Why you should cruise Europe
There are many different ways to discover Europe and you may be wondering which type of touring is right for you. If you’re on a limited time schedule and want to pack in as much as possible, then cruising may be your best option.
• See more than one country, plenty of cities and lots of variety.
The main advantage for ocean cruising around Europe is that you can choose an itinerary that gives you everything you want. It is possible to visit many cities, passing in and out of several countries. Often Europe cruises will sail overnight so you can wake up in a new port each morning and get the whole day to explore. If you take a Mediterranean Cruise, you could be exploring Athens, Santorini, Sicily, Naples and Barcelona on the same trip! Other routes could see you walking the streets of London, then drinking wine at a vineyard in France or learning about Portuguese heritage in Lisbon. There is a route for everyone, so you can really get the most out of your vacation.
• You only have to unpack once so it doesn’t feel like you’re always moving around.
One thing you will really appreciate if you choose to cruise Europe rather than take a coach tour, train journey or other land options, is that you will only have to unpack once. Just imagine having to unpack and re-pack constantly in such a short space of time! With cruising, you have everything onboard the ship and you stay on the same ship for the length of your cruise. By staying in the same room for the duration of your trip, even though you are visiting several countries, you will feel comfortable and right at home.
• Less planning and more time to relax.
If you’re one of these people who finds planning the logistics of travelling a bore, then you will love cruising. This whole element is taken out of your hands. The cruise line is your accommodation, your transport, your restaurant and your tour guide! Depending on the line, you may have shore excursions included in your cruise or these might be optional at an additional cost. Enjoy flexibility easily – participate in planned shore excursions to get the most out of your day, or go independent and still have a taste of solo travel. No matter how you decide to spend your days, you can be sure that taking a cruise guarantees you less stress and more relaxation.
• It’s all-inclusive.
Most cruise lines have an all-inclusive fare, or offer deals that encompass all parts of your vacation. Fares may include flights, gratuities, alcoholic drinks, dining in specialty restaurants, room service, fitness classes and more! What you get will depend on the cruise line you choose, so it is worth figuring out which perks are most important to you. Parts of Europe are known for being expensive – dining and hotels in major cities can get quite pricey in summer – so taking a cruise may also save you money.
Are you considering booking a European Cruise? Can you see yourself wandering cobbled streets, admiring gothic churches or basking in the sun on a sandy shore line? If your answer is yes, then Europe is the perfect destination for you!
For help on finding the best itinerary and cruise line, please contact Deborah@lloydstravel.com or your favourite Lloyds Travel Agent. We can’t wait to help you plan your European adventure!
Written by Hannah Poaros