Travelers can depart from the New York City ship terminal on Holland America's HAL Prinsendam for a 20-day European cruise with stops in Praia da Vitoria in the Azores; Lisbon, Portugal; A Coruna, Spain; Bordeaux and Cherbourg, France; and Brussels, Belgium, before disembarking in Amsterdam. The Prinsendam has nine passenger decks with a capacity of 794 guests. The ship's elegant staterooms are furnished with antiques and commissioned art; 69 suites have a view of the ocean. Dine in the posh Ocean Lounge, hoist a drink at the Crow's Nest, or have an informal meal in the coffeeshop. Pass the hours at sea in the casino, card room or spa. The Prinsendam has all the amenities one expects from a luxury ship, including a fitness center, hair salon and outdoor pool.
Holland America
300 Elliott Avenue West
Seattle, WA 98119
877-932-4259
hollandamerica.com
The world's largest ocean liner, Cunard Cruise Line's spectacular Queen Mary 2, boasts 1,296 staterooms, a nightclub, several lounges and a capacity for 3,090 passengers on its 13 decks. It leaves from New York City for the eight-night crossing to Cherbourg. This cruise disembarks in Cherbourg, France, after a short visit to Southampton, England. Spend six days at sea taking in the breathtaking ocean views, or get a massage at the ship's famous Canyon Ranch Spa. Enjoy canapés in the wine bar or get dressed up in your finest clothes for a formal dance in the ballroom. Fitness enthusiasts can keep in shape by using the weight room or basketball court. Studious types can log on in the Internet Room or read in the Queen Mary's spacious library. The Queen Mary 2 was the gold winner at the Travel Weekly Magellan Awards in 2009 for luxury ship and suite design.
Cunard Line
24303 Town Center Drive, Suite 200
Valencia, CA 91355-0908
800-728-6273
cunard.com
Princess Cruise's Ocean Princess departs from the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal at Pier 12, and heads to northern Europe via Iceland and Greenland, disembarking at Dover, England, after a visit to several points in Scotland. This 18-day trip includes stops in the wide open spaces of Isafjordur and Akureyri, Iceland, and stops to admire the greenery of Scotland's Shetland Islands and historic Edinburgh. The Ocean Princess, a medium-sized passenger ship, has a capacity of 670 passengers, with more than 200 available balcony staterooms. The entertainment and dining options are as varied as those offered on bigger ships. Choose from a steakhouse, Italian restaurant and pizzeria for dinner, in addition to a formal dining room and a lavish buffet. Sip on wine and nibble on caviar in the lounge, or be pampered at the Lotus Spa.
Princess Cruises
24844 Avenue Rockefeller
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
1-800-774-6237
princess.com
