TRAVEL TIPS

Europe by Cruise Ship

Whether you live in the U.S. Australia, South America or elsewhere across the pond and beyond, a first trip to Europe could be daunting. With so many things to do and see and with a variety of languages foreign to you, a cruise ship can provide a more relaxing and convenient way to sample the landscapes of Europe without getting too lost in translation.

For example, many of the most popular sites in Europe are accessible to cruise travelers, if not by ocean, then by river. Most of Europe's major cities were built right on the water and are an impressive sight from the deck of a ship.

Most cruise ships sail at night and arrive in the next port of call early in the morning, allowing for a full day of sightseeing. Guided tours are available to most of the main tourist destinations in each port, or you can explore on your own. Either is more relaxing than renting a car, driving in a foreign country, and trying to navigate your way around an unfamiliar city.

One of the perks about staying aboard a cruise ship is that you only have to unpack once instead of packing and unpacking several times over several days or weeks on a land tour. And if you're uncomfortable staying in countries where they don't speak your luggage, a cruise ship gives you that comfort by having a home away from home that you take with you from country to country.

Currently, the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Euro or British pound is not good for American travelers. European hotels and restaurants are much more expensive than comparable North American accommodations or food. Since most cruise ship fares and onboard prices are based on the U.S. dollar, the cost does not seem as high as when items are priced with the local currency.

A cruise in Northern Europe could be made up of several different itineraries for differing length of days on different styles of cruise ships. You could choose a cruise for as short as three days in the British Isles aboard a ship in Royal Caribbean International's fleet, or a 31-day cruise from London/Dover to Copenhagen aboard Crystal Cruises. Northern Europe offers destinations like the Baltic Sea and Russia and Scandinavia of Fjords. For a little more heat, head to the south, for the Mediterranean, Turkey and the Black Sea.

Even though you're situated in one place, with the occasional stop-off, it's a safe bet to remember your travel insurance for complete piece of mind as you venture to shore. AA Travel has a good single trip insurance to cover you on your cruise-holiday.