With its rich history and culture, visiting Europe by cruise ship for two weeks is an incredible experience.

That's why I planned to take full advantage of our time by doing a back-to-back cruise on Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas. If I'm going to spend the time and money to fly across the Atlantic, I wanted to get the most out of it.

Our cruises took us to the cities of Northern Europe, followed by a Norwegian fjord cruise.  Each had its own appeal: metropolitan offerings and natural beauty.

Here are the four best things I did during my trip and the two I'd skip next time.

Hands down, one of the best things I did was booked an independent tour on the Skylift

Olden was my favorite port of the Norwegian fjords cruise because of how picturesque the landscape was surrounding us.

Prior to my cruise, a friend strongly recommended we try the Loen Skylift up to Mount Hoven. At the time, the Royal Caribbean excursion was sold out, so I booked an independent tour to get me there.

Not only was the recommendation fantastic, but I did myself a great favor by booking it on my own instead of the cruise line.

The company we booked it through had continuously running shuttle service every 10 minutes, which meant very little time wasted waiting for transportation.  

Plus, being on our own schedule meant we beat the crowds that descended later in the day when the cruise line excursions arrived.

And then, of course, are the views.

The Skylift takes you over 3,000 feet up and is an incredible vantage point. The photos you see here do not do the spectacle justice.

If I had a heavier jacket and an Adirondack chair, I'd have been content to sit there all day.

When it comes to exploring cities in Europe, don't overlook independent tours as a great choice.

I drank with friends at a German beer garden

In every port we did a lot of walking and sightseeing, except in Hamburg, Germany, where I wanted to do one thing: experience a German beer garden.

I'd never been to a real one before (only the facsimile that is found in Walt Disney World) and I wanted to do it right.  A group of 30 friends joined me, and we went to a beer garden that's well-known around Germany.

Thanks to friends that lived in Bremen, Germany, we had the perfect introduction for what to expect.

We drank, sang, ate, and it proves the old saying that everything is better with friends.

Our time in Hamburg was rather short because of the port schedule, but the few hours we were there were well worth it, and I'd it's the perfect activity for a group to enjoy together.

I'm glad I included time in our schedule to wander

It's so easy to over plan for a cruise, but in my experience, including time to wander is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

Every port day, I purposefully left open time in the schedule to simply walk around and see what was around the next street.

This strategy not only helped reduce fatigue, pressure, and stress, but it's often led to unique discoveries.

In Molde, Norway, we stumbled upon a cart selling fresh strawberries.  In Copenhagen, we had beers and lunch at an open-air food hall.

Including time to wander and explore gave us a chance to truly soak in the atmosphere and feel more connected to each port and its people.

I'd add it's important to have a cellular connection while wandering.  

I purchased an eSim to use in port, and it was so helpful being able to search Google Maps where we were, what was around us, and how to easily get to and from anywhere.

My favorite one to use is Orange sim (this is an affiliate link, that costs you nothing extra but I make a small commission). 

Buying a dining package was the perfect add-on

I really like Royal Caribbean's food, but buying a dining package to mix things up was a great idea.

I like variety anywhere I eat, so two weeks between the Main Dining Room and the Windjammer buffet wasn't going to be ideal.

I purchased the 3-night dining package before my cruise began, and having a few nights out on each sailing to enjoy specialty dining ended up being a great idea.

I loved getting new cuisines, and breaking up the usual food options I saw.

Plus, I bought it pre-cruise, and got in on a good sale.  I paid just $228.88 for both me and my wife for the 3-night package.

I instantly regretted the bus tour

The only excursion I booked through Royal Caribbean was a bus tour of the fjords in Olden, and from the start it disappointed me.

The scenic spots we visited were lovely, but it embodied everything I dislike about cruise line excursions: lots of waiting, a slow pace, and wasted opportunity.

The tour said to arrive at 12:10pm, but we didn't actually board the bus and depart until 1pm.  That's almost an hour of time completely wasted.

In retrospect, I should have booked a small group or private tour to take us around the fjords.  I think it would have moved at a pace more conducive to our needs so we could have seen more in less time.  

I think cruise line excursions have a role to play, especially if you have mobility issues, but next time I'll search for a third party option to take me around.

I also need to double check how strenuous a hike will be

A friend and I spent hours looking up what to do in Molde, Norway, and we thought we found the perfect outdoor activity: a leisurely hike to enjoy a great view.

It sounded great, but we didn't take the extra step to cross reference the hike with a hiking website, such as AllTrails.

Had we done that, we would have seen it was rated as "moderately challenging" with steep sections.

It became clear very quickly this was not a trail for people that never go hiking.  

Never trust just photos, and do your due diligence so you can avoid your quads feeling like they're going to explode. 

Sometimes the smallest of actions can make a huge impact on your cruise. This definitely rang true on my most recent Royal Caribbean cruise to Europe.

I just got back from a dreamy cruise to Greece and Croatia, and there were four quick things I did before leaving home that made a positive impact on my vacation.

Most of these things only took a few minutes to complete, such as downloading a useful app to my phone or packing an anti-theft bag to use in port.

Despite their simplicity, the impact that these actions made on my cruise were enormous. I was able to relax and unwind during my vacation knowing I did just a few things correctly beforehand.

These are the four small things I’m glad I did before my Royal Caribbean European cruise.

I packed an anti-theft travel bag

One item I’ll never forget to pack on a European cruise is an anti-theft travel bag.

While on a trip to Italy in 2018, I naively left my iPhone sticking out of my coat pocket on Milan’s busy subway. Unsurprisingly, the phone was snatched out of my pocket within seconds, and the thief was nowhere to be found.

I wasn’t even angry when I realized my iPhone was missing—it was a stupid mistake on my part. Since then, however, I’ve taken precautions on every trip to ensure a similar incident never occurs again.

Related: How to keep your belongings safe in port

Pickpocketing can happen anywhere in the world, but some of the most popular European cruise ports are hotspots for pickpockets. Crowded tourist attractions like Rome’s Trevi Fountain and Barcelona’s Las Ramblas street are some of the most likely places to fall victim to this petty crime.

It’s easy to become distracted in bustling tourist areas, especially if you’re taking photos and putting your attention toward the sights rather than your pockets.

Because of this, I always wear this anti-theft backpack when exploring busy areas.

The backpack’s main zipper goes against my back, minimizing the risk of it being opened without my knowledge.

No anti-theft travel items are foolproof, but my backpack greatly reduces the risk of being pickpocketed, allowing me to better enjoy my port days without worrying about my belongings.

I downloaded useful travel apps to use in port

It’s important to download the Royal Caribbean app before cruising to Europe, but there are a handful of other apps you’ll want to download, too.

Before leaving for my cruise, I made sure to download a selection of travel apps on my phone to make my time in Europe much easier.

An absolute must-have is Google Translate. Even though you’ll usually find English menus in tourist areas, this isn’t always a guarantee. Plus, you’ll often find more authentic food at restaurants without an English menu.

During my port days in Greece, I used Google Translate to learn basic phrases when speaking to locals. Later, while eating lunch in Croatia, I used Google Translate’s picture tool to translate a menu into English.

I also utilized the GetYourGuide app on my cruise, which I used to book tours in my ports of call.

The app has dozens of tour options available for every port, and prices are much lower than those offered directly through the cruise line.

Lastly, if you’re planning to take any trains in Europe, I also recommend downloading the Trainline app.

Many cruise passengers travel by train before or after their European cruise. The easiest way to plan and book train travel is through Trainline, which offers train and bus tickets from over 200 providers in 40 countries.

By using Trainline, there’s no need to download individual apps for each train company, and it stores your digital tickets in the app for easy access.

