Trains, planes, and automobiles … Rick Steves has crisscrossed Europe using them all. He’s explored by bus, ferry, and even cruise ship. But while millions swear by cruising in Europe, Steves isn’t fully on board with this mode of travel. After all, he has built a career around championing immersive travel experiences. His mission is to help Americans have trips that are “culturally broadening,” he says. Cruises offer a different kind of experience. As Steves explains, “Cruising insulates you from Europe.”
He sums up his travel philosophy like this: “I believe that travelers in search of engaging, broadening experiences should eat, sleep, and live Europe.” When you’re on a cruise, that’s not what happens. You eat and sleep on the boat, which Steves calls “a big floating chunk of America.” The huge ships are a retreat from the everyday challenges of traveling in Europe. You don’t need to handle any language barriers, haggle over prices, or try unfamiliar foods.
On the boat, you can enjoy room service and regularly scheduled meals without having to adjust to a European schedule. There are zip lines, water parks, and sports bars. As Steves says of the onboard experience: “It’s fun — but is it Europe?”
The upside of cruising
How to immerse yourself on a cruise
Steves’ main criticism of cruising is the sense of isolation it can encourage. Passengers will almost always have a superficial experience of a destination, given that they have just a few rushed hours to explore. But meaningful travel is possible, and cruisers can spend those few hours fully immersed in Europe if they choose to.
One way of doing this is to avoid excursions provided by the cruise line and explore alone instead. Steves’ book “Mediterranean Cruise Ports” is invaluable in giving information on how to navigate stops alone. You can pick up a copy on Amazon, where it has hundreds of outstanding reviews. Another option is to hire a local guide at the destination. They can show you the highlights and lesser visited parts of a city, leading you through a maze of back streets in Rome to a cozy trattoria serving the best pasta you’ve ever eaten. In fact, Steves says that if there’s one thing to splurge on in Europe, it’s a local guide.
As Steves puts it: “Cruising might not be for everyone. But neither is my style of travel.” The beauty of travel is that we can shape our own experiences. Whether you’re backpacking across Europe or sailing from port to port, it’s your choice whether to engage with the places you visit.
