TIPS ON PLANNING YOUR EUROPEAN CRUISE
Why you may want to choose a European Cruise
Planning a trip to Europe can be overwhelming. There is so much information available and it takes time to do all the research necessary to plan an amazing trip. At Euro Travel Coach, we are all about making the planning process fun and easy. For some travelers, that means taking a cruise!
On a Rhone River cruise at Avignon, France
Europe offers fantastic cruise destinations for lots of reasons. A European cruise – either a river cruise or an ocean cruise – can be a terrific vacation option for a first-time traveler to the continent or for someone who has been to Europe many times. It’s a great fit for those who want to see the art, history and natural beauty of Europe without having to navigate the roads and train stations, differences in languages, or planning where to stay and where to eat. It’s also awfully nice to only have to unpack once and still get to visit multiple European destinations. And if you have mobility issues, a cruise can make your trip to Europe much more feasible and enjoyable.
How to Plan a Great European Cruise
If you have decided that a European cruise is the right way for you to enjoy the diverse cultures, stunning landscapes and delicious foods European countries have to offer, we’d like to offer you some helpful tips to ensure you have a fantastic time on your adventures in Europe.
Decide Where You Want to Go in Europe
Just like when planning any trip to Europe, you’ll want to decide on your priorities. Consider the destinations you want to visit. Europe has numerous ports of call, and each one offers a unique experience. Whether you want to explore the romantic streets of Paris, taste the delicious wines of Italy, explore the history or Great Britain, reflect on lessons learned in Normandy during WWII, or take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Greek islands, there’s something for everyone. We recommend that you think about several European destinations and create a list of what you think you want to see and do most. Decide on your your must-see sights and activities. Then you’ll be in a good position to find a cruise itinerary that takes you to as many of those places as possible.
The Hungarian Parliament Building from the Danube, Budapest, Hungary
Decide When you Want to Go to Europe
How much time do you have for your cruise? When can you go? What is the best time of year to travel to the specific European destinations you want to visit? Ask yourself these questions as you move on to the next step. You’ll want to choose the right time of year to go on your cruise.
Europe has different seasons, and the weather varies from country to country. Depending on your preferences, you may want to go during the summer months when the weather is warm and the days are long. Or you may enjoy going during the winter when the crowds are smaller, the prices are lower, and the spectacular Christmas markets are in full swing.
Would you prefer to sail into the midnight sun in Scandinavia in the summertime or give yourself a chance to see the northern lights during the winter months? When to go and for how long depends on what you most want to see and do while you are there, the amount of time you have available, and your budget.
Which Cruise Line would you Like to Use for your Cruise to Europe?
We really like Viking for a European cruise because they do such a great job of exposing travelers to the unique culture in each destination. We always learn a lot when traveling with Viking. It is the “thinking person’s cruise, not the drinking person’s cruise” (although the wine & spirits on board are also excellent). But if you are traveling with children, Viking would not be the best fit for you, as you must be at least 18 to sail with them.
Greg and Betsy above the bay at Kotor, Montenegro with the Viking Sun in port
We like Viking, but there are lots of fantastic options! Other cruise lines offer different experiences. You will want to select the right cruise line and ship. It’s essential to choose one that matches your preferences. Some cruise lines cater to families with young children, while others focus on luxury and relaxation. Some, like Viking, include 1 excursion with each destination, while also offering options for other excursions at an additional fee. Other lines charge for every excursion.
It’s important to know how close you will be to the destination port in choosing your excursions vs exploring on your own. If you purchase an excursion through the ship, make sure transfers are included for you. With Viking and most other cruise lines, they are.
Once you have selected your cruise line, you will want to choose the ship that suits your needs and budget. Having a trusted travel advisor can be an enormous help as you make these decisions. It doesn’t cost you any more than booking online and you have an advocate and trusted advisor who will help you sort out all the details. Just knowing that you don’t have to spend time on hold with the cruise line to make your plans can be a big help, and sometimes it’s just nice to be able to talk about your travel dreams with someone who knows Europe!
WHEN SHOULD YOU BEGIN PLANNING YOUR EUROPEAN CRUISE?
The answer to this question is: as soon as you narrow down all the above and make your decision! We recommend making your reservation as early in the process as possible. This will give you the best opportunity to book the stateroom that you want. If you see a cruise line offering a special price on a cruise you know you want to be on, that is also a great time to book!
We have clients who book just a few months before travel and others who make their reservation more than 2 years in advance. Whenever you decide you want to make your reservation is the right time. Just know that if you wait, the stateroom you really want may no longer be available. The most popular itineraries tend to book up quite early.
The Viking Venus at the Isles of Scilly, England
Have a Fantastic European Cruise!
Planning a great European cruise requires some research and careful consideration. By following these tips, you’ll be able to create an itinerary that suits your preferences and ensures that you have a fantastic time exploring this beautiful continent. Please let me know if Euro Travel Coach can help you with your plans for an amazing European cruise! Drop me an email and let’s start talking about where you would like to go! I love to talk about travel!
Betsy Ball – Betsy is co-founder and partner of Euro Travel Coach (ETC), which crafts custom European vacations for independent travelers and leads small group trips to Europe. She is a passionate and culturally curious traveler who thoroughly enjoys sharing her love for exploring Europe with ETC clients. Prior to founding ETC, Betsy taught International Business at Tarleton State University in Texas (part of the A&M System) where she led study abroad trips to multiple European countries and other worldwide destinations. She retired from teaching in 2017 and since then, Betsy and her husband, Co-founder and Partner, Greg, have been traveling through Europe multiple times per year for as many as 9 months at a time. She has a degree in hotel, restaurant management from Michigan State University and an MBA from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. She also holds a Level 3 certification from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust.
There is no time like the present. Planning a trip to Europe now means that you will experience it now, before it changes. Return later and see what's new! This is a reflection piece on why the Best Time to Travel to Europe is Now.