Cruises take the sting out of the exchange rate

In response to the fall in the pound’s value against the euro and consequent increase in the cost of land-based Eurozone holidays, editors from Cruise Critic (cruisecritic.co.uk), the world’s leading online resource for cruise news and reviews are advising British holidaymakers to book a cruise to beat the exchange rate blues.

Here are four ways that taking a U.K. ship to visit Eurozone destinations can save British travellers money, compared to a land-based holiday.

Pay in Pounds
For British travellers taking a land-based holiday in Europe, costs can add up quickly – especially if everything is being paid in euros. In order to help alleviate the pain, book a holiday on a U.K. cruise line (such as Fred. Olsen, P&O, Island Cruises or Thomson) that is priced in pounds. A British cruise paid in pounds greatly limits a Brit’s exposure to losses due to the poor exchange rate. Also, paying in pounds avoids currency surcharges many tour/travel companies are now adding to the cost of a holiday.

Save on On-board Activities + Shore Tours
Booking a European cruise on a U.K. cruise line also saves money on the extras that help make a trip special. Be it multiple margaritas on the pool deck, a half-day spa experience or shopping, paying in pounds for everything on board eliminates the issues of poor exchange rates and credit card surcharges. Travellers can also purchase shore tours in pounds on cruise ships, saving even more money.

Cut Transportation Costs
Because cruise ships visit multiple destinations during a voyage, travellers get to experience many destinations in one trip without incurring extra transportation costs, many of which may need to be purchased in euros.

Use the Weak Dollar
British travellers that really want to save big should book a trip on an ex-U.K. ship whose on board currency is the U.S. dollar, putting the exchange rate in the pound’s favour. Examples of ex-U.K. ships that are using the dollar as their on board currency include Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jade, Princess Cruises’ Grand Princess and Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas.

For more information, see Cruisecritic.co.uk.