These European cities are calling for limits on cruise ships
In response to overtourism issues, two of the Mediterranean’s busiest ports may change how they manage cruise ship arrivals.
Palma de Mallorca in Spain and Dubrovnik in Croatia receive thousands of international cruise ship passengers daily but they’re struggling to cope with what most of its citizens see as an excess of tourist numbers, as well as the air pollution produced by cruise ships. The port of Palma, in south-west Mallorca, is the third busiest in Europe for cruise ships (receiving 1.75 million passengers annually) and the second most polluted (behind Barcelona).
Now residents, activists and organizations have come together to sign a petition for the number of cruise ships to be curbed to just one per day, with a maximum of 4000 passengers disembarking daily. The petition states that “megacruises at Palma has increased in unsustainable and undesirable ways for our city, causing a serious environmental and territorial impact, as well as growing social protests.” It has so far received 11,000 signatures and will be presented at a conference in Palma on Friday.
Marta Ferriol, coordinator of the NGO Tramuntana XXI, one of the organizations that signed the petition, told the Guardian: “The problem is cruise ship tourists arrive all at once and they saturate the historic part of the city. They don’t spend money in the city. We’ve recently seen a report from Venice that says this type of tourism brings few benefits to residents.”
While city authorities have yet to respond to the petition, Dubrovnik is already moving ahead with its plans to improve how the city manages a high volume of cruise ships. In order to “preserve and protect” its cultural heritage, the city and Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish best practices for long-term destination management.
The MOU sets out plans to implement the 2020 cruise ship berthing policy to cap the number of cruise ship arrivals and will introduce the previously developed Respect the City visitor campaign, which aims to promote Dubrovnik as a more sustainable tourist destination, as well as limit the number of daily visitors to the UNESCO-protected Old Town.
Mayor Mato Franković said: “This commitment is just a beginning of a joint systematic, integrated and participative approach that will target some of the most important tourism issues locally and globally.”
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First-Time Cruisers: 11 Biggest Mistakes (and How Not to Make Them)
A record-high number of travelers are taking cruises. According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), about 28.5 million people set sail in 2018, up 7% from 2017. Americans, in particular, are fueling the industry: 14.2 million U.S. citizens took a cruise last year. However, many first-time cruisers make mistakes that can cause them undue stress or drive up the costs of their vacation. If you’re planning your first voyage, you don’t want to be one of them. Here are 11 blunders to avoid on your maiden cruise. Mistake #1: Waiting to reserve excursions till you’re on the ship Many seasoned cruisers book land excursions far in advance, since making a reservation ahead of time guarantees they’ll reserve a spot. (Popular excursions, unsurprisingly, sell out!) Also, many cruise lines offer deals for early bookings. The caveat? Depending on the cruise ship’s policy, some excursions may be nonrefundable. Mistake #2: Overlooking cruise line loyalty programs Most cruise lines, including the four largest in the world—Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and MSC Cruises—have free loyalty programs that reward customers with points that they can use to receive reduced cruise fares, cash back to spend aboard their ships, or other perks, such as priority boarding, member parties, private concierge services, and complimentary meals. Though some cruise lines automatically enroll members following their first sailing, others require travelers to opt into the program—sometimes before they board. So, find out what the sign-up process before you make a reservation. Mistake #3: Only booking directly through the cruise line Booking a cruise directly through a cruise line is convenient, but it’s not your only option. Plus, travelers can nab cheaper rates by exploring deals on discount websites like Expedia, Cruise.com, Priceline, and Travelocity. Another perk: if you find a cheaper price after you book a reservation, many discount travel providers will match the lower rate and refund you the difference. That being said, it may make sense for loyalty members to book directly with the cruise line in order to receive rewards points. It ultimately depends on whether the lower fare from a third-party booking service offsets the numbers of points you’d get by booking with the cruise line. Mistake #4: Assuming the cruise is all-inclusive Typically, cruise fares only cover your cabin, meals, and onboard activities and entertainment. Be prepared to pay extra for drink packages, Internet, and gratuities. (Note: many cruise lines, today, use an automatic gratuity system that tacks on 15% to 20% tips) Find out what these costs are ahead of time so that you can budget accordingly. Mistake #5: Not switching your cellphone to airplane mode Even if you don’t make a single phone call or send a text message while you’re cruising, international roaming rates can cost hundreds of dollar. Also, you may get charged for simply receiving text messages. Thus, either turn on your cellphone’s airplane mode, or contact your carrier to inquire about getting a short-term international plan. (Turning off your phone when you board the ship works, too!) Mistake #6: Buying trip protection from the cruise line If you’re the type of person who likes to purchase travel insurance, look into buying an insurance plan from an independent insurance provider. Oftentimes, third-party insurance plans offer better coverage—and may be cheaper—than trip protection sold by cruise lines. Pro tip: Some premium credit cards offer trip protections—the Chase Sapphire Reserve, for example, provides not only trip cancellation insurance but also emergency medical and medical evacuation coverage. Mistake #7: Presuming your health insurance policy covers you abroad Put simply, your primary health insurance may not pick up the tab for hospital treatments or emergency medical expenses while you travel internationally. That explains why a report from Allianz Global Assistance found that 67% of all cruise related “billing reasons” for insurance claims are the result of an illness or injury. The morale: talk to your insurance provider to learn what your policy does and doesn’t cover abroad. Mistake #8: Not selecting your cabin’s location Obviously, when you book a cruise, you choose what type of cabin you want (e.g., an interior room, a room with a balcony, a suite). However, many people don’t consider where their cabin is located. If you’re prone to seasickness, health experts recommend staying in a cabin in the middle of the ship on a low floor, where you’re less likely to feel the “sway” of the boat. Booking a cabin that’s located near an elevator—or, heaven forbid, a night club—can also sting, especially if you’re a light sleeper. Mistake #9: Under-packing Over-packing, of course, isn’t good. (After all, why schlep around more stuff than you actually need?) However, under-packing is also a common mistake first-time cruisers make. Many ships have formal or smart-casual nights that require certain attire (some even enforce black-tie dress codes!), so pack accordingly. Also, pack some cool-weather clothes—a strong breeze can make it chilly on the deck at night. Mistake #10: Parking at the port Cruise lines tend to charge top dollar for guests to park their car at the ship’s first point of departure. To find cheaper parking, look for deals at nearby lots that are a short Uber or Taxi ride away. Plan to stay in town the night before your cruise? See if your hotel offers guests a special rate for you to park your car there during the cruise. Mistake #11: Not packing a carry-on for the first few hours On many cruises, especially large ships, you’ll hand off your luggage when you climb on board, and the ship’s staff will deliver it to your room a few hours later. Which is why you’ll want to pack a small carry-on bag with any essentials you’ll need during the first few hours, like a bathing suit, sunscreen, or medications.
