your own or at a local crafts center (where you may be not so subtly encouraged to buy souvenirs). In some cases, you may have the option of lingering in a town and returning to the ship on your own.

The tours are usually conducted by local outside contractors and not by the cruise lines themselves. In some countries, including Greece and Turkey, the guides are required to be licensed and are thus very knowledgeable about their subject matter. Elsewhere, we have also generally been impressed with the level of the tours offered, with a few notable exceptions: Fran had a guide in Monaco, for instance, who tried to entertain us on our way to St-Paul-de_Vence with a combination of inane commentary on the scenery ("Oh, look at the sea, isn't it blue?") and gossip about Monaco's royal family, and who dropped us off telling us she would offer a historical walking tour if we wanted, but she knew we would all rather go shopping instead. All told, though, such lack of performance by guide in Europe is rare.

Some luxury cruises lines, including Princess, Costa and Royal Caribbean, also offer reduced-rate shore excursions for kids. Tipping of the guides after the tour is at your discretion, but as a general rule of thumb, you should tip Euro 3.00 to Euro 8.00 (US$4 - US$11) per person for a half-day tour, and Euro 5.00 to Euro 10.00 (US$6 - US$13) per person for a full day tour.

The luxury cruises lines detail their excursions in brochures which you'll likely receive in the mail with your cruise documents to travel Europe to allow you to pre-select excursions that appeal to you. In some cases, you can book your excursions online before your luxury cruises or by filling out and faxing in a form. In other cases, you must book the tours aboard ship (preferably on the first day, since some will sell out). Excursions are sold on a non-refundable first-come, first-served basis (some have capacity restrictions). Some luxury cruises lines include shore excursions in their cruise fares, but you may still be asked to sign up (to acknowledge you are accepting the offer). If you want to learn more about the touring options, the excursions staff will give talks aboard the ship to fill you in when you travel Europe. Honestly, they're sometimes more like sales pitches (the luxury cruises lines do, after all, make money off the tours), but they do give more background than the one or two-paragraph summations in the travel brochures.

(C) Touring The European Ports On Your Own When You Travel Europe

If you're an independent-minded traveler and/or hate bus tours, skip the organized shore excursions and head off on your own when you travel Europe - though bear in mind that some ports (such as Civitavecchia in Italy and Le Havre in France) are not much to look at in and of themselves, and serve primarily as seaports for large and sometimes distant cities (Rome and Paris respectively, in this instance). Where this is the case, you're probably best off taking the organized excursions, since they're already structured to maximize your limited time. The luxury cruises lines may also offer a bus transfer option to a distant city that drops you off and picks you up at a designated time. Taking a train may be another option. See our for more train travel information.

Walking is, of course, the most enlightening way to see a port, but when you want to visit a site that's not within walking distance, you'll have to find transportation. In most ports, it's both a hassle and expensive to rent a car on your own, so you're better off either taking a taxi or public transportation such as buses or subways, or arranging to hire a car and driver - if you get together a small group to do this you can split the price and save money to travel Europe. Your ship's tour office should be able to offer recommendations when you travel Europe.

4. Choosing Your Luxury Cruises Ship to Travel Europe

After choosing your luxury cruises itinerary, picking the right ship is the number-one factor in ensuring that you get the travel Europe vacation you're looking for. As we've said, luxury cruises ships operating in Europe range from small alternative-type vessels to resortlike megaships, with the luxury cruises experience varying widely depending on the type of ship you select. There are casual luxury cruises and the high-end luxury cruises; educational luxury cruises where you attend lectures; soft adventure luxury cruises that explore remote areas and offer watersports opportunities; and resort like luxury cruises where massages and Las-Vegas-style shows are the order of the day.

You'll need to decide what overall luxury cruises experience you want to travel Europe with. The type of luxury cruises is even more important than the price. Afterall, what kind of bargain are luxury cruises if what you're looking for is a quiet time? Your travel Europe fantasy vacation may be someone else's nightmare, and vice versa.

Big Ship or Small Ship?

When comparing ship sizes to travel Europe, think of the difference between a small New England inn and a big resort hotel in Miami. A ship's size, like that of a hotel, greatly determines its personality and the kind of Europe vacation you'll have. Big ships tend to be busy, exciting affairs, while the smaller ships are most often low-key retreats with unique personalities.

THE BIG SHIPS

Big ships operating to travel Europe vary in size and scope, and include everything from classic luxury cruises ships to massive new megaships. They all offer a comfortable luxury cruises experience, with virtual armies of service employees overseeing your well-being. Ship stabilizers assure smooth sailing and all have plenty of deck space from which you can take in the coastal sights.

