More affordable European cruise packages

Carnival Cruise Lines started offering more affordable cruise/air packages for its 12-day Grand Mediterranean and Mediterranean, Greece & Turkey cruises aboard the 2,974-passenger Carnival Freedom. The special rates are available in conjunction with nearly 40 different North American gateway cities and eight different Grand Mediterranean and Mediterranean, Greece & Turkey voyages departing June through August. Both itineraries operate round-trip from Rome (Civitavecchia).

Touring highlights include Greece’s legendary Acropolis and the ancient settlements of Olympia, Priere, Didyma, and Miletus. Guests can also visit Istanbul’s fabled Blue Mosque, and tour the Coliseum or Vatican City during the overnight call in Civitavecchia.

Carnival Freedom features 22 lounges and bars, four swimming pools, a 13,300-square-foot spa, 100 percent “bow-to-stern” wireless Internet access, cell phone service, and “Carnival’s Seaside Theatre,” a 270-square-foot LED screen displaying movies, concerts and other programming.