A different itinerary can make one cruise trip completely different from another.
That’s why I always say that cruises are beautiful because they are always new, they make you discover so many different places that would be difficult to see with a plane trip.
Today, we’re specifically going to talk about a very popular itinerary: European cruises.
As some of you may know I am European, so I want to give you some tips on the things you should know before you visit this beautiful continent. I hope you will find them useful.
1. Expect a Variety of Cultures and Languages
The first thing to consider is that Europe is made up of many different small states.
But not like the United States where all the states have the same language and a very similar culture.
Every European country is different: it has its own language, culture, traditions, and cuisine.
This can be both a plus and a minus point. During your trip, you will be dealing with different languages, and you may have difficulty communicating or understanding local customs.
At the same time, it will be great to be able to discover so many new things, move from one country to another in a very short time, and taste so many different delicious foods.
2. Currency Matters
Most European countries use the Euro, so it might be useful to change some cash in case you need it.
Clearly, I do not recommend bringing too much cash. You can always use payment cards which is recommended because pickpocketing is common in Europe, especially in big tourist cities.
If you are not sure about the amount to bring check the article on the right amount of cash to bring on a cruise.
In addition, consider that some countries don’t use the Euro. Among these countries are the United Kingdom and Norway, which are frequent destinations for Northern European cruises.
3. Prepare for Shorter Port Days
European cruises often pack a lot of ports into a short period, meaning you might have only a few hours to explore each destination.
I don’t know why the stops are so short in Europe. I suppose because the destinations are quite close and cruise lines try to put in as many as possible to attract passengers.
Anyway, try to plan in advance that things to see. Obviously, you will have to prioritize some things over others.
You probably won’t be able to see everything, but it will be a good reason to go back to Europe in the future.
4. Walking Shoes Are a Must
Many European cities, especially the historic ones, are best explored on foot.
The important thing is to pack comfortable shoes. Avoid flip-flops, crocs, or sandals. Prefer sneakers or footwear specifically for walking.
An important tip, which I had already mentioned among the 7 cruise packing mistakes everyone makes, is to avoid brand-new shoes.
Instead, prefer a pair of shoes that you have already worn, that has already taken the shape of your feet, and that you know is comfortable even after several hours of walking.
5. Tipping Culture Varies
Unlike in the U.S., tipping isn’t always expected in European countries, but it varies by region.
In places like France and Italy, service is often included in the bill, but rounding up a small amount as a token of appreciation is common.
6. Time Zones Can Be Tricky
Europe spans several time zones, and depending on your itinerary, you might jump between them frequently.
The countries that matter to us cruise passengers can have 3 different standard time zones:
- Western European Time GMT (United Kingdon, Ireland, Portugal)
- Central European Time GMT+1 (Includes countries like France, Italy, Germany and Spain)
- Eastern European Time GMT+2 (Includes countries like Greece, Finland, Romania, Bulgaria, and others.).
Remember that most cruise lines operate on “ship time“. It is set at the departure and doesn’t follow the time zones of the different ports.
Therefore, be careful about the time at which you need to return to the ship. I have already explained to you what happens when you miss a cruise ship.
7. It’s Easy to Explore on Your Own
Unlike cities you’ll find in the Americas, European cities are much more pedestrian-friendly.
It’s usually very easy to explore them on foot, and there isn’t always a need to book a specific excursion.
You just need to plan a little in advance, select the things you want to see, and any transfers.
Public transportation is often reliable and affordable, and walking is a good way to discover hidden gems and characteristic views of cities.
It’s also a good thing if you wanna save money during your cruise.