The European continent has many sights in store for those looking to explore it. The number of things to see can seem intimidating, but there are ways to streamline your trajectory. Taking cruises around Europe can be a convenient way to pack as much into your trip while enjoying the benefits of having the same place to stay every night.
Cruise Europe is a cruise industry network that operates in Europe. If you’re looking to book a cruise that will show you Europe, keep reading to discover what the best options Cruise Europe can offer you.
The Best Cruise Europe Vacations
Cruise Europe is a cruise association that has built a network in the industry. They have over 116 member ports across 18 countries and they cover 4 main regions: the British Isles, the coast of Western Europe, the Baltic, and the Faroes, Norway, and Iceland. Here are some of the best vacations they offer through the various agencies in their network
Sample the Attractions of the Mediterranean Medley
The Mediterranean Medley is a seven-night all-inclusive cruise on the Marella Discovery ship. This cruise starts and ends in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. Your second day on the cruise will be spent entirely at sea, but the rest of your week will be full of activities.
The third day will see you sailing into Livorno, Italy, which gives access to the famous cities of Florence and Pisa. On the third day, you’ll stop in the port of Savona, from which you’ll visit the attractions found in Genoa and Turin.
You’ll spend the fifth day in the Principality of Monaco, and on the sixth, you’ll sail into the port of Toulon and from there explore the Cote d’Azur. On the seventh day, you’ll find yourself in Barcelona, where you’ll get to be a tourist until the late afternoon. By the morning of the eighth day, you’ll be back in Palma de Mallorca, having amassed a wealth of experiences.
This package includes direct return flights to Palma de Mallorca from Bournemouth in the United Kingdom.
Have a Taste of Northern Europe with the 7-Day Scandinavia Cruise
If you’re looking to explore Northern Europe, this 7-Day Scandinavia Cruise will take you on a round trip aboard the Regal Princess from Europe to Norway, passing through Denmark.
You’ll be leaving England from Southampton in the afternoon of the first day, and then spend the second day at sea. On the third, you’ll reach the port of Kristiansand in Norway, from where you can visit several important points of interest like Hollen, a typical Norse fishermen’s village. You can also stop at the Cannon Museum and the Setesdal Vintage Railway.
On the fourth day, you’ll sail into the port of Copenhagen, in Denmark. There is plenty to explore in Copenhagen, like the Tivoli Gardens and the Nyhavn waterfront. There are also many castles and palaces to visit, such as Amalienborg, Frederiksborg, Christiansborg, and Kronborg.
On the fifth day, you’ll get to stop in the port of Skagen in the northernmost part of Denmark. In this beautiful fishing town that dates back to the Middle Ages, you’ll get to see the Baltic and the North seas meeting. You should also explore the Skagen Art Museum and the Grey Lighthouse.
On the sixth day, you’ll be in Norway once more, this time in the capital city of Oslo. There are numerous things to see in Oslo, like the Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Oslo City Hall, the Hadeland Glassworks, and Akershus Castle. You can also see Edvard Munch’s famous painting, The Scream, in-person at the National Gallery.
From Oslo, you’ll make your way back to England, where you’ll reach the port of Southampton after another day spent entirely at sea.
Bask in the Sun of the Spanish Delights
This seven-night all-inclusive cruise will take you on board the Marella Discovery and from there to Spain. The itinerary starts and ends in Palma de Mallorca, but the package includes direct return flights from Bournemouth in England.
Your first port of call will be Cadiz in southwestern Spain, where you’ll be able to visit sights like the cathedral and the Tavira Tower before you go to Seville, where you’ll see the Alcazar, a palace complex that dates back to Moorish times.
From there, you will sail into the port of Gibraltar, where you’ll be able to witness the famous Gibraltar Rock. On the fifth day, you’ll be in the port of Malaga, a city with beautiful sights on the Costa del Sol. Here you’ll be able to visit another imposing cathedral, as well as the Picasso Museum and the Alcazaba, a fortress that looms over the city.
From there, the Marella Discovery will take you to Alicante, where you can see the Santa Barbara Castle or spend the day at the beach. Your next stop will be Valencia, where you can visit the impressive City of Arts and Sciences and sample traditional paella next to the city’s many beaches. After Valencia, you will return to Palma de Mallorca and reach the end of your cruise.
Discover the Treasures of the Mediterranean
The Treasures of the Mediterranean cruise will take you on a seven-night all-inclusive trip to several stops in Italy, France, and Spain aboard the Marella Discovery.
You will depart from Palma de Mallorca and your first port of call will be Trapani on the island of Sicily. Here you’ll be able to explore the historic old town of Trapani as well as the Zingaro Nature Reserve. You can even see the salt pans of Trapani and Paceco. Excursions into Palermo are also possible.
The next day you’ll be in Sorrento, Italy, from where you’ll be able to make your way into Naples and witness the sight of Mount Vesuvius. You can also visit the Naples Archaeological Museum and the Royal Palace.
After that, you’ll stop in the port of Civitavecchia, which gives you access to the eternal city, Rome. There are numerous landmarks to see in Rome, like the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Roman Forum. You can also take a trip to Vatican City to witness its many gems.
Your next stop will be the French island of Corsica, the birthplace of Napoleon, where you’ll arrive in the port of Ajaccio. Here you can visit the Bonaparte Museum in the Bonaparte ancestral home.
From Ajaccio, you will sail into Palamos, Spain, a scenic town in Catalunya where you’ll see beautiful beaches and a fishing museum. This is your last port of call before returning to Palma de Mallorca.
Uncover the Baltic Region through the 14-Day Baltic Heritage Cruise
If you’re looking to explore the Baltic region of Northeastern Europe, the 14-day Baltic Heritage cruise will take you through countries like Poland, Sweden, Estonia, Russia, Finland, Denmark, and Norway.
In Poland, you’ll stop in the port of Gdynia, which gives you access to Gdansk, where you’ll be able to visit the colorful streets of the city. You can also see St Mary’s Church, Oliwa Cathedral, the Green Gate of the old town, and Malbork Castle.
After spending a day in Visby, Sweden, you will then stop in the port of Nynashamn, from where you’ll be able to go into the capital city of Stockholm. Here you can visit the Vasa Museum, the Royal Palace, and the cathedral.
Your next stop will be in Estonia’s capital city Tallinn, where you can discover the lovely sights of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Town Hall Square, and Kadriorg Palace.
After Tallinn, you’ll get to spend two days in St Petersburg, Russia. St Petersburg has a vast history and plenty of beauty to feast your eyes on, especially if you stop at the Hermitage Museum inside the Winter Palace. You can also visit the iconic landmarks of the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood and Peterhof Palace.
From St Petersburg, the Regal Princess will take you to Helsinki, in Finland. In Helsinki, you can visit the Kiasma Modern Art Museum and the National Museum of Finland. After Helsinki, you’ll travel back to Denmark, where you’ll stop in Copenhagen to explore the city. You’ll then stop in Kristiansand in Norway before returning to Southampton.
Seek out the Five Wonders of the Mediterranean in Spain, Italy, and France
This cruise will take you on a discovery tour of the Western Mediterranean. You’ll be able to see the sights of some of the most important monuments and landmarks in the neighboring countries of Spain, France, and Italy.
The eight-day seven-nights trip starts and ends in the Spanish city of Barcelona. Your first port of call will be Naples, from where you’ll be able to visit the site of Pompeii while also keeping an eye on Mount Vesuvius.
From Naples, you will sail to the port of Civitavecchia, from where you’ll be able to visit the many monuments of Rome, like the Forum and the Coliseum. You can walk down the Spanish Steps, and even travel to Vatican City.
The next day, you’ll be in Livorno, a town that shares characteristics with Venice and from where you’ll have access to the historic locations of Florence and Pisa. You will then stop in France, in Villefranche on the French Riviera. From Villefranche, you can make your way into Nice and Provence.
The last leg of your trip will take place in Marseille, the second-largest city in France. There is plenty of history to savor in Marseille, especially in its traditional neighborhood and its Old Harbor section. From Marseille, you will make your way back to Barcelona.
Discover the Beauty of the Three Seas
The Sail Three Seas cruise is adults-only and accepts bookings for people over seventeen years old. This seven-night trip starts and ends in Dubrovnik, Croatia, and it will take you through the Mediterranean, Adriatic, and Ionian seas onboard the Marella Explorer 2.
From Dubrovnik, you will sail through the Adriatic Sea and back into the central Mediterranean, where you will reach your first port of call, Valletta, in Malta. You can visit St John’s Co-Cathedral, drink in the sights from the Upper Barrakka Gardens, and walk through the courtyard of the Grandmaster Palace.
From Valletta, you will sail to Messina, on the island of Sicily, in Italy. From there, you’ll be able to visit Mount Etna, as well as look out over the Strait of Messina from the Faro Point Lighthouse. Your next stop will be in the Italian port of Taranto, a coastal city full of history. You’ll be able to visit the Aragonese Castle, the San Cataldo Basilica, and the Spartan Museum.
