Cruises from Boston to Europe
Follow the path of the Vikings on the cruise of a lifetime
If you're interested in cruises from Boston to Europe, you'll find only one . . . but it's the European cruise of a lifetime.
Once a year, beginning in July, luxury cruise line Holland America's Maasdam embarks on a very special 35 day transatlantic "Voyage of the Vikings" cruise from Boston to Europe, and then back to Boston.
If this cruise vacation appeals to you, you can choose from 3 interesting options:
- Cruise from Boston to Europe, and fly back to Boston - consider spending a few extra days in Europe before flying back
- Fly to Europe, and cruise from Europe to Boston - think about arriving in Europe a few days early to relax and sight-see for a few days before beginning your cruise
- Choose the round-trip Boston - Europe - Boston cruise and enjoy all 35 days!
What makes this cruise from Boston to Europe and back particularly special is that it follows the path that Viking ships may have taken to and from the New World in their expeditions hundreds of years before Christopher Columbus made his 1492 voyage.
Unlike the Vikings, you'll be traveling on the equivalent of a floating luxury hotel, dining on wonderful cuisine, and enjoying plenty of entertainment and recreation. You unpack your suitcases at the beginning of the voyage, and then repack at the end. Nothing could be easier!
Frequent stops along the way let you explore scenic villages and sophisticated cities. In all but the smallest villages, you can sign on for organized shore excursions, or explore on your own - the choice is yours.
Is this cruise from Boston to Europe for you? Only you can decide . . . but to help you make a decision, keep reading to find out about:
- The Maasdam and all of her amenities - after all, you'll be spending a lot of time on board!
- How to get the best deal on this cruise, and what discounts to look for
- Ports of Call and what makes each one special
- Shore excursions that you might take
- Packing tips for cruising to Europe (or Boston) in the summer
- Other European cruises
What is the Maasdam cruise ship like?
Holland America is considered a 5-star, top luxury cruise line. When you experience the white-glove service and splendid amenities on the elegant 10-deck Maasdam, you'll understand why.
The crew makes sure that your on-board experience during the cruise from Boston to Europe is as close to perfect as possible. In the 2 formal and 2 casual dining areas, you'll enjoy an extensive list of excellent wines, gourmet cuisine, and elegant table linens, crystal, and china. Formal nights give you the chance to get dressed up.
Excellent recreational facilities, top-flight entertainment, and enrichment opportunities such as digital photography and cooking classes ensure that you'll have plenty to do on your days at sea. Welcoming common areas give you lots of places to hang out, socialize, and relax.
Even the regular staterooms provide more space than on most other cruise ships. And suites are roomier than many Boston apartments.
Find the best deal on cruises from Boston to Europe
You can find the "list" price for this cruise on Holland America's website. But keep in mind that you should never pay "list" for a cruise. Cruise prices are typically discounted - sometimes by a lot.
You'll almost always get the cheapest cruise prices from travel agents because they can offer special deals directly from the cruise line. Plus, they can sometimes pass along "goodies" like shipboard credits and cabin upgrades.
But even with travel agents, prices for a cruise can vary by hundreds of dollars, even more. You owe it to yourself to get multiple quotes to make sure you're getting the best deal. Already have an agent you love? I do too - but I still get quotes . . . just to make sure I'm not overpaying.
My favorite place to get free cruise quotes is on the CruiseCompete.com website. Just tell them what you want, and they'll send your request (anonymously) to hundreds of cruise travel agents. CruiseCompete e-mails you when each quote arrives. You can look at the quote on their website, and decide if you want to contact the agent for details. The service is free, and it saves you a lot of time and money.
Even though Holland America's cruises from Boston to Europe aren't cheap, they're actually a big bargain. Think about it . . . cruise rates cover the cost of getting to Europe, a cabin that's equivalent to a luxury hotel room or suite, room service, gourmet meals, entertainment, recreational facilities. If you were to fly to Europe, stay in nice hotels, eat in fancy restaurants, go to shows, and so forth, you'd pay a lot more.
Holland America provides mostly "all inclusive" cruises - but tips, shore excursions, spa services, and a few other things are extra. Be sure to talk with your travel agent about what is and what isn't included.
Where do you visit on cruises from Boston to Europe?
Ports of Call for cruises from Boston to Europe may vary somewhat from year to year. The following places are the 2010 Ports of Call, and will give you a good flavor of the places you'll visit.
Cruise departing from Boston to Europe
Boston, Massachusetts
Maasdam's round trip cruise from Boston to Europe begins in Boston and also ends here. If you live in ths area, you'll love the convenience of the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal.
