YOU don’t have to be smarter than a fifth-grader to understand why a cruise through the Old Country works. First off, it’s Europe. Secondly, the prices for a sea-based tour are almost nothing, compared to the prices on land. And finally, you get to see a lot of the region in a short time. (Cruise ships are the new rail pass!)
All ideas that make too much sense to ignore. The American cruise industry has definitely gotten the message – these days, every line you can think of is making their way into southern Europe.
According to the Cruise Line International Association, the number of European berths has been steadily increasing – up nearly quarter of a million berths last year, and on track to grow more this season.
With all these choices, we figured it was time to separate the good from the best. Here, our top picks for a European jaunt this year
THE FUN ONE
Carnival Freedom
What’s up? How serious is Carnival about its newest market? Serious enough to dedicate its newest, biggest ship to Europe for the summer season.
Why go? Each new ship Carnival launches is better than the last. Also? Arriving in Croatia on a Fun Ship. (Secretly awesome.)
The itineraries: Freedom will alternate between a 12-day classic Med/Adriatic cruise (RT from Rome/Civitavecchia, sailing to Naples, Venice, Dubrovnik, Sicily, Barcelona, Cannes) and a more adventurous 12-day to the Greek Isles and Turkey (RT from Rome/Civitavecchia, sailing to Naples, Rhodes, Izmir, Istanbul, Athens, Katakolon, Livorno).
Dates: Last sailing Oct. 16
Fares: From $1,449 per person, based on double occupancy
Info: carnival.com
KID HEAVEN
Disney Magic
What’s up? Never one for thrilling itineraries, the Mouse’s floating friends have been more focused on what’s onboard (heaven for the kids). For the first time in 2007, one of the line’s ships is summering in the Med. That’s news.
Why go? All the stage shows, roving characters and other magic you’d expect – in a region that’s guaranteed to excite parents.
The itineraries: Magic operates on 10- and 11-day itineraries round-trip from Barcelona. Both voyages take you to Sicily, Naples, Sardinia, Rome/Civitavecchia and Tuscany, as well as the south of France (Marseille and Villefranche). Both include days at sea – the 10-day offers two, and the 11-day offers a total of three.
Dates:May-August
Fares: from $2,399 per person.
Info: disneycruise.com
THE FANCY ONE
Silversea Silver Cloud
What’s up? The region’s old hat for this small-ship luxury line, but the concept is new – a more casual feel (leave the tux at home), a hipper vibe (DJ Ravin from Paris’ Buddha Bar is spinning) and some unique cooking, courtesy of the chef from Thailand’s famed Chiva-Som health resort.
Why go? It’s a chance to test out a new concept for Silversea, and be surrounded by the luxuries the line’s fans are accustomed to without having to worry about not feeling grown-up enough. Plus, when it’s over, you’re in Istanbul.
The itineraries: 7 days, departing from Athens, sailing to Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, Patmos and ending in Istanbul.
Dates: Depart Jul. 13 (Note: The Silver Cloud sails the Med through October).
Fares: Early booking from $5,350
Info: silversea.com
TAKE THE TEENS
Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas
What’s up? It’s time for the line to consider changing its name to Royal Europe, with a whopping six ships tooling around the continent this summer, and a clear focus on luring the British market (Hello, Harwich!). The clear choice: anything on board the Voyager, one of the line’s largest and best.
Why go? Sicily by day, Johnny Rockets and a trip to the awesome arcade by night. Everybody wins.
The itineraries: Voyager calls Barcelona its home port this season, offering everything from 3-night Sardinia visits to an 11-night Canary Islands jaunt (with visits to Portugal).
But the ship’s bread and butter this season will be two 7-night itineraries, one focusing on islands and including Malta, the other a more classic French Riviera/Italy tour.
Dates: Voyager makes its first departure May 3, the last Nov. 27.
Fares: From $399
Info: rccl.com
COOL OFF
Celebrity Century
What’s up? The line whose m.o. is making you feel special is gearing up to catch a wave in Scandinavia this summer, with itineraries ranging from your basic “Hi, Norway!” to a lenghthy jaunt including Russia as well as a sojourn to the Arctic Circle.
Why go? Scope out all those northern capitals you’ve never made it to, without having to commit to a longer stay. Now that’s efficient travel.
The itineraries: While Century won’t be up north full time, all of its Scandinavian itineraries will be round-tripping out of Amsterdam.
Choose from an 8-night Norwegian Fjord cruise, the 12-night Russia cruise (includes St. Petersburg, Estonia, Lithuania, Finland and more) and our favorite, the 12-night Arctic Circle run, which is basically a lot of places in Norway and a little victory dance on top of the world (let us know if there’s any ice left!).
With just one sailing date (July 9), don’t wait to buy in.
Dates: Depart May 9-Aug. 26
Fares: From $1,479
Info: celebritycruises.com
BEST FOR GROWNUPS
Regent Seven Seas Navigator
What’s up? The highly rated, 490-guest Navigator loiters (oh so classily) in the Mediterranean for nearly half of 2007, and in the process, covers nearly every bit of it, from the Strait of Gibraltar to the Aegean and beyond.
Why go? The award-winning line’s known for pampering, and Navigator’s all-suite accommodations (90 percent of staterooms feature balconies) should keep the hard to please, well, pleased.
The itineraries: Aside from a transatlantic crossing to Portugal at the beginning and end of the season, you’ll mostly find the Navigator plying the waters somewhere between Istanbul and Barcelona.
A typical 7-night itinerary would take you from Athens to Monte Carlo (or vice versa), stopping in on some of the Greek Islands, Sicily and Rome/Civitavecchia.
Dates: Apr. 16-Nov. 7
Fares: From $1,998 (transatlantic), $2,597 (Portugal-Monte Carlo)
Info: rssc.com