Some 60% of cruises are in the Caribbean and I’m certain the Mexican Riviera is a close second.   But after they take their first seagoing vacation in one of these two areas cruisers ask their agent for recommendation of new areas of the world to explore by ship.   My five favorite cruising regions are best visited by ship or boat because you’ll see much more than you would by taking a land tour.    And, my picks for the best ships in the region that deliver the best exploration of the region.

1.  Alaska.   Combine the most spectacular scenery on earth with wondrous sights not found anywhere else and you’ll get a glimpse of what awaits on an Alaska cruise.  From calving glaciers to soaring eagles, whales breaking the surface, bears fishing for salmon and moose grazing on shore the experience of Alaska will remain with you always.  You’ll fly to either Seattle or Vancouver to begin what is, for many, the voyage of a lifetime.   Favorite cruise line: CruiseWest, which operates a fleet of small ships carrying fewer than 100 people.   The smaller the ship, the closer you’ll get to the spectacular flora and fauna.

2. Hawaii. What I discovered on a one-week cruise, sailing round-trip from Honolulu, was a tropical paradise with more natural beauty and diversity than I’d ever dreamed. Each port was distinctive, and my shore-side activities ranged from going to the top of the world’s largest volcano to a high-speed zodiac ride along Kauai’s Napali coast, with hundreds of dolphins leaping around us as we navigated into caves and marveled at the sheer cliffs that line this part of the island.  Norwegian Cruise Line sails year-round on seven-night Hawaii cruises from Honolulu.    Favorite Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of Aloha, the only ship sailing on seven night itineraries round-trip from Honolulu.

3. The Panama Canal. The “path between the seas” is considered to be one of the greatest engineering projects ever undertaken. It is awesome to stand on deck as your cruise ship is raised and lowered in locks on the nine-hour journey between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans as you inch through the Panamanian jungle. The 48-mile canal, which opened in 1914, accommodates 40 ships per day ranging from private yachts to large container ships.  While the full canal voyage between the Caribbean and Mexico is 14 days, you can also opt for a ten- or 11-night cruise sailing round-trip from Florida on Princess and Royal Caribbean.   Favorite Ship: On a ten-day itinerary,  Princess Cruises‘ sister ships Coral and Island Princess.  Carrying 1970 passengers,  the ships are mid-sized and very spacious inside.

4. The Greek Islands/Turkey. Spectacular beauty and world-famous antiquities abound on a one-week cruise to Greece and Turkey. From Kusadasi, Turkey, it’s a short ride to the 2,000-year old city of Ephesus, where a two-story ancient library lies at the end of the main thoroughfare, still marked with chariot tracks. In Delos, a short hop from Mykonos, you’ll walk among the 7^th century BC ruins of what was once the capital of the ancient world. Santorini is my pick for the most spectacular Greek island. You’ll sail into the bay — a huge volcanic crater — then ascend 900 feet to the winding streets of Thira, a tiny terraced town overlooking the Capri-blue Mediterranean.   Favorite Cruise Lines:  Oceania Cruises, with 640 passenger ships, Windstar Cruises and Star Clippers.   Size does matter in Europe because you don’t want to disembark in port with thousands of other passengers.

5. The Baltic. Every port in this varied region called the Baltic is loaded with history, culture and tradition. From the opulent palaces of the tsars in St. Petersburg to Stockholm’s breathtaking harbor and historic walking area and Copenhagen’s spectacular Tivoli Gardens, few cruising regions offer such diverse treasures. Best of all, most ships dock right in the center of town, allowing you to hop off and explore on your own. A beloved port is Stockholm, built on 14 islands with charming meandering streets lined with stores selling glass.  Favorite Cruise Lines: Oceania Cruises, Holland America.  Pick the smallest ship possible that gives you multiple days in St. Petersburg, Russia.

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Two ships, Liberty of the Seas and  Grandeur of the Seas, will sail their maiden Europe seasons from Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca, Spain, respectively.  Independence of the Seas will continue its year-round service from Southampton, U.K. and, with Liberty of the Seas, make two Freedom-class ships to sail European waters as the largest and most innovative cruise ships.

Navigator of the Seas,  Voyager of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, and Splendour of the Seas will sail a variety of Mediterranean itineraries, while Jewel of the Seas and Vision of the Seas will ply the Baltic and North seas.

