10 Under-the-Radar European Cruise Destinations

1. 10 Under-the-Radar European Cruise Destinations

2. Wales: Castles and Cheer Sleuth for cruises listing a few less-touristed ports. You can count on some good surprises; cruise lines do their research. Ports in Wales are jewels, leading to stunning green valleys, cosy storybook villages and cheery people. Holyhead, Wales boasts three nearby castles, including Caernarfon Castle. Visitors to Holyhead can take an excursion to Snowdonia National Park, a stunning sweep of of small mountains. Holland America Line includes Holyhead, Wales on several itineraries.

3. Irish Ports are Smiling Ireland's Ring of Kerry is a road of magical views, but tricky for tourists to drive. Cruise ships calling in Cork offer shore trips that trace the ring road, taking in sweeping sea vistas and dense woodland thickets. Look closely at mist-srhouded bogs--you might see fairies dancing. That's a matter to take to the nearest pub where friendly locals will add a few stories of their own. Princess Cruises sails around Ireland; Cork is one port call.

4. Norway: "Cold" is the New "Hot" Cruising Norway's coast and exploring its spectacular fjords is so popular, it seems "cold" is the new "hot." Norway's mountains and seascapes are gorgeous. Plus Norwegian chefs are winning high praise and Scandinavian design is back in vogue. Norwegian line Hurtigruten sails Norway's coast every day of the year, stopping at villages along the way to deliver mail. Some Hurtigruten cruises sail above the Arctic Circle, a passage that carries bragging rights.

5. Portofino: Not Just for Celebs Anymore If you've heard of Portofino, it was probably inked with a celebrity. Portofino's picturesque harbor village with upscale shops and restaurants are a big draw. But lovely nearby beaches are heaven for basking. Perhaps hike up to Castello Brown (castle). Hiking trails thread the hills above town. Divers love the crystalline sea. Sea Dream Yacht Club is among cruise lines calling at Portofino.

6. St. Tropez: Where Diamonds Go for a Tan The St. Tropez tan is the closet most people get to St. Tropez on the French Riviera. But no yacht ownership is required for sitting in a sidewalk cafe admiring the pretty harbor. St. Tropez is far smaller than other French Riviera haunts. And in spring, streets are subdued and restaurants are welcoming. When summer tourism pulsates, head for the hills to visit a winery. Or find a quiet village. This is Provence, with bountiful vineyards, fields of sunflowers and storybook villages.

7. Croatian Riviera? Meet Omis Riviera--that's the upscale Mediterranean coast of Italy and France. But "riviera" is Italian for coastal with tropical climate and vegetation. That describes Croatia's Mediterranean coast, and Omis, Croatia gives snorkeling and diving fans, clear waters (with tropical fish ruins, a pirate fort and sunken ships lying beneath). Sunny sidewalk cafes, river rafting and canyon climbing are also popular. Royal Caribbean calls at Omis on select Mediterranean sails.

8. Hamburg is Happening With its North Sea location, Hamburg, Germany is often the debarkation port where passengers bid farewell to their ship. It's worthwhile to book an extra day in this lively city once renowned for its raucous waterfront. Recent development has transformed the district into a model of urban renewal. Residences, offices and retail replace dilapidated warehouses. The city also has dozens of museums, including children's museums. A passion for sports and fashion keeps Hamburg lively. Celebrity Cruises makes port calls in Hamburg.

9. Vienna: Toast Mozart with Lattés Vienna, Austria - distant from the sea - doesn't fit into a land-based European tour. But a Danube River cruise lands right on Vienna's doorstep. Music is the city's greatest claim to fame; evening shore excursions take in performances. Kaffeehaus culture is a centuries-old Viennese tradition where social discourse (Freud's and Mozart's) found fertile ground--or perhaps "grounds"- here. Vienna is a formal city, as befits the Italian Renaissance grandeur of the Vienna State Opera House. Viking River Cruises sails here on the Danube.

10. Bashful Budapest: Barely Known and Brilliant Budapest is Europe's "unexpected city"-- less homogenized by Western culture than most of Europe. There are few international retailers on the miles-long Vaciutca promenade; goods are Hungarian or European-made. Same story in the Grand Market Hall where traditional handicrafts and locally produced foods are plentiful. The Danube is the city's ultimate grace note, its riverside cafés filled with music and laughter. Rverfront promenade bridges twinkle with a strings of lights. Danube River cruises are offered by Viking and Uniworld river cruise lines.

11. Malta's Allure: Sun above, Treasure Below Malta's a miniscule nation of seven islands floating alone in the Mediterranean, holds crumbling walls and fortress that look like clever sand castles. It's been occupied by a variety of cultures from Romans to crusading monks. Sun and sea are dazzling on this Mediterranean island nation, and scuba diving is legendary; sunken World War II bombers are visible in the clear water. Famed architect Renzo Piano added a contemporary flair to Valletta's parliament. Hapag-Lloyd's Europa 2 and Azamara Club Cruises include Malta on itineraries.