European Cruise Vacations

European cruise vacations are as varied as the countries they visit. At Direct Line Cruises, there are dozens of European cruise itineraries to choose from on three different cruise lines. With ports of call from Alexandria, Egypt to St. Petersburg, Russia, virtually every European country that isn't land locked is reached by cruise ship.

Choosing you itinerary can be a challenge with so many options. To help you decide, consider the focus of the itinerary. If you are looking for fun in the sun, consider cruise vacations that go to the Greek Isles, France's Cote d'Azur, or the Spanish coast. If old world European history is what you're after, itineraries that focus on Rome, Florence, Naples, Barcelona, and Venice won't disappoint. Many itineraries combine historical cities with beach fun as well.

Packing for European Cruise Vacations

When packing for European cruise vacations, probably the most important item you can bring is a pair of good walking shoes. Most of the sightseeing city tours you'll encounter are walking tours, and many of the streets are cobblestone. If you're planning on visiting any museums or cathedrals, it's good idea to dress more conservatively. Shorts are usually not permitted, and sleeveless shirts are frowned upon.

Plan to bring some evening wear for formal nights on the ship. Depending on how long your cruise is, there may be several. When traveling in Northern Europe, be sure to pack layers for the cool evenings. Even in the summertime, temperatures can drop significantly in arctic countries like Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia.