Europe to Draw More Cruisers This Summer If you’re planning a European cruise for the summer of 2011, you’ll be in good company. Actual booking data from Cruise Holidays offices throughout North America show that more vacationers are planning to cruise Europe this summer than Alaska, which has traditionally topped Europe for passenger count.
While the appeal of Europe is certainly based on its fabulous ports, fascinating history and modern attractions, it’s helped by the fact that European cruises represent good value. A recent survey shows that Cruise Holidays’ experts agree three to one that, for now, European cruises deliver greater value than Alaskan cruises. Cruise Holidays’ data also show that the average cost of a 12-day Mediterranean cruise has steadily dropped since 2009. The average cost per day across all stateroom categories is down to $222 per person, compared to $262 in 2010 and $290 in 2009.
European cruises are also popular among experienced cruise passengers. While first-time cruisers often choose the Caribbean or another destination close to home, many of those who have experienced the comfort and convenience of a cruise vacation are ready to head to Europe.
In addition to value and convenience, one of the best things about cruising Europe is that so many popular cities and sights are accessible via cruise. Many of Europe’s major cities were built on the water, and approaching from the sea offers fantastic views.
Two of the most popular European cities to visit via cruise ship are Barcelona, Spain, and Rome, Italy. Barcelona is a vibrant city where you can spend a wonderful day simply walking through the distinctive neighborhoods, admiring the mix of Gothic and modern architecture. You can also browse the flower and produce stands of Las Ramblas and pause to enjoy some tapas (small plates of delicious food) with a glass of sangria.
Rome’s ancient ruins, precious artworks and religious sites give it the feel of a giant living museum. You can sightsee, shop, indulge in gelato and pasta, and experience a bit of la dolce vita (the good life) that abounds in Rome.
Because both Barcelona and Rome are located in the Western Mediterranean, you can easily visit both on the same cruise. There are several other regions of Europe to explore by cruise, including the Eastern Mediterranean, the Western Coast, the British Isles, the Baltics and Scandinavia. To consider all of your options for a European cruise, talk with your personal cruise expert.
St. Petersburg - Stay More Than A Day
A cruise of northern Europe includes many must-see ports, such as the Scandinavian capitals of Copenhagen, Stockholm and Helsinki. You may also want the itinerary you choose to include St. Petersburg – to see this Russian city on the Baltic Sea is truly an extraordinary experience. St. Petersburg is the city of the tsars, founded by Peter the Great. It was the capital of imperial Russia from 1712 until 1914 and still contains many of Russia’s greatest cultural treasures. When visiting St. Petersburg, it’s important to book shore excursions through your cruise travel agent, which will assure that you are dealing with the best operators. Exploring St. Petersburg on your own can be difficult, and you may need a Russian visa, which you would have to obtain in advance of your cruise. The most famous of St. Petersburg’s many attractions is The Hermitage, the world’s second-largest art museum (behind the Louvre). The museum’s incredible collection includes Botticellis, Michelangelos, El Grecos, Rembrandts, Renoirs and much, much more. One of the four buildings that make up The Hermitage is the stunning Winter Palace, which is beautifully restored. Other landmarks of St. Petersburg are St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the Peter & Paul Fortress, the Russian Museum, and a number of spectacular imperial palaces surrounded by parks and gardens. Because there is so much to see, many visiting cruise ships spend one or two nights docked in St. Petersburg. You can use the evening hours to see some legendary Russian ballet, take a boat ride along the city’s canals or even visit a nightclub.
When you visit St. Petersburg, be sure to dress for the weather – most of the museums and attractions are not airconditioned, so wear lightweight clothing on warm days. Take a bottle of water with you, as local water supplies may cause a case of "traveler’s tummy.” Stay with your tour guide – if you wander on your own, it may be difficult to find
someone who speaks English to assist you. Your personal cruise expert can provide more information about visiting the city of the tsars.
