01 April 2008

Europe rated as most favoured cruise destination

Forty-two per cent of cruise holidaymakers plan to take a European trip within the next three years, a survey shows.

The poll of 1,400 travellers worldwide found the Mediterranean as the most favoured European cruise destination.

But the main deterrent to taking a cruise in Europe is cost, with the high exchange rate especially worrying American travellers (33%), as is the cost of the air fare (14%).

The most common cost-cutting tip given by cruisers is to either book early or last-minute.

Other popular suggestions include booking your own air and transfer arrangements, staying in a cheaper category of cabin, using a travel agent or cruise broker, and researching online.

When asked how to save money during a cruise holiday, the most frequent recommendations concern shore excursions, drinks and gambling.

The top tip is to arrange your own excursions and not take those organized by the ship.

Suggestions for avoiding hefty bar bill include smuggling a private supply on board, checking the bar tab daily, ordering the drink-of-the-day or purchasing an all-inclusive package. The recommendation for gambling is ââ¬' ââ¬ÅâœDonââ¬â¢tââ¬~.

More than 30% of respondents chose the Eastern Mediterranean (Athens, Istanbul, Greek Islands) as their favoured itinerary with 20% opting for the Western Mediterranean (Rome, Naples, Barcelona).

The survey by online resource Cruise Critic found that a quarter of people were most interested in visiting the Greek islands such as Santorini, Mykonos and Ios, while St Petersburg in Russia was second with nine per cent.

Rome (15%) and Venice (13%) were the most popular destinations for travellers wanting to add an on-land stay to their cruise trips.

More than half (51%) of the respondents said their preference was for a big ship with lots of activities and entertainment.

The next most appealing European cruise experience is on a small ship/yacht (31%) followed by a river cruise (19%).

Almost one third of respondents indicated that what they find most appealing about a European cruise is the opportunity to experience a variety of different cultures and attractions.

Another 27% said it was the opportunity to visit many different European cities/locations during one holiday.

ââ¬ÅâœAccording to our survey, Europe is a draw because cruisers can experience a variety of different cultures and attractions in one trip,ââ¬~ said Cruise Critic editor ââ¬'in-chief Carolyn Spencer Brown.

Top 10 European Cruise Ports, (in alphabetical order) compiled by Cruise Critic editors:

• Barcelona
• Copenhage
• Dubrovni
• Florence (Livorno)
• Istanbul
• London (Dover, Harwich, Southampton, Tilbury)
• Rome (Civitavecchia)
• Santorini
• St. Petersburg
• Venice

ââ¬ÅâœLondon, on the top 10 European ports list because it is one of the regions most dynamic and interesting cities, is also one of the most popular ports of embarkation in Europe. Travelling here to board a ship makes London a natural spot for a pre or post-cruise stay,ââ¬~ said Spencer Brown.

by Phil Davies

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