2011 Cruise Tours Announced

Vacationers also can choose a Royal Caribbean Europe cruise tour, which combines a cruise with a land package.  Options include a  three-night Italian Lakes and Venice, four-night Paris and London, four-night Madrid and Barcelona, five-night Venice, Florence and Rome, or a four-night Istanbul and Cappadocia land tour itinerary. Each land tour is escorted and ground transfers, hotel reservations, city tours and some meals are inclusive.

Freedom-class Ship in Barcelona

Liberty of the Seas will begin its first Europe season at Barcelona with nine short roundtrip sailings, four- and five-night Western Mediterranean itineraries.   Then Liberty of the Seas will offer a repeating seven-night Western Mediterranean itinerary for the remainder of the season.  Sister-ship Independence of the Seas will offer year-round Europe itineraries for the second consecutive year, beginning with alternating 14-night round-trip Eastern and Western Mediterranean sailings from Southampton, U.K.   The ship will then sail 11-night Canary Islands itineraries in autumn and 18-night Ultimate Mediterranean itineraries during the winter months.

In 2011, Voyager of the Seas will offer new seven-night round-trip itineraries from the City of Canals, opening for booking at a later date.   Sister-ship Adventure of the Seas will home port for a second year in Malaga, Spain, offering a seven-night Western Mediterranean itinerary through early autumn, followed by six five-night sailings alternating a Mediterranean with Canary Islands itinerary.   Navigator of the Seas, meanwhile, will offer a seven-night roundtrip Eastern Mediterranean itinerary from Rome, which includes a call at Chania (Souda), Greece, a new port for Royal Caribbean.

Grandeur of the Seas will offer vacationers two brand-new alternating seven-night itineraries, Western Mediterranean and Italian Mediterranean, sailing roundtrip from Palma de Mallorca, a new homeport for the cruise line.  Brilliance of the Seas will return to Barcelona on alternating 12-night roundtrip Mediterranean sailings, which feature maiden calls at Italy’s Naples (Salerno) and Ravenna, a new port offering more choices of tours to Milan and Florence.

From Istanbul, Turkey, Vision of the Seas will offer six roundtrip sailings in autumn 2011 on new 10- and 11-night Holy Land itineraries.   Splendour of the Seas will  home port at Rome (Civitavecchia) and offer a variety of itineraries, including new 12-night roundtrip Mediterranean Holy Land and Mediterranean Egypt cruises. The Egypt itinerary features a two-day overnight call in Alexandria Egypt.

The summer Baltic season for Jewel of the Seas will offer vacationers a range of 12-night roundtrip itineraries from Harwich, England, to Scandinavia and Russia.  Ports of call include Copenhagen; Stockholm; Tallinn, Estonia; and an overnight at St. Petersburg, Russia.  Vision of the Seas, meanwhile, will offer a range of three- to seven-night Baltic and Scandinavia itineraries sailing from Copenhagen, Oslo, or Stockholm. On the June 11, 2011 sailing, Vision of the Seas will make a maiden call at Liverpool, England.

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1. CRUISERS CONTINUE TO BOOK AT THE LAST MINUTE

According to a November, 2009 American Express survey of 405 member travel agents, 79% of customers are waiting until the last minute to book travel as a way of scoring the best deals. As long as the cruise industry continues to steeply drop cruise fares a month or so before departure the public will be conditioned to wait as long as it takes to score a deal.

AMEX travel agents also say that many travelers are choosing more “all-inclusive” types of vacations such as all-inclusive hotels and resorts (seen by 43% of agents) and cruises (seen by 40% of agents)

*** I personally think it’s better to book a cruise four to six months in advance, especially when your heart is set on a balcony cabin or suite. These staterooms sell out first and those who wait may only find inside and outside accommodations available.

*** Always factor in incentives offered by travel agents such as on-board credit, free gratuities and, in some cases, free airfare and shore excursions. Cruise enticements like these can lower the total cost of your cruise significantly.

2. LOWER CRUISE FARES WILL CONTINUE TO BE THE NORM

In its fourth quarter earnings report, Carnival Corporation forecast 2010 fares to be flat or up a bit.  An executive of the company, which owns Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America, Princess, Seabourn, Costa and Cunard, said that while bookings are the strongest they’ve ever had, prices haven’t increased. According to Jeffrey Sherota, Sr. Vice President of Cruises Only, “ in 2010 we’ll see a gradual increase but prices won’t rebound to 2007 levels for a while.”

