When do we expect 2024 Europe Itineraries to come out?

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

I specifically want non-Caribbean destinations, probably Europe or maybe Hawaii

 

[bcwife76]

Historically, summer itineraries have been released in Feb/March but last year it was very late, end of April. So at this point, it could be tomorrow, it could be a month from now or later before summer 2024 is released. Hawaii cruises (when they happen) have not occurred during summer because that is when the Wonder (the ship that currently does Hawaii) is in Alaska.

 

[pjacobi]

Cruises are perfect for the Carribean with lots of small island close together. Maybe for the Greek islands, too.

Cruises don't work for visiting an entire continent of Europe. How do you cruise the Alps?

Cruises don't work for Hawaii because laws prevent cruising the Hawaiian Islands without stopping at a foreign port which are far, far away.


-Paul

 

[Anna131517]

Cruises are perfect for the Carribean with lots of small island close together. Maybe for the Greek islands, too.

Cruises don't work for visiting an entire continent of Europe. How do you cruise the Alps?

Cruises don't work for Hawaii because laws prevent cruising the Hawaiian Islands without stopping at a foreign port which are far, far away.


-Paul

Cruising is the perfect way to visit certain areas, but I agree not all (far away from the port like Florence or Paris). For example, cruising is a fantastic way to see Greece and the Scandinavian countries. It is also a wonderful way to see Hawaii but you have to go with NCL, which has an American flagged ship, if you JUST want to do Hawaii. We did that cruise and it was wonderful - absolute best way to see all the islands.

 

[Marc D]

Cruises are perfect for the Carribean with lots of small island close together. Maybe for the Greek islands, too.

Cruises don't work for visiting an entire continent of Europe. How do you cruise the Alps?

Cruises don't work for Hawaii because laws prevent cruising the Hawaiian Islands without stopping at a foreign port which are far, far away.


-Paul

Even on land based vacations in Europe, you won’t cover ‘the entire continent’ each time. I’ve been vacationing in Europe for nearly 50 years and I’ve never been to the Alps.

Cruises are perfect to get a taste or highlights of plenty of countries, like Italy or Spain and ideal to visit Iceland, the Norwegian fjords, the Baltic countries and the small British isles…

 

[toontoy]

what timeframe is the treasure expected to start sailing, is it mid to late summer 2024 or fall?

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

Cruises are perfect for the Carribean with lots of small island close together. Maybe for the Greek islands, too.

Cruises don't work for visiting an entire continent of Europe. How do you cruise the Alps?

Cruises don't work for Hawaii because laws prevent cruising the Hawaiian Islands without stopping at a foreign port which are far, far away.


-Paul

You don't cruise the Alps. You drive/hike. I've been to the Alps. Will be back this November during our northern Italy trip.

But how do you drive/hike the Mediterranean? Cruising seems like a good way to sail the area and see several island/ports. Plus, Disney cruises are fun. And we've been through the Caribbean too much now.

 

[insureman]

Cruising the Mediterranean or Northern Europe is an excellent way to get a sampling of different countries. If you really want want to further explore an area you can always go back at a later time.

 

[Flossbolna]

what timeframe is the treasure expected to start sailing, is it mid to late summer 2024 or fall?

The latest I read was that it was slated for delivery in late 2024. So we might not see cruises until early 2025.

 

[HyperspaceMountainPilot]

Cruising the Mediterranean or Northern Europe is an excellent way to get a sampling of different countries. If you really want want to further explore an area you can always go back at a later time.

I would add that cruising the Mediterranean and the Baltic is the best way to sample different countries with kids under 10 (12?) (or difficult parents/in laws) in tow. You can introduce them to some of history’s great sights without packing and unpacking each stop, and with days in between to rest and relax. I have done several land trips and cruise tours, often combining a cruise with a few nights in the city at each end—could not recommend more highly. Last year we spent 3 days in Barcelona, boarded a ship and sailed to Rome (stopping a few French and Italian coastal cities), then flew from Rome to Paris for 3 nights in Paris and 2 days at DLP.

 

[brentm77]

I would add that cruising the Mediterranean and the Baltic is the best way to sample different countries with kids under 10 (12?) (or difficult parents/in laws) in tow. You can introduce them to some of history’s great sights without packing and unpacking each stop, and with days in between to rest and relax. I have done several land trips and cruise tours, often combining a cruise with a few nights in the city at each end—could not recommend more highly. Last year we spent 3 days in Barcelona, boarded a ship and sailed to Rome (stopping a few French and Italian coastal cities), then flew from Rome to Paris for 3 nights in Paris and 2 days at DLP.

Yes. And it's a great way to see Europe if you have a party member who isn't a full health. There is something uniquely rejuvenating about returning to the comfort of the ship each night, with easy to obtain familiar food, permission to relax, and some of the most comfortable sleeping conditions available on vacation (at least for us). Those sea days that take away FOMO are helpful too. Add to that the unpacking once, yet seeing a lot of new places, and it is much less draining on those party members. Even though my health is great, it allowed me to come back from two weeks in Europe feeling refreshed instead of drained as some land trips often do.

