Europe tops cruise holidays

Cheaperholidays.com Cruise holiday report: Forty-two per cent of cruise holidaymakers plan to take a European trip within the next three years, out survey shows.

The poll of 1,500 travellers worldwide found the Mediterranean as the most favoured European cruise destination. The top cruise bookings are with Thomson Cruise

Popular cruise booking suggestions include booking your own air and transfer arrangements, staying in a cheaper category of cabin, and booking 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 – “Don’t”.

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 Cheaperholidays 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.

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.

“According to our survey, Europe is a draw because cruisers can experience a variety of different cultures and attractions in one trip,” Brown.

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

· Barcelona

· Copenhagen

· Dubrovnik

· Florence (Livorno)

· Istanbul

· London (Dover, Harwich, Southampton, Tilbury)

· Rome (Civitavecchia)

· Santorini

· St. Petersburg

· Venice

“London, 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,” said Spencer