Due to their deeper drafts (the amount of ship below the waterline), the biggest of the big ships can't get to some of the islands and small ports that smaller ships can visit. However, the more powerful engines on these ships allow them to visit more ports during each trip, and shore excursions allow you more closely to explore different aspects of the port's history and culture. (A downside, however, is that disembarkation at ports can be a lengthy process because there are so many passengers wanting to visit the ports.)

The itineraries of these ships tend to be the tried-and-true routes sailed by many other vessels as well.

The classic-style ships that travel Europe (some of which are really mid-size in today's market) embrace their nautical history and don't look as much like floating Hyatt hotels as the bigger megaships. Classic-style ships which travel Europe may be older vessels (and some tattered ones at that) or they may be modern ships designed to appeal to those who don't want everything quite so big and glitzy. These ships, operated by both European and American companies, range from budget to luxurious. On the more expensive of these ships, the crowd will be older and more refined, and take formal nights seriously. On the more moderately priced ships when you travel Europe, you'll find lots of middle-class Europeans and family travelers (as well as value-conscious Americans) and generally a more casual atmosphere.

Megaships are newer, are bigger (the biggest ship to travel Europe holds more than 2,600 passengers), and offer the latest and greatest. They're glitzy American-style floating resorts and, with the exception of those operated by Costa, attract more Americans than Europeans. The atmosphere is casual during the day, with a few formal nights so you can really put on the ritz.

Both the classic-style ships and the megaships have all the facilities you can imagine on luxury cruises ships. There are swimming pools, health clubs, spas (of various sizes), nightclubs, movie theaters, shops, casinos, bars and children's play-rooms. In some cases - especially on the megaships - you'll also find sports decks, virtual golf, computer rooms and cigar clubs, as well as quiet spaces where you can get away from it all. There are so many rooms that you are unlikely to feel claustrophobic as you travel Europe.

These luxury cruises ships have big dining rooms and buffet areas serving more food with more variety and at more times (including midnight) than you can think about, much less eat. There might also be additional eating venues such as pizzerias, hamburger grills, ice-cream parlors, alternative restaurants, wine bars, champagne bars, caviar bars and patisseries as you travel Europe.

In most cases, these travel Europe cruises have lots of onboard activities to keep you occupied when you're not in port, including games and contests, classes, children's programs, and lectures (possibly by archaeologists and historians). The activities are somewhat lower key than they would be in, say, the Caribbean, where the crowd is more party-hearty. These luxury cruises ships also offer a variety of entertainment options that might even include celebrity headline acts, and usually feature stage show productions, some quite sophisticated (particularly on ships run by American companies).

Cabins, in many cases, offer modern comforts such as TVs and telephones, and some even have personal safes and minibars. The cabins themselves might be cubbyholes or large suites, depending on the ship and the cabin level you book. On most of these ships, options will include picture windows and private verandas.

These travel Europe ships carry a lot of people, and as such can at times feel crowded - and there may occasionally be lines at the buffets and in other public areas. On the other hand, you aren't stuck with the same faces for your whole travel Europe cruise.

THE SMALL & ALTERNATIVE SHIPS

Just as big luxury cruises ships are mostly for people who want every resort amenity as they travel Europe, small or alternative ships are best suited for people who prefer a casual, crowd-free luxury cruises experience that gives them a chance to get up-close-and-personal with Europe's coastal offerings.

Thanks to their smaller size, these travel Europe ships can offer a yacht like experience (some of them even have sails) and can go places that larger ships can't, such as islands and smaller ports that cater mostly to yachts and small fishing vessels. The decks on these ships are closer to the waterline too, giving passengers a more intimate view than from the high decks of the large luxury cruises ships. These ships tend to hug the coast, and in Europe, they usually visit a port a day (although some spend a day or two at sea exploring areas of natural beauty).

The alternative luxury cruises ship experience comes with a sense of adventure, although it's usually adventure of a soft rather than rugged sort, and offers a generally casual travel Europe cruise experience: There are usually no dress-up nights, the food may be rather simply prepared, and because there are so few public areas to choose from - usually only one or two small lounges - camaraderie tends to develop more quickly between passengers on these luxury cruises ships than aboard larger luxury cruises vessels, which can be as anonymous as a big city even as you travel Europe.

Cabins may not offer TVs or telephones and tend to be very small, and in some cases downright spartan. Meals are generally served in a single, open seating, and dress codes are usually non-existent.

