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(ARA) - There is so much to see in Europe that it can be difficult to narrow down your itinerary, and to give each destination its due attention. And inevitably, if you visit Europe, you start collecting purchased items, adding to the luggage you have to schlep, pack, un-pack and re-pack with every arrival and departure. It's a fun challenge, but a challenge nonetheless. Travelers who want to streamline their vacations but still get the most out of Europe should give cruises serious consideration. Even if you've never cruised before, just talk to someone who has and it's hard to remain unaffected by the prospect of leaving your suitcase in one comfy place - which also eliminates having to navigate the minefield of hotels vying for guests - and waking up in a new city every day. Prices for cruise packages can be surprisingly affordable. Cruises also cut down on spending by eliminating the transportation costs that would usually be required to travel from city to city. You might need to pay for airfare to your departure city, but most embarkation points are major travel hubs, which usually translates to better ticket prices. Here are some examples of European cruises that group together regional highlights in areas across the continent. Northern Europe
High-design capitals and breathtaking natural beauty meet head-on in Northern Europe. Discover why Copenhagen was named one of the happiest places in the world; explore the stately beauty of Stockholm, which is situated on a number of islands in the Stockholm Archipelago; or marvel at the majesty of the towering Norwegian fjords. If you're feeling intrepid, Celebrity Cruises has a 12-night tour of the arctic circle, leaving from Amsterdam and climbing up the coast of Norway to unforgettable ports that will satisfy any adventurer's heart. Baltic
The Baltic states and their capitals are emerging as some of Europe's hottest new destinations. From the quaint medieval center of Tallinn, Estonia (protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site) to the vibrant bustle of Riga and the unique elegance of St. Petersburg, Russia, the potential for discovery is wonderful. The unique cultural atmosphere in these countries, so often plunged into months-long darkness or daylight, is something that will color your memories of visiting truly unusual ports of call. Western Mediterranean
Soak up the sunshine in Europe's beautiful Western Mediterranean. There are plenty of options for travelers who want to take in France, Italy and Spain, stopping in ports like Marseille, Naples and Barcelona, where you can take in the amazing cuisines and cultures of these perennially popular destinations. For a taste of something a bit more unexpected, many cruises that ply the Mediterranean also dip into more exotic waters. For instance, Norwegian Cruise Lines offers a nine-day-cruise that departs from Barcelona and comes to port in Casablanca and Agadir, Morocco and Funchal and Las Palmas in the Canary Islands. Eastern Mediterranean and Adriatic
Spending time on the waters of the Eastern Mediterranean, the Ionian, Adriatic and Aegean seas gets you a little bit closer to the millennia of voyagers who sailed through legends like The Odyssey. Even better, you can delve into history once you step on shore - and that's saying nothing of the beautiful landscapes, the rich traditions and the delicious foods you'll encounter throughout the region. Look for a cruise that combines a few countries to get the most out of your vacation - like those offered by Royal Caribbean cruises that go from Venice to Dubrovnik, Croatia; Kusadasi, Turkey (the gateway to Ephesus); and Santorini and Corfu, Greece. If ever there was a guarantee for a memorable trip, it would be stamped on that journey. Courtesy of ARAcontent
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