European river cruise deals 2010 – How to bag a real deal!

European river cruising is a fantastic way to visit countries like Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Hungary, The Netherlands, Russia, Egypt, France & Italy. There is no shortage of excursions either with all those historical, culture rich cities, medieval villages, castles and gothic architecture along the way.

The current economic climate is forcing the cruise line industry to offer competitive creative European River cruise deals 2010. Although, some of these discount packages may not be quite the deal you expect. Hidden charges can easily camouflage the true cost of a cruise vacation.

So how do you find real European river cruise deals 2010.

My top 7 tips are as follows:
• Do your research in advance of booking,
• Set a yourself a budget
• Be flexible on your river cruising choice
• Be flexible when you travel
• Be flexible on your vacation duration
• Don’t get carried away with the seductive colour brochures and photography,
• Be smart and ask the right questions.

Firstly, where will you find the best European River Cruise Deals 2010. I suggest you employ both online internet and off line resources.

Research:
Find the main players who offer European River Cruises 2010. For starters, I suggest you check out the following:

• AMA Waterways
• Avalon Waterways,
• Uniworld River Cruises,
• Viking River Cruises
• Tauck River Cruises

If you visit each of the above you will get an idea of their various packages. i.e which rivers they cruise, the countries you will visit, the various excursions and the duration. Typical cruises extend from a short 3 days up to a grand 32 days. There is something to match everybody’s time availability.At this stage I would create a short list of river cruises that particularly interest you and their prices.While on the above web sites, I would then have a look for the “European river cruise deals 2010 link” or similar “specials or discount” button.

See if any of your preferred cruises are mentioned in the special off or discount category. If they are this is where you will need to be flexible if you want to avail of the offer.

Now, you hopefully have a few ideas of where you would like to cruise, possible prices, deals direct from the cruise line companies, I would start checking out the travel agent web sites. Normally you would expect booking direct with the river cruise line companies (no middle men) would get you the best deal but this is not always true. Have a look to be sure.Okay at this point you should have a short list of European river cruises deals 2010.

At this point you will need to be smart and ask the right questions of the cruise line company or your travel agent. The relevant questions are the basis of another of my articles check the article out here.

So at this point I will be bid you farewell and hope my suggestions help you find the best European river cruise deals 2010.

“European river cruise deals 2010″ is an article written by Jeff Horgan

German Christmas markets 2009 – For those of you river cruising you will enjoy the above video. It will give you a little taste of what to expect.

From the end of November, Towns in Germany are transformed by the glitter of Christmas lights and the sounds and smells of this time of year.

German Christmas markets 2009 will be as spectacular as always. You can avoid the usual commercialised Christmas we are all used to and enjoy the simple pleasures and delights of a traditional Christmas. Snow covered trees and gothic church spires set the scene.
The German Christmas markets 2009 like every other year will stock all kinds of Christmas merchandise and gifts, especially traditional historic things such as the cribs, toys, ornaments, wood carvings, Christmas candles and sheep skin shoes. While you wander amongst the stalls enjoy a glass of the delicious mulled wine and sample a cinnamon coated baked apple. These treats will keep your spirits up on a cold crisp day.

The mouth watering aromas of the hot chestnuts char grilled sausages and other Christmas pies and snacks will seduce even the most weight conscious of you.

The kids will enjoy the colourful array of sweets and of course the gingerbread men.

Decorated horses and carriages add to the fairytale spectacle.

If you are not visiting the Christmas markets in Germany this year, I suggest you keep them in mind for next year.

The German Christmas markets 2009 will be a truly unforgettable experience for children and adults alike.

The Vodafone USB Stick

I am oftened asked about internet access while river cruising in Europe. Many of the cruise line companies offer wireless acess for you laptop but I often here that service is unreliable and unpredictable.

The following device may be of interest. It is the Vodafone USB stick. Simply plug it in to your laptop and you can access your email and the web. Better still you can purchase and use it on a pay as you go basis. i.e. no rental plans (just purchase the device and top up with credit for use.

