Why Plan A European Cruise
Europe is a marvelous cruise destination for several reasons. A European cruise can be a great vacation option for a first-timer or for someone who has been to Europe many times. A European cruise is an especially good fit for travelers who want to see the history, art, and natural beauty of Europe without having to navigate the roads and train stations or spend a lot of time planning where to stay and where to dine.
Here are several other reasons you should plan a European cruise:
See The Best Of Portugal Spain And France
According to new research by Celebrity Cruises, its 12-night Portugal, Spain and France itinerary is the Celebrity cruise that is most popular with Aussie guests booking in for 2022. Its easy to see why. The voyage stops into such enticing destinations as Bordeaux, Bilbao, Lisbon and Seville before arriving in Rome. And then theres the ship. The new 2900-passenger Celebrity Apex has a lush rooftop garden and a choice of 29 distinct restaurants, bars, and lounges. The cruise departs Amsterdam on September 11, 2022.
Staterooms Size/views On The Amamagna
Since this ship is so unique, here is the size and number of 96 staterooms by category for comparison purposes:
1 Owners Suite 710 sq feet with balcony
6 Grand Suites 474 sq feet with balconies
46 Suites Category SA & SB 355 sq feet with balconies
34 Category AA & AB 252 sq feet with balconies
11 Category D & E 205 sq feet with fixed windows
Read Also: Is Seabourn All Inclusive
Best Basque Country Cruises
New from Lindblad Expeditions in April 2022 is a unique cultural exploration cruise from Lisbon to Bordeaux. The itinerary begins in Porto, Portugal, and continues through Basque country to the epicenter for French wine, Bordeaux, with a strong focus on food and drink throughout the cruise. Sail on the new, polar-class, 126-passenger National Geographic Resolution, where you can work out in the yoga studio or linger in the infinity-style hot tubs when not on shore sipping port at the wine cellars in Porto. During the cruise, you will have the opportunity to spend a day collecting mussels with local fishermen in Galicia, Spain, visit Bilbaos Frank Gehrydesigned Guggenheim art museum, and sample tapas and sparkling wine in a French Basque fishing village. Fares from $6,870 per person.
Medium Ship Line #1: Marella Cruises
U.K.-based cruise line Marella, which is operated by TUI UK, has a fleet of four ships that hold between 1,100 and 2,000 passengers, sailing itineraries around Europe, the Middle East, North America, and the Caribbean, with some special journeys to Asia. The sailings are billed as all-inclusive, and they do include alcoholic beverages and tips, but some of the specialty restaurants cost an extra fee.
You May Like: Best Months To Cruise To Alaska
River Cruise Company Reviews
Part of the fastest growing segment in the cruising, river cruise lines have been popping up all over the place these days. There are more than 20 river cruise providers around the globe, and a little less than half of those could be considered premium or luxury standouts. From there, we did the hard work for you, with an in-depth look at some of the most popular river cruises available.
After our evaluation, we chose the three best river cruise lines: Viking River Cruises, Crystal Cruises and Uniworld. With multiple ships, destination countries and themed adventures, these four lines stood out for their enrichment, culinary expertise and high-touch service.
- Great Destinations and Itineraries
Read Up On Destinations
One of the best things about going to so many places is seeing all the sites. So, we recommend reading up on the places you will be visiting and deciding exactly what you want to do and see whilst youre there so you dont feel like you have missed anything. You can of course join excursions with your cruise line and take tours at each destination or you can do your own thing if there is something specific you want to do.
We would recommend thinking about this in advance so that you are prepared.
Read Also: Cruises Out Of California To Hawaii
Best Cruise Experience: Holland America
Courtesy of Holland America
- Ship Name: MS Koningsdam
- Itinerary: Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta
Holland Americas mid-sized fleet offers a more sophisticated cruise experience than most mainstream vessels, and although not adults-only, the MS Koningsdam offers a musically-themed cruise voyage that appeals to an older demographic. In the evening, there are instrumental concerts at Lincoln Center Stage, the BB King Blues Club, the two-story World Stage to Music Walk, Rolling Stone Rock Room, and Billboard Onboard an interactive setting for rock music. The ship also focuses on food and drink with live cooking demonstrations in Americas Test Kitchen and at Blend, a hands-on cocktail class. The 2,650-passenger Koningsdam sails to several destinations from the U.S., including sun-filled itineraries to the Mexican Riviera.