I’ve used Trainline to book trains in the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and The Netherlands, and the process has always been seamless.

I also planned extra days in my embarkation port before the cruise began

Jetlag is no joke—especially when flying to Europe.

If there’s one cruise tip I’ll share again and again, it’s to always arrive in your embarkation city at least one day in advance of your cruise. When cruising to Europe, arriving early protects you from travel delays and provides plenty of time to adjust to the local time zone.

Related: The worst part of flying to Europe could easily ruin half your cruise

One thing I made sure to do before my cruise was to fly to Europe not just one or two, but three days before embarkation day.

My cruise was set to depart from Italy on Saturday afternoon, so I flew from the US to Europe on Wednesday evening. I landed in Milan on Thursday morning, giving me two days of buffer time before the start of my cruise.

These extra days made a huge difference in my vacation. Not only did arriving early help me recover from jetlag, but it provided wiggle room in case I encountered travel delays.

As it turned out, my connecting flight to Italy was delayed. I sprinted through the airport in Zurich to make the connection just in time, but I could have easily missed the flight. Had this happened on embarkation morning, I would have risked missing my cruise altogether!

Plus, arriving early allowed me to explore my embarkation city before the cruise. I set sail from Ravenna, a small city in Italy’s Emilia Romagna region. Although Ravenna is not as popular as cities like Florence and Venice, it’s one of my favorite destinations in the entire country.

The city is known for its 5th-century mosaics, which cover the walls and ceilings of Ravenna’s grandiose churches. Aside from art, Ravenna’s historic center is effortlessly charming. It features dozens of outdoor restaurants, wine bars, and shopping streets, but with a fraction of the tourists found in Italy’s bigger cities.

Regardless of whether your European cruise departs from Ravenna, Barcelona, Southampton, or another port, I always advise arriving early. Not only is it a smart move from a logistical standpoint, but it gives you extra free time to discover your embarkation city, too.

Lastly, I made sure I’d have international phone service

Before my European cruise, I double checked that I would not have any issues accessing the internet while in port. Having access to cellular coverage makes getting around foreign countries significantly easier.

International data policies vary from one cellular provider to another, though.

My T-Mobile Magenta Plan, for example, gives me access to high-speed data in over 215 countries and destinations free of charge. When I land in Europe, I simply turn off airplane mode and my phone will automatically connect to a local network.

AT&T, on the other hand, offers an International Day Pass for $12 per day.

Related: 11 things Americans should know before they travel to Europe for a cruise

Some travelers prefer using an eSim when visiting Europe. These are local sim cards you download directly to your phone. eSims allow you to connect directly to local networks, resulting in faster speeds compared to roaming on an international network.

Having cellular coverage in port is almost essential these days. You can use your phone to check directions, search for reviews at restaurants, and access digital entry tickets for attractions.

No matter which route you choose for international data, it’s a good idea to figure out all of the details before heading across the pond.

Few words conjure up as much trepidation among travelers as jet lag because it can ruin your trip.

I've flown to Europe twice, and just took another trip last week with my family. Since it was their first time visiting Europe, I didn't want jetlag to start us off on the wrong foot.

Jet lag can take a few days to overcome if you get it, and we had pre-cruise touring plans to see.

I was afraid my kids would succumb to it and end up wanting to sleep in the afternoon and wide away in the night. Not only would  that mess up my plans, it would put them in a bad mood.

I came up with a plan to beat jetlag that worked out well, despite a challenging first day.

Pick a flight that lands as late a possible

If you have a choice, always pick a flight that lands later in the day.

I always assume I won't sleep on an airplane because I never do. Even in lay flat seats, I can never get comfortable enough and my mind races too much.

Ideally, pick a flight that lands as late in the day as possible. If you could get one that lands in the evening, you could go right to sleep when you arrive at your hotel.

Initially I had a Virgin Atlantic flight booked that landed at 7am in the morning, but luckily found an Air France flight that landed at 1pm.

The key to beating jetlag is to acclimate immediately to local time, and that means not going to sleep after you land.

The less time you are awake the day you land, the better.  That way you're ready for sleep when it's the proper time.

Don't nap

I can't emphasize this enough, but napping is going to likely allow jetlag to settle in.

As I mentioned, you want to get on local time as fast as possible. Napping, especially when you're overtired from the flight, messes with your sleep cycle.

This is one of those "easier said than done" tips, but if you can manage to make it through the first day without napping and go to sleep at a reasonable hour in the evening, you'll thank yourself later when you're feeling back to normal faster.

Some travelers recommend the power nap, but I think it's too risky given how easy it is to stay asleep or sleep longer than intended.

Keep moving

If you shouldn't nap, I've found the best antidote to heavy eye lids is to keep yourself moving and doing things.

I dropped our bags off at the hotel and then immediately went out to tour and explore.

I find sitting or laying down, or even just being in your hotel room, seems to make it feel much more tired.

On the plus side, it's a good excuse to tour the city you're in pre-cruise.

One of the best tips for any cruise is to fly into your cruise port city at least a day ahead of time.  When flying across the Atlantic ocean, I'd recommend at least two days.  This prevents you from having a travel delay impact your ability to make your cruise ship.

I joked with a friend staying awake on the day you land is like the rules of fighting Freddy Kreuger. Don't let yourself fall asleep and keep moving!

My plan worked, it's still a difficult day

I don't want to make it seem this plan is a cake walk, because the first day is still going to feel rough.

At times I felt like a zombie, mindlessly walking to be doing something. By the late afternoon, it feels like keeping your eyes open is a struggle.

But it's all worth it on the second day. That night it's some of the best sleep of your life, and you wake up in the morning ready to go and see everything.

I felt so much better on the second day, with maybe some residual fatigue from the trip lingering. But by day three, I feel like myself again.

Not having jetlag is worth doing what's necessary, but it's not easy.

Having coffee or sodas early and often on the first day is a good idea too. 

Ultimately, we had a great time seeing Paris and London, and we were ready to get on our Royal Caribbean cruise as if we were locals in terms of feeling acclimated to the time.

Summer is in full swing, and it’s the perfect time to cruise to Europe. Whether you’re wandering through Rome’s 2000-year-old streets or watching the sunset from Santorini, there’s a lot to see, do, and experience when cruising the continent.

Although you’ll find cruises all over Europe, two itineraries are more popular than the rest. First are Western Mediterranean cruises, which visit ports like Barcelona and Naples, and second are those to the Greek Isles, which call upon destinations like Mykonos and Athens.

Of the six Royal Caribbean ships sailing to Europe this summer, five are based in one of these two regions.

I cruise to Europe every year, and I’ve been lucky enough to try both itineraries several times. This year alone I cruised to the Western Mediterranean on Allure of the Seas and also boarded Explorer of the Seas for a cruise to Greece and Croatia.

Aside from the obvious differences in ships — the newer Allure of the Seas offers more varied amenities — I largely preferred my experience in Greece and the Adriatic.

This sentiment rang true on previous cruises, too. After three sailings to the Western Mediterranean and two to the Greek Isles, I’d pick the latter every time, and here’s why.

There’s just too much to see in one day in the Western Mediterranean

It’s impossible to see a city like Rome in a month — let alone a single day.

Western Mediterranean cruises may visit bucket-list destinations, but you’d be hard-pressed to see even just the highlights on one port visit.

Take Naples, as an example. Aside from being the birthplace of pizza, there’s a lot more to discover in and around the famous Italian city.

You can explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii, stroll the cobblestone streets of Sorrento, and marvel at cliffside views from Positano. Those hoping to stay closer to the ship may opt for a street food tour in the city center, or perhaps make a visit to the National Archaeological Museum.

