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. 

Maasdam anchored off Bar Harbor, Maine - Photo courtesy of Fletcher6

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.

Map showing itinerary for 2012 cruises from Boston to Europe

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; casual dining options mean you don't have to if this is not your thing! 

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.

Maasdam deck with deck chairs - Photo courtesy of GailF

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 on-line or from travel agents because they can offer special deals directly from the cruise line.  Plus, they can sometimes pass along "freebies" like shipboard credits and cabin upgrades.

Check a few quotes on-line and from travel agents, and you'll see how prices for a cruise plus the "freebies" 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, both on-line and from other agents, and sometimes get a very pleasant surprise.

For on-line quotes, check Travelocity.  You'll pay no booking fees and usually get a rock-bottom rate.

To get agent quotes, go to 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 can save you 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 you understand what is and what isn't included. 

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Where do you visit on cruises from Boston to Europe?

Ports of Call for cruises from Boston to Europe vary somewhat from year to year.  The 2012 itinerary brings a lot of exciting new places!  You'll see descriptions for some of them below to give you a good flavor of the places you'll visit.  

Destinations from previous years are at the bottom of the page, to give you a sense of what to look for in the future.

Cruise departing from Boston to Europe

Boston, Massachusetts

Maasdam's round trip cruise from Boston to Europe begins in Boston and also ends here.  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.

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.  At a local monument, you can see copies of maps created by British cartographer Captain James Cook when he explored the area in 1767.

Keep an eye out for celebrities as you explore Corner Brook's shops and restaurants - the town is a small but growing film and television production center.  Rail fans will want to visit the Humbermouth Historic Train Site.

(Photo courtesy of Wayne Ray, in public domain)

Red Bay, Labrador, Canada

A fishing port today, Red Bay is famous among archeologists as being the best-preserved example of a 16th century whaling port, when Basque galleons from Spain and France arrived each summer in search of cod and whales.  The Red Bay Historic Site preserves this history.

You'll see beautiful coastline with tiny fishing villages and mountains in the background.  Have your camera ready!

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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.

Photo courtesy of Jens Buurgaard Nielsen.

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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.

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Djupivogur, Iceland

Traders set up camp in Djupivogur as early as 1589, although the oldest house dates back to only 1790 and is now a museum filled with the work of Icelandic sculptor Rikharour Jonsson, plus a gallery of local crafts. 

Mount Bulandstindur, believed to have mystical powers, dominants the landscape.  Enjoy nature walks, boat trips, and breath-taking scenery.

Photo courtesy of Olafurbj

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Geiranger, Norway

Geiranger Fjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site, provides stunning views of spectacular waterfalls, steep cliffs, and mountains soaring straight up to the sky.  Small villages cluster in valleys.

The Maasdam will take you into the fjord for some of the most amazing views of the cruise.  Make sure your camera is fully charged because you'll want to take lots of photos.

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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. Photo courtesy of Culex via Creative Commons License on Wikimedia Commons.

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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.

Cruises departing from Europe to Boston

Amsterdam, Netherlands

The Voyage of the Vikings cruise departs from Amsterdam, The Netherlands at 3pm for the return journey to Boston.

Southampton (London), England

One of the oldest cities in England, Southampton dates back to the Stone Age.  From early Celts to Anglo Saxons to French Normans, waves of settlers have left their mark here.  You can see remnants of 12th century houses, medieval towers and fortifications, and Tudor homes.

Spend some time exploring the Southampton Maritime Museum, the Medieval Merchant's House, and the archeology museum called God's House Tower housed in one of the city walls dating back to the middle ages.  You'll also enjoy Southampton's many art galleries.

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Plymouth, United Kingdom

Located on the beautiful Devon coast southwest of London, Plymouth holds a special place in American history as the departure point of the Mayflower and the Pilgrims who ventured to the Boston area in 1620.

Today, Plymouth is an exciting waterfront city.  Visit the quayside Barbican walk, the National Marine Aquarium, the huge Big Wheel ferris wheel, or hop on a historic bus tour of the city.  Evening fireworks in August give special excitement to this modern city.

Photo of British Fireworks Championship in Plymouth England - Photo courtesy of Benjamin A'Lee via Creative Commons license

Dublin, Ireland

One day in Dublin will seem like far too little - but fortunately you'll be here for almost 2 days.  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!  Photo of Puck's Castle in Shankil, Dublin, courtesy of Suckindiesel via GNU Free Documentation License.

