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The Scottish city of Aberdeen is known under many nicknames. Here are a couple of them: “Granite City,” “Oil Capital of Europe,” and “Energy Capital of Europe.”

One represents the past, one aptly describes today’s Aberdeen, and one tells us in which direction this city is currently heading.

“Granite city” is a remnant from past times, when Aberdeen became known for the granite quarried here. It has been estimated that six million tons of granite were excavated from the Rubislaw Quarry in the period from the late 18th century until 1971.

Throughout the centuries, granite from what is now one of the biggest man-made holes in Europe was used when constructing the terraces at Westminster Palace and the Waterloo Bridge in London. Aberdeen itself, of course, also features a number of impressive houses built in granite, such as the Aberdeen City Town House.

To view Northern Europe cruises, including cruises to Scotland, click here.

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By the Avid Cruiser

Since 2006, I’ve celebrated Christmas with friends and family in an unlikely setting — on the rivers of Europe. It’s a tradition that I have very much enjoyed and one that I plan to continue.

I love the cozy feeling of being on a vessel that transports me, and a hundred or so others, along the main arteries of Europe during this festive time of year. I enjoy bundling up to stroll historic city streets among the Christmas markets and returning to the ship to sip on hot mulled cider or, when the mood strikes, Gluhwein.

If you’re lucky, as I have been on a few Christmas cruises, snow will blanket the villages along the rivers. Last year, I trudged on powder with my family and friends through the uber-charming Rothenburg ob der Tauber. We felt like we were walking in a fairy tale. Christmas trees were decorated with red ribbons and sparkly white lights. Branches were laden with clumps of snow that had fallen from the rooftops. Icicles appeared like mini-stalactites from awnings, and under them, shop windows presented everything from wurst to gingerbread cookies, baked in Old World tradition.

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By the Avid Cruiser

Voted one of Sweden’s best summer cities, there are many other facets to Kalmar than that as a popular destination for vacationers.

One of the most visible of those facets is the history of this city on Sweden’s east coast. Kalmar slott (the Kalmar Castle) is a symbol that the inhabitants quite rightly take pride in. In a way, the castle epitomizes Kalmar’s entire past. Once visitors start to scratch the surface, though, they will find that there is more than the castle to experience.

It was in Kalmar that Kalmarunionen (the Kalmar Union) was signed in 1397. The union united the three kingdoms of Sweden (including Finland), Denmark and Norway. And it was here that the well-known Swedish King Gustav Vasa landed in the year 1520 after having escaped from Danish imprisonment.

One of Sweden’s oldest cities, Kalmar’s port activities date back more than 1,000 years. In the Middle Ages, the port played an important role with its strategic location on the Kalmarsund trade route. Trade with the Hanseatic League was robust, imbuing Kalmar with Germanic atmosphere.

The city center is crammed with historical sites and renovated buildings that serve as reminders of developments and events like these, and of Sweden’s era as a country of great power in the Baltic region. Many of the more newly erected buildings have also been designed so as to blend in with the older houses.

But Kalmar has also developed while, at the same time, glancing at its history. This is a contemporary city, which attracts visitors from near and far. To many Swedes, Kalmar is synonymous with vacation, beaches and summertime fun. Witness Kalmar’s tenth place in a poll that ranked the favorite destinations for Swedes in summertime.

Quite a few Swedes also associate Kalmar with Oland, Sweden’s second-largest island. Oland is possibly even more of a summer paradise than Kalmar. This is where Sweden’s Royal family spend their summers, at the Solliden Palace. Oland is connected to mainland Sweden by a bridge that starts (or ends) in Kalmar. The bridge is one of the longest in Europe.

To view cruises to Sweden & Northern Europe, click here.

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By the Avid Cruiser

In 2009, Uniworld launched its 10th ship in Europe, the 410-foot River Beatrice.

The River Beatrice can accommodate a greater number of passengers than many other Uniworld ships — 160 compared with between 130 and 134 on older Uniworld ships. With 15 suites and 65 staterooms, the River Beatrice also features far more suites than most other Uniworld ships.

Fully 80 percent of the staterooms feature French balconies. The only ones that don’t are the 13 staterooms on the lower Moselle deck.

Staterooms are outfitted with hotel-style beds with Egyptian cotton sheets, European comforters, terry robes, bottled water, individual air conditioning and flat-screen televisions.

The River Beatrice also features a lounge, restaurant, library, sundeck, massage services, fitness center, sauna, Jacuzzi, gift shop and elevator. Wireless Internet access is available on board the ship. Complimentary use of bicycles is a new feature being offered by Uniworld.

The River Beatrice offers the Enchanting Danube itinerary, a nine-day cruise along the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany from Budapest to Passau.

