 Durant
& Cheryl Imboden'sEurope for Cruisers europeforcruisers.com |
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European ferryliners  ABOVE: A Viking ferry in Stockholm awaits its departure for Finland. Food: Pay as you goUnlike cruise ships and airplanes, ferryliners seldom include meals in the cost of passage. Instead, you pay as you go, according to your tastes and budget. A typical ferryliner will have a cafeteria and a deluxe restaurant. Food tends to be overpriced--after all, you're a captive audience--but this usually isn't a major concern since the average trip doesn't last more than a day or two. TIP: If you're traveling to Scandinavia and have a large appetite, the smorgasbord or buffet meal in the deluxe restaurant may be a better deal than a selection of a la carte dishes in the cafeteria. And don't miss the buffet breakfast on Scandinavian Seaways! The selection of breads, cheeses, cold meats, fruit, cereals, and mouthwatering Danish pastries will stave off hunger pangs for the entire day--especially if you mimic the Scandinavians and tuck a pastry or two into your carry-on bag for a midday snack. Bars and entertainment Nearly every ferry has a bar, and most long-distance ferries offer discos and other entertainment. You may even find a casino or a choice of movie theaters. Daytime games, contests, and cartoons for children are common (especially during the summer), and many ferries have playrooms. Vacation packagesFerry lines often market holiday packages, especially during the summer season. These can include anything from hotel vouchers to beach-cottage rentals. For more information, consult the ferry lines' Web sites. SUPER SIDE TRIP: If you're spending a couple of weeks in England, book a two-night roundtrip minicruise from Harwich to Esbjerg, Denmark aboard DFDS. Or, if you're visiting Copenhagen, take a three-day/two-night minicruise to Oslo, which will give you enough time to explore the city before returning to Denmark. Surf now, sail laterCheck timetables, fares, and holiday packages at the Web sites of eight European shipping companies on page 3 of this article.
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