Frommer's^® European Cruises & Ports of Call , 2nd Edition

by Fran Wenograd Golden

• ISBN13: 9780764565564
• ISBN10: 0764565567
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-03-01
• Publisher: Frommers

Summary

A cruise is a complete vacation, so it2s important that you choose the one that2s right for you. Frommer2s European Cruises & Ports of Call is the most user-friendly, opinionated, and informative guide you can buy before you set sail. Unlike other guides that try to cover cruises around the entire world in one volume, we focus solely on Europe in this guide, so we can bring you much more in-depth coverage. Unlike those used in other guides, our rating system is simple. We break down the essential elements of a cruise experience (dining, activities, children2s activities, entertainment, service, overall enjoyment, and overall value), and rate them from "poor" to "outstanding." Photos of each ship combine with the text to give a better sense of the very real differences among the various lines. Frommer2s European Cruises & Ports of Call covers 31 American and European cruise lines and 82 ships, with full details on itineraries, rates, cabins, crews, cuisine, activities and entertainment, children2s programs, pools and spas, fitness facilities, passenger profiles, and more. There2s complete coverage of 45 European ports of call, from the Mediterranean to northern Europe to the British Isles, discussing attractions close to the port, the best excursions (both organized and on your own), and the best shopping buys. You2ll also get valuable tips on booking your cruise at the best price and getting a good deal on air travel to and from Europe.

Table of Contents

List of Maps	viii
Introduction	1	(4)
Frommer's Favorites	5	(1)
Best Ships for Luxury	5	(1)
Best Mainstream Ships	5	(1)
Best Small Alternative Ships	5	(1)
Best Ships for Families	6	(1)
Best European Ships	6	(1)
Most Romantic Ships	6	(1)
Best Value	6	(1)
Best Ships for Pampering	7	(1)
Best Ships for Entertainment	7	(1)
Best Cuisine	8	(1)
Best Itinerary	8	(1)
Best Adventure Itineraries	8	(1)
Best Ports	9	(1)
Best Shore Excursions	9	(4)
Part 1: Planning, Booking & Preparing for Your Cruise
Choosing Your Ideal Cruise	13	(13)
The European Cruise Season	13	(1)
European Cruise Itineraries	14	(3)
Choosing Your Ship	17	(4)
Leading Websites for Cruise Planning	20	(1)
Matching the Cruise to Your Needs	21	(5)
Family Cruising Tips	22	(4)
Booking Your Cruise & Getting the Best Price	26	(15)
The Scoop on Cruise Fares	26	(3)
Extra Costs to Consider	29	(3)
What's Not Included in Your Cruise Fare	31	(1)
Booking Through a Travel Agent	32	(3)
Choosing Your Cabin	35	(3)
Choosing Your Dining Options	38	(1)
Deposits & Cancellation Policies	39	(1)
Your Cruise Documents	40	(1)
Travel Insurance	40	(1)
Things to Know Before You Go	41	(7)
Passports & Visas	41	(1)
Money Matters	42	(3)
Health & Safety	45	(1)
Packing	45	(3)
The Cruise Experience	48	(21)
Getting Started: Checking In & Boarding	48	(5)
What Happens if Your Bags Get Lost?	51	(2)
An Introduction to Onboard Activities	53	(2)
An Introduction to Onboard Entertainment	55	(1)
Shipboard Gyms & Spas	56	(2)
The Ubiquitous Steiner	57	(1)
An Introduction to Shipboard Dining	58	(1)
Onboard Shopping Opportunities	59	(1)
Sundry Shipboard Services & Facilities	59	(2)
Wrapping Up Your Cruise---Debarkation Concerns	61	(6)
Part 2: The Cruise Lines & Their Ships
About the Ratings	67	(2)
The American Mainstream Lines	69	(42)
Carnival's European Debut	70	(1)
Celebrity Cruises	71	(6)
Preview: Constellation	74	(3)
Holland America Line	77	(7)
Preview: Prinsendam	82	(2)
Norwegian Cruise Line	84	(6)
Orient Lines	90	(6)
Princes Cruises	96	(9)
Royal Caribbean International	105	(6)
Preview: Brilliance of the Seas	109	(2)
The European Lines	111	(75)
A Word About SOLAS	112	(1)
Costa Cruises	113	(13)
Preview: CostaTropicale and CostaEuropa	124	(2)
First European Cruises (Festival Cruises)	126	(8)
Preview: European Stars and European Vision	132	(2)
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines	134	(8)
Mediterranean Shipping Cruises	142	(7)
Norwegian Coastal Voyage	149	(6)
Norwegian Coastal's Older Ships: A Retro Coastal Adventure	151	(4)
P&O Cruises	155	(10)
Royal Olympic Cruises	165	(10)
Preview: Explorer	174	(1)
Swan Hellenic Cruises	175	(6)
Other Lines	181	(5)
The Ultra-Luxury Lines	186	(49)
Freebies for the Ultra-Luxury Set	187	(1)
Crystal Cruises	188	(8)
Cunard Line	196	(8)
Radisson Seven Seas Cruises	204	(9)
Seabourn Cruise Line	213	(7)
Silversea Cruises	220	(7)
Windstar Cruises	227	(8)
The Alternative Lines	235	(28)
Clipper Cruise Line	236	(5)
Club Med Cruises	241	(5)
Lindblad Expeditions	246	(4)
Sea Cloud Cruises	250	(5)
Preview: Sea Cloud II	254	(1)
Star Clippers	255	(8)
River Cruises	263	(8)
Piloting Your Own Barge	264	(7)
Part 3: Ports of Call
The Port Experience: An Introduction	271	(4)
Debarkation in Port	271	(2)
Currency Conversion Chart	272	(1)
Shore Excursions	273	(1)
Touring the Ports on Your Own	274	(1)
Mediterranean Ports of Call	275	(59)
Croatia	275	(3)
The French Riviera & Monte Carlo	278	(6)
Greece	284	(12)
Italy	296	(12)
Malta	308	(3)
Portugal	311	(4)
Spain	315	(12)
Gibraltar	326	(1)
Turkey	327	(7)
Ports of Call in Northern Europe & the British Isles	334	(66)
Belgium	334	(4)
Denmark	338	(4)
England	342	(6)
Remembering Diana	347	(1)
Estonia	348	(3)
Finland	351	(4)
Le Havre, France	355	(2)
Germany	357	(5)
Alster Lake Boat Tour	360	(2)
Ireland	362	(9)
The Netherlands (Holland)	371	(8)
The Ladies of the Night	375	(4)
Norway	379	(9)
Russia	388	(4)
Important Visa Information	390	(2)
Scotland	392	(4)
Sweden	396	(4)
Index by Ship Name	400