Hitting all the highlights of Europe while only having to unpack once – sounds like a dream, right? On a cruise to Europe, this could be your reality. Europe is home to limitless culture and some of the most stunning ports of call in the world, and cruising Europe is one of the most efficient and economical ways to experience the continent’s beauty – made all the better If you’re able to snag a good deal! Most people will tell you that you’ll find the lowest prices during the shoulder seasons, and they would be right. Though the summer months of June through August are popular times to cruise, the high volume of travelers sends prices soaring. Coupled with higher temperatures and larger crowds, this season is one to avoid if you’re looking for a bargain.
Look instead at the prices from April to June and September to October and beyond, and you’ll find a huge difference. These off-season periods see smaller crowds, milder weather, and fairer prices, which make any cruise vacation more enjoyable. Whether you’re looking to sail the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Baltics, or one of Europe’s many waterways, here are the cheapest times to cruise Europe.
The cheapest time for Mediterranean cruises
Cruising the Mediterranean is one of the best ways to see the area. You’re sure to catch a lot of historic sites as well as gorgeous scenery while you sail, as there’s much to see in this culturally rich region. Mediterranean cruise itineraries can often be jam-packed with activities, with ships calling at lots of scenic ports that double as quintessential European destinations like Rome, Barcelona, Venice, Dubrovnik, and the Greek isles. You’ll also discover lesser-known highlights like Palma de Mallorca, Kotor, and Gibraltar.
Cruises run year-round in the Mediterranean, so anytime can be the perfect time for a Mediterranean cruise, but prices will be highest during the peak months of July and August. A better option is to go during the shoulder seasons, late spring from March to June and early fall from September to October. But, since Mediterranean cruises run year-round, a trip during the winter months can lead to unexpected magic at a fraction of the price. Cruises tend to call at more southern ports during winter months, when the weather remains fair, though not as hot as it would be in the summer. That means if you were hoping to see the unique beauty of the Canary Islands or the colourful contrasts of Morocco, set sail in January or February for a winter getaway. The fall months of September and October are a great time to cruise if you want to experience wine and food festivals around Tuscany, as these months are when the area’s wine crop is at its peak and ready for harvest. If Tuscany is calling your name, make sure to plan for a stay before or after your cruise from Rome, as you can’t cruise directly to Tuscany.
The cheapest time for Northern Europe and Baltic cruises
Northern Europe is home to vibrant towns and stunning natural wonders, and cruising the area is a wonderful way to get a taste of all the area has to offer. From the quaint beauty of the British Isles to the majestic fjords of Norway, you’ll find sailing here a calming and pristine experience. Cruises in this area usually hit classic Scandinavian cities like Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Helsinki, as well as popular Northern European destinations like Hamburg, Bruges, and Amsterdam.
One of the biggest draws of cruising the Baltic is that most itineraries include a stop in St. Petersburg, which is a great way to get a taste of the city. Accommodation and other costs in Scandinavian countries can be pricey, so having your own floating resort to go back to at the end of the day is a cost-effective and convenient way to tour the area.
While things will be chilly, the Baltic sea doesn’t freeze, and you’ll have an incredible experience at a lower cost. The sailing season starts for the year in April and runs through September, and the summer months of June, July, and August are often in high demand. Go during the shoulder months of April, May, and September and you might be in for a treat – not only are crowds smaller and prices lower, but some cruises will go north of the Arctic Circle, giving you a chance to glimpse the spectacular northern lights.
The cheapest time for European river cruises
River cruises have been surging in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. Cruising Europe’s waterways can plunge you right into the heart of the continent, minimizing travel time between ports and attractions. With European rivers being the cheapest in the world to cruise, the Rhine and Danube are the cheapest to cruise in Europe. You can also discover the Seine, the Rhône, and the Main, among countless others – wherever there’s a river, there will undoubtedly be a river cruise.
The sailing season starts in March and runs through December, and unlike with ocean cruises, prices drop as the temperatures rise in July and August. There’s no shortage of things to see during those months, either – while prices will increase for special events, this is the perfect time to catch the tulips in Amsterdam in April and early May, and holiday Christmas market cruises in November and December are the most affordable way to enjoy a river cruise and get into the holiday spirit at the same time.
With a bit of good timing, it’s easy to get a great deal on a cruise holiday! Where will your next cruise take you?
