While today we might think of rivers, seas and oceans as physical divides that keep us apart, for hundreds of years it was water that united much of Europe. Before the advent of reliable roads and railways, these waters offered an easier and more convenient way to travel between cities and countries.
This is still the case today. With many of Europe’s historic capitals, picturesque towns and lost-in-time villages located on or near navigable waters, cruising by ship or boat is a convenient way to explore the continent. And the best way to plan that perfect European cruise, is with the one-stop ease of booking an Air Canada Vacations Flight & Cruise package, which includes flights to Europe and the cruise. For those customers that wish to extend their vacations, there is the possibility to add pre- and post- hotel stays as well.
“The joy of cruising is you only unpack once, said Christine Chiang, a cruise product manager with Air Canada Vacations who is also a passionate traveller who knows European cruises inside and out because of her personal experience and her work. “You get to experience all these fabulous places without needing to change hotels, or drive or fly to your destination. The ship simply takes you there.â€
Air Canada Vacations also offer river cruises on Portugal’s Douro river.
ContributedAmong the European cruises you can book through Air Canada Vacations — it works with 12 cruise lines offering Eastern or Western Mediterranean cruises, trips around the Greek Islands in the Aegean Sea or lesser-known ports around the Adriatic, or journeys to historic Scandinavian cities in the Baltics.
You can also opt for a more boutique cruise experience along Europe’s rivers on one of the more intimate ships that allow for about 150 to 200 passengers. Voyage from the Netherlands to southern Germany along the Rhine, discovering the romance of France while travelling on the Seine, Garonne and Dordogne rivers, or experience an off-the-beaten path adventure through Hungary and Romania on the Danube.
“I like how, every day or second day, you wake up in the morning to find that you are in another port of call, another city,†said Chiang. “Even when you leave the port, it’s a great feeling to know you have been able to experience that new destination. You stand there, looking out from the deck, and wonder, ‘When will I be back?’ because you enjoyed the experience so much.â€
Among Chiang’s favourite cruise journeys is also the northwestern Italian coast. “I went to Cinque Terre, which is five villages that you can visit. The scenery is spectacular.†Each of the villages full of colourful homes appear to cling to steep terraces that end at boat-filled harbours. “You really get that Old World feeling. It is just spectacular, beautiful.â€
One of the traditional villages of the Cinque Terre
ContributedAnd, when the ship pulls into the next port of call, you can explore on your own or take one of many insightful shore excursions which can be pre-arranged through the cruise line.
“Cruising allows you to engage with the local cultures since you can go ashore and explore all you want. It gives you a good taste of a place, and you can also dine and shop and get to know the locals. You can sip on wines grown on the slopes of Mt. Etna, or feast on delicious tapas on the beach in Barcelona.â€
Her biggest tip to enjoying yourself while exploring — be sure to check the local weather, so you can be sure to have a great experience and make the most of your time (and, wear comfortable shoes).
When you are between ports of call, theses large cruise ships — like any high-end hotel or resort — are filled with amenities for you to enjoy, from top-notch restaurants and entertainment facilities where you can unwind, to pools, spas and fitness centres where you can keep up your daily health regimen.
“You can do as much or as little as you want,†said Chiang. “I am a runner, and on some of the ships they have a running track outdoors on the top deck of the ship. When you arrive in a new port, it’s wonderful to run with a whole new city in front of you. It’s a beautiful thing.â€
Chiang said by booking your cruise with Air Canada Vacations you also get its Cruise Promise. In the event of your flight to your port of departure being delayed, all efforts will be made for you to meet your ship at its next port of call. Guaranteed return flight, if the cruise arrives late, a new flight home will be arranged for you. And, if you do find a comparable flight that is with Air Canada and less expensive, Air Canada Vacations will pay for your flight.
“It’s one-stop shopping, it’s convenient and it’s about ensuring that when you book with us, you have peace of mind,†she said.
To plan your next European cruise with Air Canada Vacations, contact your travel agent, or visit .
