Summary
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 visited Europe many times. Moreover, a European cruise is an especially good fit for travelers who want to experience the history, art, and natural beauty of Europe without the hassle of navigating roads, train stations, or spending excessive time planning accommodations and dining.
Here are several other reasons you should plan a European cruise:
Important Sites Are Accessible
Many popular sites in Europe are easily accessible to cruise travelers via both ocean-going and river cruise ships. As most of Europe’s major cities are located right on the water, they provide stunning vistas visible from the deck of a ship. The few sites not accessible from the water typically require only a short bus or train ride.
Efficiency
Europe’s compact nature allows travelers to efficiently view multiple cities and sites. Most cruise ships sail overnight, arriving at the next port early in the morning, which grants passengers a full day to explore. Cruise ships provide guided tours to significant sites in each port, yet passengers also have the option to discover independently. Thus, this arrangement is more efficient than finding parking and navigating between cities on your own.
Comfort
Unlike bus tours, self-driving vacations, or train trips, you only need to unpack once on your ocean or European river cruise. Additionally, the comfort factor is beneficial for those hesitant to visit countries where English is not the primary language. Although many Europeans speak English, knowing the local language is less crucial when cruising compared to independent travel.
Costs Are Economical
Currently, the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and European currencies is unfavorable for travelers, despite some improvements over recent years. European hotels and restaurants tend to be significantly more expensive compared to similar accommodations and dining in North America. Since most cruise fares and onboard prices are based in U.S. dollars, costs do not feel as high compared to local currency pricing.
Downsides
Nevertheless, there are three potential downsides to a European cruise vacation. First, interaction with local citizens may be limited unless you put in extra effort. If you dine and rest on the ship and tour primarily with other passengers, your exposure to local culture will be restricted.
The second downside pertains to timing. Traveling to Europe involves overcoming a 6-hour or more time difference and typically spans one week. This plan requires at least one full day of travel each direction, accompanied by jet lag for many. Although most travelers exploring Europe often stay longer, many cruises extend to 10 days or more, with even those embarking on a 7-day cruise usually extending their stays either pre- or post-cruise.
The final downside is the limited time spent at each port of call. Consider visiting major U.S. cities like New York, Washington, or San Francisco; experiencing even a fraction of such locales in just 10 hours is unfeasible. Therefore, when planning a European cruise, understand that you cannot fit all the “must-see” attractions into one day. However, embrace the notion of returning another time. A European cruise is like a delightful box of chocolates: numerous small samples to savor and cherish.
Despite these downsides being manageable for most travelers, the joys of European cruising significantly outweigh the inconveniences mentioned above.
When to Go
April to November represents the best time to cruise Europe, offering the most extensive selection of ships during this period. While a few cruise lines operate in the Mediterranean year-round, those considering winter travel will still find available ships. June through August marks the “high season” for most itineraries, with generally lower prices during the other months. Depending on your desired itinerary, spring and fall may offer more favorable weather. It is essential to note that certain tourist services may reduce hours during the offseason, but potential savings can be substantial. Timing is often dictated by your specific European destination, bearing in mind that peak travel periods often translate to increased costs.
Mediterranean – Ideal temperatures are found in spring and fall, while regions like Greece, Turkey, and the southern coasts of Italy and Spain can become quite hot during summer, with temperatures reaching near 100 degrees away from the water.
Scandinavia and the Baltics – Cruises to northern Europe typically function from late May to early September, with the late summer ensuring the best weather (70s or higher). Mid-June to early July is especially fascinating due to the midnight sun, which only disappears for 3-4 hours each night. Hurtigruten operates its Norwegian coastal voyages year-round along Norway’s western coast, availing the midnight sun in summer and the Northern Lights in winter.
Great Britain and Ireland – Late summer and early fall usually deliver the sunniest weather, with temperatures consistently cooler here than the European mainland, often settling in the low- to mid-60s.
Rivers of Europe – River cruise ships generally operate along Europe’s great rivers from early spring through November and again for Christmas markets in early December. While summer provides ideal weather, fall foliage is spectacular and temperatures remain moderate. “Tulip” cruises in the Netherlands are offered from March through mid-May, with April presenting the best conditions for tulip enthusiasts.
