Best Cruise Ship For Travel To Europe?

[Travel Guru]

We are looking into taking a cruise to Europe in the Fall, and we are wondering which cruise ship would be the best for us. The costs aren't really a concern, although we don't really want to throw good money away. When cruising from the U.S. to Europe, what do you look for? I guess we are really concerned with amenities, things to do, comfort and safety. Here are a few things we uncovered in our search:

Most Trans-Atlantic cruises are in the spring and fall, as cruise lines reposition ships between Europe and the Caribbean. Cunard Line still offers regularly scheduled Atlantic crossings between New York and England on the fantastic Queen Mary 2.

Crystal Cruises invoke a romantic vision of travel with luxurious trans-Atlantic crossings. This is a true luxury cruise line with award-winning service and amenities. The ships are mid-size, carrying a limited number of passengers to guarantee a pampered experience. Enjoy a Crystal cruise this year.

Take a Norwegian Transatlantic cruise and live it up your way. The dress code is relaxed and you'll have lots of choices for dining. They've even relaxed the disembarkation process. Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered Freestyle Cruising, which means you can do what you want, when you want.

Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Jewel is one of the ships that makes Transatlantic cruises. It features 12 restaurants, 3 swimming pools, the Bora Bora Health Spa, and sophisticated new courtyard villa accommodations.

Take a step back to a time when traveling was an adventure with a Transatlantic cruise on Royal Caribbean. Explore foreign ports and shores, while returning to the comfort of your stateroom every night. Get onboard Royal Caribbean for an unforgettable transatlantic voyage.

Royal Caribbean Cruises offers many transatlantic voyages annually. Departure ports include Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Galveston in the United States. In Europe, depart from Lisbon, Southampton or Barcelona.

Are you looking for a unique, extended vacation journey? Holland America Transatlantic cruises are long voyages with distinctive itineraries. The cruise line specializes in trips to northern Europe, but sails to the Mediterranean too. Explore exotic ports on Africa's western coast and remote islands in the Azores. Or take a northern route to Newfoundland, Iceland, Scotland isles and Norwegian fjords. For people who love the sea, an Atlantic crossing on Holland America Line recalls classic cruising at its best - days of peace and nights of fine dining and dancing. Longer Holland America transatlantic cruises offer epic adventure.

Because Trans-Atlantic cruises make few if any ports of call, the focus of the trip is the lifestyle on board the vessel. In answer to their guests' desire for activity many cruise lines take advantage of the opportunity to offer special interest cruises such as Big Band music, Swing dance or wine and culinary themes. Such a cruise might be hosted by a well-known chef, author or entertainer for additional appeal. Art classes, computer learning and other educational programs are generally provided, and the social environment on the ship will be organized to provide guests with plenty of opportunities to interact with one another. The extra time to relax is also conducive to taking full advantage of the shipboard spa. Of course, as Trans-Atlantic crossing always has been, and still is, the perfect vacation for catching up on your reading.

Eastbound Trans-Atlantic crossings frequently depart from New York, Boston, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and a few Caribbean ports. Westbound ships often sail from Southampton or Dover, England, Barcelona, Lisbon, Rome and other major European port cities. And there are a handful of different routes the ship can take, for example a southern journey from Europe to the Caribbean or South America, a northern route along the coastline of Canada and the northeastern US or the quicker, shorter route direct from point to point without any ports of call.

We should have a lot of fun while crossing the Atlantic ocean to Europe. Wish us luck!