Best Things to Know Before Booking a Mediterranean Cruise, Travel Tips

Table Of Content

• Where does a Danube river cruise start and end?
• Consider booking tours through third-party sites.
• Danube river cruises: an ultimate guide to cruising Budapest and beyond
• What are the best things to do on a Danube river cruise?

Other hotspots along the Danube include the verdant Wachau Valley in Austria, which tumbles down to the riverbanks; and medieval Esztergom, Hungary’s former capital, which is home to the country’s largest church, Esztergom Basilica. Some ports of call, like Nice, France, were easy to get around, but others like Rome were packed to the gills. Going early or late in the season usually means you'll have more tolerable weather and smaller crowds in some of the big destinations like Athens.

Where does a Danube river cruise start and end?

After taking my first Mediterranean cruise last year, here's what I think everyone should know before booking the route.

Consider booking tours through third-party sites.

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Our seven-night Danube river cruise with Lucy Worsley departs from the city of Engelhartszell in Austria before calling at Vienna (pictured below), the pretty town of Esztergom in Hungary and Budapest. You'll then loop back down the river, calling at Slovakia's capital Bratislava and the Wachau Valley in Austria before returning to Engelhartszell. The Danube is a year-round destination with the exception of January and February, when few cruise lines operate here. Summer, when the weather is hottest, is peak season and as a result Europe’s cities are particularly crowded.

Danube river cruises: an ultimate guide to cruising Budapest and beyond

On a river cruise, you can discover multiple destinations – and even get to the heart of them with a guided tour, should you wish – in just one trip, all the while returning to the same luxurious stateroom and comfy bed each night. If the ship docks in a secondary location and you have to travel to the big tourist destinations, I always book excursions through the cruise line. For instance, the day my family and I explored Rome, the ship docked in Civitavecchia, Italy, and we had to take a two-hour bus ride into the city. Mediterranean cruises can last anywhere from seven days to two weeks, depending on the company and itinerary. Booking every excursion through the cruise line can add up, but luckily, there are typically more affordable options through third-party companies. Cruising Europe’s waterways is a great way to see more of the region in a short period of time than you might do by land, and a river cruise can be the ideal introduction to cruise holidays for first-timers.

Going early or late in the sailing season means fewer crowds and better weather.

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Its banks are lined with dramatic, unspoiled landscapes, postcard-perfect towns and villages, and grand, opulent cities. Take a river cruise down this majestic river and you’ll encounter some of the world’s most stunning countryside, including the UNESCO-protected Wachau Valley, along with an array of fascinating cultures. If you're looking for a unique excursion that still gives you the highlights of a European city, I recommend booking a food tour.

Good Housekeeping's seven-night itinerary sails in September, when the weather should still be balmy and dry, but the summer hordes have gone home. Among the companies offering cruises along the Danube are A-ROSA Cruises, with whom we have partnered to bring you our remarkable river cruise. A-ROSA has 20-plus years of experience in sailing couples, families, groups and solo travellers along some of Europe’s loveliest rivers in laidback style, giving you lots of freedom to explore port stops at your own pace.

The tours are usually led by locals, which means the guides can also give you some good recommendations if you have time before you need to return to the ship. Food tours can be booked through third-party travel operators, like TripAdvisor or Viator, and offer the chance to see some of the major landmarks of a city, try local dishes, and learn some history all in one outing. Some of the major European tourist destinations have strict dress codes — typically everyone must at least cover their shoulders and knees out of respect. As someone who's taken over 50 cruises all over the world, I know firsthand how popular cruising is this year. But one seabound itinerary people often forget to add to their bucket lists is a Mediterranean cruise.

If you love dazzling landscapes, magnificent architecture and fabulous food, a Danube river cruise is hard to beat. Exploring Europe by water requires no internal flights and train rides and eliminates schlepping around with your luggage in tow. The Danube either flows through or delineates part of the border of Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova and Ukraine.

One of the highlights of any Danube cruise is the Austrian capital, Vienna, with its musical heritage, imperial palaces, array of art museums, stunning Lipizzaner stallions, and delectable cuisine (a slice of Sachertorte chocolate cake is a must when in town!). Booking with the cruise company guarantees your return to the ship, even if your excursion runs late. But I only book with third-party operators if the ship docks right at the city I want to explore because I never want to miss the all-aboard time.

