LYCOS RETRIEVER 
European Cruise: Eastern Mediterranean
built 634 days ago
One of the simple pleasures of a European cruise is that you need to unpack your luggage just once, as you visit multiple islands and coastal ports during your stay with Elegantcruises. Wake up each morning in a new destination—usually in the center of the historic district close to notable sights—and avoid the highways and suburban traffic that motor coach tours can’t. In many ways, your first impression of a place will be much like ancient seafarers experienced centuries ago, as vessels were the primary means of transport around the Mediterranean. They still remain the best means for you!
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A number of European countries ... border the Mediterranean which is fortunate for your European cruise travel vacation. You can choose an Eastern or a Western Europe an itinerary. In the west are Spain, France, Portugal, and Italy as well as some islands in the Mediterranean. Here, the waters are a deep blue and the weather is warmer. Centuries foreign rule and influence have made their impression on all of these countries. The brilliance of the antique sunlit stone plazas of Portugal, in the colorful ancient Roman mosaics of Italy, and the Moorish architecture of Spain all are testament to the vibrancy of the cultures that continue to influence the modern European way of life.
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Most European cruise itineraries focus on one region of Europe, much as you might do if you planned a land visit to Europe. For instance, you might choose to cruise the Baltic Sea, with stops in Copenhagen, St. Petersburg, Helsinki and Stockholm. Or, if cruising the Mediterranean is more your style, you could book a roundtrip cruise from Rome, with multiple stops in Greece, Italy, and stops in Turkey and Croatia. Perhaps your ideal cruise takes place in Norway, as you tour the majestic fjords.
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Costa Crociere, an Italian company based in Genoa, is the leading European cruise group and the market leader in Italy, France, Spain, Switzerland and South America. It boasts the most modern fleet of all European cruise companies (9 ships with a total tonnage of 500,000 tons capable of accommodating approximately 13,000 guests). 2 new ships have been ordered that will increase the capacity of the fleet to approximately 19,000 guests by 2004. All the Costa Crociere ships fly the Italian flag and operate in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean and South America. Costa Crociere is distinguished by its constant pursuit of excellence and its assertion of an unmistakable style. Costa Crociere belongs to the Carnival Corporation & plc, world leader in the cruise sector with a portfolio of 13 distinct brands.
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European cruise tours combine a Northern Europe or Mediterranean cruise with sightseeing on land, offering a more in-depth look at some of the world's most famous cities. Your Europe cruise tour will take you to the sparkling Mediterranean or enchanting Scandinavia with a land tour by train and motor coach, including stays in hotels convenient to top sights and attractions. London, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Florence, Rome, Venice and Stockholm are just a few of the options for overnight stays on a Europe cruise tour.
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This Italian-based cruise line is perhaps the most recognizable of the European cruise lines, and is now owned by Carnival. Costa Cruises boasts a new mega ship to rival any American mainstream line, the 3,700-passenger Costa Concordia. Built in 2006, the Concordia has state-of-the-art fitness facilities on two decks, an all-weather swimming pool and a luxury spa. On all Costa ships, the atmosphere is unmistakably Italian, from the ship’s décor to the homemade pasta. Older ships have smaller rooms, but the newer ships have slightly larger rooms with verandas. Costa’s fleet boasts an additional nine ships, varying from 1,300 to 2,700 passengers. Costa offers a wide variety of itineraries in the Western and Eastern Mediterranean, Northern Europe and Russia, and the Norwegian Fjords.
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Eastern Mediterranean