Instead of aerobics and pool games (featured on the big luxury cruises ships), these ships may offer a brisk walk around the deck or, on some ships, the opportunity to enjoy watersports right from the ship. And the alternative ships more frequently feature expert lectures on archaeology, history and other intellectual pursuits.

There are no stabilizers on most of these smaller luxury cruises ships, and the ride can be bumpy in open water. There are also often no elevators, making luxury cruises on most of these ships a bit difficult for travelers with disabilities. And the alternative ship lines do not offer specific activities or facilities for children, although you still may find a few families on some of these vessels.

5. Choosing Your Cabin on the Luxury Cruises to Travel Europe

The luxury cruises lines which travel Europe have improved accommodations quite a bit since Charles Dickens referred to his stateroom as a coffin, but cramped, windowless spaces can still be found - on the other hand, so can penthouse-size suites with expansive verandas, Jacuzzis, and hot and cold running butler service.

What kind of cabin is right for you as you travel Europe? Price will likely be a big factor here, but so should the vacation Europe style you prefer. If, for instance, you plan to spend a lot of quiet time in your luxury cruises cabin, you should probably consider booking the biggest room you can afford, and you should also consider taking a cabin with a picture window or a private veranda. If, conversely, you plan to be off on tours or out and about the ship's public areas as you travel Europe, and will only be using your luxury cruises cabin to change clothes and collapse in at the end of the day, you might be just as happy with a smaller (and cheaper) cabin.

Most cabins on luxury cruises ships today have a private bathroom with a shower and twin beds that are convertible to queen-size (you can request which configuration you want), though some ships also have a limited number of double beds. Some luxury cruises cabins have bunk beds.

Many ships have cabins designed for three or four persons that will include bunks. In some, it is possible to add a fifth, portable bed. Some luxury cruises lines offer special cabins designed for families. Families may also be able to book connecting cabins (although they'll have to pay for two cabins to do so).

Some cabins have televisions. Some also have such extra amenities as safes, mini-refrigerators, VCRs, bathrobes and hair dryers. A bathtub is considered a luxury on ships and will usually only be offered in more expensive rooms.

TRAVEL EUROPE CABIN TYPES

The typical luxury cruises ship offers several types of cabins, as outlined by floor plans in the luxury cruises line's brochure. The cabins are usually described by price (highest to lowest), category (suite, deluxe, superior, standard, economy and others), and furniture configuration ("sitting area with two lower beds", for example). Diagrams of the various cabin types are typically included.

The cabins will also be described as being inside (without windows or port-holes) or outside (with). Outside cabins are more expensive because windows allow natural light into the cabin and may allow ocean views - though some may be obstructed (usually by a lifeboat) or look out onto a public area, which will be an issue if you crave privacy. An experienced travel agent should be able to advice you on these matters when you plan to travel Europe.

THE SOUNDS OF SILENCE

Noise can be a factor that may influence your luxury cruises cabin choice when you travel Europe. If you take a cabin on a lower deck, you may hear engine noises; in the front of the ship, anchor noises; and in the back of the ship, thruster noises. A cabin near an elevator may bring door-opening and door-closing sounds. Cabins on the Promenade Deck amy sound great, but you may hear passengers walking or talking outside or even peeking into your cabin. And a cabin above or below the disco may pulse until all hours of the night as you travel Europe. You may also want to avoid cabins near the laundry area or gallery. If noise is a problem for you when you travel Europe, make your cabin choice accordingly. A ship's deck plan can clue you in to potential problems.

On the big ships, the more deluxe outside cabins may also come with verandas that give you private outdoor space to enjoy sea breezes as you travel Europe. But the verandas vary in size, so if you're looking to do more than stand on your balcony, make sure the outdoor space is big enough to accommodate deck chairs, a table, or whatever else you require. And before you step out in your birthday suit, realize that private doesn't necessarily mean your neighbors can't see you.

Usually, the higher on the ship (by deck) the cabin is located, the more expensive and nicer the cabin is. This is true even if there are cabins of the same size on lower decks (the decor changes).

Luxury Suites to travel Europe are usually on upper decks, but a quirky thing about cabin pricing is that the most stable cabins during rough seas when you travel Europe are those in the middle and lower parts of the ship.

On Small Ships, cabins can run to the truly spartan, though some can also give the big-ship cabins a run for their money. Generally, the difference lies in the orientation of the luxury cruises lines: Those promising a real travel Europe adventure experience tend to feature somewhat utilitarian cabins.

LUXURY CRUISES CABIN SIZES

The size of a cabin when you travel Europe is described in terms of square feet. This number may not mean a lot unless you want to mark it out on your floor at home. But to give you an idea: 120 square feet and under is low-end and cramped; 180 square feet is mid-range (and the minimum for people with claustrophobia); and 250 square feet and up is suite-size when you travel Europe.

