Before I took my first cruise to Europe, I hesitated to visit for many years out of unwarranted fears.

I started cruising in the Caribbean and it suited me just fine.  I loved going to tropical destinations, and there's no doubt the convenience of living close enough to many ports within the United States was a crutch I leaned on often.

But as readers implored me to try a European cruise and my staff loved those trips, the temptation grew and I eventually gave it a try.

Not only did I love it and ended up going back a few times, but I realized my trepidation was rooted in misconceptions about these voyages.

I thought there would be no avoiding jetlag

The flight time to Europe was probably my first reason to skip a European cruise, but I also had these images I'd be so jetlagged that it would be miserable for most of the trip.

I've taken three cruises in Europe so far, and while jetlag is an issue, it's not as bad as I believed. That's largely because I took certain steps to minimize the effects.

Direct flights that reduced the amount of time in the air (and airport) helped to limit my travel time.  But managing my sleep schedule was the best thing I did.

Travel experts recommend regardless of how well you sleep on an airplane or not, to acclimate to local time as soon as possible. More importantly, avoiding the temptation to nap once arriving in Europe until it's bed time.

It wasn't easy to stay awake in some cases for that long, but there's no doubt I avoided jetlag with this strategy.

Plus, I was able to get on my ship and start enjoying it on day one.

I was ready to exchange a lot of cash for Euros before the trip

The week before my first European cruise I had a list of things to do, and I thought exchanging cash should be there.

When I casually mentioned it to my video editor, she thought I was crazy because cash was unnecessary, especially in Northern Europe.

The reality is every retailer, restaurant, street vendor, and bar takes tap to pay anywhere I went. 

Not only does using a credit card with zero foreign transaction fees mean you don't have to waste time exchanging currency, but you'll likely get a better exchange rate too.

Plus, there's no leftover Euros to come home with (or lose more value when you re-convert back to dollars).

Is there a scenario where having Euros might be helpful? I suppose, but I haven't encountered it yet across three trips.

We worried the kids wouldn't appreciate it

I might have considered taking a cruise to Europe earlier, but my wife and I thought spending the money was a mistake when the kids weren't old enough.

This is flawed logic for two reasons.

First, positive experiences reinforce good travel habits and foster family bonding.  Whether it's in London or Cozumel, spending time together is still better than not at all.

Travel has generally been a great tool for exposing my children to different cultures, foods, and ways other people live.  It helps them understand how the world works and prepare them for unexpected challenges.

The second reason was kids may never fully appreciate travel (or anything), but that's not a reason to not take them too.

My kids had a great time going to the places around the continent. Do they remember historical facts from each spot and can they rattle off the significance of buildings we saw? No, but then again, neither can most of the adults I went with either.

We had a great time exploring together, and I'm glad my kids got to see it too.

I expected long and expensive shore excursions

I had this image in my head of standing in a large group walking slowly around a city listening to a tour guide and it contributed to holding off on going to Europe.

I have a disdain for large group tours to begin with because of the slow pace, but I thought it would be worse in Europe.

The reality is it's so easy to tour on your own that I did very few group tours at all.  Even the ones I took, could have been avoided if I really wanted.

Because so many ports have your ship docked right in the city and there are public transportation options abound, it's easy to get around on your own.

Not only does this allow you to circumvent group tours, but it also limits costs as self-exploration is certainly cheaper.

I thought a language barrier would make things difficult

I didn't think English would be so prevalent everywhere I went.

More people spoke English an I expected, making it so much easier to walk around towns and cities without worrying about limiting my touring.

I do, however, think it's important to know a few words in the local language for basic pleasantries.  Knowing how to say "hello", "thank you", and "bye" makes a difference to locals to not have them treat you as entitled Americans. 

Royal Caribbean has added new cruises to Europe in 2027 that are available to book immediately.

A total of six Royal Caribbean cruise ships will be sailing in Europe, including Legend of the Seas.  

Legend is one of the Icon Class ships, and depending on when the unnamed fourth Icon class ship debuts in 2027, will either be the biggest or one of the biggest ships in the world.

Royal Caribbean's European deployment runs between May and November 2027.

Here's a breakdown of which ships will be deployed to Europe and where they will be sailing from.

Legend of the Seas is back for the summer in Europe

Legend of the Seas will debut in 2026 with a summer cruise season in Europe before heading to North America for the winter, but she'll return in 2027.

Legend is a massive ship, coming in at 250,800 gross tons and can accommodate approximately 5,610 passengers at double occupancy or up to 7,600 passengers at maximum occupancy.

The ship has six massive waterslides, seven pools, over 40 places to eat and drink, and will host new shows.

