Cheap Cruise Vacations in Europe

Posted by Henk Bekker May 30, 2008

Cruising has long been popular with American travelers especially to the Caribbean Islands and Alaska. Although cruises have been available in the Mediterranean and to a lesser extend the Baltic Sea, European cruises have mostly been a very minor part of the cruising calendar of American-focused cruise lines.

However, cruising in Europe is increasingly popular with both European and American travelers. This is at least partly due to dollar weakness and exchange rate uncertainty. Cruises have the advantage that most costs are included upfront and much of the extras can be calculated in advance.

Many independent travelers scoff at the idea of cruising as a vacation to explore destinations. However, for travelers with limited time and the desire for an all-inclusive package, cruises offer a viable alternative to traditional bus tours. Cruise prices, especially with early-booking discounts can be very price competitive and there is generally no reason to worry about the standard of the hotel or the quality of food on offer. Unpacking once has its appeal too.

Royal Caribbean reckons that around 15% of Americans have tried a cruise while the figure for Europeans is only 3%. Many American-based cruise lines have increased their presence in Europe – both to capture the dollar-paying as well as European market.

It seems Europeans are also appreciating the luxury and endless attractions available on the new mega-boats to the cheaper European lines with often cramped cabins and average food. On some “American” boats, Europeans will be in the majority this year to lend an authentic European air to these cruises.

• Popular cruise routes in Europe include rivers such as the Rhine and Danube, the Mediterranean Sea, the Baltic Sea, around the British Isles, and to the Canary Islands.