If you're not from Boston, spend a few extra days exploring this wonderful American city, the Birthplace of Liberty. Check out my suggestions about best places to stay and what to do on shore.
St. Pierre, France
St. Pierre, along with neighbor Miquelon, belongs to a group of small islands close to the Newfoundland coast. Once part of "New France," they still belong to France.
First established by Basque fishermen in the early 1500s, the village of St. Pierre is small and picturesque, with brightly painted houses and buildings near the harbor. You can easily get around on foot, or by renting a scooter. Enjoy the small cafés and boutiques.
Courtesy of Aconcagua
St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
Located on the eastern side of Newfoundland, St. John's is the eastern-most city in North America (not including Greenland). It is also the oldest North American settlement founded by the English, possibly as early as 1497.
In the downtown area, you'll find several museums and galleries, many restaurants, shops, parks, historic buildings . . . and Water Street, reputed to have the highest concentration of bars and pubs in North America. Festivals and sporting events throughout the summer make St. John's a lively Port of Call for cruises from Boston to Europe.
Qaqortoq, Greenland
The small, attractive village of Qaqortoq ("white place") has only about 3,000 inhabitants, is 85% covered with ice, and belongs (along with the rest of Greenland) to the Kindom of Denmark.
Qaqortoq's colonial buildings date back to its founding in 1775. You can visit the town's 2 museums to learn more about local history, including nearby Hvalsey, site of South Greenland's best-preserved Norse ruin, established in the late 900s by Erik the Red's uncle.
Isafjord, Iceland
Located on the northwestern coast of Iceland, Isafjord's roots go back to the 9th century, and grew into a major trading center by the 16th century.
Today, Isafjord has about 4,000 inhabitants, spectacular scenery, and a growing reputation as a center for alternative music. If you are lucky, you'll get to hear some on the cruise from Boston to Europe. Annual music festivals attract fans from all over the country and internationally.
Akureyri, Iceland
Despite being on the northern coast of Iceland, Akureyri has a relatively warm climate and is the 2nd largest urban area in the country. In the summer, several music and folk culture festivals enliven this town of 17,000+. Perhaps one will be underway during your cruise from Boston to Europe!
Picturesque buildings, restaurants, bars, and the northern-most botanical garden and 18 hole golf course in the world add to the lively entertainment and cultural scene.
Although Akureyri has plenty of geothermal energy, an new international graduate school in Renewable Energy Science (all classes taught in English) is already receiving acclaim.
Alesund, Norway
Located on 7 islands just off Norway's scenic western coast, Alesund enjoys a mild maritime climate.
Alesund also boasts a huge number of buildings in Art Nouveau style, built between 1904 and 1907 after a fire destroyed virtually every structure in town.
You'll find many beautiful sights to photograph, especially the stunningly beautiful scenery. (Photo courtesy of Matt and Kim Rudge - Kim took this terrific photo with her cell phone!)
Bergen, Norway
Founded in 1070, Bergen is the 2nd largest city in Norway and is located on the western coast amid 7 mountains.
Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Bergen is relatively warm and rainy. Weather should be pleasant, although perhaps wet, during your cruise from Boston to Europe.
Renowned musical groups ranging from the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra to rock groups dubbed the "Bergen Wave" are located here, along with numerous bands and marching groups.
Oslo, Norway
Like Bergen, capital city Oslo also has a relatively mild climate, with summer days ranging from pleasantly warm to hot.
You can tour the Royal Palace (2 tours per day in English during the summer; buy tickets at any post office), visit the stunning new glacier-shaped Opera House, and explore medieval castle Akershus Festning. Oslo is one of the many highpoints of the cruises from Boston to Europe.
Not to be missed is the Viking Ship Museum featuring two 1,100 year old well-preserved Viking ships. Oslo has a number of other interesting museums as well, including the Kon-Tiki Museum displaying Tor Heyerdahl's famous raft along with Easter Island artifacts.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Cosmopolitan and charming Copenhagen dates back to pre-Viking days, and is a major port city where many cruise ships call.
You can walk or take a waterbus to Strøget, Copenhagen's main mile-long pedestrian shopping street where you'll find numerous boutiques, cafes, galleries, antique shops, and large department stores. This may be one of your favorite shopping spots on the cruise from Boston to Europe!
You can also visit Denmark's most famous tourist attraction, the Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen Harbor. For the best photo opportunities, join one of Copenhagen's popular canal tours.
Dover, England (United Kingdom)
Just 2 hours from London by train or car, Dover is your final destination or departure point if you're doing just one leg of HAL's cruise from Boston to Europe. In Dover, visit the famed white cliffs.
By all means, plan to spend at least a few days in London before or after your cruise. With world class theatre, shopping, restaurants, pubs, and more, you'll want to spend as long as possible here.