From Taranto, you will sail into the Ionian Sea to reach Corfu Town on the island of Corfu. Here you can explore the Old and New Venetian Fortresses, the St Spyridon Church, and the Byzantine Museum.
After leaving Corfu, you’ll return to the waters of the Adriatic Sea and stop in the port of the fortified town of Kotor in Montenegro. While you’re in this picturesque town you can visit its historic areas which date back to the 12th century.
You can then climb up to San Giovanni Fortress to enjoy the stunning view from above. From Kotor, you will return to Dubrovnik and the end of your trip.
Explore European Cities in the Fall
The 10-day Oktoberfest European Capitals cruise will take you on a roundtrip from Southampton, England, through various of the most interesting cities on the continent. Your first port of call will be Hamburg, in Germany. Hamburg is a wonderful city to discover on its own, and it also gives you great access to the German capital, Berlin.
From there, you will sail to Gothenburg, in Sweden. While here, you can visit the Botanical Garden, the Poseidon Fountain, and Tjoloholm Castle. After that, you will go to Copenhagen, in Denmark, where you can discover beautiful streets and lovely palaces like Amalienborg and Rosenborg.
From Copenhagen, you will sail to Oslo, in Norway, where you can find the Bygdoy Peninsula and the Holmenkollen Ski Jump. After another day spent at sea, you will find yourself in Rotterdam, in the Netherlands, the largest port in Europe. You can visit the Van Gogh Museum, the Hague, and the Royal Palace.
After Rotterdam, you will sail into the port of Zeebrugge, in Belgium, which will give you access to the capital city of Brussels. There, you’ll find many canals, as well as the Church of Our Lady, the St Bavo’s Cathedral, and the Guild Halls. From Zeebrugge, you will return to Southampton.
Delve into the Flavors of the Canaries
If you’re looking to discover the Spanish Canary Islands off the coast of northwestern Africa, the Canarian Flavors cruise is a good option. This seven-night trip will take you around some of the main islands in the archipelago, starting and ending in Las Palmas on Gran Canaria. The trip will also take you to the Portuguese island of Madeira.
Your first stop will be San Sebastian on La Gomera, where you can visit the Church of the Assumption and the Archaeological Museum. You can also take advantage of several scenic beaches in the area, but be mindful of your schedule. San Sebastian is not an all-day stop and the cruise ship departs at lunch-time to heard north to Madeira, to the port of Funchal, which you’ll reach the next day.
In Funchal, you can visit the Botanical Garden, the cathedral, and the park of Saint Catarina. You can also indulge in its diverse gastronomy accompanied by a glass of Madeira wine.
From Funchal, you will spend another day at sea until you return to the Canary Islands and the port of Arrecife in Lanzarote. While there, you can visit Saint Gabriel Castle and the International Museum of Contemporary Art.
From Lanzarote, you will sail to the island of Fuerteventura, where you’ll stop in the Puerto del Rosario. While there, you can enjoy some of the beaches that make Fuerteventura famous around the world. After your time in Puerto del Rosario, you will return to Las Palmas on Gran Canaria.
Take a Trip around Norway to See the Fjords
This round-trip cruise to the Norse Fjords takes seven days and departs from Southampton, in England. Your first port of call will be Haugesund, in Norway, a pretty town known for being rich in Viking history. While here, you can climb to Pulpit Rock and take some memorable photographs. You can also visit St Olav’s Church, the village of Avaldsnes, and the Ryvarden Lighthouse.
From there, you will sail to Skjolden-Sognefjord, located in the midst of the Norwegian fjords. This is an area of stunning natural beauty and an access point to the Jotunheimen National Park. You can also visit the Asafossen Waterfall, the Munthe House, and the Urnes Stave Church.
You will then go to Olden, a village surrounded by towering mountains and glaciers. The village is a good access point to:
- Jostedalsbreen National Park
- the Nordfjord
- the Briksdal Glacier
- Lake Lovatnet.
From Olden, you will go to the city of Bergen, where you can visit the Fish Market, the Old Bergen Museum, and the gardens of the Troldhaugen. After Bergen, you will spend a day at sea as you return to England.
Discover the Magic of the Adriatic Sea
The Venetian Vistas cruises will take you around the Adriatic Sea, from Venice to Dubrovnik. This round-trip departs from Dubrovnik, in Croatia, and it’s marked adults-only. Your first port of call will be Bar, in Montenegro. While there, you can visit King Nikola’s Palace and the landmark of the Old Olive Tree.
