Europe Calling You?
Published Sunday, November 4th 2018 - Updated Tuesday, September 3rd 2019Have you been to Europe?
Now is an excellent time to begin planning that dream voyage.
Trans-Atlantic cruises in the spring or fall make it possible to avoid one-way of a long flight and jetlag.
Most will include at least a sunny island port or two along the voyage, whether in the Caribbean, Bermuda or the Azores, and then a couple of ports in Europe.
Cunard does express routes that take only a week, if you want to go to London for an English sojourn.
Perhaps you don't have that kind of time to spare. Remember that a half-day flying plus a half-day time zone change will take you to most parts of Europe. Fall to spring air prices (holidays excluded) cost much less than prime summer rates, so if you're on a budget, consider a trip to Europe in off-peak periods.
Most cruise ships have relocated to the warm weather of the Caribbean from Europe in the heart of winter, and river cruises shut down entirely in January and February due to the weather, but as someone whose first "once-in-a-lifetime" trips to Europe came when sweaters and overcoat were necessary, I can tell you that winter is less crowded and has seasonal charms of its own.
Most will choose summer for that dream trip to the Continent. Just remember to book early, or air prices can make bargain-priced cruises considerably more expensive than an advance booking with an air promotion or at least better air selection. Also, the best amenity packages come with advance booking.
Perhaps the best months to travel to Europe are May/early June and September/early October, when the weather is perfect. That's particularly true for river cruises. It's not a well-kept secret, though. Higher demand from savvy travelers makes those months the most expensive on the Rhine, Danube and other European rivers.
Ocean cruises, on the other hand, have not only those great Trans-Atlantic opportunities but Mediterranean and Northern Europe deals that can save you big compared to mid-summer, especially once off-season air is factored in.
And while I stress cruises, remember we also have guided tours that package affordable air with carefully curated regional adventures on which you gain deep understanding of the area rather than just the ability to translate offramp signs.
What's your European dream?
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