Cruises departing from Europe to Boston
Dover, England (United Kingdom)
My husband and I once unexpectedly spent the day here when waiting for a ferry delayed by storms. I can vouch for the charm of the cozy pubs and pleasant locals who let us join their game of darts.
You'll find lots of cute shops and casual restaurants as well. Be sure to try the fish and chips!
Amsterdam, Netherlands
This beautiful city of canals, old stone and mellow brick buildings, green parks, bookstores, bicycles, and cafes is one of the most charming in Europe.
Amsterdam also has almost as many museums as Boston. If you have to choose only one as a must-see, it should be the Rijksmuseum, where you should head straight for the Rembrandts. Unfortunately, most of the museum is closed for massive renovations until at least 2013 - so if you crave more art, head next to the Van Gogh Museum.
Save an hour at the end of the day for a canal cruise - the best way to see this wonderful city! Photo courtesy of Massimo Catarinella.
Dunmore East, Ireland
Picture-perfect Dunmore East, located in a harbor on Ireland's southeastern coast in County Waterford, combines fishing with tourism as its two major attractions.
You'll find lots of water-based attractions, but perhaps the most enjoyable way to spend your day here is walking around the streets and lanes in this picturesque village. Do a little shopping, stop in a pub for lunch, and enjoy tea in the afternoon.
Liverpool, England
Once a grubby industrial city, Liverpool now appeals to tourists with art museums, galleries, festivals, restaurants, pubs, and clubs. You'll also find Europe's oldest Chinese neighborhood here. Cruise ships conveniently dock right in the middle of downtown.
If you're a fan of English Cathedrals, be sure to visit Liverpool's 2 magnificent 20th century examples. Gothic-style Liverpool Cathedral is the largest in Britain, while the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral (shown in photo) has more modern touches, including an unusual design.
Of course, to many people, Liverpool will always be linked to the Beatles. Load your iPod with songs by the Fab Four to enjoy during your cruise from Boston to Europe - and of course, while you're here as well. Photo courtesy of Andrew Dunn.
Dublin, Ireland
One day in Dublin will seem like far too little. So many choices . . . the Irish Museum of Modern Art (free admission), the National Botanic Gardens (free admission), Frathfarnham Castle (free admission) . . . hmm, there's a theme here! The Dublin Tourism Office also offers free iWalks - James Joyce fans will want to go on the "In the Steps of Ulysses iWalk."
Take all that money you saved on free admissions and stroll through the pedestrian shopping streets - or just relax in a local pub. After all, we have so many Irish pubs here in Boston that you'll feel right at home!
Heimaey, Iceland
An island off the southwest coast of Iceland, Heimaey caught the world's attention in 1973 when a volcano on Eldfell mountain erupted, causing all 5,000 residents to evacuate and burying half the town. Fortunately, that's unlikely to happen during your cruise from Boston to Europe!
Aside from the volcano, immortalized by John McPhee in his book "The Control of Nature," Heimaey is known for being the summer home of 8 million puffins plus millions of other birds. Be sure to bring your binoculars and camera! Photo courtesy of Aconcagua.
Reykjavik, Iceland (2 days)
Although Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland, it is relaxed and laid back compared with other European capitals, despite its reputation for a wild, alcohol-fueled nightlife.
Located almost at the edge of the Arctic Circle, the city is light throughout most of the night during the summer, so the Path of the Vikings cruise from Boston to Europe gets there at the perfect time for enjoying the sunlight.
The combination of mountains and water make every Reykjavik view a gorgeous one. You'll enjoy walking around the compact city, sampling the shops and perhaps a cafe or pub as well. Since you'll be there overnight, you can try the nightlife as well if you're so inclined.
Nanortalik, Greenland
Stunningly gorgeous Nanortalik is the southern-most village in Greenland. Fjords, sheer "skyscraper" cliffs, steep mountains, blue waters, and even bluer skies provide the perfect backdrop for the town's Old Quarter and an open-air museum.
Only a couple of thousand people live in Nanortalik and in the surrounding area - so the focus here is on the beauty and majesty of nature. Be sure to watch for minke and other whales as the Maasdam navigates the waters around the town. This is one of the best spots to view these sea creatures during your cruise from Boston to Europe.
St. Anthony, Newfoundland, Canada
Located on the rugged northern tip of Newfoundland, St. Anthony has the longest whale watching season in North America due to the huge feeding grounds surrounding the area.
Take a boat tour, and you're likely to see a breath-taking assortment of whales, porpoises, seals, dolphins, and other marine mammals. Or simply walk out to Fishing Point, a hiking trail along the water's edge, and watch them from there. You may even see some icebergs float by.