From Bar, you will sail to Korcula, an island in Croatia, where you can visit St Mark’s Cathedral and Proizd Island. From Korcula, you will make your way to Zadar, also in Croatia, where you can walk around the plentiful Venetian and Roman ruins in the city’s Old Town.
After your day in Zadar, you will cross into Italy and stop in the port of Venice. There is much to see in Venice, so you should soak in the atmosphere while visiting the Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica, as well as crossing the Ponte di Rialto and walking along the Grand Canal.
You will then sail to Trieste, also in Italy, located right next to the Slovenian border. While there, you can walk the Italian, Austro-Hungarian, and Slovenian-influenced streets and admire the layers of a city that has existed since medieval times.
After Trieste, you will return to Croatia and stop in the port of Split, where you can visit the grand palace of Diocletian, as well as the Saint Dominus Cathedral and the Mestrovic Gallery. You will then head back to Dubrovnik to end your trip.
Sail the Aegean Sea and Discover the Greek Islands
This eight-day seven-night cruise through the Aegean will guide you on a tour of the Greek Islands. This round-trip departs from the Port of Piraeus, an access point to the capital city of Athens.
From Piraeus, you will sail to the island of Mykonos, where you’ll find beautiful landscapes and rich history. You can visit the Archaeological Museu, the Aegean Maritime Museum, and some of its many popular beaches.
From Mykonos, you will sail to the resort area of Marmaris, in Turkey, just across the Greek coasts. Here you’ll find Marmaris Castle, the Grand Bazaar, and several waterparks. You will then return to Greek waters and sail into Chania, a port city on the island of Crete.
Chania’s harbor dates back to the Venetian influence of the 14th-century guarded by a 16th-century lighthouse which also holds traces of the Ottoman influence in the area. If you walk the streets of Chania, you will see further proof of its varied history in its architecture.
From Chania, you will sail to Santorini in the Cyclades Islands, a picturesque area that is known internationally for its layers of white and blue houses. After Santorini, you will return to the port of Piraeus, from where you can leave the cruise ship and carry on exploring Athens.
Cross the English Channel into France
This short round-trip takes only four days to complete and is a perfect choice for those short on time. Your point of departure is Southampton, in England. From there, you will sail into the historic port of Le Havre, in Normandy, where you can visit the solemn site of the D-Day Beaches and the American Cemetery.
Le Havre is also an access point to France’s capital city, Paris, where you can visit landmarks of international renown like:
- the Notre Dame Cathedral
- the Champs-Elysees
- the Eiffel Tower
- the Arc de Triomphe
- the Palace of Versailles
You will then sail to the isle of Guernsey, one of the British Channel Islands. The St Peter Port in Guernsey is known as one of the prettiest harbors, but keep in mind that it’s an anchorage point. You can visit the Little Chapel, the Workshops, Sausmarez Manor, Castle Cornet, and the German Occupation Museum. You can also visit Hauteville House, which once belonged to the French author Victor Hugo. After your day in Guernsey, you will return to Southampton.
Why Take a European Cruise?
There are several benefits to booking a cruise to visit Europe. These are some of the main advantages:
- You can take an extended trip through several countries without having to worry about booking hotels in every location and about arranging transport between each destination. You also don’t have to haul your bags around from place to place while checking in and out of accommodation.
- When you book a cruise, you can get access to many destinations while having the same resort on the ship when you’re not visiting locations. You will be able to enjoy the same amenities and the stability of an onboard hotel that offers the same comfort every night. You’ll have onboard members of staff to help you out with everything you might need, and you won’t have to worry about arranging meals when you’re off the ship.
- When you book a trip on a cruise, you’ll be able to save money on some aspects of travel like dining out, public transport to and from airports or train stations, and renting cars.
- Cruises are great choices for those who wish to explore as much of Europe as possible but without having the time or the funds to spend months on this activity. Cruises can create itineraries for you that pack all the best tourist sights and places into a short timeframe.
Conclusion
Cruise Europe has plenty to offer in terms of destinations and itineraries through its network of associated agencies. You can travel across the continent and explore Europe’s seas and its many history- and beauty-filled locations.
The most popular cruises are the ones that explore Italy, France, the Greek Islands, Spain, Croatia, and also the areas of Northern Europe and the Baltic region, like the British Isles, Norway, Denmark, and up to Russia. There is plenty you can experience from the stability of a cruise ship.