The cheapest prices continue to be Mexico cruises due to the number of high-capacity ships repositioned to this region and lack of itinerary options. Unless you want to cross the Pacific to Hawaii (five days of sea travel), cruisers must settle on taking 3-, 4- and 7-day voyages along the coast of Mexico. Cheap? We’ve seen a few seven-day Mexico cruises starting at $199 per person, double occupancy.

3. FEWER SHIPS IN ALASKA

Alaska cruising has changed more than any other popular destination.  While for years the average annual increase in passengers was a healthy 12%, the number of cruisers dropped significantly last year. Much of it was price related: not only are airfare and shore excursion very pricey, but the State of Alaska levied a $50 per person tax. Last year, cruise lines began pulling ships from this region or basing them in Seattle for the season because airfare is lower.    With fewer ships you’ll likely find prices a bit higher in 2010, but there will still be lots of bargains.

According to the Anchorage Daily News, “the cruise industry — the biggest player in Alaska tourism — is sending fewer ships to Alaska next year due to the taxes and environmental restrictions approved by voters three years ago. That will mean roughly 140,000 fewer cruise ship passengers for Alaska.”  Last summer you could get a one-week Alaska cruise for fares starting around $350 but rates may be higher in 2010 because of decreased capacity.  Your best option is to pick a ship sailing round-trip from Seattle because flights are more convenient and less expensive.

4. NEW LARGE SHIPS ADD TO CAPACITY

According to Micky Arison who heads Carnival Corp., in 2010 capacity in the Caribbean will increase by double digit numbers due to the influx of new mega liners such as Carnival Dream and RCI’s Oasis of the Seas plus a steady steam of enormous new vessels entering service during the next 12 months.

In 2010 we’ll continue to see brand new mega ships enter service.  Norwegian Cruise Line debuts the 153,000 ton Norwegian Epic, Celebrity Cruises introduces Celebrity Equinox (an identical sister ship of Solstice) and Royal Caribbean continues to trump all its competitors by welcoming Oasis of the Seas‘ sister ship, the 6200 passenger Allure of the Seas.

Other new ships are Holland America’s 86,600 ton Nieuw Amsterdam, sister ship of Eurodam, MSC Cruises’ 93,300 ton MSC Magnifica and Cunard Line’s brand new Queen Mary at 92,000 tons.

Fortunately there are still a few small ships entering service, including the 450-passenger Seabourrn Sojourn, which joins the ultra luxury fleet of the Yachts of Seabourn.  American Cruise Lines, which specializes in small ship cruising off the beaten path welcomes two new vessels,
104-passenger Independence and the 210-passenger Pearl Mist.

*** 5. WILD CARD: AIRLINE FARES AND CAPACITY

When I flew to Fort Lauderdale to board Oasis of the Seas last November the airport was mobbed already thanks to the addition of a 6,200-passenger ship.  Will this airport be able to handle another influx of passengers when sister ship Allure of the Seas starts sailing from the same home port this year? And, will consumers decide they don’t want to fly to take a ship because air travel is too much of a hassle after Christmas Day terrorist incident and subsequent new security measures?

In the end, it’s airfare prices that will determine whether many people can afford a cruise this year. Airlines cut capacity in order to keep fares as high as possible and this can make or break cruises departing from major cruise home ports like Florida.

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Alex Gaynor celebrated her tenth birthday on a Royal Caribbean ship docked in Mykonos, which will certainly be a memorable experience. Travel writer Luisa Frey Gaynor decided her daughter was old enough to appreciate what she was seeing and to spend long days of touring.

“I’m a big proponent of learning outside the classroom,” Luisa says. “I can’t think of a better way to bring history and cultures to life than taking kids to Europe. Cruising in Europe is a perfect way to see the historic sites because you have all the kid comforts, such as youth programs and kids’ menus, while taking full day tours to see the attractions of many countries.”

Cruise lines are accommodating families by revising children’s scheduled activities so they open before tours depart. In some ports, younger children may stay aboard ship while their parents take teens ashore for the full day. Among the most popular family excursions are a full day in Rome and Florence and those that focus on the antiquities of Greece and Turkey. Mediterranean itineraries present the opportunity of alternating an intensive day of sightseeing with a more relaxing day at the beach.

