MANILA, Philippines - ?Freestyle Cruising? or charting your own tours and activities onboard a cruise ship is possibly one of life?s most pleasurable diversions. With stricter airline restrictions on luggage and tighter airport security, the glamor of air travel has been severely tarnished. In contrast, the very nature of shipboard travel makes cruising easily the last civilized form of touring left. Where else can you dance under the stars, sip cocktails while watching the Mediterranean sunset and head to your destination while sleeping on a full size bed? For those who have the time?and money?to spare, cruising is the way to go.

Two of the most popular destinations onboard a cruise liner are Europe and the Mediterranean where recently, publicist Keren Pascual gathered seven personalities for the 17th edition of the Famous Voyages. Savoring the most scenic and historic destinations in this part of the world on board the Norwegian Gem, a ship belonging to the Norwegian Cruise Lines? biggest family of luxury liners, the Jewel Class were: ace photographer Jun de Leon and wife, former beauty queen and image consultant Abbygale Arenas, premier fashion designer Rajo Laurel, top model Raya Mananquil, Star Cruises Sales and Marketing Director for the Philippines and Guam Marlene Pajanel, Pascual and this writer.

What sights impressed them most? Here?s the list:

Jun De Leon?s pick: Barcelona?s Antonio Gaudi

?Gaudi?s got to be one of the most brilliant artists of his time, although he?s often misunderstood by people who criticize him because of his whimsical works, which are actually quite amazing,? says Jun. Indeed, Gaudi has created some of Barcelona?s most famed landmarks, among them the dazzlingly beautiful and bizarre La Sagrada Familia basilica along Calle Mallorca, which gets more than two million visitors every year. What?s even more remarkable is that despite Gaudi starting its construction in 1882, the basilica isn?t quite done yet. Experts believe it will take some 30 to 80 more years to finally finish it. The best time to see this wonder is at night, when tourists say it looks something between melting wax and columns of bones!

Abbygale Arenas-de Leon?s pick: Nice, France

Pronounced ?nees,? this city in southern France is a major tourist center and a leading resort on the French Riviera. Expect pretty pastel-colored coastal towns, mild climate, delicious food and Europe?s favorite weekend getaway. Abbygale?s favorite in Nice is ratatouille, a stewed vegetable dish composed of tomatoes, garlic, onions, zucchini, eggplants and bell peppers sautéed lightly in olive oil. ?For those who love a vegetarian diet with that rustic French character, you can never go wrong with Nice?s ratatouille,? she declares.

Rajo Laurel?s pick: Medieval Mdina, Malta

Mdina, a medieval town situated at the island?s center, is the old capital of Malta. Inhabited by Phoenicians and ruled by the Roman Empire thousands of years ago, this city is also called the ?Silent City? for the calming atmosphere that it provides tourists and locals alike. Rajo?s pick as Mdina?s best is St. Paul?s Cathedral.

?Stories have it that the Apostle St. Paul and his missionary companions lived here in Mdina after his ship was wrecked off the coast of Maltese,? he explains. ?St. Paul?s Cathedral is an inspiration for artists and designers like myself for its opulently extravagant interior and the majesty of its magnificent dome.?

Author?s choice: Pompeii, Italy

Considered today as Italy?s most popular attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city of Pompeii holds various interests for tourists and historians alike. Following its accidental discovery in 1748 after being lost for nearly 1700 years due to the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius, this amazing city truly provides an extraordinary insight detailing the lives led by its citizens at the height of the Roman Empire.

Among my favorites is the Villa of Mysteries. Though similar to most of the large villas in Pompeii, it contains a room known as The Initiation Chamber, with very unique fresco images said to be part of a ritual ceremony to prepare individuals to enter adulthood.

Raya Mananquil?s pick: Vatican City in Rome, Italy

Rome, the great capital of the ancient world, remains host to a multitude of ancient art and architectural wonders. It?s no wonder why centuries after the empire fell, Rome, the Eternal City, is still big among foreigners who want a piece of la dolce vita.

?The first time I went to Rome, I immediately wanted to see the Vatican City,? recounts Raya. Famous all over the world as the temporal seat of the Pope, the Vatican is the smallest state in the world and is guarded by the Swiss Papal Guards.

Marlene Pajanel?s pick: Santa Maria Del Fiore in Florence, Italy

Back when Italy was a Kingdom, Florence used to be its capital. This comes as no surprise because it was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance where the wealthy and famous Medici family long ruled. It continues to host some of the most magnificent art and architectural treasures in the world.

?The Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral is truly a masterpiece,? says Marlene. ?One can?t help but feel a spiritual connection with the city when one gets to see such a grand architectural marvel.? Although the Santa Maria del Fiore, the Cathedral of Florence or The Duomo as it is called by tourists, is only one of the many classical structures in Florence, it is certainly the crowning jewel of them all.

Keren Pascual?s pick: the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy

Home to the famed astronomer and physicist Galileo Galilei, Pisa is most famous for its Leaning Tower. However, people who mainly focus on the Tower may miss the architectural wonders and the beauty that this divine city has to offer.

Says Keren of the famous leaning wonder: ?It?s so beautiful that people don?t even remember that the tower?s original design was flawed from the very beginning.? This flaw caused the Tower to lean soon after its construction in 1173. Visited by thousands of tourists every year, the Leaning Tower of Pisa was declared in 1987 as part of the Piazza dei Miracoli UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For inquiries, log on to www.ncl.com or call Star Cruises? Philippines Office at 521-5660 or 526-8401.