Cruising as a leisure pastime almost died out several years ago because travelers wanted more from their vacations than sitting on sunlit decks sipping fruity cocktails. Shore excursions were basically afterthoughts where passengers left the ships for a couple of hours during stops at ports to buy t-shirts and trinkets as souvenirs for those back home. Storefronts lined the sidewalks, competing with one another for tourist dollars, and travelers saw little of local culture and flavor. However, the cruise ship industry had to redesign and revamp their offerings so that they could have a chance of attracting today’s discriminating traveler. For instance, those going on a Europe cruise can select from several different themes when booking their trip. Travelers who are interested in historic locations can book an eastern Europe cruise that will take them straight to that region’s culturally rich old cities along the banks of the Danube.

Eastern European river cruises begin during the month of May and continue until October. Since river boats are smaller than conventional cruise liners, the service is often more personalized and the passenger list is much smaller. Shore excursions on these trips include tours of ruined castles, trips to art galleries and meals at local establishments featuring the finest of eastern European cuisine. Some travelers choose to experience the port cities in a free-form manner, wandering as they please throughout the picturesque villages.

Others opting to spend their leisure time going on a Europe cruise choose to participate in food and wine themed excursions. Travelers can tour the world’s finest vineyards and speak with renowned vintners during trips to shore, not to mention have the opportunity to sample wine produced from the hands of the masters. Most culinary and wine themed cruises feature guests such as cookbook authors, on-board wine classes led by world-famous sommeliers, regional cuisine prepared by guest chefs and shore excursions to the best restaurants. Because wine festivals are abundant in the wine-producing parts of Europe, travelers can add to their experience by booking a cruise during a time that will allow them to attend one or more of these regional festivals. Many mid-summer travelers believe that the best way to begin or end a cruise through European waters is with the Koumandaria Festival in Cyprus . These week-long celebration is a testament to the world’s oldest wine and a cultural event that serves as one of the highlights of the lives of those fortunate enough to be able to attend.

Because some of the small eastern European countries are beginning to come into their own, they make excellent destinations for cruisers seeking memorable experiences. Most river cruises serve fresh, local cuisine because they have the necessary ingredients delivered to their ship galleys on a daily basis. Croatian cuisine in particular is beginning to emerge as a significant player on the world’s culinary stage.

Cruising has definitely changed in the past few decades, and the industry has managed to reinvent itself quite well. Travelers are now booking specialty cruises in record numbers.