Atlantic Islands, Portugal, and western France – Cruise ships frequently visit Madeira and the Canary Islands during spring and fall repositioning cruises from the Caribbean/Mediterranean. These islands feature pleasant weather and moderate temperatures year-round. Ports of call in Portugal and western France are particularly popular in late spring and early fall when ships transition between Mediterranean and northern Europe. Expect mild temperatures during these intervals, though spring might bring occasional rain.
Where to Go
Cruises to Europe differ greatly from those in the Caribbean or Alaska. While Europe features beautiful beaches and stunning natural scenery, it also hosts rich history, art, and cultural sites at nearly every port—far too many to explore in a mere day.
Eastern Mediterranean Cruises – Greece, the Greek Isles, and Turkey often highlight eastern Mediterranean cruises. Venice, Italy, and Croatia—especially Dubrovnik—rank among the most sought-after ports on these itineraries. A few cruises also include stops in Cyprus, Lebanon, Israel, or Egypt. The ancient archaeological sites coupled with the sun-kissed beauty of Greece make the eastern Mediterranean a delightful cruising experience.
Western Mediterranean Cruises – Itineraries in this region span from the southern tip of Italy to the straits of Gibraltar. Attractions include Sicily, towering Mount Etna, historic Pompeii near Naples, and the scenic Amalfi Coast. Capri, an idyllic island near Naples, offers a picture-perfect place to spend the day. Architectural and art enthusiasts will relish the cities of Rome, Florence, and Barcelona. The French and Italian Rivieras, alongside destinations like Mallorca and Monte Carlo, boast stunning beaches and abundant sunshine, providing opportunities to mingle with some of Europe’s elite and shop in premier boutiques.
Scandinavia and the Baltics – These itineraries typically cover the northern capitals of Europe, such as Copenhagen, Helsinki, Stockholm, St. Petersburg, Oslo, Tallinn, and Riga. Each city showcases unique cultures, welcoming residents, captivating architecture, and historical landmarks. The pleasant summer weather and extended daylight hours are both refreshing and exhilarating. Notably, St. Petersburg offers vast sights and activities, often prompting cruise lines to spend 2 or 3 days in port.
Coastal Norway and the Fjords – If you long to witness Norway’s magnificent fjords, be cautious not to choose a northern European cruise that bypasses western Norway. Oslo lies on a fjord but does not offer the dramatic fjord scenery found on the western coast. A Norwegian fjord cruise usually includes Bergen, and potentially Flam, Trondheim, and the North Cape. Spitsbergen, located beyond the Arctic Circle, is a popular summer cruise destination.
European River Cruises – Numerous captivating European cities were established along rivers and are therefore accessible via river cruises. You can embark on a journey from Amsterdam on the North Sea to Romania and Bulgaria on the Black Sea aboard a river vessel. River cruises may also navigate from Normandy to Paris and throughout southern France, as well as trips from Berlin to Prague or Moscow to St. Petersburg. Generally, if a major city is present with a river nearby, you can expect a river cruise opportunity.
British Isles – Cruises from London to Wales, Ireland, or Scotland encompass all of the British Isles. The stunning natural beauty of these islands seamlessly combines with the vibrancy of London for an enriching experience. For nature lovers, small vessels such as the Hebridean Princess explore the Scottish Isles, offering ample hiking and exploration opportunities.
The Black Sea – Cruise ships typically navigate from Istanbul or Athens into the Black Sea, stopping at ports in Ukraine, Romania, and Bulgaria. These regions blend historical significance and diverse cultures with the heritage of former Soviet states.
Islands of the Atlantic Ocean – Several islands present intriguing cruise destinations in the Atlantic Ocean. The Canary Islands and Madeira offer year-round appeal, while the North Atlantic islands of Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and the Shetland Islands are included in summer voyages. Each island showcases remarkable natural beauty and fascinating geological features, including volcanic or geothermal activity, rugged landscapes, or serene beaches.
Repositioning Cruises from Northern Europe to the Mediterranean – While the Mediterranean cruise season is nearly year-round, Baltic and northern European sailings occur mainly from May through September. Repositioning cruises between these regions are fascinating options and usually present excellent value. Ports of call along this route, between the UK and the Mediterranean, frequently feature Normandy, France, alongside day trips to Paris, Bordeaux, Bilbao, Lisbon, and various Atlantic islands or Gibraltar.
