Crown & Anchor Society: Europe


	Members holiday memories & experiences.

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Home > Members Say > Cruise Memories > Europe

Northern Europe
"Having never cruised before, in 1999 and celebrating a very special birthday I was recommended by my brother to cruise Royal Caribbean. Having now cruised every year since and even twice in some years it is always the ultimate experience and the feeling of excitement on seeing the ship has never gone away. I am celebrating another very special birthday this year and again celebrating with Royal Caribbean on Jewel of the Seas to Northern Europe… and guess what I just can't wait for July!"

Mrs Margaretta Morris, Northants, UK

Venice, Italy
"Staying overnight in Venice was truly wonderful, but it would not have been complete without the experience of our romantic gondola ride.

We couldn't help but smile as our sleek, black gondola began weaving its way through the labyrinth of side canals. Gliding along, looking up at the old Venetian homes, and laughing as the gondoliers shouted "Ovay" as they approached the watery equivalent of give way road junctions, we peered through rusty old doorways into the entrances of beautiful buildings. Around every bend another wonderful scene would greet us.

The perfect setting was made even more perfect as we were serenaded by a gondolier to the accompaniment of an accordion, the song literally seemed to echo around us as we passed through the narrow waterways under ancient bridges as the light began to fade. It was a truly romantic evening that left us with a wonderful memory we will treasure for ever."

Simon and Caroline Miles, Evening Gondola Serenade
Brilliance of the Seas

Venice, Italy
"The most romantic place I have ever been. Venice is so special just the very idea of a city built on waterways is romantic and the buildings and many bridges are so grand and beautiful. I remember walking in the moonlight and coming across the Bridge of Sighs which was literally shining in the moonlight. There was no one around and I felt that I was the only person in the world to be so privileged to see this sight. I'll never forget it."

Julia and David Brown, Bucks, UK

Flam, Norway
"As we boarded the Flam railway for our 12 mile trip up to Vatnahalsen, I really had no idea what to expect, even though you could see the railway line weaving through the green fjords from ship. At every turn we were greeted by ever more spectacular and at times unexpected scenery. Rivers cut through deep ravines, waterfalls cascaded down the sides of steep mountains and mountain farms like toy houses dotted the landscape.

After a brief stop to take photographs at the magnificent Kjosfossen Waterfall, we finally reached Vatnahalsen, where we enjoyed coffee and lefse (Norwegian Pancakes) and met our guide for the leisurely trek down the Flam Valley. It was a truly exhilarating experience and exciting to be part of the natural beauty and freshness of Norway. And although we were tired at the end of the hike, I wouldn't exchange the memory for anything."

M. Yanda, Flam Railway & Hiking the Flam Valley
British Isles and Norwegian Fjords cruise

Flam, Norway
"On a recent Member Cruise aboard Grandeur of the Seas, we awoke early one morning to find ourselves docked at one of the most picturesque ports we have ever seen. It looked as if our ship had been delicately placed next to a miniature village surrounded by crystal-clear midnight-blue water. The fjords rose all around us and a dozen waterfalls cascaded over the cliffs. We could hardly believe we were experiencing a place as beautiful as Flam."

Joyce Peneno, Waldwick, NJ

Corfu, Greece
"A peaceful morning sailing into Corfu. Fisherman pulling their nets from the calm seas and waving hello to us. That vivid memory from our Mediterranean cruise vacation says it all."

Sverre Pettersen, Borgenhaugen, Norway

Ephesus, Turkey
"The best shopping port on the Eastern Mediterranean is Ephesus (Kusadasi). Everyone speaks English, the bartering is great, and the cost of gold, jewellery, and leather goods is superb."

Mark David Dellipiani, Gibraltar

Santorini, Greece
"The island of Santorini, with its lovely white houses and blue rooftops, is actually an old volcano. The ship docks inside the crater, where you get the most wonderful view of the small white-washed towns at the brink of the volcano."

Michael Stoll, Altenstadt, Germany

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