Many cruises traverse the stretch between the capital cities of Vienna, Austria and Budapest, Hungary, starting or ending at either location. My biggest tip for any cruise — but especially for Americans traveling to Europe for a Mediterranean cruise — is to arrive at your embarkation city at least a day before your sailing starts. Danube cruises can be great value, with our cruise through Austria, Hungary and Slovakia starting just over £2,000 per person for a week. All meals and drinks, including sparkling wines and cocktails, are included, as are snacks and afternoon tea. Join us on our seven-night Danube cruise and you’ll sail aboard A-ROSA FLORA, which boasts an onboard spa offering beauty and body treatments, gym, spacious sun deck, heated outdoor pool, outdoor restaurant with canopy top, bar and dancefloor, lounges and plenty of evening fun.

Short vs long cruises: Here's how they compare

Table Of Content

• Are the lengths of river cruises different from ocean cruises?
• Are There Any Restrictions on the Height of Cruise Ships?
• How do cruise lengths vary by region?
• Exactly How Big Is a Cruise Ship? Does Size Really Matter
• Implications for the Future: Inspiring Sustainable Practices Across Industries
• Are There Any Other Archeological Sites in Miami Besides the Miami Circle National Landmark?

Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas is the first ship in the Quantum Ultra-class, which is a subset of Royal's Quantum-class. Spectrum of the Seas has 16 total decks (14 guest decks) and 2,137 staterooms. Costa Toscana is Costa Smeralda's sister ship, meaning the two ships are identical in size. Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion. This ship contains 2,747 staterooms and can accommodate 5,000 guests simultaneously.

Are the lengths of river cruises different from ocean cruises?

The Oasis-class vessels include some of the most renowned names in maritime history. The Harmony of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, and the record-breaking Wonder of the Seas have set new standards for the length of the biggest cruise ship. To illustrate, here’s a comparative view of their imposing dimensions and guest capacities. For families and adventure enthusiasts, the sheer size of a cruise ship encompasses intricate designs that cater to the desires of every guest. Just imagine the floating metropolis of a cruise ship, providing a seamless blend of rest and play, all within the reach of a few steps. In determining how big a ship is, we listed the size, category, and which cruise lines had the best ratings.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Height of Cruise Ships?

Now, let’s turn our attention to the towering giants of the sea, cargo ships. While cargo ships can be incredibly lengthy, with some reaching lengths of over 400 meters (1312 feet), these vessels differ from cruise ships in design and purpose. Cargo ships prioritize capacity and efficiency for transporting goods, whereas cruise ships prioritize leisure, entertainment, and passenger comfort.

How do cruise lengths vary by region?

Whatever size of cruise ship you choose, be sure that it is from a reputable line and exceeds your expectations for what a vacation should be. This type of ship is promoted across generations with a “we have something for the entire family” appeal. Popular spots will be flooded with people, so crowds should be expected while docking at ports, as well as at pools, spas, and one-time events such as shows and performances. While there isn’t a strict maximum length set universally, ship sizes are often restricted by the capabilities of shipyards, port facilities, and maritime safety standards. Larger ships tend to consume more fuel and produce more waste, which can lead to a greater environmental impact. However, many newer, bigger ships are incorporating advanced technologies to mitigate these effects.

Exactly How Big Is a Cruise Ship? Does Size Really Matter

With these grand dimensions come greater responsibilities to protect passengers and crew, and the maritime sector is rising to the challenge with remarkable safety solutions. The marvels of engineering have enabled the cruise industry to construct vessels that are grand in scope and ambition. As we drift from port to port, these behemoths of the sea redefine our interpretation of travel. When one measures the grandeur of cruise ships against the formidable might of an aircraft carrier, it becomes a fascinating study of function meeting luxury.

For avid cruisers and curious onlookers alike, the future promises waves of excitement, discovery, and more sustainable adventures on the horizon. When picturing a massive cruise ship, the image is often one of grandeur, luxury, and a vast expanse of amenities. But beneath this impressive facade lies a series of environmental challenges.

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Luxury liners, often catering to an exclusive clientele, might opt for smaller sizes to provide a more intimate, personalized experience. The vast oceans are dotted with ships of various sizes, each tailored to a unique purpose and experience. The cruise ship length is professionally referred to as LOA (length overall), meaning the maximum length between the two most distant points on its hull. LOA may also include the tip of the bowsprit - the pole extending from the ship's prow (usually on tall sailing ships, yachts, and smaller boats). The bowsprit is the "winning" part of the ship when competing in a race or during trials/speed tests. As well, your other passengers are more likely to be older and more affluent than on shorter cruises.

Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas

It’s a reflection of personal preferences, constraints, desires, and even nature’s whims. For those asking, “how long is a cruise that aligns with my personal preferences? From expert lectures about upcoming ports to workshops and hobby classes, there’s ample opportunity for personal enrichment. With such a long voyage, entertainment is continually evolving, often including guest performers from visited destinations. When one asks, “how long is a cruise that can show me the wonders of the world?

Onboard, there are 18 decks (15 of which are passenger-accessible) and 2,405 staterooms onboard. Some of the newest luxury cruise ships now use Liquefied natural gas (LNG). The largest cruise ship in the world is Icon of the Seas by Royal Caribbean, which is 1,198 feet long.

The cruise ship's draft is very important when considering docking in a particular port, sailing through channels or the inland waterways of the continents (rivers and canals). "They're the best," said one traveler, who recalled a trip on the Seabourn Encore. "Excellent service, attractive ship with plenty of open space, and cabins are nicely appointed," said one voter about the Seabourn Encore. "Undoubtedly the best cruise line ever," said another, who traveled aboard the Seabourn Ovation.

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It’s important to note that the average length of a cruise ship can vary depending on the cruise line, ship type, and purpose. The modern, oceangoing cruise ship has reached massive heights (and length and width and passenger capacity). Today’s cruise options span intimate expedition ships of a few dozen other passengers to behemoth floating resorts with neighborhoods that can accommodate thousands. And that’s not considering the many cruise ships that ply the world’s lakes and rivers. The successful implementation of biofuel in the cruise industry can inspire other sectors to adopt sustainable practices. This cross-industry collaboration for sustainability has the potential to make a significant impact on the renewable energy market.

These vessels will be powered by biofuel for a trial period of three months, an eco-friendly energy option that could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By shifting towards biofuel, the Royal Caribbean Group is making a significant stride towards a more sustainable future in cruising. Let’s explore this groundbreaking initiative in depth and talk about the potential impact and opportunities it presents. As the demand for more luxurious and innovative experiences grows, we can expect future trends to push the boundaries of cruise ship lengths even further. In conclusion, the length of cruise ships can vary significantly, from smaller vessels to massive floating cities.

Cruise ship safety measures are in place to ensure the well-being of all passengers, including age restrictions to prevent potential hazards. Different cabins may offer different amenities and have different layouts. The length of a cruise ship plays a crucial role in its overall design and functionality, impacting various aspects of the onboard experience. When it comes to cruise ships, the lengths can vary significantly depending on the brand and type of ship. Now, let’s delve into understanding the length categories of cruise ships. And with diverse onboard offerings – from ship-within-a-ship concepts to kids clubs – passengers can often carve out their own experience.

Feel free to click around my site to discover more exciting destinations and itineraries. Generally, as ships increase in length, they also tend to widen, but not always in a linear fashion. Travelers can choose from a plethora of room types, from budget-friendly cabins to luxurious penthouse suites, catering to varied preferences and budgets.

Celebrity Cruises is a premium cruise line that offers a more upscale experience. Their newest ship, Celebrity Apex, can accommodate up to 2,910 passengers. Celebrity is known for their modern and sophisticated design, as well as their culinary offerings. Carnival Cruise Line is the largest cruise line in the world, with a fleet of 24 ships. Carnival is known for their fun and festive atmosphere, with activities such as water parks and onboard breweries. The evolution of cruise ship safety protocols grows in parallel with the ships themselves, ensuring that sailing remains one of the safest modes of vacation travel.

While short and medium-length cruises are common, longer trips — while still abundant — are far fewer in number. As mentioned above, cruise lines typically put their newest and biggest ships on itineraries in the 6-to-8 day range. So if you’re the sort of person that likes sailing on the latest and greatest, then the medium-length trips are your best bet. While shorter cruises might be more of a weekend trip, you can think of these slightly longer cruises as true vacations. With the longer time on the ship, there is more downtime and more opportunity to relax. That’s not to say these cruises are boring; there is still lots going on around the ship and you’ll visit more ports than on a shorter cruise.