Related: 7 mistakes you'll want to avoid on a European cruise

Even if your ship is docked in the city for twelve hours, there’s no chance you’ll see all of the region’s highlights in that time. I’ve spent several weeks in the Amalfi Coast myself and have barely scratched the surface.

The same could be said about a city like Athens, which is frequently visited on cruises to Greece, but many Greek Isles cruises visit smaller cities and towns, too.

On my recent cruise, the itinerary included a port stop in Split, Croatia. The city, home to just over 160,000 people, is significantly more relaxed than a destination like Rome or Barcelona.

In just eight hours, I felt I saw most of the city’s highlights. I took a walking tour of Diocletian’s Palace, tried pastries at a local bakery, and strolled the waterfront promenade, which was lined with dozens of restaurants and bars.

In Mykonos, a short water taxi brought me right into the island’s traditional village of Chora. I walked around the labyrinthine streets, visited a nearby beach, and spent time in a 600-year-old cafe before returning to the ship.

Related: 11 things Americans should know before they travel to Europe this summer

At the end of most port days in the Greek Isles and Adriatic, I feel ready to get back onboard the ship satisfied with what I saw in the destination.

On Western Mediterranean cruises, though, I often find myself wishing I had more time. If anything, it gives a small taste of a region I can explore on a future land-based trip.

Booking excursions is almost a must in the Western Mediterranean, but I like exploring on my own

Speaking of trying to see a city like Naples or Rome in a single day, you'll find that shore excursions help maximize your time.

If your ship visits Rome, you’ll dock in the city of Civitavecchia, located an hour’s drive from Rome’s city center. For first-time visitors, navigating the metropolis can be confusing, so many passengers opt for shore excursions.

Shore excursions can take you to sights like the Colosseum, Sistine Chapel, and Trevi Fountain in a single day without having to worry about how you're going to get there.

Related: 3 times you shouldn't book a shore excursion during your cruise vacation

Many cruise ports in Europe are easy enough to explore without a tour, but even I’d argue the benefits of shore excursions in the biggest Western Mediterranean cities are worth it.

What I enjoyed about my two Greek Isles cruises was that I didn’t feel like I needed to plan excursions in every port.

When docked in Chania, Crete, I took a shuttle bus from the port to the city’s old harbor, which had enough restaurants, bars, and shops to keep me busy on my port day.

Later, when visiting Kotor, Montenegro, I found the town easy enough to explore without a tour. The city’s small size meant there was no need to take trains, buses, subways, or other transit to get around.

Yet on my first visit to Marseille, one of the most popular Western Mediterranean ports, I regretted not booking a tour. I paid $18 for a cruise line bus transfer into the city center, but didn’t find the area particularly interesting.

On my next visit, I splurged on a tour to nearby Aix-en-Provence, which was significantly more charming. I didn’t love feeling like I had to book a tour to make the day more enjoyable, however.

Of course, not all Mediterranean ports require a tour, and, on the contrary, some Greek Isles ports may be better explored with a tour. Some passengers book excursions in Santorini to avoid long waits for tender boats, whereas those visiting Athens may find a tour more convenient to reach the Acropolis.

Nonetheless, I generally find it easier and more interesting to explore Greek Isles and Adriatic ports on my own. Even though I may still book a short walking tour here and there, I enjoy the flexibility to explore without a full-day excursion.

For me, the best of both worlds is to combine a land-based trip with a cruise

Given the option between a Western Mediterranean cruise and a Greek Isles itinerary, I’d choose the cruise to Greece every time. Despite this, I definitely think the most popular Western Mediterranean ports are worth a visit.

Sure, cities like Naples and Palermo can be chaotic, loud, and packed with tourists, but they’re popular for a reason. For first-time visitors to Europe, a Western Mediterranean cruise can be an excellent way to get a taste of the region without worrying about planning transportation logistics from place to place.

Related: 5 things to know before taking a European cruise

Even still, you could regret having such little time in each port. When fellow Royal Caribbean Blog writer Allie cruised to Iceland, for example, she regretted not booking a land-based trip to the country instead. She felt as though four port days were not enough to see all the country had to offer.

When I fly to Europe for a cruise, I want to make the most of the time, money, and effort it takes to get there. Because of this, I always try to add extra days for land-based travel before and/or after my cruise.

When I sailed the Mediterranean on Allure of the Seas in April, I made sure to plan extra time before and after the cruise to explore more of Spain. If I arrived the evening before embarkation day (or worse, the morning of embarkation day!), there would be no time to visit places like the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell.

So, if you’re cruising from somewhere like Rome, try to plan a few days to see the city before or after your cruise. It’s easy to feel exhausted when exploring these places on port days, so extra days help cut down on feeling rushed.

Ultimately, pick the ports that interest you, but know what to expect

Everyone’s travel style is different, and although I may prefer Greek Isles cruises over the Western Mediterranean, others may think the opposite.

At the end of the day, the most important thing you can do is pick a cruise itinerary with ports you actually want to visit. Ports can be drastically different from one itinerary to another — even within the same region.

While my Greek Isles cruise visited Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, and Split, others may visit Rhodes, Crete, and Kefalonia. Likewise, a Mediterranean cruise could visit larger cities like Florence and Rome, but others may call upon lesser-visited ports like Ajaccio, Corsica.

Related: 10 reasons people end up disappointed with their cruise vacation

No one wants to be disappointed in their cruise itinerary, so you want to be prepared with the right expectations.

If you’re expecting to see all of Florence in a day, you might regret visiting the city on a cruise. Or, if you’re hoping for a calm, relaxing day in port, the crowds of Santorini could quickly leave you overwhelmed.

Either cruise destination is sure to offer a memorable vacation, but I’ll probably reserve the Western Mediterranean for land-based trips instead.

I cruise to Europe every summer, and there are a few mistakes I never make to ensure my trip goes off without a hitch.

Europe is full of exciting cruise destinations, and I’ve been fortunate enough to sail all around the continent, visiting everywhere from the Mediterranean to the Norwegian Fjords and Arctic Circle.

Throughout my seven cruises in Europe, I’ve made my fair share of mistakes. In between packing the wrong footwear, neglecting to research ports, and spending too much on shore excursions, I’ve certainly learned a few valuable lessons along the way.

These are the seven mistakes I always avoid on a European cruise so that I have the best trip possible.

I avoid picking the first itinerary I see — there are more options than you’d think

Dreaming of a European cruise? You’ll want to make sure you pick the best itinerary for your travel style.

A common mishap when planning any cruise is selecting the wrong itinerary. Every port offers something unique. History-lovers will gravitate toward the ancient ruins of Pompeii, whereas nature-focused cruisers might enjoy destinations like Norway and Iceland.

Instead of booking a European cruise based solely on price, look carefully at all the options. You might be surprised to find itineraries to the Canary Islands, northern Spain and France, and even as far east as Istanbul.

Related: What I wish I knew before taking a Mediterranean cruise

I always research itineraries thoroughly before booking. By doing so, I’ve been able to discover hidden gems around the continent.

My first European cruise, for instance, took me to the small city of La Rochelle, France. This city was nowhere on my radar to visit before coming across the cruise itinerary online, but I was blown away by the city’s quaint harbor and traditional crêperies.

Don’t limit yourself to only the most popular ports. Take a look at every itinerary the cruise line offers to find which one works best for you.

I avoid confusion in port by paying attention to logistics

Most European cruise itineraries include anywhere from three to five ports of call, but they’re not made equally. Some ships dock in the center of town, such as in Split, whereas others require a boat, bus, or train to reach the city center.

