Culture, history, scenery, and romance – Europe has it all. What better way to enjoy all that Europe has to offer than on a European cruise? European cruises are popular for many reasons, but the main reason is that a European cruise allows passengers to visit several different amazing countries in a short amount of time.
There are many different types European cruises including Atlantic Coastal Cruises, Baltic Sea Cruises, Greek Island Cruises, and Mediterranean Cruises, to name a few. Most European cruises last anywhere from 14 to 21 days, but seven-day itineraries do exist.
Because there are so many places to sail throughout Europe, the list of ports is quite lengthy. There are more than 50 European ports of call including: Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Belfast, Brugge, Brussels, Cannes. Capri, Copenhagen, Crete, Dublin, Florence, Genoa, Helsinki, Ibiza, Istanbul, Lisbon, London, Marseille, Monaco, Naples, Nice, Oslo, Paris, Portofino, Rome, Santorini, Sardinia, St. Petersburg, St, Tropez, Stockholm, Venice, and Villefranche, to name a few. While there are dozens of different ports of call, there are around 10 popular ports including: Rome, Barcelona, Venice, Paris, Brugge, St. Petersburg, Oslo, London, Copenhagen, and Stockholm.
Depending on a variety of factors such as season, cruise line, length of cruise, accommodations, itinerary, cruise ship, excursions, etc., a European cruise may cost several hundred dollars up to $1,000 or more.
If you want to save on a European cruise, there are a several tricks and tips that can help you maximize savings. Cruise lines love advance booking, so you may enjoy special incentives, credits, and cash back just for booking far in advance. If you’re one to procrastinate – no worries, there are benefits for you too! If a cruise isn’t completely booked several weeks or so before the cruise is set to sail, prices are slashed. If you book last minute, you may enjoy savings up to 75 percent. Cruise lines will do anything to fill up those last few rooms!
Other ways to enjoy additional savings on a European cruise include: booking off-season, booking with a group/family, taking advantage of package deals, booking online, and booking with popular cruise lines that sail to Europe.
Keep in mind that most European Cruises sail during the spring, summer, and fall months, when the weather is pleasant. Cruise fares are most expensive mid-June through mid-August. Other times can be considerably cheaper, especially during colder months. There are several cold weather ports including: Gdanzk, Poland, and St. Petersburg, Russia. You can also enjoy savings on European cruises by booking on either the first or last cruise.
Some of the most popular cruise lines with frequent sailings to Europe include: Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America, Norwegian, and Celebrity Cruises. Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Oceania, Orient Lines, Princess Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Lines offer some of the best deals in the industry.
Besides special rates for groups and families, just about every cruise line has special rates for seniors. A senior is typically defined as a person who is 55 or older. The only drawback is, to lock in the special rates you can’t book online. You must call a cruise travel specialist or book directly with the cruise line. Keep in mind that proof of age is required.
For more discounts and deals on European cruises, visit any of the following websites or contact a cruise travel specialist:
Kayak.com
Expedia.com
Orbitz.com
Travelocity.com
VacationsToGo.com