A FEW CABIN-CHOOSING TIPS

Make sure the beds in the cabin can be configured the way you want. Not all cabins offer double or queen-size beds. If you want a bathtub or television, make sure you choose a cabin that has one. If you are traveling by wheelchair, make sure the cabin and bathroom doors are wide enough to accommodate your chair. (Of course, there will be other accessibility considerations if you are traveling by wheelchair; be sure to discuss them with the luxury cruises line before you book). Book early for first-choice of luxury cruises cabins when you travel Europe (the cheapest and most expensive cabins tend to sell out first).

6. Choosing Your Dining Options on Luxury Cruises to Travel Europe

In addition to choosing your cabin when you travel Europe, you can also choose your preferred meal seating time, if you're on a ship that requires one. Smaller ships and luxury vessels (with the exception of Crystal) serve dinner in an open seating, or restaurant-style, allowing you to sit at any table you want; if you plan to sail one of these lines, you can skip this section. Norwegian Cruise Line also offers open seating, and Princes Cruises has an open-seating option. But because most dining rooms on larger ships are not large enough to accommodate all passengers at once as they travel Europe, these ships typically offer two seating, or sittings, especially for dinner. All table space is on a reserved basis. Early or main seating is typically at 6 p.m. Late seating is at 8.30 p.m. as you travel Europe.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both times, and it basically comes down to personal choice. The early seating is usually less crowded and is the preferred time for families and seniors who travel Europe. The dining experience can be a bit more rushed (the staff needs to make way for the next wave), but food items may be fresher since they haven't had to wait under warmers. You can see a show right after dinner, and have first dibs on other night-time venues as well. And you just may be hungry again in time for the midnight buffet.

The late seating, on the other hand, allows you time for a good long nap or a late spa appointment before dining. Dinner is not rushed at all. You can sit as long as you want enjoying after-dinner drinks - unless, that is, you choose to rush off to catch the 10 p.m. show when you travel Europe.

If you choose to also eat breakfast and lunch in the dining room as opposed to at the more casual venues on the luxury cruises ship, theoretically you are also supposed to eat at assigned times as well. We've found, though, that most luxury cruises ships are fairly flexible in this area. Crowds in the dining room are typically only an issue at dinner when you travel Europe (a lot of people eat lunch in the ports). If you show up other than at your assigned time for breakfast or lunch and your assigned table is full, the staff will probably just seat you elsewhere.

Typical meal times when you travel Europe for breakfast are 7 a.m. or 8 a.m. for the early seating and 8.30 a.m. or 9 a.m. for the late. For lunch, it's usually noon for the early seating and 1.30pm or so for the late.

SPECIAL DIETARY OR MENU REQUESTS

Though many luxury cruises lines these days offer vegetarian and low-fat meals as a standard feature, you should still arrange any special dietary needs through your travel agent at the time you make your travel Europe reservation. Some luxury cruises lines offer kosher menus, and all will have vegetarian, low-fat, low-salt and sugar-free options available as you travel Europe.

Also, have your agent let the luxury cruises line know of any birthday or anniversary that will occur during your luxury cruises so that they can plan to help you celebrate when you travel Europe accordingly.

TABLE SIZES FOR LUXURY CRUISES

Do you mind sitting with strangers? Are you looking to make new friends when you travel Europe? Your dinner companions can make or break your luxury cruises experience. Most ships offer tables configured for 2 to 12 persons. For singles or couples who want to socialize, generally a table of six to eight seats allows enough variety so you don't get bored and also allows you the ability to steer clear of nay one individual you don't particularly care for as you travel Europe (tables are assigned, not seats). Couples may choose to sit on their own when they travel Europe, but keep in mind that the smallest tables are typically the hardest to come by. Singles may find the ship reluctant to offer a table for one. A family of four may want to choose a table for four, or request to sit with another family at a table for eight as they travel Europe.

You need to state your preference in advance when you travel Europe, but don't worry if you change your mind once you are on board as you travel Europe. You'll probably be able to move around. Just tell the dining room maitre d' and he/she'll review the seating charts for an opening (greasing his/her palm will probably help though).

Many luxury cruises ships now feature smoke-free dining rooms, but if smoking is a particular concern to you when you travel Europe, check this out with your travel agent. If the room isn't non-smoking, you can request a non-smoking table. Vice versa for smokers who travel Europe.

