Summer is here and you’re ready to take that dream cruise you’ve been planning for years. You finally decide that you want to escape to Europe. Now that you’ve chosen your destination your job is done right? Wrong. Choosing where you want to go is only the first part of booking an amazing vacation.

Once you’ve selected the Celebrity Europe cruise you want to set sail on, you then have the think about what to do when you make port.

Here are a few tips for making the most of your port excursions while on a Europe cruise.

According to www.cruisecritic.com, seasonal timing is one of the most important things to consider in order to book the right trip. If you hate crowds and don’t mind unpredictable weather, you should sail from April through early June. September and October are also ideal times to avoid crowds and fares are usually lower. If summer is the only time you can get away then aim for late June to early July. Keep in mind that although July and August are peak months to visit Europe’s ports, many restaurants and even attractions might be shut down for annual vacations.

When deciding who to include on your cruise, be sure to include the kids. Family cruises are very popular in Europe and many cruise lines offer kid-friendly trips. They offer the perfect balance of onboard kids’ programs and shore excursions so that families can explore ports together.

The next tip is to be realistic about your itinerary. Most cruise lines will only spend a day, or maybe even just a few hours, at certain destinations. A day at a port doesn’t give you enough time to see everything. Realistically, you won’t be able to see half the things you want to. The best thing to do is make a note of the destinations you liked the best and plan to return for a lengthier stay some other time. Try to make the most of your vacation but keep in mind that you won’t be able to do it all.

Be sure to have a blend of activities. If you’re going to be making port in large cities back to back, you should avoid doing city intensive tours at each stop. This might become boring and redundant. Try to incorporate alternative laid-back activities. Take a leisurely stroll through the city. Have lunch at a quiet café. Find a balance in your shore excursions so you don’t get burnt out or become bored.

Since you’ll be venturing into the cities, be sure to pack comfortable shoes. Make sure you bring several pairs of good quality walking shoes. Although the cobblestone streets may be charming, they’re not the easiest thing on your feet.

The last tip is to give yourself some relaxation time. Although you want to make the most of your trip and try to pack in as much as possible, it’s important to give yourself a break. Running around to cram in every activity can be draining. When booking your cruise, look for one that spends a few days at sea. You will definitely appreciate the occasional day off so you can rest and lounge in between adventures.

Now that you’ve decided to take a European cruise, and you know what to do once you make port, it’s time to book that cruise and sail away on an unforgettable vacation.