The world’s most ‘affordable’ cruise destinations and the ‘optimal cheap holiday’ spot | Cruise | Travel
Yasmin Pekel, CEO of Blue Cruise, has shared the world’s most affordable destinations for a cruise holiday. From Europe to the Caribbean, there are a few options to consider.
Croatia
“Cruising is a very popular way to visit Croatia, as you’ll be able to get unbelievable views of the country’s stunning coastline. UK travellers usually have to fly to another area in the Mediterranean, before embarking on their trip, but booking a budget airline in advance is a great way to keep the costs down.
“Once you have arrived at your ship, the different islands of Croatia provide the ultimate place to relax, take in the culture and even view UNESCO heritage sites or Games of Thrones filming locations. These sights are combined with cheap eats, entertainment and shopping, making it the optimal cheap holiday destination.”
Britons on a Croatian cruise might visit coastal cities such as Dubrovnik and Split or take in some of the islands.
Hvar, Brac and Korcula are all popular island destinations in Croatia which offer the perfect place to relax.
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Ireland
“For those looking for a quick, scenic cruise, Ireland is the perfect destination. If you’re looking to save money, you can easily avoid the capital, Dublin, and visit some of the more affordable places.”
Yasmin recommends exploring cities such as Cork and Belfast in Northern Ireland or heading out on an excursion to the Giant’s Causeway or the Cliffs of Moher.
Turkey
“The natural beauty of Turkey makes it an outstanding choice for those wishing to get away for a holiday break.
“With plenty of ports to journey across and the average cost of a three-course meal for two people roughly £20, you can live expensively for a very low price. There are also many historical and magnificent sights to see, meaning you can eat, drink and immerse yourself in the local culture for little to no money.”
Izmir, Kusadasi, Istanbul, Dikili and Antalya are all popular spots for cruises in Turkey and each offers something different.
Whether Britons are looking for beaches, culture or history, Turkey has a full range of attractions to explore.
The Netherlands
“Top tourist destinations such as Amsterdam, are a short and affordable cruise away, offering outstanding views of the English Channel and Amsterdam’s canals.
“Once you have arrived, you can explore the city that boasts delicious treats, including stroopwafels and famous frites, or incredible attractions like the Rijksmuseum.”
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Rotterdam is another popular cruise destination in the Netherlands and is famous for its modern architecture.
The Caribbean
“One of the most famous cruise destinations in the world, the Caribbean is regarded for its rich culture and the opportunity to visit some of the most scenic beaches in the world.
“The food, attractions and souvenirs are all cheap, if you plan appropriately, as some of the more touristy hotspots can be expensive.
“You should also try to book your Caribbean adventure during Wave Season or visit during the off-peak months, as doing so during the peak times can result in a surprisingly expensive cruise.”
The Caribbean can be much more affordable outside of peak season and the beaches are just as beautiful.
Popular destinations in the Caribbean include St Lucia, Jamaica, Belize, Cuba and the Bahamas.
Yasmin added: “It’s not only the cost of the cruise itself that you need to consider. There are also flights, insurance and other factors, such as on-shore excursions, to take into consideration.
“By adding up all of these factors, you might actually find that the cheapest option is one of the most expensive. Talking to a travel agent is one of the best ways to discover all upfront costs and keep the cost of your trip down.”