The cruise alternates with a Passau-to-Budapest itinerary. The ship also sails on the nine-day Danube Holiday Markets cruise along the same route.

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By the Avid Cruiser

If the lousy exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Euro has you thinking twice about traveling to Europe, you may want to think again. And this time, think river cruising.

On a river cruise, you’re isolated from much of the expense of Europe, as your accommodations, meals (typically with wine included) and some shore excursions are included in the price you pay for the cruise in U.S. dollars before you leave home.

I am currently cruising along the Danube on Uniworld’s River Empress. I found prices in Budapest, where the cruise began, and Bratislava, our first port of call, to be exceptionally reasonable.

In fact, after pedaling 20 miles with two others on bicycles (which Uniworld makes available free of charge), we stopped for a round of beer: only 1 Euro each (about US$1.50 at press time). The bikes, by the way, are in good shape, and we found dedicated bike paths running along the river.

Back in Bratislava city center, I had a cappuccino, a large piece of cake (remember, I had cycled 40 miles roundtrip!) and 15 minutes of internet access for about US$4.50.

In both Budapest and Bratislava, I found it difficult to spend the pocketfuls of cash and coins I was getting in exchange for dollars.

At Budapest’s city market, where the charge to “use the bathroom facilities” was 150 forints, I handed over the only currency I had in my pocket: a five Euro note. The clerk took it, put some Hungarian change on the table, which I swept in my hand and walked away. “No,” she said, indicating she had more for me. She began handing me bills. I was impressed not only by her honesty but by the fact that I left with two pocketfuls of Hungarian currency.

Content provided by the Avid Cruiser

By the Avid Cruiser

If the lousy exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Euro has you thinking twice about traveling to Europe, you may want to think again. And this time, think river cruising.

On a river cruise, you’re isolated from much of the expense of Europe, as your accommodations, meals (typically with wine included) and some shore excursions are included in the price you pay for the cruise in U.S. dollars before you leave home.

I am currently cruising along the Danube on Uniworld’s River Empress. I found prices in Budapest, where the cruise began, and Bratislava, our first port of call, to be exceptionally reasonable.

In fact, after pedaling 20 miles with two others on bicycles (which Uniworld makes available free of charge), we stopped for a round of beer: only 1 Euro each (about US$1.50 at press time). The bikes, by the way, are in good shape, and we found dedicated bike paths running along the river.

Back in Bratislava city center, I had a cappuccino, a large piece of cake (remember, I had cycled 40 miles roundtrip!) and 15 minutes of internet access for about US$4.50.

In both Budapest and Bratislava, I found it difficult to spend the pocketfuls of cash and coins I was getting in exchange for dollars.

At Budapest’s city market, where the charge to “use the bathroom facilities” was 150 forints, I handed over the only currency I had in my pocket: a five Euro note. The clerk took it, put some Hungarian change on the table, which I swept in my hand and walked away. “No,” she said, indicating she had more for me. She began handing me bills. I was impressed not only by her honesty but by the fact that I left with two pocketfuls of Hungarian currency.

Content provided by the Avid Cruiser

By the Avid Cruiser

Few places on earth have the sheer diversity and history that can be found in Russia. From the large cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg to smaller towns like Uglich, Russia is a world of contrast that remains a mystery to many North American travelers. Viking River Cruises, however, wants to change that with a 13-day itinerary that whisks guests to some of that countries most important cities and landmarks.

Beginning in Moscow, the 13-day Waterways of the Czars itinerary includes stops at the famous Bolshoi Theatre and historic Red Square with its remarkable St. Basil’s Cathedral. Perhaps Moscow’s most famous landmark, it was at one time one of the most threatened: Joesph Stalin had wanted the cathedral torn down to make way for his own personal plans for the city. Only through the refusal of those assigned to the task, and the ongoing conflict of World War II was the cathedral saved.

From Moscow, guests continue on to Uglich, the site where Ivan the Teribble’s son Dmirty met his fate. After that, it’s off to Yaroslavl and Kuzino, made famous for the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery founded in 1397.

In Kizhi, take in one of the five UNESCO World Heritage sites on this exciting itinerary. The open-air Museum of Architecture represents nearly all aspects of ancient Russian architecture. Afterwards, guests will have the privilege of sailing across Europe’s second-largest lake, Lake Onega. At a distance of 139 miles, the so-called “Blue Route” will transport passengers along the Svir River from Mandrogy (don’t forget to check out the vodka museum!) to beautiful St. Petersburg, Russia.

Three days are spend exploring all this historic city has to offer, making it the perfect conclusion to this journey through one of the most fascinating countries in the world.

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