For many travelers Europe is a dream destination, and for some a once in a lifetime trip.  Even in Europe, cruises are still a great value for your money. You won’t have to worry about the varying exchange rate, because cruises are priced in U.S. dollars. Plus most cruises offer an all-inclusive vacation including entertainment and meals.

For traditional cruise lovers, Carnival Magic offering 7, 9 and 12 day Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona, Spain

Carnival’s newest “Fun Ship,” the 3,690-passenger Carnival Magic is set to debut May 1, with a series of seven-, nine- and 12-day Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona – the line’s first departures from this port.  The second in the line’s popular Dream class, Carnival Magic will offer a host of exciting amenities, including a spectacular water park, an exclusive adults-only retreat, a wrap-around promenade with whirlpools that extend out over the ship’s sides, expansive spa and children’s facilities, and a wide variety of accommodation choices.

Carnival Magic’s expansive SportSquare open-air recreation complex offers mini golf and other features within this active cruiser’s paradise include the first ropes course at sea, cruising’s first-ever outdoor fitness area, an 800-foot-long jogging path encircling the entire area, a lighted multi-purpose space for basketball, volleyball and soccer, a six-station Vita exercise course, ping pong and foosball tables, and a full bar with a large flat-screen TV.

-Seven day itineraries include stops in Monaco; Rome, Italy; Naples, Italy; Messina, Sicily

-Nine day itineraries include Monaco; Rome, Italy; Naples, Italy; Messina, Sicily; Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Marseilles, France

-Twelve day itineraries include Monaco; Rome, Italy; Naples, Italy; Messina, Sicily; Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Marseilles, France; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Savona, Italy; Venice, Italy

For something unique, cruise Compagnie du Ponant’s Yacht Cruises.

These small capacity ships travel to smaller ports and offer French-inspired cuisine in an intimate environment.

The newest mega yacht, the 264-guest L’Austral will debut in April and cruise through the western and eastern Mediterranean exploring the Dalmatian Coast, the Greek Islands and Turkey in-depth.  Through October, L’Austral will sail to unusual ports and out-of-the way islands in France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Greece and Turkey.

In the dining areas, gourmet cuisine is worthy of top fine dining restaurants: exquisite wines are available, and menus are created with expertise by skilled chefs with a French-inspired menu enhanced by specialties from the various ports of call. Public spaces include a theater; the main lounge with a dance floor and live music; the panoramic lounge; a library and an area for Internet access; three bars; and two restaurants plus a spa and fitness center.

All but eight of its 132 suites and staterooms will have verandas, and all will have flat-screen satellite TV, satellite direct-dial phone and WiFi. Cruise fares for seven-night trips begin at $3,430 per person, double.

Eight day itineraries include round-trip from Venice stopping at 11 ports and islands in Croatia and Montenegro.

Ready to book your European dream vacation?

Gadabout Travel

www.cruisetraveltours.com

(321) 253-3674

Why Book with a Travel Agent?

The expertise of the travel consultant can help a customer with choosing the right cruise itinerary, the best value (not always the cheapest), and help make decisions on the correct air itinerary that will best fit their needs.  For instance, knowing that the location of the customers cruise stateroom is important –they may not have thought about how it might affect the total experience is one area that we are well versed at since we are doing this day in and day out.

‘When should you use a travel agent?’  Basic Rule….anytime you are traveling outside of the country or have anything but a simple roundtrip you should consult a qualified air ticketing agency (there are travel agents that only sell cruises and tours). Not to mention the face to face contact with an experienced person where you can have a conversation about your wishes and what your options are.