Set sail and explore Europe on a 16-day cruise from Princess Cruises, aboard the cruise line's ship "Star Princess." Embarkation is in Venice, Italy; the ship then sails into Croatia, Greece, Malta, Tunisia, Great Britain and Brazil before ending its travels in Rio de Janeiro. While in port, you'll have the opportunity to take excursions to the Monastery of the Virgin Mary, the Achillion Palace, Cathedral of St. John, Hagar Qim Temple and Ghar Dalam Cave. Back on board, try activities such as the spa, fitness center, lap pool, whirlpool, Internet cafe, jogging track, art gallery and auctions, boutiques and golf simulator.
Cabin options on the Star Princess include five choices: an interior room (no window), ocean view, ocean view obstructed (a less-expensive option with a window that may be blocked by a life boat), balcony or suite. Dine around the clock, with options such as three daily buffets, ice cream bar, grill, pizzeria, 24-hour room service, Italian eatery, steakhouse and caviar bar.
Princess Cruises
800-774-6237
princess.com
Step on board the Norwegian Cruise Line's "Norwegian Jade" and sail into Europe on a nine-day cruise. The ship sails out of Barcelona and into Casablanca, Agadir, Las Palmas, Funchal and Malaga before returning to Barcelona. Port trips include the opportunity to see Hassan II Mosque (the second-largest mosque in the world), shopping at the Souq, viewing the Kasbah, hiking Bandama Peak and riding a basket sled. Onboard activities include a casino, nightclubs, theater, Wii gaming on a jumbo screen, waterslides, hot tubs, teen clubs and a comedy club.
Select from 16 different dining options on board, including a French restaurant and Japanese teppanyaki house. Four options for cabins are available, ranging from a single inside room to a three-bedroom villa with separate balconies, three bedrooms, whirlpool tub, living room and sun deck.
Norwegian Cruise Line
866-234-7350
ncl.com
Royal Caribbean offers an 18-night Mediterranean European cruise aboard its "Independence of the Seas." The cruise leaves Southampton, England, and stops in Portugal, Spain, France, Italy and the United Kingdom. Head off the ship and out to explore a World War II memorabilia museum, the buried city of Pompeii, the Isle of Capri, snorkeling at Sardinia, Italian ghost towns and the Picasso Gallery, which houses 2,000 pieces of the artist's work. Select from an interior, ocean view, balcony or suite cabin.
Even when the ship spends the day at sea, you'll have a full calendar, with a full-sized boxing ring, nine-hole miniature golf course, whirlpools, ice skating rink, rock-climbing wall, WiFi capability, casino and kids' clubs. Endless dining includes a 1950s-style restaurant, grill, ice cream parlor, Italian restaurant, mystery dinner theater, wine-accompanied meals and three daily buffets.
Royal Caribbean
866-562-7625
royalcaribbean.com