That isn't to say we don't love being adventurous with new food, or strolling a city in Europe late into the night, or seeing those great places cruising doesn't work for. But, it is one option of many to see a huge percentage of Europe in a manner that is much easier, and even more enjoyable, for many people. We still go out of our way to try local food and immerse ourselves for the short time we are in each port. In my opinion, there is something uniquely specially about cruising the Med too. While the Caribbean is great in its own way, it doesn't compare to our experience cruising in Europe.

 

[Drfate102]

I turn 50 in May 2024 and I am waiting on the itineraries to be released as a cruise in the Med is just a portion of a larger European celebration. I was curious as to how far out other cruise lines go out and Carnival already has January 2025 out.

 

[Sanchez]

I hope my input isn't taken as combative or argumentative - it goes without saying that everyone should do what they enjoy. I I like cruising and there are certain itineraries where cruising is better suited (Caribbean for example, where there is very little depth when it comes to art, food, architecture and general cultural experiences. Alaska as well.) Also, I do understand if one is traveling with younger children or those with disabilities.

Overall, when it comes to Europe I think a land vacation is a much better option when it comes to immersion and cost. I look at it this way: Do you want to experience Italy, France, Germany Greece etc? Or, do you want a cruise with some limited experiences?

There really is no comparison as to what you can experience on land versus a cruise where you are mostly on a cruise ship or traveling to sights, eating cruise ship food (woof - especially DCL) and experiencing cruise ship entertainment (which is someting you can get without traveling to Europe.) As to some of the benefits/detriments for each method of travel I would add:

- Number of new places. It is a misconception that you will see more places on a cruise. We spent 16 days in Italy last year (+2 travel days) and set up in five different spots plus numerous day trips from those spots. We experienced many more places than you would on a DCL 8 or 11 day cruise. I would add that the cruise stops are mostly "tourist" areas.
- Not sure why it is assumed that cruising offers more opportunities for relaxation. We spent several "off" days relaxing in the hotel or just milling around a Town. I would rather be in Europe when traveling to Europe.
- Packing/unpacking. I think this is a plus for cruising, but not anything major. We traveled with one carryon bag plus a backpack and traveled between locations using the rail system (which is convenient and part of the experience.) We also used the rail system for day trips. We traveled at most 2.5 hours between locations (on this trip we spent time in Rome, Venice, Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna and Also Aldige.) We took day trips from all of those places. We visited several wineries and sometimes just stopped somewhere that we hadn't planned.
- Planning. Planning for a land trip is far more involved than a cruise. Some people may enjoy more planning and some may enjoy having everything done for you. I find that research and planning add to the experience.
-Cost. I am not sure if DCL is the appropriate measuring stick (other lines have better itineraries at a much lower cost.) I will say that our budget for 16 touring days (all in 4 star hotels or B&Bs) was $9,000 for two people EXCLUDING flights and our wine shipments.) I just pulled a Guaranteed rate verandah for DCL 8 day Med from Rome in June - cost for 2 is $5,875. Add tips, transfers, hotels before and after, day trips/excursions, food costs and other expenses you are easily at $8,000 (and that is for half the time we spent in Italy.)

I guess we can all twist the experiences to suit our preferred method of travel. In my case, and given what I have experienced and wish to experience in the future, I find cruises to places such as Europe to be too restrictive and insufficient to justify the time off and cost.

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

Lol, I just wanted to know when we could expect the cruise itineraries for Summer of next year to open up. It's funny that it turned into a debate on the merits of cruise vs. non-cruise travel.

Folks, one can do both!

 

[leannak]

We have done both, several times. There are advantages to both but I gotta say, cruising is FUN. Plus, on a cruise:

* You get REAL air-conditioning every night, in a cozy room with a comfy bed
* Laundry is soooo handy on the ship
* I felt more adventurous with European foods during a cruise, because I knew I would 100% find something I liked when I got back on the ship. This goes double for kids!

 

[coloradocutie]

I am so looking forward to their itineraries next summer. In seeing the discounts already offered on this year's summer cruises- even before PIF, I am hoping there are some decent prices. (I mean... decent for Disney )

 

[HyperspaceMountainPilot]

Some of the 2023 summer GTY sailings seem reasonable (for Disney!) but the itineraries we want most are not on great dates for us, so I’d love to know the 2024 options (and prices ) before making a final decision between Europe and Asia this summer.

Based on available discounts and pricing, it looks like Alaska is selling better than Europe, and perhaps they are wanting to get a feel for the actual relative demand after the cancellation/penalty window kicks in? I also feel like all cruise lines in Europe have had to mix things up with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

 

[Flossbolna]

The previous pattern (before Covid and war in Ukraine) was that they were released the second week after the end of the half deposit promotion. So next Thursday would be historically the first possible release day.

We never know, but I think this year there should not be any reason for a massive delay. Unless they question whether to send Magic or Dream if they have trouble filling the Dream in Europe with DCL prices.

 

[holula]

We never know, but I think this year there should not be any reason for a massive delay. Unless they question whether to send Magic or Dream if they have trouble filling the Dream in Europe with DCL prices.

The Dream was not just DCL pricing, it was a premium on top of DCL pricing. The *GT rates have finally moved the cruises to just DCL pricing.

 

[DCLMP]

After May 1 maybe? That is when the new CC levels go live.