To get a flavor of this stunningly beautiful area and learn about local events and attractions, check out the Town of St. Anthony's website. I look at a lot of tourism websites, and this is one of my favorites! Photo courtesy of Grampymoose.
Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Canada
A thriving town with about 20,000 residents on the western side of Newfoundland, Corner Brook overlooks the Gulf of St. Lawrence. British cartographer James Cook explored the area in 1767, and you can see copies of the maps that he created at the Captain James Cook monument.
Keep an eye out for celebrities as you explore Corner Brook's shops and restaurants - the town is a small but growing center of film and television production.
Bar Harbor, Maine, United States
Perched on the rocky coast of Mt. Desert Island and surrounded by Acadia National Park, picturesque Bar Harbor is the quintessential coastal Maine town.
Boston, Massachusetts (US)
Don't forget to ask your travel agent to book you a hotel here for a few days. Agents can often package very cheap hotel rates with a cruise - my experience has been that sometimes they can even give you a night or two for free. It never hurts to ask!
Shore excursions on cruises from Boston to Europe
Holland America offers shore excursions for almost all Ports of Call on their Voyage of the Vikings cruises from Boston to Europe.
Although shore excursions do add to the cost of the cruise, they can provide an entertaining and easy way to tour each place, and learn first-hand about local history and attractions. You'll even get a glimpse of the culture and way of life in villages, towns, and cities that may be very different from your own.
The types of shore excursions range from "highlights" tours, where you'll typically be driven around in a bus with a tour guide who will point out famous sights, to "private touring" excursions where you'll be provided with a car and driver who will take you wherever you want to go for a set number of hours.
You'll also find lots of specialty tours. For example, in Liverpool, "In the Footsteps of the Beatles" shows you all kinds of sights related to the famous singers' early days there, including their childhood homes and places such as Strawberry Fields that are in their songs. In Isafjord, Iceland, an "Off the Beaten Track" tour takes you to an island renowned for its magnificent puffins, eider ducks, and Arctic terns.
Of course, you can also explore on your own if that's your preference. Or relax on the cruise ship.
What to pack for your cruise from Boston to Europe
Although the Voyage of the Vikings cruise occurs in July and August, you'll visit places that range from hot and humid to chilly and windy. Plus, you can encounter rain almost everywhere at this time of the year, including in Boston.
This wide range of climate conditions poses packing challenges. Your best strategy is to bring items to layer, such as sweaters and jackets, that you can put on or take off as needed. A waterproof jacket is ideal, in case you encounter rain.
Be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes, as well as thick socks to provide cushioning. Some of the places that you'll visit have cobblestone streets, similar to Boston's.
Remember to pack at least one dressier outfit for the Maasdam's formal nights. Guys, a jacket and tie will be fine. Gals, this is your chance to dress up if you want . . . but something black with a nice scarf or pashmina shawl also works well.
If you haven't upgraded your camera equipment for awhile, you should do so before your cruise from Boston to Europe because you'll see so many spectacular sights to photograph.
You do not have to spend a fortune to get excellent cameras that will also take video. For example, take a look at this Canon PowerShot
On the subject of electronics . . . if you don't already have a personal digital reader, you may want to get one so that you can download newspapers and books whenever you want. The new Kindle Global Wireless Reader
Most important, be sure to pack your favorite Red Sox gear to wear on the cruise. A Red Sox cap, t-shirt, and a hoodie should be enough to let everyone know you're from the town with the best baseball team in the entire world!
Other cruises to Europe from North America
If the Voyage of the Vikings cruise from Boston to Europe (or Europe to Boston) doesn't work with your schedule or if you want to explore other options before you commit, keep in mind that a number of other cruises to Europe depart from other U.S. ports such as New York and Ft. Lauderdale.
For example, Holland America has a cruise from Ft. Lauderdale that will take you to 5 cities in Spain, including Barcelona. Princess Cruises has a "Northern Europe Grand Adventure" cruise, also departing from Ft. Lauderdale, that stops in the Azores, Lisbon, London, Paris, Brussels, Helsinki, and St. Petersburg, as well as other places.
And don't forget that if you fly to Europe, you can join winter cruises to warm places like the Greek Isles and the Canary Islands.
The easiest way to find out about these cruises is to explore the CruiseCompete website, or talk directly with one of their cruise travel agents.
Whether you're wanting to escape Boston's cold New England winter weather, have some fun over Spring Break, or gather family and friends for a summer jaunt or an autumn foliage cruise, you're sure to find lots of appealing choices. Remember to get competing quotes from travel agents to find the biggest bargains and best values.
Bon voyage!
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