On my recent Greek Isles cruise, I paid careful attention to the logistics of each port before disembarking. Fortunately, Royal Caribbean’s app provides detailed information on any necessary tender boats, water taxis, and other local transportation.

Related: What does tender mean on a cruise ship?

By doing so, I was prepared for each port day. I lined up early for a tender ticket in Santorini, had cash ready for a water taxi in Mykonos, and reserved a disembarkation day shuttle bus to our next destination.

Doing just a few minutes of research beforehand helped me avoid unnecessary confusion in each port of call.

I avoid packing a huge suitcase — my carry-ons fit everything I need

A common mistake many travelers make when visiting Europe is overpacking.

If you plan to take any form of public transportation in Europe—whether trains, buses, or subways—you’ll quickly regret packing a large-sized suitcase.

I’ve utilized public transportation all over the continent, and I’d never bring anything larger than a carry-on suitcase. Although it’s possible to navigate transit systems with large luggage, I don’t find it worth the headache.

Related: European cruise outfits and packing guide for women

Many trains have limited luggage storage space, and subway systems can be crowded enough without a giant suitcase.

Instead, I always travel to Europe with my Away carry-on suitcase and spacious personal item-sized backpack from Amazon. The two items provide adequate space for a week’s worth of clothes and are easy enough to navigate through local transport.

I don’t limit myself to cruise line excursions

When planning port days, it’s convenient to stick with tours offered by Royal Caribbean. The tours leave directly from the ship, work with a vetted tour provider, and guarantee your arrival back to port if the tour encounters a delay.

That being said, shore excursions booked directly through the cruise line can be expensive. Royal Caribbean acts as the “middleman” between you and the tour provider, thus raising prices.

Related: 7 ways to have a great time in port without a cruise ship shore excursion

I rarely book shore excursions through Royal Caribbean. Instead, I look at independent tour operators, which may offer more variety and lower prices.

On my most recent cruise to Athens, I booked a guided tour of the Acropolis through GetYourGuide.com. The tour, which included my entrance fee, was $70 per person—less than half the price of tours offered through the cruise line.

When booking on your own, though, you’ll want to account for ground transport. In Athens, I took a local bus and subway to reach the Acropolis.

Some travelers may prefer the convenience of private transport through cruise line excursions instead.

I avoid wearing new shoes, and always ensure my footwear is comfortable

If there’s only one tip you follow from this list, it should be to pack proper footwear for your European cruise.

I frequently log 20,000 steps while exploring ports of call in Europe. Most destinations are best explored on foot, and there’s a lot of ground to cover each day.

On a prior cruise to the Mediterranean, I made the mistake of wearing a brand-new pair of sneakers in port. Soon enough, my ankles were covered in blisters, and I had to live with my mistake for the rest of the trip.

Nowadays, I never pack new shoes when cruising to Europe. I’ll pack a trusty pair of worn-in sneakers instead. I usually pack a pair of sandals with an ankle strap, too, which are nice to wear on warmer port days.

Related: What to wear on a Mediterranean cruise

If your itinerary visits a notoriously wet destination, such as Iceland or Ireland, you’ll want to avoid sneakers with a mesh exterior. A rainy day or accidental step into a puddle will quickly leave your shoes (and socks) soaking wet, which is far from ideal when exploring port.

I love cruising with a pair of white, water-resistant sneakers like these from Adidas. Not only do they match nearly every outfit, but they also keep my feet dry on rainy days.

I avoid cruising to Southern Europe in July and August. Venture north instead!

If you’re set on cruising to Europe in the peak summer months, consider heading north instead.

Destinations like Rome, Santorini, and Lisbon frequently see extreme temperatures during the months of July and August. Sightseeing in 90-degree temperatures can be downright miserable!

Visiting the Norwegian fjords, as an alternative, can be an excellent choice for a summer cruise. Temperatures in the low 70s are perfect for exploring the region. Whether hiking to the spectacular Pulpit Rock or strolling along the charming streets of Stavanger, you’re unlikely to be overwhelmed with the heat.

Related: What I did right and wrong on my Royal Caribbean cruise to Norway

Outside of Norway, you can also find cruises to destinations like Iceland, the British Isles, and Denmark, all of which should offer more pleasant summer temperatures compared to countries like Italy and Spain.

Lastly, I avoid booking my European cruises too late. Itineraries can (and often do) sell out

Despite taking so many cruises to Europe, I’m still learning the ins and outs of cruising around the continent.

One mistake I’ll never make again is waiting too long to book my cruise.

Last fall, I had been eyeing Royal Caribbean’s Greek Isles itineraries, but I was in no real rush to book one. Even though I was hoping to cruise sometime in May, I figured I could bite the bullet on a booking at a later date.

So, when I finally decided to sit down and book the cruise in December, I could no longer find the itinerary on Royal Caribbean’s website. As it turned out, the cruise was fully booked.

Related: When is the best time to book a cruise?

My procrastination had cost me my dream cruise—or so I thought.

Fortunately, a few cabins opened up the next day, perhaps due to a cancellation or expired hold. I immediately emailed my travel agent to book the cruise, and I snagged one of the last staterooms on the ship.

Needless to say, I learned my lesson about booking cruises too late. Royal Caribbean’s European itineraries are in high demand, so if you want to book your dream cruise, it’s best to do it sooner rather than later.

Royal Caribbean offers cruises each summer from Southampton, England, which is a short distance away from London. If you're like me, you'll want to spend a few days there to explore the city.

Before I ever visited London, I started doing research to find out what I should and shouldn't do to maximize my trip.

Jessica Dante is a travel expert specializing in visiting London, and her videos and blogs have the best advice I could find.

She lives in London and regularly shares the sort of information anyone looking to spend a few days in England's capital would want to know as part of a broader European vacation.

She recently shared her for recommendations on how to have the best trip possible and avoid common mistakes while in London.

Stay in Central London

If you're staying less than a week in London, Jessica recommends staying close to the area you're going to be spending the most time in.

She recommends Central London because of how centralized all the major tourist attractions are, "most people who are somewhat familiar with London would be familiar with areas like Covent Garden, Soho; Those are all super central."

Plus, staying in Central London makes it convenient to get to Waterloo Station, which is the train station that gets you to Southampton.

I then asked if there's a place to avoid staying, and she cautioned before booking a hotel on the outskirts of London to save money, to read reviews.

"I would just then look at reviews of a hotel that you're looking at, because reviews will always tell you if people thought the area, if there wasn't much going on, if there wasn't breakfast spots nearby, or if they just found it to be a bit dodgy."

London is bigger than you think

I asked Jessica what's the most common mistake tourists make when visiting, and she said it's underestimating the city's size.

"People really don't they don't understand until they get to London how expansive and wide the city is," she explained. "It is really a city that you do have to do a lot of planning for your days if you're planning to squeeze in a lot of stuff."

The issue is you might start listing places you want to visit without realizing the distances between areas.

For example, Tower of London and Notting Hill are 40 minutes away, and if you start doing more hopping around the city like that, you're going to spend half your day commuting.

"You could end up spending hours on the tube. And the tube is not always comfortable. It's not always running," Jessica said.

Her advice is plan out your day so that you don't have to rely on transport to get from each place. 

Don't buy the Oyster card

A lot of tourists think they need to buy an Oyster card to use the London Underground, but it's not only unnecessary, it's expensive.

The Oyster card is something you can buy to load credits to use the city's mass transportation. It costs around £10, but it takes time to ship and be delivered.

"They're really pointless, to be honest. There's there's just really no need for it," she explained.

Instead, all you need is probably something you already have: tap to pay on your phone or a chip-enabled credit card.

"It is really simple to just use that to pay for the tube and for the bus and whatever else transport you're going to use in London. You can even use it for things like the Uber boat, if that's something that you want to hop on."