Increasingly, cruise lines are offering new shore excursions targeted at families. For example Princess’ “Family Adventure with Boat Trip” in Istanbul is a private yacht trip along the Bosphorus stopping at the Blue Mosque , a Turkish tea house and shopping excursion to the Grand Bazaar. The “Family Adventure Ephesus and Beach Club” includes a tour of the ancient ruins followed by an afternoon at a private beach club. Special family swimming outings are available in many Greek ports while during a port stop in Naples, a beach break is combined with a tour of Capri.

While most families choose the Mediterranean because there are so many recognizable sites, other areas are growing in popularity. For example, Carnival’s newest ship, Carnival Splendor, will debut in Northern Europe this year with an itinerary that features an overnight stay in St. Petersburg, which will be popular with passengers of all ages.

The best part of taking children to Europe on a cruise ship is that history comes alive in a way they never experienced before. Teens studying ancient Greece or Rome will find a trip to the Parthenon, Coliseum or the ruins of Pompeii will leave an indelible mark. As Luisa Frey Gaynor points out, “The best part of taking your children to Europe via cruise ship is that history comes alive in a way they never experienced before.”

And when they return to the ship after a fun day ashore, your children will have a great deal to share with new-found friends at the vessel’s youth facility. And while it’s wonderful to visit the world’s greatest historic attractions, it’s comforting to come back to food you know and sleep in the same bed. Probably the biggest advantage to taking children on a Europe cruise is the relief from moving hotels and adjusting to new food.

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Like Solstice, Celebrity’s Equinox will have the bells and whistles that have impressed travel agents such as a full deck of grass with foliage, croquet and Corning Glass Works glass factory; larger staterooms and a new category of staterooms, AquaClass, which have spa-inspired amenities.

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But what I learned after 9/11 is that cruise lines are the most resilient segment of the travel industry.   For example, if there’s a problem in Istanbul a ship can quickly be moved to Baltimore or wherever travelers are willing to board.  And cruise lines can at least make sure the crew gets paid by luring you aboard with rock bottom fares.

I’m sure that, like most Americans, you’ve put a hold on spending money on non-essentials.  However, sooner or later you’re going to realize that a vacation IS  essential:  we can put off buying a car for another year but simply must get away from CNN, CNBC or whatever source of news that tells us how much worse off we are today than yesterday.

With that in mind, here are a few tips for keeping your wits and having a fantastic cruise as you navigate the “new normal” in cruising.

*** You no longer feel comfortable making future plans because your spouse could loose his/her job or an aged parent may get ill.

Solution. Travel Insurance such as Travel Guard and Access America, which you can buy directly or through your travel agent, will cover cancellation costs should either of these situations occur.

*** You’re cutting back costs as much as possible.  What are the best ways to save money on a cruise vacation.

Solution: Here’s one thing you don’t do:  pick a ship based on price alone.   The rarest commodity of all is your time.  If you pick a ship because it has the lowest price and wind up hating the food, service and your accommodations, you’ve wasted both time and money.   For example, if you love Holland America you’ll probably hate Norwegian Cruise Line.   Keep this in mind:  every cruise line is in the same boat when it comes to being effected by the economy.  I’ve seen very low starting fares starting at $65 per person, per day on some Celebrity and Holland America departures.   This is when it pays to find a very seasoned cruise agent!

*** If you booked your cruise four + months before departure, don’t be surprised to run into fellow passengers who are paying significantly less for the same category stateroom.  When faced with a half-full ship, cruise lines will steeply discount fares close to departure.   A travel agent told me that the only cruise lines that sometimes refund money are Royal Caribbean\Celebrity\Azamara.  The other cruise lines don’t ante up refunds…..although a good travel agent will fight for serious upgrades.

Solution: It’s your job to keep track of discounts and then call your travel agent a few weeks before departure so he/she can try to get you upgraded.  Of course, it’s also your job to book your cruise with a terrific travel agent.

And I don’t want to hear complaints that the cruise lines are trying to rip you off!!  It’s no different from buying a sweater at full retail Oct. 1 and finding the same sweater on sale for 50% less a month later.  You don’t expect a store to give you a refund, so why do you expect it from a cruise line?