Torshavn, Faroe Islands

A writer for the New York Times described the 18 Faroe Islands, an archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean halfway between Norway and Iceland, as "easily the most moodily beautiful place I have ever been."

Expect green mossy expanses, dramatic mountains, waterfalls, and lots of birds.  The 50,000 residents are descendants of Vikings who settled here 1,000+ years ago.  Torshavn is the capital of the Faroe Islands, a Danish possession since 1380.

Photo courtesy of Eric Christensen via Creative Commons license - click on the link to see more stunningly gorgeous Faroe Island photos by this talented photographer.

Seydisfjordur, Iceland

As you cruise up the 17 kilometer fjord leading up to the town of Seydisfjordur, you'll see huge colonies of puffins and ancient ruins dating back to the 8th and 10th centuries.  Beautiful waterfalls and spectacular scenery give you a glimpse of the wild beauty of this part of Iceland.

A telecommunications museum is a reminder of Iceland's accomplishments in this field, and the LungA arts festival attracts artists from throughout the region.

Photo courtesy of worldislandinfo.com, via Creative Commons license

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.

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 Kingdom 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.

Photo courtesy of Dena Palamedes.

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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.

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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.   Photo courtesy of Aconcagua

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. 

Walk around town, explore the creative boutiques, and enjoy a frosty drink at a local pub as you admire and photograph the picture-perfect scenery.

Photo courtesy of Mourial (c) 2008

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Boston, Massachusetts

Don't forget to ask your travel agent to book you a hotel, perhaps near Boston's cruise port, for a few days so that you can explore this wonderful. 

Agents can often package cheap hotel rates with a cruise - and sometimes they can even give you a night or two for free.  It never hurts to ask!

Unlike many other ports, the Port of Boston is located right in the city, in the bustling South Boston Waterfront neighborhood next to Downtown, the Freedom Trail, and other Boston attractions.  Take a tour to get a quick look at what the city offers, and then explore on your own.

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Ports of Call from previous years

Each year, the Ports of Call for the cruises from Boston to Europe vary a bit.  These Ports of Call from previous years will give you a flavor of what might reappear again in the future:

Cap-aux-Meules, Quebec, Canada

Picturesque Cap-aux-Meules, located in Quebec's Iles de la Madeleine archipelago, offers interesting artisan shops, pubs, and cozy restaurants. 

Explore the village, and visit the Church of Saint Pierre at Laverniere, built from wood salvaged from shipwrecks. 

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. 

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

This attractive small city offers the outstanding Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, a very nice gallery featuring local artists, and a spectacular Victorian-syle garden. 

Take an hour-long cruise in the harbor, tour a local brewery where costumed guides sing and dance as they entertain you with bits of history, and shop along Barrington Street and Quinpool Road.

Photo courtesy of Thorfinn Stainforth.

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Bonne Bay, Newfoundland, Canada

Museums, kayaking, hiking, biking, and spectacular scenery provide lots to do in this idyllic spot surrounded by wooded coves, a beach, and a fjord. 

WIth the wild scenery of Gros Marne National Park as a backdrop, boat and land tours give you a fascinating view of this majestic area.

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.

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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.

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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.

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Invergordon (Inverness), Scotland

Deep water Port Invergordon is only half an hour from Inverness, gateway to the Highlands of Scotland and near Loch Ness, where the famed monster may lurk. 

Shore excursions include trips to the Cathedral of Dornoch, Loch Ness, the magnificent gardens of Dunrobin Castle, and a local distillery where you'll have the opportunity to sample the brew.  For a real taste of the Highlands, seek out a tour of the Highland Single Malt Whisky Trail.

Photo courtesy of Simon Richardson (c) 2005

South Queensferry (Edinburgh), Scotland

A spectacular setting plus medieval and Georgian architecture make Edinburgh, the 2nd largest city in Scotland, one of the most picturesque cities in Europe. 

Performing arts and cultural festivals, known collectively as the Edinburgh Festival, take place throughout August.

Save some time to explore Old Town, where you'll find the Royal Museum of Scotland, St. Giles' Cathedral, and a medieval walled castle.  And be sure to visit Edinburgh's famed pubs, clubs, and restaurants.

