And although the dollar is in dreadful shape against the euro, a
European river cruise still offers considerable bang for the travel
buck. Most voyages are all-inclusive, which means you'll know
beforehand exactly how much you'll spend. To lure Americans to
Europe, some companies are offering early-booking discounts, while
others have eliminated single supplements. The best buys are
typically early and late in the season.
"Given the difficult exchange rate, a European river cruise -
bought in U.S. dollars - is one of the year's best values for a
European vacation," says Susan J. Young, senior cruise editor at
Travel Agent Magazine. "You pay a flat rate and then enjoy all
meals, accommodations, transfers, cultural presentations, and, in
some cases, even shore trips and airfare for that one price."
A 12-day Blue Danube and
Prague itinerary offered by the cruise
company Uniworld, for example, begins at $2,248 per person double.
It includes round-trip airfare from the U.S. to
Europe, a
seven-night cruise in an outside cabin aboard the River Princess or
River Countess, all meals aboard ship, seven guided shore trips, an
escorted tour from
Nuremberg to Prague, three nights' lodging in
Prague, and more.
"Cruising has always been a great value in Europe," says Bob
Levinstein, CEO of CruiseCompete.com, which works with cruise
travel agents nationwide to help passengers find the best fares.
"River cruising is the best of both worlds. You'll see a lot of
places on an intimate basis - like you would with a car or coach
tour - but since most towns are built around the river, you usually
don't have to walk far to see the major sights."
HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR CRUISE