Medium Ship Line #1: Holland America Line
Of Holland Americas 11 ships, eight of them fall into the medium-size category, carrying between 1,400 and 2,500 passengers. The refined ships sail to destinations across the world, but one of the most popular destinations for the cruise line is Alaska. When cruising resumes, check out the Noordam, which was refurbished in 2019, as it sails itineraries around the Japanese archipelago, China, and Southeast Asia.
Also Check: Redeem Marriott Rewards Points For Merchandise
Step Into A Scottish Fairytale
When you visit Scotland, it can be difficult to discern legend from real life. Strolling down Edinburgh’s Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle might feel like a dream, while the fabled and mythical Loch Ness may surprise you with its charm and stunning scenery. Scotland’s one of the best places to visit in Europe, period.
What Are Popular Regions Of Europe
Northern sailings take in Scandinavia , Russia and other Baltic capitals along with the U.K., Ireland and Iceland. Some venture north of the Arctic Circle to the very top of Europe.
River cruises bring travelers to even more destinations along the Rhine, Danube and other major waterways — including Amsterdam, Paris, Vienna and Budapest.
Don’t Miss: Norfolk Va Carnival Cruise Port
Medium Ship Line #1: Norwegian Cruise Line
Until it launched Norwegian Epic in 2010, then the Breakaway and Breakaway-plus classes in 2013 and 2015, respectively, Norwegian primarily focused on mid-sized ships that carry around 2,000 passengersand they still make up the majority of the fleet. A colorful atmosphere pervades the ships, as guests enjoy everything from water slides to silly pool contests like synchronized swimming to everyones favorite: bingo night. Norwegians ships have itineraries all over the world, with many focusing on North America.
When Is The Best Time For A European Cruise
The best time for a European cruise will of course vary depending on which part of Europe you intend to travel to. Luckily each destination tends to have its peak season which helps to guide you on the best time to travel.
For Mediterranean cruises, the peak travel time the weather is warm, the water is pristine, and the cities are bustling. For families, this is likely the best time to travel as there is ample time off school to take advantage of. However, for couples or families with children not at school we recommend travelling in spring or autumn to avoid the rush.
For Baltic cruises, you again should aim for slightly warmer months. Baltic cruises run all year-round however the poor weather in winter is less desirable. Therefore, the best travel months are July, August and September. For Northern Europe, such as Iceland and Norway the best travel time is again June through August if you are looking for sun that is. If you are looking to see the northern lights, the best time is between October and March.
Also Check: Cruise Ship Norfolk Va
Medium Ship Line #: Viking Ocean Cruises
Originally a river cruise line, Viking has launched six ocean-going vessels since 2015, the most recent being the brand-new Viking Venus, whose maiden voyage took place in 2021. The ships are nearly identical, carrying 930 passengers each, housed in balcony staterooms. Though not all-inclusive, Viking Ocean offers guests one free excursion in each port , beer and wine with lunch and dinner, and an unlimited Wi-Fi connection.
Visit The Pearls Of The Black Sea
Discover the coastlines Turkey, Bulgaria, Ukraine and Georgia with Ponants Pearls of the Black Sea itinerary. Departing from Istanbul, this 11-day voyage on-board Le Bougainville takes in such sites as Bulgarias Cathedral of the Assumption and the Odessa Catacombs in Ukraine. Theres also a visit to the ancient city of Safran, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Istanbul return sailing departs July 10 and July 20, 2022.