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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.

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.

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Dover, England (United Kingdom)

Visit Dover's famed white cliffs, and the cozy pubs.  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!

St Malo, France

Located in Brittany on the English Channel, St Malo is the perfect blend of historical charm and modern pleasures.

Founded in the 6th century, this fascinating walled city features a rampart dating from the Middle Ages where you can walk for some of the best vistas in town. 

Inside the walls, you'll find a great mix of shopping, restaurants (look for terrific seafood),  bistros - but if you're traveling with your children, you may find yourself on the nice sandy beach instead!

Photo courtesy of Pline 

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Falmouth, England

Located in Cornwall, one of the loveliest parts of England, Falmouth is home to a not-to-be-missed Maritime Museum, imposing Pendennis Castle, gorgeous sandy beaches, and a tempting array of shopping, pubs, restaurants, and galleries. 

Getting around is easy - just take one of the trip boats or the local train to all the sites.

Cobh, County Cork, Ireland

The departure point for the hundreds of thousands of Irish who emigrated to the U.S. during the Famine years of 1844-50, Cobh (called Queenstown until 1922), Cobh was settled as early as 1,000 BC. 

Sadly, Cobh was the last port of call for the RMS Titanic before it started on its ill-fated voyage across the Atlantic in 1912.  You can visit a monument commemorating those who died.

In August, the Cobh Peoples Regatta features musical performers from all over Ireland, a grand pageant, and fireworks.

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Occupying an area where older settlements date back at least 5,000 years and you can still see the remains of Iron Age hill forts in the surrounding hills, Belfast suffered for decades during the mid-late 1900s from civil and religious conflicts, often violent, called The Troubles.  Peace during the past 10-15 years has brought economic growth and greater prosperity, along with tourists.

Many of the city's most historic buildings are found in the Cathedral Quarter, an interesting area to explore.  Entertainment and festivals take place in the 40+ public parks and gardens.  If you're interested in horticulture, a must-see is the Botanic Gardens, with a magnificent cast-iron greenhouse designed by Sir Charles Lanyon.

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Portree (Isle of Skye), United Kingdom

The largest town on the Isle of Skye, Portree's fame dates from 1746, when a local young woman, Flora MacDonald, courageously smuggled Charles Stuart ("Bonnie Prince Charlie," pretender / rightful heir (depending on your perspective) to the Throne of England, in a boat across the water to Skye so that he could escape to safety in France. 

Spectacular scenery and the charming town make Portree the perfect place for walking tours.  Pop into the local pubs for refreshment.

Photo courtesy of Pam Brophy, (c) 1999

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 designed around special attractions.

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.

Insect repellant can be useful if you're exploring along the Canadian coast and encounter the scourge of our late-summer months: black flies.  Pack sunscreen and sunblock as well.

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.  In fact, just a couple of hundred dollars will get you a top-quality digital camera with video capabilities.  

To get great distance shots of fjords, puffin colonies, and shoreline villages, I recommend at least a 12x digital zoom.  To see a great selection of options, type "digital cameras 12x optical zoom video" into this Amazon search box. 

On the subject of electronics . . . if you don't already have a personal digital reader, you may want to get one so that you'll have access to newspapers, books, news, e-mail, games, and much more whenever you want.  Except for Greenland and parts of Iceland, you'll be able to download from every port.  Just enter "ereader" or "ipad" into the search box to see some great choices.

Most important, be sure to pack your favorite Red Sox clothing 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! 

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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 Barcelona, Monte Carlo, and a number of other Spanish cities.  Princess Cruises has a "Northern Europe Passage" cruise, also departing from Ft. Lauderdale, that stops in the Azores, Portugal, London, Paris, Oslo, The Netherlands, and Copenhagen, 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. 

Not sure where you want to go?  Check out last minute cruise deals from Priceline - some of them are so cheap that you almost can't afford NOT to go!

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!

Photo credits:

• Maasdam: Fletcher6, Creative Common license - Check out more photos from Fletcher at http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Fletcher6
• Maasdam deck: GailF548, Creative Common License - Here are more photos from Gail - http://www.flickr.com/photos/galfred
• Red Bay, Labrador, Canada - Photo courtesy of Northern Light, GNU Free Documentation License

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