*** Some cruise lines have cut back on food and services.   For example, there is a surcharge for the majority of restaurants on Norwegian Cruise Line’s ships, including the Italian pizzeria and Tex/Mex restaurant.  For higher quality food than what is served in the main dining rooms (at no extra charge) be prepared to spend roughly $150 per person more for a one-week cruise.   Aboard Royal Caribbean’s ships, you’ll find a $14.95 surcharge for steak in the main dining room.

Solution: Pick a higher end cruise line, such as Princess, Holland America or Celebrity.  You’ll find steep discounts on these ships too but fewer surcharges tacked on.

*** Since the economy is so bad we should cruise close to home instead of taking the Europe cruise we always dreamed of taking.

Solution: Wrong!  For years there was an over-capacity of ships in the Caribbean so cruise lines sent them to Europe.  In 2009, there will be such an over-capacity of ships in Europe you should find terrific buys on Mediterranean, Baltic, Black Sea and Aegean cruises.   Expect fares to start falling in early 2009 and be ready to bag a terrific deal.  Also expect airfares to be more reasonable, at least that’s the way it looks from here.

You may not feel up to booking a cruise this week, but chances are those steep discounts will be irresistible to pass up.

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Long popular with cruisers seeking more in-depth itineraries aboard a small ship with single, open seating and guest lecturers, Orient Lines has announced that 2009 itineraries range from 11 to 37 days in duration are priced from $2,399 per person, double occupancy, including free air from selected North American gateway cities.

2009 Itineraries

Highlights for 2009 include cruise-tours which begin or end with an included hotel stay in Berlin, plus calls at the lesser-known ports of Szczecin, Poland; Villagarcia and Bilbao, Spain; Bordeaux and Hornfleur, France; Murmansk, Russia; Sarande, Albania; and Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria, England. New itineraries will include overnight stays on board ship in selected ports. With two full days, passengers have time to see the pyramids from Port Said, shop for bargains in Istanbul and Lisbon, explore the classical treasures of Rome and Athens, or visit St. Petersburg and Copenhagen.

In the fall, Marco Polo II will be deployed to South America and Antarctica.

Marco Polo II

Orient Lines was founded in 1992 and offered cruises to exotic locals for over a decade with the Marco Polo until the ship was sold last March. The company was purchased in June, 2008 by Wayne and Judy Heller who acquired a new flagship, Marco Polo II

Built in 1969 as the 24,981- ton Maxim Gorkiy, the ship has been refurbished and will receive further enhancements before her re-christening as the Marco Polo II in April, 2009.  With a total passenger capacity of 788 passengers, the ship has an ice-class hull for polar cruising and staff comprised of European officers, American and British social staff and Filipino hotel staff. 

Enrichment lecturers and gentlemen social hosts are also on board to enhance each voyage. The ship will offer single seating dining in the main dining room as well as a French and Italian brasserie.

Of the 325 staterooms, 65% are outside and 35% inside (22 suites; 188 oceanview and 155 inside cabins).  All accommodations have two lower beds; mini bar; satellite TV; safes; hairdryers and private bathrooms.  Some 158 staterooms are triples and four cabins hold four passengers. Suites also feature sitting areas, twin sinks, bidets and terry cloth bathrobes.

Passenger facilities include swimming pools (one indoor, one outdoor); a cabaret; cinema; gym; piano bar; self-service laundry; massage therapists and yoga plus enrichment lectures. 

To make a reservation on Orient Lines’ new Marco Polo II see a travel professional or call toll-free 800-333-7300. For more information visit the Orient Lines’ web site.

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If the current strong booking pattern holds into 2009, it’s time now to start thinking about next summer’s Europe cruise if you want to secure the ship, date and cabin of your choice.

On a Europe cruise the focus is much more on what’s ashore; the ship is secondary. You work! You go ashore at 8:30 a.m. and you are walking or driving until late afternoon. Conversely, in the Caribbean there are more days at sea and the focus is on the ship and all its facilities, activities and entertainment. On Europe cruises, many passengers skip the floor shows and head for bed earlier, exhausted and in need of rest for the next early morning.

Here are my three most important criteria in picking the perfect ship for a Europe cruise:  1) Itinerary, 2) Time in port and 3) dress policy.

When comparing ships, check the length of stay in port — you’ll want as much time as possible in sightseeing-intensive destinations.  How many times in your life will you visit cities like Venice and Florence? 