She admitted some tourists like to buy the Oyster card as a kind of souvenir, but for visiting London for just a few days it's simply not worth it.

Skip the hop-on hop-off bus

Perhaps Jessica's most controversial recommendation was to skip paying for the hop-on hop-off bus tour.

While she says it's perfectly fine someone with mobility issues, or someone who cannot walk long distances, it's ultimately unnecessary for most people.

Her recommendation is to instead rely on the Tube or the city's double decker buses.

"We do use the double decker buses. I use them almost every day to get around the city. And you can go to the top and sit at the front, and that's a really nice view."

In terms of walking, Central London is very flat, so you won't have any hills to contend with as you get around on foot.

She added there are a lot of great parks in London, so you could take a rest and enjoy them too.

How to get from the airport into London

After flying into Heathrow Airport, how do you get your family and bags to your hotel in London?

Her top recommendation is the Heathrow Express, which is a high speed train that takes 15 minutes to get from Heathrow to Paddington Station.

But if you aren't staying near Paddington, then that might not be the most convenient option.

Another idea is to take the Elizabeth Line train because it goes to Central London stations like Tottenham Court Road and Bond Street. 

It does take longer (about 40 minutes), but is cheaper than the Heathrow Express.

If you have a lot of luggage, Jessica recommends a car service called Welcome Pickups, "they will actually track your flight and they will walk into the terminal and they will find you and then take you to the car."

If you are flying into Gatwick, do not take the Gatwick Express, "I actually think the trains work better for Gatwick. You kind of only have like a couple of options there, but they the trains go into a few different stations and avoid the Gatwick Express because it's a rip off."

Don't count on your hotel offering breakfast

One difference Americans might pick up on quickly is your hotel probably doesn't offer breakfast included in your room rate.

"I think as Americans we're quite used to hotels that have breakfast included in the room rate, and that is almost non-existent here in London," Jessica explained.

As a result, you should plan in your budget to eat breakfast out.

She said a lot of hotels offer breakfast for an additional cost, but it can be pricey.

Her recommendation is to skip the hotel breakfast and take advantage of cafes and places to eat nearby, "The great thing about staying in Central London is that you will have loads of inexpensive breakfast options and cafes."

There's quick options as well as sit down restaurants.

Two local chains she recommends are Grind (coffee shop cafe) and Dishoom (Indian and British breakfast).

You don't need to exchange money

One thing you don't need to bother with is getting cash for your time in London.

"London is mostly a cash free city at this point," Jessica said.

Instead, you can pay for everything with a credit card.  I recommend getting a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, and ensure it's either a Visa or Mastercard.  Discover and American Express are rarely accepted outside the United States.

Cash could be useful in two situations, " The only reason I would say that you would need cash is if people want to tip anybody at their hotel when they first arrive, if they want to tip their taxi driver, or if you want to tip your tour guides. All of which is not fully expected, but always welcome, of course."

Picky eaters can still find food to enjoy

London is known for its variety of international cuisines, but if you have picky eaters in your group, there's always something for them too.

My kids are not very adventurous eaters, so I asked for recommendations on what to eat with them.

Jessica said pizza is never far away, as there are a lot of Italian restaurants in the city.

He recommended Pizza Pilgrims, which started out as a street food van and has since grown into a pizzeria chain. The chain has received recognition, including being named one of the world's best pizzerias by 50 Top Pizza.

If you're looking for a quick bite, she recommended Pret A Manger or Leon, "In central London, you're never very far from one of these places."

I just got back from a trip to Europe, and I packed a few essentials that made a big difference during my flight.

Despite flying dozens of times each year, I absolutely hate being on a plane. The tiny, uncomfortable seats, inedible economy meals, and long layovers make the experience far from relaxing.

So when I flew to Barcelona last month to board a cruise on Allure of the Seas, I knew I wanted to make my flight more enjoyable. I browsed Amazon for useful items that could enhance my flight while still taking up minimal space in my carry-on and personal item.

Although there’s a limit on how enjoyable an economy flight can really be, these 13 travel essentials were a lifesaver on the long-haul journey.

Passport Organizer Case

It’s easy to lose track of your belongings on chaotic travel days, but my passport organizer keeps everything in one place.

While traveling, it’s important to keep your passport protected. Water damage and ripped pages can deem your passport invalid, and you don’t want to risk being denied entry on a flight or cruise.

I love my passport organizer case from Amazon. Aside from fitting up to four passports, it features slots for credit cards, three zipped pockets, a pen holder, detachable keychain, wrist strap, and RFID protection.

The case makes it easy to stay organized on even the longest of travel days, and I never go on a trip without it.

LINK: RFID Family Passport Wallet Holder Waterproof, Travel Document Organizer Credit Card Clutch Bag for Men Women

PRICE: $9.99

Kindle Paperwhite

A good book is one of the easiest ways to stay entertained on a long-haul flight, so I made sure to pack my Kindle Paperwhite on my flight to Barcelona.

The Kindle takes up far less room in my bag compared to a regular book, and it can also hold thousands of books at one time.

Just remember to download books before your flight takes off, as you’ll need a wifi connection to do so.

LINK: All-new Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB) – Our fastest Kindle ever, with new 7" glare-free display and weeks of battery life – Black

PRICE: $159.99

Travel Dental Kit

The day before my flight to Europe was hectic, to say the least. In between working, packing, and getting my dog’s belongings ready for his sitter, I had little time to prepare.

Therefore, I was happy I purchased this travel-sized dental kit before my trip. Inside the kit was everything I needed for my 1-week trip, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, and mouthwash.

I always brush my teeth before and after long-haul flights, so I loved having this kit handy. I didn’t need to remember to pack each item individually, either, which was a major plus.

LINK: Practicon Adult Dental Care Kit, Travel Size Bundle w/Toothbrush with Cover, Crest Toothpaste, Floss, Tongue Cleaner and Scope Mouthwash, TSA Compliant Oral Care Kit

PRICE: $8.99

Sleep Aid

I always pack a small bottle of sleep aid for long flights, especially when flying to Europe.

Most flights from North America to Europe depart in the evening and arrive the following morning. My flight to Barcelona, for instance, left Dallas at 6PM and arrived the following day at 10AM.

To avoid feeling miserable on my first day, I took a sleep aid pill shortly after boarding the plane. The softgel pills contain diphenhydramine, which helped me get some rest before landing.

As someone who struggles to sleep on planes, I find sleep aid to be the best solution. They're also helpful when trying to adjust to the local time zone.

LINK: HealthA2Z Sleep Aid, Diphenhydramine Softgels, 50mg, Supports Deeper, Restful Sleeping, Non Habit-Forming (100 Counts)

PRICE: $5.95

Travel Neck Pillow

I’ve always avoided travel neck pillows when flying. Despite their promise of comfort, lugging around a bulky pillow for an entire trip seemed cumbersome.

Yet once I found a compact neck pillow on Amazon, I decided to give it a try. The memory foam pillow packs into a portable travel bag, shrinking the size in half for easy storage.

I was impressed with the pillow’s comfort, and the neck support proved useful when trying to sleep. However, the item still took up considerable space in my luggage. I would love to bring it with me on future trips, but only if I had room to spare.

LINK: napfun Neck Pillow for Traveling, Upgraded Travel Neck Pillow for Airplane 100% Pure Memory Foam Travel Pillow for Flight Headrest Sleep, Portable Plane Accessories, Light Grey

PRICE: $13.86

Portable Charger

Packing a portable charger for long flights is a no-brainer.

Even though most long-haul planes offer charging ports at each seat, there’s no guarantee they’ll work. On more than one occasion I’ve had a defunct USB port at my seat. Without a portable charger, I would have been out of luck.