If you are thinking of purchasing just make sure that the countries you cruise through have coverage.

You can learn more by clicking here Vodafone USB Stick

So I hope this proves a useful device for you to access your emails and the internet while enjoying your river cruising in Europe.
Jeff.

European river boat cruises are a great way to see many of the countries of Europe.  When people think of cruising it’s often of the tropical, open sea cruise with strict schedules, usual tourist stops and cheesy in-house entertainment. Riverboat cruising is a completely different experience. River cruising ships are smaller and therefore offer a more intimate atmosphere where you can take the time you needs to relax, soak in the scenery and get to know the other passengers. You still have the convenience of a cruise with excellent accommodation and dining, without the long lines and crazy schedules. Instead, sit and just watch the beautiful countryside go by and stroll through the medieval villages you dock in for a great experience.

There are many companies to choose from when considering European river boat cruises, if you are interested in European river boat cruises check out Peter Deilmann, Viking, Avalon, Uniworld. These cruise line companies operate cruises on the great European rivers including the Danube, the Rhine and the great Nile. These companies all offer amazing European river cruise specials and equally amazing destinations. European river boat cruises range from three to thirty-two days and can include a number of different destinations throughout Europe, China, Egypt, Russian and the Ukraine.

European river boat cruises enable you experience the beauty and history of truly memorable sights without the congestion of bus excursions and with the individual attention to deal that a cruise offers. Your time is valued and you shouldn’t have to hop between hotels and flights to have the European vacation you’ve always dreamed of. If you have specific travel needs, a river boat cruise specialist can help you develop a plan for that and help you plan for the trip. This is especially important for those with medical conditions, disabilities or other personal needs.
For a first time Europe riverboat cruiser, a high level of service is exactly what they need to make sure the vacation is what they are hoping for, paid for in the way they are able and is an overall enjoyable experience. Take the time to work with a river boat cruise company and their travel specialist, you can learn about the specials they offer and the special services or extra’s  that are available  that can make your cruise more fun and personally accommodating.

European river boat cruises are certainly worth consideration, whether  you have tired of the regular ocean going version of cruising or are looking for a very different way to explore the historic sites of Europe.

Europe travel deals are being announced on an almost daily basis. Dollars and Euros are going further than ever before on a Europe travel deal.  Cruising like every other vacation type is offering some remarkable value in Europe travel deals. If you have ever thought about taking a cruise maybe now is the time to grab a deal. In particular you might like to check out European river cruising.

European river cruising includes river cruises on the great European rivers like the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine to mention but a few. The advantage of European river cruising is that the ships are smaller, more intimate,
River cruise line companies are offering cheap flights, free transfers, discount accommodation, free excursions, cabin upgrades, discounted second travellers and wine included with your meal deals.

Enough said, there are bargains everywhere for the savvy traveller. How do you find these great Europe travel deals?
Okay, you need to do your research. I will help you get started. If you are flexible about your sailing dates, the duration of your vacation and the particular cruise this will help open up lots of discount opportunities.

The most popular european river cruise line companies in Europe include Peter Deilmann, Viking, Amadeus, Tauck.
I suggest you visit each of their web sites and sign up for their mailing lists. Most of them have a deals or an announcement section where the latest discounts and deals can be found.

Another great source of information on Europe travel deals can be found in online forums. A forum that I particularly like is cruise critic. You will find it at www.cruisecritic.com. The site provides a massive resource. You will find all the cruise companies advertising and competing head on. Worldwide ocean cruises as well as European river cruising is well represented.  Nothing like head on competition to bring out the best deals and discounts from the competitors.

The other great benefit of this site is the reviews provided by experienced cruisers. Reviewers do not pull any punches. They tell it as they see it. I strongly suggest you become a member of cruise critic. This will enable you participate in the forums and ask questions yourself. Don’t be shy open a question. You will have responses in no time.

Don’t waste any more time, go find those Europe travel deals. They won’t last forever.

Good Luck bargain hunting for your Europe Travel Deal,
Jeff