Transatlantic Vacation Cruises

Over the last couple of decades, cruise vacations have grown in popularity around the world. They are easy, convenient, fun-filled, allow travelers to visit several exotic locations in a relatively short period of time and best of all, the transportation is left up to someone else. Numerous cruise lines offer various transatlantic cruise vacations that depart from several major American cities including Fort Lauderdale, Miami and New York City. Each of these major departure locations have something wonderful and exciting to offer vacationers, so travelers may want to consider arriving in these cities a few days prior to departure in order to fully experience them. The cultural heartbeat of Fort Lauderdale resounds from Las Olas. The street is lined with phenomenal restaurants, interesting art galleries and specialty shops. The science museum, which houses an IMAX theater, and the art museum are just two of the cultural activities in the area. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts, located nearby, regularly hosts plays, operas, musicals, ballets and guest speakers. Miami, in particular South Beach, has become the hottest spot to visit while in South Florida. The numerous Art Deco-style buildings that house hotels, restaurants, clubs and offices are an architect's dream. The club scene is one of the most celebrated in the world and many of the most talked about fashions can be found in Miami's many stores and boutiques. Miles away from Florida is New York City, the capital of the world. One can spend a week in New York City and not even scrape the tip of the iceberg of all there is to do while in the Big Apple. Patrons of the arts can take in a Broadway show or visit the Museum of Modern Art. No matter what time of year it is, Central Park is a lovely place to go, whether it is to ice skate in the winter or enjoy a romantic picnic in the summer.

Floating Resorts

The first few days of transatlantic cruises are usually spent at sea, but no need to worry, time always flies when you are having fun. Modern day cruise ships resemble a floating resort. If you prefer to fill your days with countless fun-filled activities, a cruise ship is a wonderful place to do so. If you prefer rest and relaxation from the stresses of everyday life, there is plenty of that as well. Most cruise ships have several pools. What better way to travel to the other side of the world than by catching up on some reading while sunbathing poolside? The friendly and energetic staffs provide various poolside amusements whether it is volleyball in the pool, shuffleboard or a limbo contest. Cruise voyages are as ideal for families as they are for couples or groups of friends. Most cruise ships offer supervised children's activities in a safe environment in addition to providing baby-sitting services. After experiencing a cruise, many people rave about the meals. Wide arrays of foods are offered that will please even the most discerning palate. It is absolutely encouraged that diners try as many items on the menu as they desire. Throughout the voyage, vacationers will dine at the same table with the same server every night. The servers are from all over the world and are often wildly entertaining and eager to satisfy your every request. Nightly entertainment includes live musical shows, movies and dancing. Vacationers can also test their luck at the ship's casino.

A Plethora of Experiences

Depending on the cruise line, different ships stop at different cities. Stopping points include places like Genoa, Venice, Florence, Bari, Rome, Sorrento and Malta in Italy, Lisbon and Ponta Delgada in Portugal, Cannes and Marseilles in France, Barcelona and Cadiz in Spain, Santorini, Mykonos and Katakolon in Greece as well as various cities in Croatia and Turkey. While on a transatlantic cruise vacation travelers could visit up to five different countries, exploring seven to eight cities over a 16 day period. They have the entire day to explore and enjoy whatever city they are in before returning to the boat and heading off to another exciting destination. Cruise vacations are a great way to see many places and decide which destinations you might want to visit over a longer period in the future.

Various Destinations

Here is a quick overview of some of the destinations as well as the various points of interest to visit while in that city. The most romantic way to see Venice, Italy is a gondola ride. The city of Venice stretches over 120 islands that are connected by over 400 bridges. While in Rome do as the Romans do. Hundreds of years ago the Romans used to gather at the Colosseum to watch a particularly morbid form of entertainment, the fights of the Gladiators. Part of the immense structure still stands today. You can almost hear the shouts of the maddened crowd as men fought to the death. Anyone fond of the Renaissance period, whether it be architecture, art or literature, will thoroughly enjoy Florence, birthplace to the Renaissance era. Cannes, France is known throughout the world as host to the yearly film festival that has gained importance in the movie industry, but vacationers have been flocking to this seaside city for years to enjoy some rest and relaxation. Istanbul, Turkey was once the capital of three empires, including Rome. Because of its unique historical background, Istanbul is a city where many interesting cultures have blended. While in Katakolon, Greece, tourists can visit the sight of the first Olympic Games which took place in 776 B.C. This Grecian city is also home to the most powerful god in Greek mythology. The Temple of Zeus is considered to be one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The capital of Portugal, Lisbon, is a relatively small populated city by European standards, although it is attracting more and more tourists as the years go by. This is because of the city's breathtakingly luscious landscape, extremely agreeable year round climate and beautiful architecture. Portugal is celebrated throughout the world for its tile works. The cathedral in Seville, Spain is the largest Gothic building in the entire world. To experience these and other amazing cities that you have only dreamed or read about, book a transatlantic cruise today and get ready for the vacation of a lifetime.