It’s extremely important to keep your phone charged on long travel days. You’ll use it for nearly everything upon landing, whether ordering an Uber or navigating public transportation.

LINK: INIU Portable Charger, Slimmest 10000mAh 5V/3A Power Bank, USB C in&out High-Speed Charging Battery Pack, External Phone Powerbank Compatible with iPhone 16 15 14 13 12 Samsung S22 S21 Google iPad etc

PRICE: $15.99

Kleenex On-The-Go

When flying to Japan last year, I suddenly got a bloody noise mid-flight. I was stuck in the window seat with no tissues within reach. Needless to say, it was a disaster!

After that experience, I’ll never fly without Kleenex again.

I love these travel-sized packs of Kleenex. Each pack comes with ten tissues, and they fit perfectly into the side pockets of my backpack. You never know when you’ll need an emergency tissue, so it’s a good idea to be prepared.

LINK: Kleenex On-The-Go Facial Tissues, 8 On-The-Go Packs, 10 Tissues per Box, 3-Ply (80 Total Tissues)

PRICE: $2.48

Noise Cancelling Headphones

If there’s just one item you pack for a long-haul flight, it should be a pair of noise cancelling headphones.

Noise levels on airplanes can range from 85 to 105 decibels, which is far from comfortable for most passengers. It’s hard to relax with the constant background noise, but my noise cancelling headphones make it easier.

I wore my headphones for the entire duration of my flight to Barcelona. My $60 pair is an economical option, but I might invest in a higher-end option for my next flight for even better noise-blocking power.

If you’re planning to watch in-flight movies, don’t forget to pack an Aux cable or bluetooth connector, too.

LINK: ZIHNIC Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, 40H Playtime Wireless Bluetooth Headset with Deep Bass Hi-Fi Stereo Sound,Comfortable Earpads for Travel/Home/Office

PRICE: $56.99

Packing Cube With A Change Of Clothes

I always pack an extra pair of clothes for long flights. For my flight to Europe, I kept a spare outfit organized in my Thule packing cube, which I then placed in my personal item.

Having a change of clothes is essential on long-haul journeys; I like the security of an extra outfit. Whether I accidentally spill red wine on my shirt or the plane is warmer than expected, it’s nice having a change of clothes in case I need it.

If you’re traveling with checked luggage, this is even more important. Should your luggage get unexpectedly lost or delayed, it’s crucial to have an extra pair of clothes available in the meantime.

LINK: Thule Compression Packing Cubes

PRICE: $48.49

Collapsible Water Bottle

Reusable water bottles are an eco-friendly item to pack for any vacation, but they take up valuable luggage space.

As an alternative, I tried out this collapsible bottle to save space in my personal item.

I was initially hesitant the bottle would spill, but the leak-proof locking cap worked flawlessly. Once emptied, the bottle rolled up nicely to fit in my backpack.

Sometimes I forgo packing my larger reusable water bottle when luggage space is tight, so this collapsible option is a great alternative.

LINK: Collapsible Water Bottles with Straw 20oz, Leak Proof, BPA-Free, Foldable Silicone Travel Sports Water Bottle for Traveling, Hiking, Outdoors

PRICE: $17.99

Liquid IV

Speaking of my reusable water bottle, I was glad I packed Liquid IV for my flight.

Liquid IV is an electrolyte drink mix that promises enhanced hydration. With electrolytes, vitamins, and nutrients, the drink mix claims to hydrate more efficiently than regular water.

Regardless of the validity of such claims, I found the citrus flavor of Liquid IV refreshing. If anything, I was more likely to drink the flavored beverage as opposed to plain water.

The drink mix kept me hydrated, leaving me more alert and refreshed once I stepped off the plane.

LINK: Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier - Lemon Lime | Electrolyte Powder Drink Mix | 1 Pack (16 Servings)

PRICE: $21.11

Chapstick

One tiny item that makes a huge difference on long-haul flights is a tube of chapstick. The air on a plane can be extremely dry, so it’s important to keep your lips moisturized.

Chapstick not only takes up negligible space in your bag, but most brands are affordable on any budget. I always purchase a pack of three for just $4, which come in fun flavors like cherry, s’mores, and strawberry.

LINK: ChapStick Moisturizer Original Lip Balm Tubes, SPF 15 and Skin Protectant - 0.15 Oz, 3 Count (Pack of 1)

PRICE: $3.88

Compression Socks

The last item I packed for my long-haul flight to Europe was a pair of compression socks.

Compression socks improve circulation when flying, as they keep blood from pooling in your legs, ankles, and feet. This helps reduce swelling and discomfort.

The socks were absolutely hideous—they traveled all the way to my knee. Luckily, they were concealed under my leggings for the flight.

Wearing compression socks was an easy switch from my typical ankle socks, and they didn’t feel uncomfortable at all.

Given the health benefits, I’ll probably wear compression socks on my next long-haul flight, too.

LINK: CHARMKING Compression Socks for Women & Men Circulation (3 Pairs) 15-20 mmHg is Best Support for Athletic Running Cycling

PRICE: $13.99

I knew I wanted to take a cruise to Northern Europe this summer, but I also wanted to avoid the worst months to go there.

Ever since I took my first cruise in Europe a couple of years ago, I've jumped at the chance to try it again.  This year will be my third year in a row heading overseas to go on a cruise.

I'm booked on Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas for two cruises in a row, where I'll visit cities in Northern Europe as well as sail the Norwegian fjords.

When I was picking out my cruises, I knew there were better months than others to sail, and I wanted to avoid the hot and crowded times of the year. 

I think I picked the best time to cruise to Northern Europe that balances weather, prices, and crowds.

Worst time to cruise Northern Europe: May, July and August

There are definitely a few months of the summer cruise season that are probably not the ideal time to cruise around Northern Europe.

I live in Florida and don't need to go anywhere that can be just as hot as where I live.  But that doesn't mean I want it frigid either.

Royal Caribbean sails ships between May and September across Europe, but not all months are created equal and I think the weather is a major factor.

While it won't get as hot as the Mediterranean, there can still be plenty warm months.  Considering I want to do a lot of outdoor activities, I'd prefer it to be comfortable.

On the flip side, I didn't want it to be unnecessarily chilly either.  

When I took a Norwegian fjords cruise in May, it was downright chilly most days and you needed a jacket.

I think the sweet spot for a European cruise is right around mid June.  You're out of the danger of a spring chill hitting, but not quite into the depths of summer.

The summer months have the highest pricing

If you want to save money on a Northern European cruise, the best prices tend to be in the shoulder season.

Another reason I was drawn to June was the pricing, as I found much better prices for a June cruise compared to later in July.

This is because of the family cruise component.  Once you're in July, kids are out of school everywhere and that drives up demand considerably.  

High season ends in mid-August, and while going later may see less crowds, it's also the beginning of seasonal closures and the summer tourism industry drawing to a close.

The two cheapest months to cruise in Northern Europe will be May and September. These months are when school is back in session, and it's also at the very start and end of the season.

Both of my cruises take place in June, and I'll wrap up both cruises at the start of July.

June is the best month for a Northern European cruise

Not only is June a great value, it also offers the most sunlight of the year.

The summer solstice takes place during this time, and that provides more sunlight than any other time of the year.  The more sun you have, the more comfortable the outdoor temperatures can be too. That makes for great viewing late at "night" during the longest days of the year.

Unlike the end of the summer cruise season, in June you don't have to worry about seasonal closures, and the possibility of seeing the midnight sun is a unique advantage.

If you have a clear night, it's well worth staying up until midnight to watch the sun dip and start back up without setting.