European Rivers Every Well-Traveled Cruiser Must Discover
A European river cruise is a world apart, a journey along a storied waterway with frequent stops in historic ports where you can choose to indulge in delights ranging from the local food and wine scene to hands-on arts and crafts to learning a new language and, for those who crave outdoor pursuits, even hiking, cycling, and paddling. Avalon Waterways Active Discovery river cruises offer you a choice of daily included excursions that put your own personal interests front and center. From the comfort of your Panorama SuiteSM, you’ll take in unforgettable Instagrammable views of charming towns, castles, and forests, and everywhere you venture onboard or off will remind you that river cruising is all about convenience and customizable experiences as you see new things, try new things, and experience new cultures. From endless views to endless possibilities Avalon Waterways is charting a whole new course in river cruising. Here are three European rivers you must cruise in 2019. THE DANUBE One of the most famous rivers in the world is also one of the finest cruising experiences out there. The Danube river offers opportunities for “culture vultures,” history buffs, foodies, wine sippers, and adventurers to choose the best way to enjoy their time on the water and in port. Get ready to bring home brag-worthy images and stories of your time in Danube ports including Budapest and Vienna. Attend a medieval knights tournament at Visegrad Castle, indulge in the sensory and tasting experiences awaiting you at a Trappist monastery where you’ll taste artisanal cheese and beer and explore a fragrant garden, see iconic works of art such as Klimt’s “Kiss,” and even take a tour of Dracula’s castle (if you dare). Looking for a more relaxed pace? Take a guided city tour or just kick back for some local wine-tasting. Seeking a bit of active adventure? Try a canoe or cycling tour. The opportunities to discover and explore are endless, but the choices are all yours. (We think that’s what a real vacation should be all about.) THE RHINE The fact that Avalon’s Rhine cruise starts in Amsterdam should be enough to make sure you pack your camera or smartphone along with a hearty appetite. Get ready to explore history and art, eat like royalty, and witness first-hand some of the glories of northern Europe. From a classic Amsterdam canal cruise (in a separate, smaller craft) to an eating tour, Amsterdam will fill your days with lasting images and flavors, and you may decide to channel your inner Rembrandt with a painting class or, if you’re in the mood to experience Amsterdam at a different pace, take a jogging tour of the city. From the comfort of your ship, you’ll pass the jaw-dropping Rhine Gorge and enjoy local cuisine served onboard (we especially appreciate that convenience at the end of a busy day). Taste chocolate in Cologne, an array of culinary delights on an eating tour of Duisburg, and sip world-class wines in Eltville. We love that Avalon offers you the chance to see the Rhine your way. THE RHÔNE Okay, we can’t promise that cruising on the Rhône will turn you into the next Van Gogh, but we can promise that on Avalon’s Active Discovery cruise of the iconic French river, you’ll get the chance, if you would like, to participate in a painting workshop at Arles and learn to apply paint and color in the style of the legendary Vincent himself. Or create your own signature perfume fragrance in Avignon, where masters have been crafting scents for centuries. For some of us, the word Rhône is synonymous with great wine, and you can opt for a tasting in an underground cave or a cycling tour that also includes rose-tasting (for those who prefer to combine activity with leisure pursuits). Or surprise your friends back home by Instagramming a flamingo at Camargue Regional Nature Park. Visit an oyster farm, visit the papal palace at Avignon, or brush up on your own French cooking skills with class in Lyon (or if that sounds a little too ambitious, just take the guided culinary walk through Lyon, eating all along the way). It’s up to you: Chill at a charming cafe, or glide along the legendary riverbanks in a canoe. Choose the excursion to match your mood, pace, and interests each day, all while experiencing the sights, sounds and flavors of the Rhône your way. ONBOARD AMENITIES YOU’LL LOVE Of course, you don’t have to spend all your time exploring ports of call, and Avalon’s fleet helps you make downtime every bit as memorable as your onshore activities. Soak up the beauty of European villages, historic castles that look as if they were plucked from a fairy tale (in some case, they were!), and legendary forests from a scenic Sky Deck. If you choose, you can stay in a Panorama Suite with incredible floor-to-ceiling windows, or visit your ship’s Panorama Lounge to sip local wine while drinking in the views, lounging in a hot tub, playing games with other passengers, or just relaxing with a book. Stateroom options range from basic-yet-spacious to downright indulgent. With fresh, locally sourced meals reflecting the culinary cultures of the regions your ship is passing through, plus flexible meal schedules, it’s possible you’ll find yourself looking forward to breakfast, lunch, and dinner as much as you look forward to your Active Discovery adventures on land. To learn more about Avalon’s Active Discovery cruises, visit AvalonWaterways.com/active-discovery/.