One of the most popular types of international cruises on the market today is a European cruise. European cruises offer culture, history, scenery, and romance, as well as an opportunity for passengers to visit several different countries in a short amount of time.
There are more than 50 European ports of call and the types of European cruises are varied. The types of European cruises include: 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 are readily available.
Depending on a variety of factors such as season, cruise line, accommodations, itinerary, cruise ship, and excursions, a European cruise can be quite pricey. A European cruise, meaning just your ticket and accommodations, can easily add up to $1,000 or more per person. The good news is European discount cruises are available if you know when, where and how to look. Even better is: the popularity of a European cruise vacation just might work to your advantage.
If you want to save score a European discount cruise, there are a several tricks and tips that can help you maximize savings and discounts. One of the easiest ways to guarantee a European discount cruise is to book in advance. Cruise lines prefer advance booking, so you may enjoy special incentives, credits, and cash back just for booking far in advance. If you tend to procrastinate, European discount cruises are available to you as well. If a European cruise isn’t completely booked several weeks or so before the cruise departs, the cruise line will reduce ticket prices. If you book last minute, you may enjoy savings up to an impressive 75 percent.
Other ways to enjoy discounts on European cruises 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. Some of the most popular cruise lines sailing to European 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.
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 may also enjoy discounts on European cruises by booking a room or rooms on either the first or last cruise of the season.
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. To lock in special senior 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 information about European cruises or to book a European discount cruise, visit any of the discount booking search engines listed below or contact a cruise travel specialist:
Kayak.com
Expedia.com
Orbitz.com
Travelocity.com
VacationsToGo.com