One more advantage of June is you can still enjoy beautiful waterfalls with a lot of water coming down from the melting snow still occurring.

Flexibility is so important, regardless of the "best" or "worst" month

You can do all the research in the world and speak to a lot of experts, but ultimately weather and crowds are going to be a variable that you can't control.

I always caution anyone that asks for a recommendation of when to cruise anywhere that just because it was the case in the past, doesn't mean it will occur again.  

More importantly, I'm a firm believer in a cruise is what you make of it.  You can choose to have a great cruise anytime of the year, or allow gripes to "ruin" your vacation.

No temperature or crowd can prevent you from enjoying a stunning view, ancient site, or incredible culinary experience if you don't let it.

Ultimately, I'd choose to cruise any month in Northern Europe over not cruising at all.  You just have to come in with a good plan, prepare for certain possibilities, and be flexible with your plans when the rain, temperature, or crowds don't cooperate.

I'm planning my first family cruise to Europe, but I almost made a mistake that happens there a lot.

Royal Caribbean sails to destinations around the world, and summer cruises in Europe are one of the highlights of the year.  Ships visit cities rich in tradition, history, and culture.

While I've been taken two European cruises so far, this year will be the first with my family. As I started to research my trip, I fell into a trap of doing things exactly like I would in the Caribbean.

The more I researched, the more I realized I had to make a change.

Cruise line excursions are convenient

I'm booked on two different European cruises, each sailing from Southampton, UK.

The first is a 8-night Northern European cruise visiting The Netherlands, Germany, and Norway.  The other sailing heads to Norway to explore the fjords.

As we got closer to our sailing, Royal Caribbean begin offering shore excursions to book.

I started looking through the options and quite quickly there was a frenzy of bookings.  Royal Caribbean has become quite adept at marketing its excursions to customers through its app and website.

It's so easy to book a tour through the cruise line, and I booked a few tours.  I booked them because they looked interesting, but also because I was worried it would sell out.

But as I started doing more research, it became clear this wasn't necessary.

It's easier to explore Europe on foot

One major difference between a European cruise compared to a Caribbean one is that your ship brings you to cities.

Across both of my cruises, our ship would be docked either in the city or nearby the city (with a shuttle service available). This makes getting into the city simple.

Another big difference is that mass transportation is far more prevalent in European cities.

Thanks to metro subway systems, trains, and buses, it's super easy to get around. Their modern infrastructure supports moving quickly and cheaply.

In the Caribbean, points of interest and activities require buses or taxis to reach them and often over rural roads.

In each city, my research pointed out lots to see and explore within the city.

Cruise line excursions in Europe bring you to the same places

When you read through the tours offered by Royal Caribbean in Europe, many are simply bus rides to get you around.

I found many "panoramic" tours offered, which is code for riding in a bus. 

And there are a lot of walking tours of cities too.

My issue with cruise line excursions is they tend to involve big groups, moving at a slow place, and spending too much time at places I don't care about and not enough at ones I do.

In an extreme example, my travel agent requested a quote to take a large group of us on a bar crawl in Hamburg, Germany.

The tour included 3 stops with a beer and snacks included at each stop, with an escort to provide general local information but is not an official guide.  The minimum requirement is 75 guests and the rate is $190 per person. 

While these include a guide and offer a narrated option, I think I can do the same thing on my own for far less money.

How I'm planning my time in each city

I realized I didn't need to book a Royal Caribbean excursion taking me to places I could probably explore on my own.

Like a lot of people, I didn't know what to do in any of these ports.  

I started off with a simple Google search of, "best things to do in ____" to figure out the top highlights.

I augmented that with YouTube searches with similar search phrases to get a better idea of what looks fun and interesting.

I jotted down the names of places, restaurants, neighborhoods, and historical sites that stood out.

I then made a spreadsheet and added the list to each day.  

My plan is to use Google Maps on my phone to guide me how to get to each one.  As we get closer to the cruise, I'll determine the best order to see each one.

Because I'm buying an eSim for my trip, it will be easy to get around with my phone in the same way I get directions when I'm within the United States.

Not only will this plan save me money, it allows us to spend more time in places we want and also deviate should we run across something fun.

My methodology is to have 3-4 spots picked out so we have a framework.  But we can easily adjust plans if something jumps out as intriguing.

I'm not totally against group tours, as some of the ports in Norway have more to do outside the city area and require longer transportation time back and forth.

Emma Le Teace is a cruise expert who frequently cruises in Europe and shared her strategy for spending less on these types of activities, "I am a big fan of just getting off and doing my own thing in cruise port."

"You really don’t need to pay for an excursion to see the main sites, a little bit of research can go a long way. Wandering on your own is, in my opinion, often much more fun and if you do dock further away from the sites you’d like to visit public transport is generally easy to use and fast. "

Most European cruise ports are right in the middle of cities or towns. You can usually walk off the ship to find things like history, food and local attractions within walking distance. 

Read more: 30 Best European Cruise Tips

Two cruise excursion websites worth checking out are Shore Excursions Group and Viator. Both of these are affiliate links, which costs you nothing extra but I make a small commission if you book something.

Because these companies sell to cruise ship passengers, they're well versed in the need to get people back in time for their cruise.

Time management is very important

An undeniable benefit of booking a tour with Royal Caribbean is the promise you'll get back to the ship and not be left behind.

Having taken a couple of cruises to Europe already, I believe the key to ensuring you get back to the ship on time is managing your time properly.

I always build in much more time than I need to get back to the ship. I do this by using Google Maps to figure out the time I need to get back, and then doubling it.

That protects me against an unforeseen delay in returning.  Plus, I always try to wrap up my day as close to the ship as I can get.

For example, if I'm going to have dinner in port before returning to the ship, I might pick a restaurant within walking distance of the ship.

I'd also never go on my own if the travel time back to the ship was more than 30-45 minutes. 

When I visited Paris and Bordeaux last summer, I booked through Royal Caribbean because of the long commute times required. It seemed too risky to me to go on my own for such a long distance.

Group excursions are a good idea for some people

There are still good reasons to book a Royal Caribbean shore excursion in Europe, depending on your needs.

Those with mobility issues will want a group that that includes transportation, especially in old cities where accessibility is limited or non-existent.

I admit on my first European cruise there was a certain level of trepidation about going on your own in a country where they speak a different language and have different customs.

Plus, there are some cruise line excursions that take you to special places, include meals, and provide peace of mind.

Ultimately, you have to make choices that you're comfortable with, and group tours might be the right choice for you.

I'd recommend considering all options before choosing any tour.

I'm headed back to Europe this summer for two cruises, and I'll be applying a few lessons learned that I think anyone else trying a European cruise should employ too.

I took my first cruise in Europe in the summer of 2023, and I went back again last year. It's expanded my cruising horizons significantly, and it's probably the highlight of my vacations.  So with a back-to-back cruise planned this summer with friends and family, I want to make sure everyone has a great time.

Prior to ever cruising in Europe, I took a dozens of cruises around North America, but there were some nuances of cruising in Europe that differed greatly from what I was accustomed to.

Royal Caribbean's summer cruise season kicks off in April and May, and it's a busy time when many ships transition from the Caribbean to Mediterranean, North Sea, or English Channel.

Before you head east as well, here are my top pieces of advice for a great time exploring the Old World.

Don't waste time converting currency

One mistake I made even before I left my house for my very first Royal Caribbean cruise in Europe was assuming I needed to get cash.

You really do not need to convert cash to Euros, Pounds, or the local currency of the countries you visit because literally every store, restaurant, and bar you encounter will take a credit card or tap to pay.

What you want to do instead of converting cash is ensure you have a credit card with no foreign transaction fees and bring that instead.