7. Matching the Luxury Cruises to Your Needs to Travel Europe

LUXURY CRUISES FOR FAMILIES

European luxury cruises have become increasingly popular with families, including intergenerational gatherings: parents traveling with their kids and the grand-parents, too. The travel Europe luxury cruises lines are responding with youth counselors and supervised programs, fancy playrooms, and even video game rooms to keep the kids entertained while their parents relax. At night, most ships offer babysitting (for an extra charge). Some luxury cruises lines offer reduced rates for kids, though it's important to note that most luxury cruises lines discourage passengers from brining infants.

ACTIVITIES: Ask whether a supervised program will be offered when you plan your luxury cruises; sometimes, such programs are only operated if there are a certain number of kids on board. Depending on the program, the youngest children may frolic in toy-and game-stocked playrooms, listen to stories, and go on treasure hunts; older kids have options like arts and crafts, computer games, lip-synch competitions, pool games and volleyball; and teenagers can mingle at teen parties or hang out at the video arcade. The megas have large playrooms with computer stations and video games as well as shelves of toys. There's usually a TV showing movies throughout the day and, for the younger ones, there are ball bins and plastic jungle gyms. Many luxury cruises megaships have shallow kiddie pools, sometimes sequestered on an isolated patch of deck.

BABYSITTING: Babysitting is offered on most large luxury cruises ships from around 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Private in-cabin babysitting by a crew member is a steep US$10 per hour for two kids (and there may be a 4-hr minimum). There may also be a group babysitting option.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY CABINS: A family of four can share a cabin that has bunk-style third and fourth berths, which pull out of the walls just above the pair of regular beds (some even have a fifth berth), but there's no two ways to slice it: A standard cabin with four people in it will be cramped. However, when you consider how little time you'll spend in the cabin, it's doable. The obvious incentive to share one cabin is the price: Whether children or adults, the rates for the third and fourth persons sharing a cabin with two full-fare (or even discounted) passengers are usually about half of the lowest regular rates. On occasion, there are special deals and further discounts. If you can afford it, and if space equals sanity in your book, consider booking a suite, many of which have a pull-out couch in the living room. Families with older kids can always consider booking two separate cabins with connecting doors. Lots of ships, big and small, have them. You'll be close to each other, but separate.

TAKING THE KIDS ON SMALL SHIPS: The big new luxury cruises ships are certainly most prepared for families, but if your children are at least 10 or 12, some of the casual, alternative luxury cruises can be loads of fun and educational to boot. While you won't find a kids' playroom stuffed with toys, the experience of visiting a culturally rich port of call every day or learning (on sailing vessels) about nautical knots and winches will help keep you and the kids from going stir-crazy on board as you travel Europe.

TRAVEL EUROPE TIPS FOR FAMILIES WITH KIDS ON LUXURY CRUISES TO TRAVEL EUROPE

here are some suggestions for smoother sailing on your family luxury cruises when you travel Europe:

- Ask about children's amenities. Check in advance with the luxury cruises lines to make sure the ship you're sailing offers things you child might need. Are cribs available? Children's menus?

- Pack some basic first-aid supplies plus any medications your doctor may suggest, and even a thermometer. Luxury Cruises lines have limited supplies of these items *and charge for them too) and can quickly run out if the ship has many families aboard on the Europe travel. If an accident should happen aboard, virtually every ship afloat has its own infirmary staffed by doctors and/or nurses. Keep in mind, first aid can usually be summoned more readily aboard ship than in port.

- Warn younger children about the danger of falling overboard and make sure they know not to paly on the railings.

- When in port, pre-arrange a meeting spot. If your child is old enough to go off on his/her own, pick a meeting spot either on board or on land, and meet there well before the ship is scheduled to depart to make sure no one is still ashore.

- Make sure your kids know their cabin number and what deck it's on. The endless corridors and doors on the megas look exactly alike.

- Prepare kids for TV letdowns. If your kids are TV addicts, you might want to make sure that your cabin will have a TV and VCR. And even if it does, they should be prepared for a little bit of withdrawal, since televisions on ships just don't have 200 channels of cable - you'll be lucky to get five or eight channels. On the bright side, big ships are likely to have nightly movies and a video arcade.

- Dress your kids appropriately. It's annoying when you're in an evening gown for a formal night to bump into a kid in shorts.

LUXURY CRUISES FOR SINGLE TRAVELERS WHO TRAVEL EUROPE

For singles, a nice thing about luxury cruises is that you needn't worry about dining alone, since you'll be seated with other guests (if you don't want to be, seek a ship with alternative dining options). You also needn't worry much about finding people to talk to, since the general atmosphere on nearly all luxury cruises ships is very congenial and allows you to easily find conversation, especially during group activities. And the ship may even host a party to give singles a chance to get to know one another and/or offer social hosts as dance partners.

