EUROPE: A 'ROYAL' FAMILY DESTINATION

Should you take the kids to Europe? "Of course," says Royal Caribbean, the cruise line known for their family-friendly activities. What better way to combine education and fun than visit the place where the Roman masses watched the gladiators, or ride in a gondola along the canals of Venice? Then, after a full day of sightseeing, the whole family can relax back at the ship and get ready for the next day's adventures. This week's video this certainly put you in the mood. -- Gerry

ROYAL PROMOTING 'KIDS TOUR FREE '

Credit: Royal Caribbean

Want to take the kids to Europe? For a limited time, Royal Caribbean is offering a "Kids Tour Free" promotion. Families with children 12 and under who book a 2013 Europe cruise aboard Navigator of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas or Serenade of the Seas can enjoy free shore excursion tours for children when two adults in their stateroom purchase the same tour during May 2013. For more information, go to www.RoyalCaribbean.com/KidsTourFree. -- Gerry

NORWEGIAN SETS EUROPE SAILINGS

Norwegian Jade (Credit: Norwegian)

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced its Europe deployment for the winter 2014-2015 season. Norwegian will have two ships sailing in Europe year round, Norwegian Jade will sail seven-Day Greek Isles; seven-Day Adriatic, Greece and Turkey; 10-day Eastern Mediterranean and an 11-day Western Mediterranean. Norwegian Spirit will offer 12-day Grand Mediterranean voyages and 10-Day Canary Islands and Morocco itineraries. -- Gerry

A TRIP DOWN THE DANUBE: PART ONE

From Medieval to modern world
Part 1 of 3

By Bob & Sandy Nesoff
Members: American Society of Journalists and Authors
Special to Cruising Squared

Some people look at the world through rose colored glasses. Johann Straus may have been looking at the Danube River through sepia toned lenses.

The composer of the Blue Danube Waltz may have been putting his own spin on a river that could have been blue on Feb. 13, 1867 when it made it debut but today’s river is a calm and smooth flowing brown.

But that does not take the romance away from the famed waterway.

Several noted cruise lines have trips that go up and down the river. Our host was Uniworld Cruises, leaving Vienna, home to Strauss, and doing downstream to Bucharest over a very relaxing and gentle two week period. Most of the passengers on board were seasoned travelers who had chosen Uniworld because of its reputation for affordable luxury.