Similar to her 2026 itineraries, Legend will offer 7-night Western Mediterranean cruises from both Barcelona, Spain and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy.

There's a random 3-night one way cruise from Rome to Barcelona in October 2027 too.

For those keeping score at home, if Legend is going to be in Europe for summer 2027, does that mean Icon 4 has to start sailing from somewhere else?

Odyssey of the Seas will sail to Greece for the summer

Another new Royal Caribbean ship well versed in spending its summer in Europe will be Odyssey of the Seas.

Odyssey will sail from Civitavecchia, Italy and offer 7-night cruises to the Greek Isles.

This itinerary is notable since it means stops on every voyage to Royal Caribbean's new Royal Beach Club Santorini.

It appears the cruise line is renovating a beach club that already exists and will add new upgrades and features to it as they prepare to open it for the summer 2026 European cruise season.

Situated on a volcanic beach, guests can opt to pay extra to get into the new beach club and enjoy an all-inclusive visit with beach chairs, umbrellas, WiFi, food, and drink all part of the admission cost.

Mariner of the Seas takes over in the UK

Royal Caribbean will send Mariner of the Seas to Southampton, England to offer a variety of cruises around Northern and Western Europe.

Mariner of the Seas has cruises that visit Spain, Norwegian fjords, France, Germany, and more.

There's also a large mix of sailing durations, meaning you can find quick escapes or longer voyages too.

Explorer of the Seas sails open jaw Mediterranean cruises

Another Voyager Class ship, Explorer of the Seas, will spend a summer in the Med offering one way cruises between Ravenna (Venice), Italy and Rome.

The advantage of these itineraries is you can go much further around Italy and enjoy the Amalfi coast and Sicily because the ship doesn't need to return to its original home port.

Explorer offers visits to places such as:

• Dubrovnik, Croatia
• Sicily (Messina), Italy
• Bar, Montenegro
• Kotor, Montenegro
• Corfu, Greece
• Santorini, Greece
• Sicily (Messina), Italy
• Amalfi Coast (Salerno), Italy

Those looking to get the best of the Adriatic and Italy will love these choices.

Brilliance of the Seas is also offering deeper voyages around the Med

Similar to Explorer, Brilliance of the Seas has a mix of one way and roundtrip sailings that begin and end in Italy.

Brilliance will sail Greece and Adriatic cruises, Italy and Croatia cruises, as well as Greek Isles cruises.

Depending on which voyage you prefer, they may be roundtrip or one way sailings.

Rhapsody of the Seas will be based in Athens

Ready to visit Egypt, Turkey and everything Greece has to offer?

Rhapsody of the Seas will be homeported in 2027 from Athens, Greece and offer 7 night cruises to destinations around the Eastern Mediterranean.

There are voyages that even go to Alexandria, Egypt, which is a country that Royal Caribbean has shied away from in recent years due to geopolitical issues.

Since Rhapsody is based in Athens, there's a lot of the Greek Isles you'll see, as well as other notable places from antiquity that are in modern day Turkey.

Booking a European cruise now is one of the best money saving strategies

If you're looking to get the best possible deal on a European cruise, you'll want to seriously consider booking a 2027 cruise now before prices go up.

Royal Caribbean typically puts out new sailings with its best prices and then starts raising prices as the sail date approaches.

As more cabins get booked up, Royal Caribbean uses AI to change its prices and meet the demand.

To be fair, the prices will fluctuate for a while, but it's been my experience the best approach to locking in a good price on any Royal Caribbean cruise is to book as early as you can.

Plus, booking early means you can reserve the exact cabin and location you prefer.  This is important if you want one of the highly sought after staterooms, such as suites.

More 2027 deployments coming soon

Royal Caribbean has more new sailings to post in the coming weeks for the 2027-2028 cruise season.

Most of the new sailings will be released before the end of the year, with a few of the Asian and Pacific offerings to be posted sometime next spring.

• Week of October 20, 2025: Alaska
• Week of October 27, 2025: Europe
• Week of November 3, 2025: 7-night & Short Caribbean Year-Round
• Week of November 10, 2025: Northeast, California & Texas
• Week of December 8, 2025: Seasonal Caribbean

Keep in mind the sailings could be released at any point within that week, and not necessarily on the first day of the listed week.

I thought spending a week in Denmark between cruises would be the perfect way to explore Europe and enjoy a different kind of trip, but I was constantly reminded how much more I prefer cruising.

I've primarily relied on taking cruises as my primary method of travel for well over a decade. I go on ships about once a month, and it's not just my work but I also greatly enjoy the unpack once and let the world come to me approach.

When I had the chance to go on my first luxury cruise, I opted to spend a week in Copenhagen in a hotel.  It seemed like a great opportunity to truly see the city and immerse myself in the Danish culture and lifestyle.

