Rail & Sail from London to Amsterdam

Earlier this month we told you about our Rhine River Cruise – one of our best trips ever!  When planning the trip we figured since we were paying for airfare to Europe, why not experience more than just the river cruise?  We had never been to London before, and we saw on the map it wasn’t too far to get from London to Amsterdam by air or train.  But then we came across a third option, shown in this video: ... Read More

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Ben Family 10 Night Mediterranean Cruise Holland America Noordam (2011)

When Susan Ben approached us asking for a Europe cruise vacation for her family (2 adults 2 kids ages 23, 16) we suggested this Holland America Noordam cruise departing from Civitavecchia.  The Bens wanted to see Italy and departing from the port close to Rome allowed them some days in Rome before and after the cruise.  We also set them up in a small family run hotel that was close to the city sights and considerably less in price than the larger hotel options.  Thanks to Susan for providing us this report and pictures: ... Read More

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Royal Caribbean Splendour Greek Isle Cruise (2011)

Of all of the cruises we’ve now done, this is one of the top ones I think.  Warm weather, interesting variety of ports, and something for everyone. They said multiple times that the Splendour was the smallest ship in the RCCL fleet, but had the best weather.  It was the perfect ship for this cruise with 8 ports days and only 2 sea days, as we didn’t miss the other activities found on larger ships (we did see the Navigator in Athens and the Voyager, on which we sailed in 2008, parked next to us yesterday in Venice as we left).  The public areas were in good shape. ... Read More

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Carnival Liberty 12 Night Mediterranean Cruise (2006)

I have sailed on many cruises in recent years but in May 2006 I was to take my family on our greatest adventure yet – a 12 night Carnival Liberty Mediterranean sailing!  This was to be a special trip for me – a 50th birthday celebration (I turned 50 on May 19th, the day we got off the cruise and stayed in Rome). With many fabulous and new experiences this was a trip we will all long remember. ... Read More

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