Europe Ports of Call: City Sights, Old World Tours, the Best Shops and Recommended Excursions When You Go Ashore (Fodor's 99)

What to see & do when you go ashore. Includes London, Paris, Rome, and more From coming ashore to seeing the sights in 53 ports, Fodor's Europe Ports of Call tells cruise passengers everything they need to know -- written from a cruiser's point of view. All the Essentials for a Perfect Day in Port Where ships dock or drop anchor The best cathedrals, museums, ruins, and shops -- all easily reached from the pier Recommended shore excursions Walking tours and day trips 35 pages of maps Special Feature -- A Cruise Primer How to choose the right ship How to pick a travel agent How to get the best deal on a cruise vacation Plus Cruise Itineraries for the 1999 Season

Going Ashore
Traveling by cruise ship presents an opportunity to visit many different places in a short time. The flip side is that your stay will be limited in each port of call. For that reason, cruise lines invented shore excursions, which maximize passengers' time by organizing their touring for them. There are a number of advantages to shore excursions: In some destinations, transportation may be unreliable, and a ship-packaged tour is the best way to see distant sights. Also, you don't have to worry about being stranded or missing the ship. The disadvantage is that you will pay more for the convenience of having the ship do the legwork for you. Of course, you can always book a tour independently, hire a taxi, or use foot power to explore on your own.

Disembarking
When your ship arrives in a port, it either ties up alongside a dock or anchors out in a harbor. If the ship is docked, passengers just walk down the gangway to go ashore. Docking makes it easy to go back and forth between the shore
and the ship.

Tendering
If your ship anchors in the harbor, however, you will have to take a small boat -- called a launch or tender -- to get ashore.  The larger the ship, the more likely it will use tenders. It is usually possible to learn before booking a cruise whether the ship will dock or anchor at its ports of call. (For more information about where and whether ships dock, tender, or both, see Coming Ashore for each port,

Returning to the Ship
Cruise lines are strict about sailing times, which are posted at the gangway and elsewhere as well as announced in the daily schedule of activities. Be certain to be back on board at least a half hour before the announced sailing time or you may be stranded. If you are on a shore excursion that was sold by the cruise line, however, the captain will wait for your group before casting off. That is one reason many passengers prefer ship-packaged tours.

If you are not on one of the ship's tours and the ship does sail without you, immediately contact the c
ruise line's port representative, whose name and phone number are often listed on the daily schedule of activities. You may be able to hitch a ride on a pilot boat, though that is unlikely. Passengers who miss the boat must pay their own way to the next port of call.

Europe and the Mediterranean
For sheer diversity, there is no cruise destination quite like Europe. From the majesty of Norway's fjords to the ruins of ancient Greece, the Old World has more than one could possibly hope to see in a single cruise vacation.  The hardest part of cruising in Europe is deciding what to see. Do you want to sail the Mediterranean, with ports of call in Greece, Turkey, Israel, Egypt, and Spain? Or would you prefer Northern Europe, perhaps including a few cities in the former Soviet Union? Or maybe Western Europe, with the glamorous beaches and resort cities of the French Riviera?

Select your ship as carefully as you choose your itinerary. Look especially at the mix of passengers: Are they all North Americans or a
mix of Americans and Europeans?

When to Go
Cruise lines sail in Europe from April to November. Peak season runs from May through August; the weather is usually at its best during this time, which means you will be joining the crowds. Early spring and late fall are a good time to visit if you want to avoid the fray -- and get lower prices. Temperatures can be very comfortable, and it is possible to swim in the Mediterranean through early October. Some lines operate European itineraries year-round featuring the Canary Islands.

Currency
Currencies vary by country, and U.S. dollars are accepted at some ports. It is advisable to change only a small amount on your ship or ashore for purchasing trinkets or snacks. When making major purchases and eating at better restaurants, use credit cards, which offer the best exchange rate.

Passports and Visas
All U.S. citizens will need a passport to travel to Europe. Several countries, including Israel, Egypt, and Russia, require visas. Your cruise documents wi
ll specify whether visas are needed, and, generally, the line or your travel agent can obtain the visa for you for a fee.

What to Pack
A priority item for cruising Europe is a comfortable pair of shoes -- walking is the best and sometimes only way to really explore in port. Wardrobes will be determined by your cruise itinerary. In the Mediterranean, casual summer wear will do. In countries such as Egypt, Turkey, and Morocco, women will want to dress conservatively, covering their arms and legs. Pack clothing that can be layered and that is suitable for hot days and cooler evenings.

Shore Excursions
Due to its diversity and wealth of attractions, Europe is well suited to shore excursions, which are usually bus tours. However, depending on the port, you may want to explore on your own. Often, this is possible on foot. In larger ports, you can hire a local guide at the pier. A group of four to six will find this more economical and practical than will a couple or a single person. Renting a car is often
more of a pain than a pleasure, given the limited time you have ashore. On some islands, motor scooters are an option -- but they are notoriously dangerous. It's better to hire a car and driver. Ask your shore-excursions office for recommended companies in each port.