On a Baltic cruise, the two best ports are Stockholm and St. Petersburg.  In the latter city, aim for a ship that stays in port three days instead of two.  Trust me, there is so much to see that you’ll want a longer visit.)

These days, more and more cruise lines are eliminating or greatly reducing nights when formal wear is required.  If you don’t want to lug along a suitcase full of fancy dress, check the suggested attire of vessels.  

On a Europe cruise, you may want to skip the extra cost of a balcony cabin since the ship is in port nearly every day.  Better to spend the saved money on shore excursions (very pricey here) and shopping. Another critical area is shore excursions.  Princess is my pick for the best excursions available. They have an edge over other cruise lines because of the volume of passengers they carry each year.  They have first shot at the best guides, can demand special treatment and have the ground arrangements perfected.  

The perfect Europe ship will offer casual dining in the Lido restaurant at night, important when you’re too tired from sightseeing to get dressed up and dine for several hours. Princess, Oceania and Norwegian Cruise Line offer the best casual dining options.

Have you cruised in Europe?  Any recommendations on the best ship for this region?

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Oceania operates three 680-passenger ships, Regatta, Nautica and Insignia.

Highlights of the 2009 European collection include stops at maiden Ports: Hellesylt, Norway; Fowey, United Kingdom; Biarritz, France; Koper, Slovenia; and Split, Croatia.
 
** Renowned chef Jacques Pépin sails aboard Insignia from Barcelona to Istanbul on August 9. With a mix of intriguing ports including Egypt and the Holy Land, this voyage will include special culinary demonstrations, wine lectures and exclusive shore side events.
 
** 5th Annual Oceania Club Reunion Cruise – departing from Rome on October 5, 2009, this extraordinary 12-day voyage call on a dozen ports in five fascinating countries. With a stellar line-up of ports that includes Venice, Cinque Terre, Dubrovnik, Kotor, and Monte Carlo to name just a few, Oceania Club members will be feted with exclusive cocktail parties, members-only lunches and dinners, private shore excursions and additional surprises.
 
** A New 16-day Venice-Rome voyage highlights the scenic splendor and intriguing history of the Dalmatian Coast. Insignia sails from Venice to Rome on May 15 and calls on Koper, Split, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Corfu, Sarande, Valletta, Taormina, Sorrento, Amalfi, Florence, St Tropez, and Cinque Terre.
 
** Regatta returns to Scandinavia and Russia and sails to Norway and the British Isles for the very first time. A 12-day Norwegian Fjords and British Isles cruise sails roundtrip from Dover on July 13 and calls on Edinburgh, Invergordon, Alesund, Hellesylt, Belfast, Dublin, Waterford, and Fowey.
 
** A new 14-day Egypt and Israel itinerary sails from Barcelona to Istanbul and includes Tunisia, Malta, Greece, Egypt, Israel, Cyprus and Turkey. This voyage departs aboard Nautica on June 27, Insignia on August 9 and Regatta on October 31.
 
** Four new Grand Voyages that span all of Europe and South America. Guests may sail from Venice to Stockholm; Barcelona to Venice, showcasing virtually the entire Mediterranean; Istanbul to Miami; and Rome to Rio de Janeiro.
 

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First of all, I’d never say cruises are the best way to stretch your dollar in Europe.  My brother and sister-in-law searched airfare on Kayak and nailed a $1,000 round-trip flight to Bologna ($500 per person below the standard airfare for peak season travel).  He and his wife have rented a lovely apartment for $700 for a week.  He’ll hop on and off trains to get around.  This probably beats the price of any cruise.

I agree with many points Wendy makes.  Europe cruisers get a brief glance at many countries.  She says that shore excursions are “ridiculously overpriced”.  As I’ve written before, purchasing shore excursions in every port will drive your final tab up astronomically.  

However, Wendy is writing as if travelers are all the same.  There are plenty of folks like my brother who prefer to make their own arrangements and travel around Europe on their own.  Many of these folks wouldn’t be caught dead on a cruise ship.  Cruisers, on the other hand, love the creature comforts a cruise ship provides, waking up each day in another port and are delighted they don’t have to worry about accommodations, meals and sightseeing on their own.

In the end, Europe cruising can be highly affordable if you use Google to search out  sightseeing options in each port before departure, skip the ship’s spa, art gallery and boutiques.

What’s your opinion of Wendy’s article?  Do you think Europe cruises are the best way to stretch your vacation dollar? 

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