For most of us, it’s a little satisfying that a Europe cruise booked in dollars is frequently less expensive than a land holiday paid in euros. The cost still appears high when you consider countless dollars in cruise ticket and flight charges, when you pick up the bill for aboard goods, and when you inquire for the check at that cute onshore cafe.
By renting a cabin on a Europe sailing, you implicitly commit to spend a particular amount of money. However, you can save some euros by making wise selections before and throughout your trip. Read on to learn the strategies for booking European cruises within your budget.
Plan it in Right Time
The variety of cruise lines and European itineraries available creates an equally diverse range of cruise pricing. The lowest fares are typically found during the shoulder seasons of May, October, and November, while prices rise throughout the summer.
If you have a free schedule, sailing during the off-season allows you to conserve earnings while reducing overcrowding. Also, when new itineraries are revealed, cruise lines always drop the price, so making reservations a year or two in advance will always save you a lot of money.
Cruise Line Matters
European cruises are port-intensive, with up to six port stops every seven-day itinerary. With a longer stay on land and less hours on board, it’s important to make the most of your vacation expenditures. Think about a mainstream rather than a premium line for your international cruise. Europe itineraries are typically jam-packed with ports of call, so you will spend less time aboard the ship.
Additionally, prominent cruise lines are starting to assign their latest ships to the Mediterranean rather than the Caribbean, so you won’t have to worry about obsolete facilities or a lack of modern conveniences. You will have to share the ship and ports, but it will be worthwhile to achieve the lowest per-day fees possible. Furthermore, when you arrive in port alongside a mega-ship, the benefits of sailing on a smaller and costlier ship are partly diminished.
Find Your Own Transportation
If you need to travel further afield, most European cities offer excellent public transportation, with trains and buses available that will bring you to your destination. It is crucial to consider the number of persons in your group when determining whether to take a private vehicle or public transportation to the cruise port. If you’re traveling with a large group, it may be more cost-effective to schedule a taxi or shuttle to the port.
Just remember to get an international driving permit before you travel, and that an automatic transmission will cost you more money. These DIY options are generally less expensive than the cruise line’s shore excursions and provide you more control over your daily activities.
Keep Airfare Cost Low
Don’t forget that flight is a significant portion of your Europe cruise expense.It’s no secret that flying across the water can be pricey for budget-conscious travelers. Flying a day or two day early into the port city of your cruise will save you money on airfare while also accounting for unanticipated air delays and jet lag.
Also,Transatlantic airfares are steadily rising, so that an affordable last-minute cruise deal may become a budget buster when you try to book a trip barely a month in advance. Consider a round-trip cruise (departing and returning from the same port) rather than a one-way voyage to save money on flights. A round-trip ticket is normally less expensive than two one-ways, though your cruise operator may provide discounted or even complimentary flights with your reservation.
Forgo the balcony Cabin
In Europe, you can choose a cheaper inside or outside accommodation over a balcony cabin. Unlike an Alaska cruise, the ship will not be cruising through spectacular landscape at all hours. Positioning yourself promptly the top decks for viewing the ship pull into port, and if you’re longing for outdoor dining, find a table near the pool.
Wrapping Up
It’s difficult to find European cruises with a lower per-day cost than a Caribbean vacation, but don’t let that deter you from investigating all of your money-saving choices. The more intelligently you spend, the more you’ll relish your trip–and the more money you’ll have left over for your future vacation.
