12 Budget European Cruises for Fall 2016

If sky-high summertime prices scared you away from a European cruise this year, now is the time to reconsider. With “shoulder season” approaching—that sweet spot between high season and the end of the season—cruise lines of all stripes are lowering fares to entice travelers to make one last trip to Europe before winter descends. You can find some excellent buys for August through December embarkations for itineraries that focus on the Mediterranean, Baltic region, and Northern Europe. Remember that as summer sets in Europe, airfares will also get cheaper as carriers look to fill empty seats on flights to gateways like Rome, Venice, Athens, London, and Copenhagen. Check out these cruise bargains and see if one may work for you.—Andrea M. Rotondo