Revisiting the Titanic The sinking of the cruise ship Titanic on April 15, 1912, will be commemorated next year by at least two cruises that will visit the spot where the mighty ship went down. The ship was thought to be unsinkable, but on its maiden voyage from Southampton, England, to New York, the Titanic struck a massive iceberg. The ship sank less than three hours later off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, with the loss of about 1,500 lives. A British travel firm has chartered a ship for a Titanic memorial voyage departing from Southampton, England, on April 8, 2012, and ending in New York. The entire cruise will be steeped in Titanic history, with menus, music and entertainment much as they were on the Titanic. After a stop in Cobh, Ireland, the ship will arrive at the spot where the Titanic sank, where a memorial service will be held. The ship will then call on Halifax, Nova Scotia, where passengers can visit cemeteries where Titanic victims are buried. Azamara Club Cruises will send the Journey from Boston on April 9, 2012, to the spot where the Titanic sank. Bill Willard, who developed the remote-operated vehicle (ROV) used to explore the sunken ship during the 1998 Titanic expedition, will be on board, along with authors and historians who have studied the Titanic. Passengers can attend a variety of lectures and presentations on the history of the ship, its passengers, and expeditions to the site of the wreck. On April 14, an expedition ship equipped with an ROV will meet the Journey at the sinking site. The ROV will dive to the wreck and relay live video images of the resting Titanic. While the sinking of the Titanic was a tragedy, it prompted changes in ship design and communications that have benefitted cruise travelers ever since. After the Titanic, ships were built with double hulls and taller bulkheads for watertight compartments. Wireless communication devices became mandatory for ships at sea, enabling crews to obtain weather reports, check their locations with precision and call for help in emergencies. While the doomed ship had enough lifeboats for only half of its passengers and crew, today’s ships have enough lifeboat space to accommodate everyone on board – another legacy of the Titanic.
Cruise Pricing Still Favors Consumers
Does cruising still represent a good vacation value? According to actual cost data from Cruise Holidays, the answer is a resounding "yes.” Cruise Holidays recently determined the average daily cost per person of three popular cruise destinations (Alaska, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean) for the past three years – and found that cruise prices for 2011 remain very affordable. See the cost comparison below:
Average Cruise Cost per Person, per Day*
2011
2010
2009
7-day Alaska Cruise $248
$230
$255
2008
$259 7-day Caribbean Cruise
$126
$147
$171 $159
12-day Mediterranean
$222
$262
$290
$269
Cruise
*Average of all categories of cruise lines and staterooms. Includes only the cruise portion of each booking; excludes airfare, shore excursions, etc.
Of course, in addition to price, you should take other factors into account when selecting a cruise vacation. You’ll want to consider various destinations and itineraries; whether to sail on a cruise line or ship you haven’t experienced before or revisit one that you enjoyed; and maybe upgrade to a balcony stateroom or suite. Still, in making your decision, it’s helpful to know that cruise prices remain attractive and provide great value. Remember that the basic cost of your cruise includes your accommodations, meals, entertainment and lots of fun and amenities on the ship.
To help ensure that you can secure the cruise of your choice at the best possible price, book as early as possible. Cruise prices tend to rise as the sailing date draws closer, so advance booking is always a good practice, especially if you have your heart set on a specific cruise and sailing date. Talk with your personal cruise expert about the best cruise values available right now.
Cruise Holidays Offers Vacationers Many Choices
Cruises are perhaps the most popular of all vacation choices. It’s not only the lure of exotic destinations, but also affordable packages that attract people to a cruise vacation. Here’s a list of popular destinations likely to be preferred by cruise vacationers this year. A survey conducted by Cruise Holidays has revealed that the Caribbean Islands are likely to be the most favorite destination among cruise vacationers this year. Needless to say, the tropics have always been popular among cruise vacationers. The Caribbean islands with their beautiful beaches and warm breezes attract millions of travelers from all over the world. If you’re interested in a tropical get-away make sure you’ve checked with your travel advisor and see what is the best travel deal. Royal Caribbean Cruises, for example offers a complimentary spa treatment and $100 credit for travelers booking a stateroom on the Oasis of the Seas. The Royal Caribbean cruise will depart from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to visit Nassau, Bahamas, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, Phillipsburg, and St. Maarten. Europe is another popular cruise destination. Cruise vacationers, especially experienced cruisers, are drawn to Europe because of the chance to visit several destinations at one time. Cruise lines like, Holland America Cruises have introduced several amenities for its European cruise destinations. Holland America Cruises announces its new ship, “Nieuw Amsterdam” will offer 12 night cruises in the Mediterranean while the “Eurodam” will concentrate mostly on northern Europe. Alaska is a great cruise destination for vacationers, who like to take the unbeaten path. Untouched Alaskan wilderness, glaciers, and wildlife are sure to tempt adventure seekers. Both Princess Cruises and Holland America have combined land and cruise tours that will let you experience wild Alaska both on land and sea. Make sure you have contacted your Cruise Holidays travel agent to decide which would be the best Alaskan cruise to book. Cruise Holidays, has been in the cruise travel business for over 26 years, and have helped thousands of travelers plan their ideal cruise vacation. For more information, please visit: http://www.cruiseholidays.com