By S. Herlihy
A cruise can be the ideal way to see
Europe. Many European countries have coastlines that border bodies of water big enough to accommodate even the largest cruise ships. Many European countries have places of interest that lie within a quick journey from any port of call. A traveler can see beautiful Venice, tour the ancient towns of the Greek islands and sample the pleasures of exciting Monaco all while ensconced within the comfortable confines of a modern ship. Keep in mind several rules during your cruise.
Sample Local Foodstuffs
Take shore excursions to sample local foods. Almost all cruises offer the chance to take excursions to nearby places of interest. Visitors are provided with transportation if the place is difficult to reach merely by walking off the ship. A shore excursion can be a great opportunity not only to swim in pristine beaches or see old churches, but they're a terrific opportunity to sample local cuisine as well. While most cruise ships can meet nearly every dietary need imaginable on board chefs may not be intimately acquainted with all variants of European cuisine. Try an authentic moussaka at local Greek taverna. Look for pizza margarita in Naples. Food need not be high cost. A few appetizers or a light meal should suffice to carry you through the afternoon.
In general, agricultural products such as fruits and vegetables cannot be brought back into the states. Consume such items before you come home.
A Few Euros in Your Pocket
Visit a local bank or currency exchange store before you leave to obtain Euros. Some ships have Euros available for purchase, so check in advance. Most shipboard shops will take dollars. If you plan to go on shore excursions, be aware that many shops even in ports of call heavily visited by cruise ships will not accept dollars. They make take credit cards, but the credit card machine may not work. Many places have stores specifically devoted to currency exchange. A few Euros in your pocket will allow you to taste that socca in Nice or buy the perfect sun hat in Costa del Sol.
Bring Shoes and Travel Light
Bring several pairs of comfortable footwear, and leave most items aboard ship before you embark. Escalators and elevators are more rare in many European countries, and you don't want to lug a suitcase up a flight of stairs unnecessarily. The nation of Monaco, for example, is very hilly. Visitors can expect to walk up a long ramp if they want to see the presidential palace. Walking can quickly wear out even the most durable shoes. If purchasing shoes in Europe, keep in mind the shoe sizes in are different from those in the United States. A size five women's shoe translates to a size 35. Many European shoe shops have charts where you can compare sizes and employees who can immediately tell you what the European equivalent is if you can't figure it out. Check your size with an online search before leaving as a precautionary measure.
Bring items that may not be available on board or in Europe. For example if you are taking a certain prescriptive medication, it may not be available in Europe or in a ship's pharmacy. Make sure you have enough of the medication to get you through the trip. If you prefer a certain brand of products, such as sunscreen, make sure you have sufficient supply before you leave.
About the Author:
S. Herlihy has been a freelance writer since 2001. Her work has appeared in many publications, including "USA Today," "The Women’s Independent Press," "Big Apple Parent" and "ComputorEdge Magazine." Herlihy earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the City University of New York.