The downside is that you may have to pay more for the luxury cruises experience than those sharing a room. Because luxury cruises lines are based on two persons per cabin, some lines charge a "single supplement" rate (which sounds like a deal, but it's you who pays the supplement) that ranges from 100% to an outrageous 200% of the per-person, double-occupancy fare. As a single person, you have two choices: Find a line with a reasonable single supplement rate or ask if the line has a cabin-share program, under which the line will pair you with another single so you can get a lower fare. You may not be able to get much information about your room-mate before the sailing, although all luxury cruises lines match gender and also try to match age. Some lines also offer a single guarantee program, which means if they can't find you a room-mate, they'll book you in a cabin alone but still honor the shared rate. On some older luxury cruises ships (including the QE2) and a few small luxury cruises ships, there are special cabins designated for single travelers, and in some cases they carry no additional charge. But keep in mind that these cabins, originally designed on the older ships for nannies or maids accompanying passengers, are really, really small, and that they tend to sell out fast.

LUXURY CRUISES FOR TRAVELERS WITH DISABILITIES WHO TRAVEL EUROPE

Luxury cruises lines, due in no small part to public pressure, have made an effort in recent years to make their ships more accessible to travelers with disabilities. It is not uncommon on the newest ships to find two dozen or more wheelchair-accessible cabins with such features as wide doors, handrails, and low sinks. Other additions include Braille on handrails and in elevators, and cabin alarms designed for the hearing impaired.

On older ships, however, the shipboard experience remain s a struggle. You may encounter doors that are too narrow and other frustrations such as entrance-ways with lips (to prevent flooding). You may even find that some public rooms are simply not accessible. And smaller ships might not have elevators, much less accessible cabins.

If you are a traveler with a disability, it is important to let the luxury cruises line know your special needs when you make your booking. If you use a wheelchair, you'll need to know if wheelchair-accessible cainbs are available (and how they're equipped) when you travel Europe, as well as whether public rooms are accessible and can be reached by elevator. Be aware that the luxury cruises lines may also have special policies regarding travelers with disabilities - for instance, some require that you be accompanied by an able-bodied companion.

Travelers with disabilities should also inquire when they're booking whether the ship docks at ports or uses tenders (small boats) to go ashore. Tenders cannot always accommodate wheelchairs. Also, once on board, travelers with disabilities will want to seek the advice of the tour staff before choosing shore excursions, as not all will be wheelchair-friendly.

If you have a chronic health problem, we advise you to check with your doctor before booking your luxury cruises to travel Europe, and, if you have any specific needs, to notify the luxury cruises lines in advance. This will ensure that the medical team onboard the ship is properly prepared to offer assistance.

LUXURY CRUISES FOR GAY & LESBIAN TRAVELERS WHO TRAVEL EUROPE

There are a number of gay-friendly travel Europe luxury cruises and special charter sailings for gay men and lesbians for your Europe travel.

For details, contact these specialists:

-

LUXURY CRUISES FOR HONEYMOON COUPLES WHO TRAVEL EUROPE

Most 1-week luxury cruises depart on either Saturday or Sunday, although there are some exceptions. You'll want to look carefully at sailing times as you plan your wedding weekend. You will also want to make sure that the ship offers double, queen, or king-size beds, and you may want to book a cabin with a tub or Jacuzzi. Rooms with private verandas are particularly romantic. You can take in the sights in privacy, and even enjoy a private meal, assuming the veranda is big enough for a table and chairs (some are not) and that the weather doesn't turn chilly. If you want to dine alone each night, make sure that the dining room offers tables for two and/or that the ship offers room service (your travel agent can fill you in on these matters). You may also want to inquire as to the likelihood that there will be other honeymooners your age on the ship. Some ships offer add-on honeymoon packages that provide champagne, a fruit basket, and the like. Most luxury cruises lines will offer special perks, like an invitation to a private honeymooners' cocktail party, if you let them know in advance that you will be celebrating your special event on the ship.

High-end luxury cruises lines don't offer special cocktail parties when you travel Europe, but their ultra-deluxe amenities are especially pleasing to honeymooners. From terrycloth bathrobes and slippers that await you to walk-in closets to whirlpool bathtubs, five-course dinners served in your cabin, stocked minibars, and high crew-to-passenger ratios (meaning more personalized service), extra-special touches are business as usual on these upscale luxury cruises lines which travel Europe.

