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PENNINGTON, N.J., March 27 /PRNewswire/ — Because of the increased interest in European cruising, Cruise Critic(R) (), the world’s leading online resource for consumer-oriented cruise reviews and news, conducted a survey about cruising in Europe. More than 1,400 travelers from around the world completed the survey. Forty-two percent of survey respondents are planning to take a European cruise within the next three years.”According to our survey, Europe is a draw because cruisers can experience a variety of different cultures and attractions in one trip,” said Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor-in-chief, Cruise Critic.Europe = VarietyNearly one third of survey respondents indicated that what they find most appealing about a European cruise is the opportunity to experience a variety of different cultures and attractions. Another 27 percent said it is the opportunity to visit many different European cities/locations during one vacation.Mediterranean Tops Cruise ItinerariesThe Mediterranean is the top choice for cruise itineraries in Europe, with 32 percent of respondents choosing the Eastern Mediterranean (Athens, Istanbul, Greek Islands) and 20 percent opting for the Western Mediterranean (Rome, Naples, Barcelona) as the European cruise vacation itinerary that interests them most.When it comes to the ports travelers are most interested in visiting, the Greek Islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Ios) were the favorite for 25 percent of respondents. Moving into northern waters, St. Petersburg, Russia is second with nine percent.Rome (15 percent) and Venice (13 percent) are the most popular destinations for travelers that want to add an on-land vacation to their cruise trips.Big Ship StyleWhen it comes to the style of a cruise vacation in Europe, just over half (51 percent) of the respondents said their preference is for a big ship with lots of activities and entertainment. The next most appealing European cruise experience is on a small ship/yacht (31 percent) followed by a river cruise (19 percent.)Cost ConcernsThe main deterrent to taking a cruise in Europe is cost, with the high exchange rate especially worrying American travelers (33 percent), as is the cost of the airfare (14 percent.)Sailing SaversThe most common cost-cutting tip given by cruisers is to either book early or last-minute. Other popular suggestions include booking your own air and transfer arrangements, staying in a cheaper category of cabin, using a travel agent or cruise broker, and researching online.When asked how to save money during a cruise vacation, the most frequent recommendations concern shore excursions, drinks and gambling. The top tip is to arrange your own excursions and not take those organized by the ship. Suggestions for avoiding the bar bill blues (alcohol and sodas) include smuggling a private supply on board, checking the bar tab daily, ordering the drink-of-the-day or purchasing an all-inclusive package. The recommendation for gambling is — “don’t.”Top 10 European Cruise Ports, (in alphabetical order)Compiled by Cruise Critic editors, this list provides travelers with the names of ports that are almost certain to be the highlight of any cruise vacation in Europe. — Barcelona — Copenhagen — Dubrovnik — Florence (Livorno) — Istanbul — London (Dover, Harwich, Southampton) — Rome (Civitavecchia) — Santorini — St. Petersburg — Venice About Cruise CriticLaunched in October 1995, by The Independent Traveler, Inc., Cruise Critic was the first consumer cruise site on the Internet. It is both an interactive online cruise guide providing ship reviews and editorially driven cruise- related features and an active community, where travelers can share opinions and experiences. Cruise Critic is ranked the number one cruise information Web site by Hitwise. In the last five years, traffic on Cruisecritic.com has grown 350 percent and it currently attracts more than five million visitors per year. In response to this burgeoning demand and worldwide growth, Cruise Critic launched its U.K.-based sister site Cruisecritic.co.uk, in January 2008. Cruise Critic and The Independent Traveler were acquired by TripAdvisor(R), LLC, the world’s largest travel community and an operating company of Expedia, Inc. in May 2007.Cruise Critic and The Independent Traveler are either trademarks or registered trademarks of The Independent Traveler, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other logos or product and company names mentioned herein may be the property of their respective owners. CONTACT: Bryan Olender, 1-781-444-1113 x560, CONTACT: Carolyn Spencer Brown, 1-609-730-9155 x17,Cruise Critic