I quickly realized how much better a value cruising is, and missed not only the onboard experience but also the glimpses it provides.

Food costs alone make cruising a great value

The first indication a cruise was a better value was how quickly my credit card charges started to pile up from food.

While I did get to try some amazing food that I couldn't get back home, it's not cheap.  The Scandinavian countries of Europe are especially expensive to begin with, and then you add meals to the equation and the cost starts to build up.

I debated how to best balance trying the foods that make Copenhagen unique versus trying to save money. 

Unlike a cruise ship, I couldn't fall back on the complimentary options was a way to reduce expenses.  On a cruise ship, there are included restaurants that offer meals, snacks, and drinks with your cruise fare.

Of course, staying in a hotel also means I don't have the means to prepare meals. There's no microwave, oven, or fridge to be able to make a proper meal.

Unpacking once on a cruise is an underrated benefit

The magic of a cruise is you get to unpack once and then see a variety of places.

When I sailed on Independence of the Seas prior to my stay in Denmark, our ship moved between Hamburg, Rotterdam, Oslo, and Copenhagen.

It's so much easier to go to sleep and wake up in a different city, and it's something you can only get with a cruise ship.

During my stay in Copenhagen, I could have seen more of Denmark or the surrounding area, but I would have had to pack up, travel, and then unpack again in the new place before returning to Copenhagen later. 

I considered doing more of a road trip and going around, but it seemed the logistics, costs, and time commitment needed to get around were more than I was willing to try.

Leaving the travel plans to the cruise line and simply walking off the ship to see the place I'm in for the day is definitely my speed.

Getting a glimpse of these places is good enough

Another advantage of a cruise might seem like a negative aspect. Having just 6-8 hours in port might seem like a problem when visiting amazing places, but I think it's the right amount of time for the best options.

I got my first taste of Copenhagen a week earlier when my cruise visited the city, and really liked it.  So when I returned for a week, I thought it would be amazing to explore even further.

While I had more time to see the city's highlights, I realized the saying "less is more" applies to city touring too.

I certainly didn't hate my time in Copenhagen, but I think spending the day is enough to experience the very best the port has to offer. 

As the days passed, I was ready to move onto something else. This reinforced the benefits of cruising and getting just enough time to see things I need to visit.

Cruise ships can get to places that are impractical by car

My Independence of the Seas cruise had also visited the Norwegian fjords, and this was by far my favorite area of Scandinavia to see.

While a big city like Copenhagen has a lot of interesting activities, the natural beauty of the fjords is unmatched.

I think being able to visit a fjord, glacier, or bay is something so special about cruising.

Even in the Caribbean, a cruise ship can get you to places that are difficult to get to otherwise. The most beautiful beaches are accessible via boat, and starting off on a cruise ship that docks nearby helps immensely.

I missed the value and convenience of a cruise ship

I didn't hate my week in Copenhagen, but I was quite happy to board a cruise ship and get back into that style of travel.

Ultimately, I think visiting cities by cruise ship is the right amount of time to see the highlights. I might prefer the ship stays in port a few extra hours, but it's usually good enough.

When you start to account for the costs of living in a city for multiple days along with transportation needs, cruising becomes even more attractive.

In my situation, I was also coming at it from an almost idyllic scenario because it was just me and I didn't have kids, grandparents, or other special needs.  The more people you add to the equation, the more demands it has on catering to everyone's needs.

I'd recommend seeing Copenhagen to anyone as a beautiful city, but preferably as part of a visit for the day on the ship.

I had my best European cruise season ever this summer, and I'm hoping you can benefit from my experience too.

Seeing Europe by cruise ship was a highlight of my cruising career, and after going on back-to-back Independence of the Seas cruises, it taught me some truths about cruising in this region.

As someone that has cruised almost exclusively in the Caribbean, Europe has its own approach to planning and how to explore.

Here 15 Europe cruise tips that I think would benefit almost anyone taking a European cruise.

1. Buy an eSim

Every port visit was easier because I always knew where I was, where I was going, and how to get there.

I purchased an eSim to use while in Europe, and I think it's a must-buy add-on.

It cost me just $41.99 for 100GB that lasted 30 days, and it made navigating Europe's cities simple.

2. Plan for any weather

Weather forecasts seemed to be nearly useless this time, and I'd use them sparingly.

I found the expected precipitation and high temperatures could be vastly different from what was predicted.

You should walk off the ship prepared for cold weather and rain, but able to adapt quickly when it gets hot again.

Wearing layers is the solution.  Have a t-shirt as your base layer, and a fleece/sweater and rain jacket readily available.

