European Cruises

If you are planning a European cruise then you want things to go as smoothly and simply as possible. To aid you in planning your vacation we’ve put together this handy checklist for you to reference. Check out our cruise preparation guide below:

Choosing a European cruise

Before you get to all the minor details like what to pack for a cruise you first need to decide where you are going. Here are some of the criteria to consider when choosing a cruise vacation package:

• First, make a list of European cities that you would like to visit on your trip. Are there any particular cultural or historical sites you want to see? By defining this upfront you can quickly narrow down your options when putting together an itinerary.
• Figure out how much you can afford to spend on a cruise. Obviously we all wish we were rich and money was no object, but for the vast majority of us we have to operate within the constraints of a budget. Before you get too far in the research process we first need to consider your financial limitations.
• List your expectations of the ship itself. Though your vacation is going to focus mostly on the wonderful ports of call you will visit you will be spending a great deal of time aboard ship as well, so you want to make sure it has all the amenities, luxuries and activities you desire to keep you comfortable and entertained throughout your voyage. Research dining options, entertainment, fitness facilities etc. to make sure the ship you are choosing conforms as closely as possible to what you want.
• Compare cruise lines. There are literally dozens of European cruise lines and they vary widely in terms of luxury and cost. Determine if you want to book with one that carries thousands of passengers and is more like a floating Las Vegas hotel than a boat, or whether you want a more private and exclusive experience aboard an ultra luxury yacht.
• Make your choice. Once you’ve used the above criteria to narrow down your options you should be left with a very short list of options. Find the cruise that gives you the most bang for your buck. Do you want an all inclusive cruise? What sorts of shore excursions do they offer? These details will help you make your final decision.

Booking a European Cruise

• If you regularly use a travel agent to plan your trips then contact them, outline the option you’ve chosen, and see what kind of deal they can get you. Don’t stop there, however. Research online to see if you can find any discounts or last minute cruise deals, either on third party websites or the website of the cruise line itself. By exploring all available options you’ll be certain to find the best deal possible.
• Go ahead and book your cruise, making certain to select multiple options for your cabin choice in descending order of preference. Unfortunately you won’t always be lucky enough to get your first choice, so by making a backup plan you won’t wind up spending your vacation in a cabin that doesn’t match your wants and needs.
• Make airline and land travel arrangements that will coincide with the start and end of your cruise. Be sure to leave plenty of time in case of a schedule change or any unforeseen delays.
• Thoroughly review the literature that comes with your cruise package and plan your itinerary, including any dinner reservations, shore excursions, classes or activities that you will want to partake in during your vacation.

Packing For Your European Cruise

Make sure your travel documents are in order. If you are an experienced traveler then odds are you already have a passport. If you do not make sure to start your passport application well in advance of your departure date to ensure you have it time for your vacation. The cruise line will generally take care of any visas you may need for the countries you will visit on your trip, but don’t leave anything to chance. Be sure you know exactly what sort of documentation you will need.

Make multiple photocopies of your passport, your driver’s license and all travel documents. Keep one set in your carry-on luggage, one set in your stowed luggage, and leave one set at home with a friend or relative in case loss or theft. I also recommended scanning the documents and emailing them to yourself at a web-based email address. This way you can quickly pull them up online if you can’t reach your contact back home.

Make a list of emergency contact numbers. Your bank, physician, lawyer, credit card company, and emergency contact person should all be listed to make it easy for you or those traveling with you to contact the appropriate authorities in the event of loss, theft, health issues, or legal problems. Hopefully none of these things happen, but it is always best to be prepared.

Visit your pharmacy and make sure any prescription medication you are taking is filled to last the duration of the cruise. Trying to fill prescriptions when traveling in foreign countries can be a major hassle, so make sure you have enough to last until you get back home.

Pack your clothing, accessories, and toiletries. What you bring will depend very much on your cruise itinerary and the time of year you are traveling. Obviously a summer Mediterranean cruise is going to require a much different wardrobe than a Norwegian fjords cruise. Even if you are traveling in the summer months take one set of warm clothing in case of inclement weather. Also, depending on which cruise line you’ve chosen formal wear may be required at dinner, so pack suits or tuxedos for the men and evening gowns for the women. Try to pack as light as possible to avoid having to pay surcharges for overweight luggage or extra bags at the airport. Mix and match your clothes and accessorize with lightweight jewelry, hats and scarves.

All these details may seem overwhelming, but they are a necessary evil if you want to get the most out of European cruise vacation. By doing your research thoroughly and being prepared for any eventuality you can relax and enjoy a vacation that you will remember for the rest of your life.

Related posts:

1. European Cruises - What To Take With You
2. Planning a European Cruise - Everything You Need to Know
3. What To Pack For A Winter European Cruise
4. Norwegian Cruise Deals - Where To Find Them
5. European Cruises - What Choices Do You Have?

Filed under: European Cruises, Mediterranean Cruises, Norwegian Cruise, Planning a Cruise