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Transatlantic
Cruising Europe seems expensive, and the sticker shock often scares away potential clients that will often spend just as much money (or more) on a land tour, or an independent (Car Rental and Bed and Breakfast) vacation. It is best to take the cost of the cruise, and break it down into a "per diem". Simply put, divide the total cruise cost by the number of days, and evaluate the daily cost. How much would you pay for four and five star accommodation in city centres (where your ship often docks)? Add in the cost of meals, and remember to compare the quality of those meals to cruise fare, and remember that Europe is ridiculously expensive in these areas. Factor in car rentals, taxes, insurance, gasoline, and parking if you are going to rent a car. Airport transfers, tour escort tips, meals not included in tours, and the premiums charged on beverages in European cities are often forgotten costs on coach tours. If you truly look at the full cost of a European vacation of similar quality, cruising is suddenly more affordable than you may have thought. The additional advantages of having the facilities and entertainment on board, the lack of packing and unpacking, no driving, and outstanding quality and cleanliness are other big advantages. The disadvantages of less freedom to change one’s itinerary, or "go at your own pace" are more than offset by the number and diversity of the ports of call.
Transatlantic crossings offer unbelievable value when viewed from a per diem cost – lower than almost any holiday you can imagine. Heading from North America or the Caribbean to Europe in April, and back again in November, these longer duration cruises are popular with repeat cruisers who have the time. A few ports of call are worked into the itinerary at either end, but inevitably, the cruise has several days at sea in a row. While this sailing is not as calm as a Caribbean or Alaska cruisse, most transatlantic crossings take the southern route, where seas are not nearly as rough as the shorter North Atlantic crossings made by transportation ships decades ago. The cruise lines have a lot of trouble selling these sailings, also because of the awkwardness of the airfare, and they often turn them into theme cruises of some kind (comedy, jazz, big band). The duration of these cruises attract an older clientele, and the pace on board is far slower than any other cruise. If you are planning a longer trip to Europe, or if you are simply visiting relatives overseas, what a great way to get there! If you have the time, this is an experience you should try; the money is certainly not an obstacle.