3. Bus tours should be your last option

Of all the tours I took, bust tours were my least favorite.

I dislike bus tours because they move at a slow pace, and tend to make stops that are either too short or too long.

Plus, the seats on most European buses tend to be quite small and lacking legroom.

I'd recommend looking at a third party tour that offers a small group option as a good alternative.  Or even walking and exploring on your own, when possible.

I won't go as far as to say to avoid bus tours. Sometimes they are unavoidable necessities, but if you have the choice, I'd skip it.

4. Don't waste time converting currency

Converting to local currency makes no sense, and you're wasting your time and money if you do.

Every single store, kiosk, bathroom, and restaurant took credit cards.  I used my credit card with no foreign transaction fees to get me the best possible exchange rate at the time of purchase, and came home with no leftover currency.

Not to mention if you convert money to local currency and then back to your own currency after, you're losing money across two transactions.

Truly, you don't need cash at all in Europe.

5. Spend at least 2 or 3 days in Europe pre-cruise to acclimate to the time

You should fly in at least three days before the cruise begins so you don't start your cruise over tired.

I was able to overcome jetlag, but I was still tired for the first two days.

By day three, I was feeling back to normal again.  And that allowed me to board Independence of the Seas with the same amount of energy as I would one near my house.

6. Don't buy the Stay Later option

Royal Caribbean offers an extra cost option where guests can stay on the ship for many hours after the cruise ends.

It sounds like a good idea, but I think it's a waste.

"Stay Later" allows passengers to stay on the ship until the afternoon. It's not available in the United States.

The problem is you have to leave your room and cannot charge anything. So basically, it's a pass to hang out in public places and eat at the Windjammer when it opens.

Personally, I'd rather pay for a hotel day pass near the airport so I could have somewhere to sit, sleep, and shower while I wait for my flight home.

7. Use local transportation in the big cities

Don't be afraid to use the subway, bus, or street cars in the cities you visit.

Many use a simple tap to pay approach, where you tap your credit card when you enter and again when you leave. Some countries had an app, and it was even easier.

Not only are taxis expensive in Europe, but mass transportation is quite efficient and easy to use.

8. Embrace onboard laundry

Royal Caribbean's laundry options aren't cheap, but it's the easiest way to reuse clothing and limit how much you need to bring.

I used the laundry service a few times on each sailing, and it made it more manageable to have enough clothes without packing two weeks worth of items.

9. Take bottled water with you off the ship

I was surprised how much soft drinks and bottled water cost in Europe, so definitely bring your own.

Royal Caribbean's bottled water is cheaper, and it's worth the hassle of having to carry it around.

10. Watch YouTube videos to see which attractions look interesting

If you're like me, you don't know necessarily what you want to do in a particular city, but you'd know it if you saw it.

To prepare for each port, I watched videos about the best things to do in each city and then jotted down the attractions, restaurants, and places that looked good.

This is a really good strategy for outlining what to do in a port, and then leverage Google Maps to figure out how to easily walk between them.

11. Leave time in your port plans for wandering

Following up on the last time, don't overplan your days. Instead, purposefully leave time to wander.

On each port day, I only had 3 or 4 things to see or do in an port. That's definitely not going to fill up 5-6 hours, but it does mean I can stop and meander into an interesting neighborhood.

This ensures there's time for shopping, exploring, and taking your time so you don't feel like you're rushed.

12. Buy a sling bag

I was hesitant to buy a sling bag for Europe, but it's the perfect travel accessory.

Having a sling bag is great for defending against pickpockets, but it also gives you more space for your valuables, snacks, sunglasses, and even a light jacket.

I bought it for the crime prevention element, but it turned out to be really helpful too.

13. Learn to say "hello" and "thank you"

If you want to avoid getting the "rude American treatment", my advice is simple: learn a few basic phrases in the local language.

Always start off any conversation with a local by saying hello in their language, and then break into English.

I'd recommend being able to say:

• Hello
• Thank you
• Goodbye

It goes a long way when you make a very basic attempt to communicate in their language, and I have yet to run into a rude person.

14. Plan for more hours of sun

If you're visiting Northern Europe, plan on the sun being up more than at home.

In Norway, the sun wouldn't set until around 11pm and then would rise at about 4am. It messes with your sense of what time it really is.

Plus, Royal Caribbean's cabin curtains aren't blackout curtains.  So it will be light in your cabin.

15. Bike lanes are as dangerous as the road

In many cities, bikes are a way of life and you need to be extra cautious crossing the road.

This was especially true in Denmark and The Netherlands, where the bike lanes are adjacent to the roadways and the bikers expect you to yield to them.

This makes crossing the street if not in the walkway and with the crossing light a bit precarious.

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."