Tips For Planning A European Cruise
Posted on August 21, 2008 - Filed Under Travel for less talk
Sailing on the high seas can be a truly exciting experience especially when you have so many different ships and itineraries to choose from. Traveling to Europe is even more exciting as it is not as common as cruising the Caribbean, and many people think of this as a trip of a lifetime. There are three main areas to consider when selecting your cruise. The Mediterranean which includes ports of calls such as Spain, France, Italy, Turkey, and Greece. Northern Europe which includes Britain, Scandinavia, the Baltic’s and Russia and a Transatlantic cruise which travels from Europe to the Americas.
Some may wonder where to start when thinking about taking a European cruise.
Travel agents are very helpful in assisting you when planning your vacation. There are many travel agencies who are very familiar with the wide array of cruising options available. If you decide not to use a travel agent, you can also book
Here are some ideas to consider when selecting your European cruise vacation:
1. Decide which length of cruise is for you by looking on the internet or through a brochure for your cruise options. You will find a great selection of cruise lines and itineraries ranging from 7 days to 16 days. Remember if you’re a first time cruiser then it’s best to choose a 7 day cruise just so you can get used to the idea of cruising. Nothing is worse than being on a 16 day transatlantic cruise with very few ports of call when you don’t have good sea legs.
2. Travel to Europe can be tiring and due to the different time zones and jet lag, you might want to take full advantage of your trip by staying a few extra days before or after your cruise. There will be many hotel options available to choose from. It will be far more economical for you to book and pay for your extra nights in your home country than to try and change your travel plans when you get there.
3. Establish what month you want to travel. Most if not all European cruises run from April to October. There is no specific month that can guarantee 100% perfect weather, but if you don’t like the heat then avoid the Mediterranean in the summertime as temperatures can reach as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Determine if you’re selecting a cruise for the ship or the itinerary. If you are a veteran cruiser then the ship could be the most important element, as you cherish the service and the amenities of the ship. If you are first time or limited cruiser then the itinerary will be most important. Select ports of calls that are of the most interest to you. Once you narrow down your top two itineraries then you can look at the ships that match them.
5. Research the cruise line and ships that you have selected. Determine if they cater to the type of cruising you would like to do. Are all of the amenities you want available on the ship you’re looking at? Since you are sailing the Mediterranean is it important to have a putting green or an ice skating rink on your ship? Also look at the size of the ships, they vary and although large ships offer more to do on board they can be intimidating and tiresome. Generally the smaller ships sail the Mediterranean more often than the larger ones, because the larger ships are still being used in the Caribbean during the same time period.
6. Research shore excursions. All cruise lines offer shore excursions at each port. When you travel so far it’s important that you research each location and review the highlights. You want to make the best of your trip to Europe. Spend the money on the excursions because with the limited time you have in each port, and the difficulty to get around, it would be too time consuming for you to try to tour on your own.
7. Ensure that you are aware of what you are booking. If you select “cruise only” that means you have to find your own air transportation and transfers to your port of embarkation. Most prices shown in the brochure and on the internet are listed as cruise only prices. In all cases adding airfare to Europe can change the cost of your trip significantly. Therefore think carefully when you decide which port of embarkation you want to use. Does it cost more or less to fly into Spain, England, or Italy. Keep in mind that if there is a flight delay on the airline you have selected and you miss your cruise, you or your travel agent are responsible to get you to the next port of call or you will have to forfeit your trip.
8. If you select the “air sea program” with the cruise line it means that they will provide transportation and transfers for you. The bonus to this is if the flights they select are delayed they will find a way to connect you with the cruise. The disadvantage could be that they will not always select non-stop flights. You may have to travel via one or two other countries before you arrive at your final destination.
9. When selecting cruise ports keep in mind that on most European cruises the time spent in the ports of call are can be short. Therefore you need to carefully choose your options prior to leaving the ship to tour. Visiting historic sites and architecture are the highlights of a European cruise. There is also a lot of walking involved, be prepared for this. Pack good walking or running shoes in your luggage so you are ready to tour well in advance.
10. Passports are required for all European cruises for Canadian and U.S citizens. There are however some locations such as Russia where visa’s will also be required. Clarify this information with the cruise line or with your travel agent way in advance.
11. Currency what do you bring on your cruise? It is suggested that you change your money into Euro’s when you take a European cruise. All on board purchases and room charges will be paid for or charged to your account in Euro’s.
Shirley Merith is a certified travel professional with over 20 years of travel industry experience. She is also a college professor, professionally trained public speaker and freelance travel writer.
For more travel related information contact smcreates@gmail.com
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