Recommended Reading: Cruises Leaving From Norfolk Virginia
Top Attractions During A European Cruise
You can experience so many different countries on your European cruise, such as Belgium, The Netherlands, France, Portugal, Spain and the British Isles. Lets start in the British Isles, which include UK and Ireland among others. In Dover, discover the majestic chalk cliffs that line the British coast to the mainland. Experience the happy traditional dance performance of Irish Riverdance in Dublin’s pubs and historic remains in Southampton. Also a trip to England’s capital, London, is worth it. Packed with history and many sightseeing opportunities such as Buckingham Palace, The London Eye and the Thames.
Next stop: Amsterdam! The capital of the Netherlands is known for its artistic heritage. The Dutch city is one of the most popular in Europe, yet it is versatile and at the same time compact. So you can collect many different experiences in a short time. If you love museums, this is the place for you. First, there is the world-famous Van Gogh Museum, which brings you closer to the different creative phases of the world-famous, Dutch painter. In the Anne Frank house experience the story of the Jewish girl who hid with her family in this house from the Nazis and wrote a diary. Lighter fare can be found in the numerous coffee shops selling not only cannabis but also normal drinks and snacks. For a little romance take a canal cruise on the small canals – especially in the evening – an unforgettable experience!
How To Get The Best European River Cruises
The purpose of this page is provide you a comprehensive guide of the available Europe River Cruise Routes, so you can decide on which route will be the best for your next Europe river cruise vacation.
Europe has the distinction of the continent with the largest number of navigable rivers compared to other regions of the world. They are often devoid of major obstacles such as waterfalls and rapids, and are usually wide and deep enough to allow a steady passage of people and material on all types of sailing vessels. Combine the easy navigation with captivating sights such as castles, vineyards, capital cities and small, quaint villages and it is clear to me why folks would want to sail these amazing rivers!
Europe Rivers Photo Map from AmaWaterways
We are often ask Which river should we sail on for my first Europe river cruise? My short answer is take multiple trips–I would sail on all of them! However, the problem is that most of us dont have unlimited time and money to sail them all.
So to solve this dilemma, here is our guide to the European River routes most available to you. I will describe the river, point out a couple of highlights and why you might consider sailing on this river. The routes may be very short or may cover larger distances. While there are some variations, many lines essentially cruise the same route on the most popular European rivers.
Ready?Lets cruise together!
Also Check: How Long Is A Cruise From California To Hawaii
Be Pampered Like An Ancient Roman
Silverseas new ship Silver Dawn casts new light on pampering with a new Otium wellness programme inspired by the Ancient Romans love of indulgence. Guests will be cocooned whichever way they turn, be it bathing, dining or spa therapies. Explore Spains wealth of cultural sights, from the Silk Road legacy of Valencias Old Town and melting pot of Cartagena which bears the imprints of contrasting cultures since its founding by the Carthaginians in 227BC to the New World riches of Cadiz, from where Columbus set forth to discover the Americas.
How to do it: A nine-night round-trip cruise from Barcelona departs May 16. From £4,700 including flights .
Small Ship Line #: Lindblad Expeditions
This fleet of 15 vesselswith passenger capacities ranging from just 28 to 148sails to rugged, far-flung destinations, including Arctic Svalbard, Antarctica, Indonesia, and the Galápagos. A Lindblad cruise typically prioritizes adventure over luxury. On most ships, expect small, simple cabins, but plenty of memorable excursions, like snorkeling in Borneo or hiking an ice field in Patagonia. But some of its recent fleet additions are truly luxe, from its two polar-sailing expedition ships, National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution, to the elegant Oberoi Philae, which sails the Nile. Each sailing has an expedition team made up of experts in fields like marine biology and photography.
Recommended Reading: Weekend Cruises Out Of Norfolk Va
Discover The Greek Isles
If azure waters and picture-perfect whitewashed villages with pops of bougainvillea is top of your wishlist, consider sailing on Norwegian Jade from Athens across to the glorious Greek Islands. The 2023 seven-day Greek Isles: Santorini, Mykonos and Rhodes odyssey also stops in to Bodrum in Turkey for a visit to an ancient amphitheatre, as well as Crete, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Delos, a short ferry ride from Mykonos, the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Discover the beautiful beaches of the islands and sit at tavernas watching the world go by.