It's easier, faster, and you won't waste time going out of your way to get your money converted.  Plus, you won't come home with foreign currency that will sit in your sock drawer for years.

I was skeptical how many places would take credit cards in Europe, especially street food vendors.  But truly, they all did and I was glad blog readers told me about this so I didn't waste my time.

Booking flights with Royal Caribbean can save you money

I was truly surprised how much money you can save booking a flight with Royal Caribbean.

For my cruise this summer, I booked flights directly with the airline because it was simple.  But I later cancelled it when I saw the price Royal Caribbean wanted.

Royal Caribbean's Air2Sea program allows anyone to book a flight with their cruise, but for Alaska and European cruises, there's bonus savings.

Royal Caribbean will discount flights up to $500 off each ticket for air bookings between made through March 31, 2025 on Alaska and European sailings departing between April 11 - October 27, 2025.

It saved me plenty, and I'd recommend anyone booking a flight to Europe first look at what the cruise line is offering before booking a flight directly.

Get an eSim instead of an international package

I don't remember where I read to get an eSim for my phone, but I'm so glad I did.

Instead of getting an international roaming package from your cell phone carrier, an eSim is a much better approach.

An eSim means you essentially "download" a local sim card to use for your phone while in Europe.  These are super cheap, work in many different countries, and you're a primary network subscriber.  That means if the network is busy, your traffic is prioritized compared to people roaming.

My favorite one to use is Orange sim (this is an affiliate link, that costs you nothing extra but I make a small commission). 

Last year I bought the "Holiday Europe 30GB" plan for €39.99 and it more than covered my needs for the almost two weeks I was there.

I'll be buying this again for my family when we travel in June, and it makes staying in contact simple and affordable.

There's an extra step needed to get to the UK this year

Something new if you're going anywhere in the UK this summer is to complete digital paperwork.

Travelers from the US or Canada need to complete the UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the United Kingdom. If you don't, you could face fines or even be denied to fly.

It will cost you £10 ($13 USD) to apply, and it's all done online.

From what I've heard so far, it's incredibly easy and quick to get approved.

Do anything you can to minimize jetlag

I can't stress enough how important it is to do what you can to avoid getting jetlagged because it will ruin your trip.

Going west to east and skipping ahead 5 or more time zones will wreak havoc with your body's internal sleep clock. If you get jetlagged, you'll be exhausted in the afternoon and wide awake at night.  It could take 3 or 4 days to adjust back, and that's going a good portion of your cruise.

When I went to the UK last year, I committed myself to beating it by not napping on the day I arrived, but it was brutal staying awake because I was unable to sleep on the plane ride over.

Ideally, pick a flight that arrives in the late afternoon or evening local time. That way, you could get to your hotel and go to sleep quickly thereafter.

Moreover, you should give yourself a few days before the cruise begins so if you are jetlagged, you're fighting it off before all your cruise fun begins.  Plus, arriving a few days early means you get extra time to explore the country you're in and guard against a travel delay causing you to miss your cruise.

No matter when you arrive, you really want to acclimate yourself to local time as quickly as you can and unfortunately that means no napping. It's really tempting, but if you can manage to get yourself on local time quickly, you'll enjoy the cruise so much more.

Download a few movies to be able to watch offline

Another hard learned lesson from my past European trips was not having enough things downloaded to watch on my phone.

You never know when the plane's in-flight entertainment might not work, or how boring those long bus rides around Europe can be.

Have a few movies or tv shows downloaded to be able to be watched offline on your phone, just in case.

There's a far greater reliance on public transportation in Europe, and this summer, I've already got a few train and bus rides booked, in addition to my long transatlantic flights.

I regretted not having enough to watch on my first trip over, so I was sure to have a few backup flicks to enjoy.  

My preferred approach is to go through the classic movie section of whichever streaming platform you subscribe to and find Oscar award winning movies you never got a chance to see.  Thanks to boring flights, I've now seen Citizen Kane, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and Insterstellar.

I'd have a few movies or shows to watch as a backup, especially if you have kids and find yourself on a long commute.

Download the MBC app

The single best choice I made when I travelled to Europe last summer was downloading the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app.

Everything you've heard about getting through Customs upon return to the United States is true, but this one app made it so much better.

There was a dedicated line for people that pre-file their paperwork with the MPC app, and that line had like 2 people in it when I got there.

It saved me so much time in line compared to everyone else, so I'd recommend everyone use it.

What you want to do is submit your information as soon as you land, while you're waiting to get off the plane because there's a small window of time to get through the line with the app.

You don't need to buy shore excursions in most ports

The reality is a lot of places you visit in Europe don't need a formal shore excursion.

Unlike the Caribbean, many ports have you docking in a sizeable city, where you can easily walk off the ship and start exploring. Even in cities where you dock away from the center, there's almost always a complimentary or extremely inexpensive transportation option to get you there. 

It's so tempting to book a shore excursion to "see the sights", but most are glorified bus tours and they aren't cheap. 

While you might not need a formal tour, you should still do some research to find a handful of places to visit while in port.  Then throw it into Google Maps and figure out the best way to see them all.

I found in most ports it's easy enough to get around on foot, or maybe leveraging the city's public transportation system.  I've even used Uber on a few occasions.

To be clear, there's nothing wrong with booking a shore excursion in Europe, but you shouldn't default to booking one as the primary way to see things there. Rather, don't overlook walking around and exploring on your own as an affordable and smart way to see the best things in each port.

If you find yourself in a port of call that doesn't scream a specific activity or thing to do, don't hesitate to simply walk into town and "go with the flow".

Last year I actually tried a "free" shore excursion in one port where I wasn't sure what to do, and it was way better than I expected because the tour guide was very knowledgeable and our group size was much smaller than cruise line run groups.

Sometimes it's easier to ditch a plan, and see what's around the corner.  You might stumble upon a fun bar, explore various neighborhoods, or enjoy a family-run restaurant.

Shore excursions are going to be very expensive

You might experience sticker shock when you start looking at tours offered to book.

This plays in a bit to the previous tip, but shore excursions simply cost more in Europe than the Caribbean.

Sometimes the cost of the tour simple "is what it is", and if you want to tour the beaches of Normandy or get a ticket to the Vatican, you're going to have to pay it.

In the time leading up to your European cruise, I'd recommend budgeting appropriately to save up for it.  Plus, pre-booking tours to lock in a sale is a good idea.

Another money-saving strategy is to look for similar tours that might be a bit cheaper. I've actually searched Google for the name of the Royal Caribbean tour and found third party tour operators that do the same or similar tour.

Knowing a few words in the local language helps a lot

While you'll likely encounter more people than not that can speak English, you really ought to learn a few basic words in the local language.

Knowing phrases like "Hello, please, thanks, excuse me, sorry," goes a long way when traveling around Europe.

It goes beyond being able to communicate, rather, it's a sign of respect that you're at least trying.  

I can speak French fairly well, but just a smile and a friendly "Salut" makes a difference in the disposition of the person you're speaking with.

Packing for Europe isn't easy

I could spend an entire article talking about packing for Europe, but my credo so far has been pack what I think I need while trying to keep it manageable.

The issue with overpacking in Europe is how to manage luggage costs with the airlines, and then dragging your luggage around once you get there.

My advice is it's better to pay luggage fees than get to Europe and realize you really need something (and need to buy more luggage as a result).

We have a packing guide for a Mediterranean cruise you can use a starting point, but I wanted to highlight a few really important things to bring with you that might be different from a Caribbean cruise:

• Really, really, good walking shoes
• UK/EU power adaptor
• Theft-proof bag
• Apple AirTags

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