LUXURY CRUISES FOR FAMILIES

European luxury cruises have become increasingly popular with families, including intergenerational gatherings: parents traveling with their kids and the grand-parents, too. The travel Europe luxury cruises lines are responding with youth counselors and supervised programs, fancy playrooms, and even video game rooms to keep the kids entertained while their parents relax. At night, most ships offer babysitting (for an extra charge). Some luxury cruises lines offer reduced rates for kids, though it's important to note that most luxury cruises lines discourage passengers from brining infants.

ACTIVITIES: Ask whether a supervised program will be offered when you plan your luxury cruises; sometimes, such programs are only operated if there are a certain number of kids on board. Depending on the program, the youngest children may frolic in toy-and game-stocked playrooms, listen to stories, and go on treasure hunts; older kids have options like arts and crafts, computer games, lip-synch competitions, pool games and volleyball; and teenagers can mingle at teen parties or hang out at the video arcade. The megas have large playrooms with computer stations and video games as well as shelves of toys. There's usually a TV showing movies throughout the day and, for the younger ones, there are ball bins and plastic jungle gyms. Many luxury cruises megaships have shallow kiddie pools, sometimes sequestered on an isolated patch of deck.

BABYSITTING: Babysitting is offered on most large luxury cruises ships from around 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Private in-cabin babysitting by a crew member is a steep US$10 per hour for two kids (and there may be a 4-hr minimum). There may also be a group babysitting option.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY CABINS: A family of four can share a cabin that has bunk-style third and fourth berths, which pull out of the walls just above the pair of regular beds (some even have a fifth berth), but there's no two ways to slice it: A standard cabin with four people in it will be cramped. However, when you consider how little time you'll spend in the cabin, it's doable. The obvious incentive to share one cabin is the price: Whether children or adults, the rates for the third and fourth persons sharing a cabin with two full-fare (or even discounted) passengers are usually about half of the lowest regular rates. On occasion, there are special deals and further discounts. If you can afford it, and if space equals sanity in your book, consider booking a suite, many of which have a pull-out couch in the living room. Families with older kids can always consider booking two separate cabins with connecting doors. Lots of ships, big and small, have them. You'll be close to each other, but separate.

TAKING THE KIDS ON SMALL SHIPS: The big new luxury cruises ships are certainly most prepared for families, but if your children are at least 10 or 12, some of the casual, alternative luxury cruises can be loads of fun and educational to boot. While you won't find a kids' playroom stuffed with toys, the experience of visiting a culturally rich port of call every day or learning (on sailing vessels) about nautical knots and winches will help keep you and the kids from going stir-crazy on board as you travel Europe.

TRAVEL EUROPE TIPS FOR FAMILIES WITH KIDS ON LUXURY CRUISES TO TRAVEL EUROPE

here are some suggestions for smoother sailing on your family luxury cruises when you travel Europe:

- Ask about children's amenities. Check in advance with the luxury cruises lines to make sure the ship you're sailing offers things you child might need. Are cribs available? Children's menus?

- Pack some basic first-aid supplies plus any medications your doctor may suggest, and even a thermometer. Luxury Cruises lines have limited supplies of these items *and charge for them too) and can quickly run out if the ship has many families aboard on the Europe travel. If an accident should happen aboard, virtually every ship afloat has its own infirmary staffed by doctors and/or nurses. Keep in mind, first aid can usually be summoned more readily aboard ship than in port.

- Warn younger children about the danger of falling overboard and make sure they know not to paly on the railings.

- When in port, pre-arrange a meeting spot. If your child is old enough to go off on his/her own, pick a meeting spot either on board or on land, and meet there well before the ship is scheduled to depart to make sure no one is still ashore.

- Make sure your kids know their cabin number and what deck it's on. The endless corridors and doors on the megas look exactly alike.

- Prepare kids for TV letdowns. If your kids are TV addicts, you might want to make sure that your cabin will have a TV and VCR. And even if it does, they should be prepared for a little bit of withdrawal, since televisions on ships just don't have 200 channels of cable - you'll be lucky to get five or eight channels. On the bright side, big ships are likely to have nightly movies and a video arcade.

- Dress your kids appropriately. It's annoying when you're in an evening gown for a formal night to bump into a kid in shorts.

LUXURY CRUISES FOR SINGLE TRAVELERS WHO TRAVEL EUROPE

For singles, a nice thing about luxury cruises is that you needn't worry about dining alone, since you'll be seated with other guests (if you don't want to be, seek a ship with alternative dining options). You also needn't worry much about finding people to talk to, since the general atmosphere on nearly all luxury cruises ships is very congenial and allows you to easily find conversation, especially during group activities. And the ship may even host a party to give singles a chance to get to know one another and/or offer social hosts as dance partners.

