4 affordable European cruises

Ahoy! You can still afford a trip across the pond this summer. Here's how

If the idea of paying $10 (a.k.a. €6.8) to sip a cappuccino in Rome is making you rethink plans for a European vacation, don't put your passport away just yet. There is still one reasonably priced way to visit the Continent: by boat.

In any season or location, cruises tend to be a good value because room and board are included, but European itineraries are especially sweet deals now. Since you pay in dollars, you needn't worry about plummeting exchange rates.

Plus, with cruise lines shifting ships away from the Caribbean during hurricane season, there's so much overseas capacity that "nearly every line has discounts in Europe for this summer," says Mike Driscoll, editor of Cruise Week.

Keep in mind that most ships don't stay in port overnight, so your exploration time will be limited. But if you're happy with a taste of Europe, a cruise can be a molto buono way to go. Read on and get ready to cast off.

NEXT: For seasoned travelers