Would Nikon 55-200 lens work?

How good is the zoom on this lens? I want the 18-200, but wow it's expensive! I'm going on a cruise to italy, croatia, spain, greece, etc. Will this suite my needs? Things like the ocean, buildings, Statue of David, Pisa, Dome, statues, etc? Oh, and I have a nikon d5000.

Yes, it's an AF-S lens (built-in motor) and is an ideal complement to the 18-55mm.

It's good, but I doubt you would need it because you will be close enough to what you want to see with the 18-55. The 55-200 would just be extra weight to carry around and would be too narrow for most shots.

I only use a telephoto lens if I'm shooting sports, wildlife, or portraits. Things where I either can't get closer or I need a telephoto perspective. Shooting scenery and architecture I would want to go wide before zooming in.

If you can apply the technique "zoom with your feet", almost any lens will do.