World TravellerGuide to travelling the world

Cruise lines Celebrity and Royal Caribbean will be basing a record number of ships in Europe for the 2012 season, between them visiting some of the most fascinating ports to be found across the region; many of the itineraries on offer take guests on a voyage of exploration around the Greek islands and classic Grecian locations.

With award-winning cuisine, 85% balcony staterooms across the fleet, superb health and spa facilities and a high staff to guest ratio, Celebrity prides itself on offering a truly upmarket cruise experience with one of the most sophisticated cruise experiences to be had at sea.

Sister company, lively and glamorous cruise line Royal Caribbean, certainly knows how to pack in the fun factor for its guests. With a fantastic range of facilities and entertainment venues on board to keep guests of all ages fully occupied, there’s no chance to be bored on board a Royal Caribbean resort ship.

Celebrity’s Solstice will be sailing out of Barcelona from May to October, offering voyages that include a 12 night fly-cruise with an itinerary featuring visits to Rome (from the port of Civitavecchia), Naples and Capri, and then on to Grecian waters: Mykonos, Ephesus (from Kusadasi), Santorini, Athens (from Piraeus), Valletta and then back to Barcelona.
Also sailing out of Barcelona will be Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas, on her 12-night Greek Isles fly-cruise itineraries, and Navigator of the Seas, offering a 14-night Eastern Med fly-cruise itinerary. Navigator will also offer 7-night Eastern Med cruises out of Rome covering selected Greek ports.

Celebrity Equinox, meanwhile, will be based out of Rome for the 2012 season, ideally placed to offer cruises around the Eastern Mediterranean region: her 10-night fly-cruise from Rome takes in Sicily (Messina), Athens (Piraeus), Ephesus (Kusadasi), Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos, Naples and back to Rome.

Celebrity Silhouette will be sailing from both Rome and Venice during the months of May to November 2012, and her 12-night Med and Greek Isles cruise departs from Rome, taking in Naples, Catania in Sicily, Athens (Piraeus), Mykonos, Ephesus (Kusadasi), Rhodes, Santorini, Chania (Souda) in Crete and then into Venice for a flight home. The cruise itinerary is then reversed on alternate weeks.

Also sailing from Venice, Royal Caribbean’s Splendour of the Seas will be sailing on a selection of 6 and 7-night routes exploring Greece, the Greek Isles, and the Adriatic. Voyager of the Seas will be sailing from the Venetian port on 10 and 11-night fly-cruise itineraries visiting Greek shores along the way.

Recently upgraded to equal the Solstice class of vessel in terms of the latest word in facilities and luxury, Celebrity’s Constellation will be offering cruises from the Eastern Mediterranean port of Istanbul from September to November 2012. Her Greek Isles and Turkey cruise visits Ephesus (Kusadasi), Marmaris, Rhodes, Bodrum, Mykonos, Athens (Piraeus), Santorini and Chania (Souda) in Crete.

Celebrity’s newest vessel Reflection is to be launched during 2012, and will be a celebration of all that is best about the Solstice Class brand. Reflection will be undertaking voyages throughout the Mediterranean during 2012, some of which will be along Greek coastal areas.

Between them, fun-packed Royal Caribbean or its more sophisticated sister cruise line Celebrity seem to have got cruises to Greek shores covered for 2012.

While some people must plan a vacation well in advance, and have all the details ironed out, there are others that are prime candidates for last minute cruises. Cruise deals are at their lowest prices well ahead of a trip, and in the few days leading up to sailing. If you have an unexpected long weekend, consider taking a last minute getaway for a great price.
Why should you choose one of the last minute cruises as opposed to a typical getaway? Cruises are a great vacation choice because they are all inclusive. Often it is cheaper to go on a cruise than for the hotel alone in a single destination. In addition to the lower cost, guests are also treated to around the clock lavish buffet and dining room fare, room service, and entertainment.
Activities on a cruise ship will vary, but there are on board pools, some offer miniature golf courses, casinos, and shopping. It is a virtual city on the ocean. Guests never have to worry about finding activities on board. Cruise lines have activities planned for all age categories, with mingling events, kid-friendly activities, and shows. Spaced throughout the day, you can pick the activities you want to participate in, or you can simply lounge in the sun.
While on one of these last minute cruises, there are also stops in exotic locations that you may have only dreamed of visiting. St. Thomas, the Bahamas, or Jamaica are common stops on Caribbean cruises, and most ships stop for sailing guests to visit. While on your stop at the Port of call, many cruise lines offer activities through the ship for new adventures. Anyone who has ever dreamed of parasailing, riding horses down the beach, or going for a dive with dolphins can pick one of these activities to put in their vacation memories. This makes your last minute cruise a lifelong memory.
The food on any cruise is one of the most talked about things after the cruise is over. You can choose to eat from the endless array of culinary delights set out in the dining area, or you can choose to eat a more formal meal. The white cloth service rivals any top restaurant, and all the food is included in the sailing price. Alcohol is not included, but is very reasonably priced.
When sailing, you can also purchase alcohol and tobacco duty free. For those who regularly indulge in these items, the cost is driven up quickly with taxes and duties, so you can save a lot of money purchasing these on the ship.
Going on last minute cruises is the perfect option for anyone needing a getaway. Whether you want a romantic weekend, a getaway with the kids (or from the kids), or just a few days without the cell phone ringing, a cruise ship is the perfect vacation.
Before you head out, make sure that you have the necessary paperwork to board the ship (depending on where you sail from, you may need a birth certificate of passport). Once you have that ready, pack a bag and head off for an instant vacation with everything planned for you. Last minute cruises may become a new tradition whenever you need a break.