Best Rhine River Cruises
Noted for dramatic folklore, a renowned wine growing region and UNESCO World Heritage sites dotting its banks, Rhine River Cruises flow through six European nations. Once thought by Ancient Romans to be the outermost border of civilization, the Rhine is now home to working windmills, medieval towns, storybook forests and a river cruise thats just right for you.
Don’t Miss: Cruise Lines That Go To Jamaica
Small Ship Line #1: Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity’s three expedition vessels are by far the smallest ships in the cruise line’s fleet: Celebrity Xpedition carries 48 passengers, Celebrity Xploration carries just 16, and Celebrity Flora carries 100 passengers. All three sail the Galápagos, with some itineraries including pre- or post-sailing tours to mainland Ecuador and even Peru, where guests can visit Machu Picchu.
Best Seine River Cruises
Shining like a beacon along its banks, Paristhe one-and-only City of Lightis just one of the numerous wonders you can experience on multi-day Seine River Cruises brought to you by one of the top river cruise companies in the world. Whether you want to stir your inner artist or pay your respects at the beaches of Normandy, theres a perfect cruise for you.
Don’t Miss: Best Time To Visit Bahamas On Cruise
Large Ship Line #: P& o Cruises
The United Kingdoms premier cruise lineand the worlds oldest, having commenced passenger operations in 1837P& O sails Europe, North America, and the Caribbean with a crowd made up primarily of British nationals. As such, prepare for the ships amenities to have a British bent . Three of the fleets six current ships fall into the large category, while its two adults-only ships, MS Aurora and MS Arcadia, are medium-sized. P& O’s newest ship, MS Iona is a mega-ship, as will be her sister, MS Arvia, due to sail in 2022.
From The Acropolis To The Aegean
Greece is remarkable, from the ancient Acropolis of Athens to the blue-roofed houses of Santorini. Whether you trek through the limestone hills in the north or swim through the cobalt waters around the Cyclades, it’s easy to see why this is one of the best places to visit in Europe.
Don’t Miss: What Is The Best Time Of Year To Take An Alaskan Cruise
Best Christmas Markets River Cruises
If you look forward to the holiday season all year long, December is the best month to board a Tauck Christmas Markets River Cruise on the Danube or Rhine Rivers. Delivering equal parts old-world charm and a festive holiday mood, these itineraries include guided visits to Europes traditional Christmas markets as well as on board celebrations to make your spirits bright.
Small Ship Line #: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Sailing with only 490 guests, the Seven Seas Navigator takes its all-inclusive promise seriously, offering unlimited shore excursions, open bars with premium wines , unlimited Wi-Fi, and dining in specialty restaurants. The ship sails all over the world, from New Zealand to Dubai, on week-long to three-month-long itineraries.
Don’t Miss: How Much Does A Cruise Cost On Average
Shop At The Holiday Markets
Imagine feasting on roasted chestnuts and sipping mulled wine while shopping for gifts at the European Christmas markets of Austria, Germany, Hungary and Slovakia. Secure a riverview stateroom on the stately SS Maria Theresa for Uniworlds eight-day Danube Holiday Markets itinerary. Expect pretty lights and a chorus of carolling, this is a tradition that is popular for good reason. There are sailings from Budapest, Hungary to Passau, Germany available in 2022 and 2023.
Medium Ship Line #1: Celebrity Cruises
Celebritys Millennium-class shipsCelebrity Millennium, Infinity, Summit, and Constellationare the smallest in the fleet, each with a capacity between 2,100 and 2,200 passengers. The ships just got a bevy of both new and upgraded staterooms as part of Celebrity’s fleet-wide modernization, and when they launched in the early aughts, they were some of the first ships to use more eco-friendly engines that combined gas and steam power. The four ships sail from home ports around the world, from Europe to North America to Asia.
Recommended Reading: Parking For Cruise In Mobile Al