Cruises around Europe are very popular, and can be a relaxing and comfortable way to visit some of the world’s most amazing cities and coastal resorts and there are a number of ways in which you can get cheap, affordable European cruises even if you are on a tight budget.
· Pick Your Time – with cruises timing is crucial when it comes to cost, and booking in the off-season and shoulder seasons (October through to May) can save you a lot of money, and often the weather is still good on the shoulder seasons. It is also a good idea to book as far in advance as you can, as the best discounts offered by cruise operators are almost exclusively on very early bookings, or if you are flexible about when you can travel you could also try booking as late as possible as cruise liners will be keen to fill up empty rooms and will be offering some good discounts for last minute bookers.
· Repositioning Cruises – if you are not fussy about your destination or the length of your European cruise then you could look out for repositioning deals, which is when a ship is moving from one seasonal route to another. Rooms can be booked at cost price during these journeys, to help offset the costs of moving the ship to its new destination, but remember that these are likely to be longer journeys with a lot of time at sea between port calls, and there may not be as many onboard activities on offer during these trips.
· Hidden Costs – you must make sure you examine each cruise booking carefully before you make any commitments, as what may seem like a cheap deal at the time could end up costing you a lot of money in terms of fees and surcharges. Check what meals and onboard activities will be included in your ticket price, and also how much the offshore excursions will cost. It can be a good idea to book and pay for a number of activities and excursions before you depart, and this will help you to avoid getting carried away and running up any expensive charges whilst you are away.