The downside is that you may have to pay more for the luxury cruises experience than those sharing a room. Because luxury cruises lines are based on two persons per cabin, some lines charge a "single supplement" rate (which sounds like a deal, but it's you who pays the supplement) that ranges from 100% to an outrageous 200% of the per-person, double-occupancy fare. As a single person, you have two choices: Find a line with a reasonable single supplement rate or ask if the line has a cabin-share program, under which the line will pair you with another single so you can get a lower fare. You may not be able to get much information about your room-mate before the sailing, although all luxury cruises lines match gender and also try to match age. Some lines also offer a single guarantee program, which means if they can't find you a room-mate, they'll book you in a cabin alone but still honor the shared rate. On some older luxury cruises ships (including the QE2) and a few small luxury cruises ships, there are special cabins designated for single travelers, and in some cases they carry no additional charge. But keep in mind that these cabins, originally designed on the older ships for nannies or maids accompanying passengers, are really, really small, and that they tend to sell out fast.

LUXURY CRUISES FOR TRAVELERS WITH DISABILITIES WHO TRAVEL EUROPE

Luxury cruises lines, due in no small part to public pressure, have made an effort in recent years to make their ships more accessible to travelers with disabilities. It is not uncommon on the newest ships to find two dozen or more wheelchair-accessible cabins with such features as wide doors, handrails, and low sinks. Other additions include Braille on handrails and in elevators, and cabin alarms designed for the hearing impaired.

On older ships, however, the shipboard experience remain s a struggle. You may encounter doors that are too narrow and other frustrations such as entrance-ways with lips (to prevent flooding). You may even find that some public rooms are simply not accessible. And smaller ships might not have elevators, much less accessible cabins.

If you are a traveler with a disability, it is important to let the luxury cruises line know your special needs when you make your booking. If you use a wheelchair, you'll need to know if wheelchair-accessible cainbs are available (and how they're equipped) when you travel Europe, as well as whether public rooms are accessible and can be reached by elevator. Be aware that the luxury cruises lines may also have special policies regarding travelers with disabilities - for instance, some require that you be accompanied by an able-bodied companion.

Travelers with disabilities should also inquire when they're booking whether the ship docks at ports or uses tenders (small boats) to go ashore. Tenders cannot always accommodate wheelchairs. Also, once on board, travelers with disabilities will want to seek the advice of the tour staff before choosing shore excursions, as not all will be wheelchair-friendly.

If you have a chronic health problem, we advise you to check with your doctor before booking your luxury cruises to travel Europe, and, if you have any specific needs, to notify the luxury cruises lines in advance. This will ensure that the medical team onboard the ship is properly prepared to offer assistance.

LUXURY CRUISES FOR GAY & LESBIAN TRAVELERS WHO TRAVEL EUROPE

There are a number of gay-friendly travel Europe luxury cruises and special charter sailings for gay men and lesbians for your Europe travel.

For details, contact these specialists:

LUXURY CRUISES FOR HONEYMOON COUPLES WHO TRAVEL EUROPE

Most 1-week luxury cruises depart on either Saturday or Sunday, although there are some exceptions. You'll want to look carefully at sailing times as you plan your wedding weekend. You will also want to make sure that the ship offers double, queen, or king-size beds, and you may want to book a cabin with a tub or Jacuzzi. Rooms with private verandas are particularly romantic. You can take in the sights in privacy, and even enjoy a private meal, assuming the veranda is big enough for a table and chairs (some are not) and that the weather doesn't turn chilly. If you want to dine alone each night, make sure that the dining room offers tables for two and/or that the ship offers room service (your travel agent can fill you in on these matters). You may also want to inquire as to the likelihood that there will be other honeymooners your age on the ship. Some ships offer add-on honeymoon packages that provide champagne, a fruit basket, and the like. Most luxury cruises lines will offer special perks, like an invitation to a private honeymooners' cocktail party, if you let them know in advance that you will be celebrating your special event on the ship.

High-end luxury cruises lines don't offer special cocktail parties when you travel Europe, but their ultra-deluxe amenities are especially pleasing to honeymooners. From terrycloth bathrobes and slippers that await you to walk-in closets to whirlpool bathtubs, five-course dinners served in your cabin, stocked minibars, and high crew-to-passenger ratios (meaning more personalized service), extra-special touches are business as usual on these upscale luxury cruises lines which travel Europe.