Europe is known for its rich history and culture, as well as its extraordinary scenery. All of this and more makes it a fascinating destination for travelers. Taking a vacation on a European cruise can be a great way to see the beauty of several countries all within one organized trip. So, to help you become acquainted with the many cruise options, the best times to go, and several things you need to consider, we’ve put together pro tips for efficient and enjoyable travel.
Pro and Cons of a Cruise Vacation
Pros: Accessibility, efficiency, and comfort are just a few great things about traveling on a European cruise. Instead of travelers trying to navigate all the complexities of getting from one country to another including how to get there, where to stay and eat, and what points of interest to see (not to mention packing and unpacking between stops) a cruise takes ALL of that into account and makes it easy with a package deal. This is in addition to offering several options for ports of call, which makes it easy for tourists to visit multiple countries all in one vacation. For travelers that just want a peek at several major European destinations, a cruise is a perfect scenario. Most of Europe’s most popular cities are located on the water so they can be seen from a ship’s deck or cabin balcony, whether it’s an ocean cruise for travelers wishing to explore the Mediterranean or a river cruise for travelers that prefer to see the Rhine or Danube Rivers. An additional pro is that cruise lines offer organized tours of the ports of call so travelers can explore the cities.
Cons: Just as there are several upsides to a European cruise, there are factors that some travelers might see as problematic. For example, depending on where the traveler lives, there is potential for crossing several time zones to get to the city from which the cruise departs. This can cause jet lag and difficulty adjusting to mealtimes and sleeping schedules for a few days. Also, depending on where the traveler lives, flights and additional transportation and accommodations before and after the cruise might be necessary, which can add significantly to the vacation budget. Depending on a tourist’s expectations, the small amount of time is spent in each city makes it difficult to soak up the culture or explore the region in any depth. People that like to visit a multitude of landmarks, attractions, shops, etc, will likely feel shortchanged by a cruise. And lastly, unlike ocean cruises that have “at sea” days built into the itinerary, where travelers can relax with some downtime, European river cruises tend to stop at a different port each day. For some people, this type of schedule can feel hectic and tiring. All these factors should be taken into account when planning.
When To Go
For most cruises, the high season (the best time to go but also the highest prices) is between June and August. To avoid summer crowds and heat, opt for cruising in early spring (March-April) or late fall (September-October) when weather and temperatures are still favorable. Note that a few operators offer specialty cruises that explore the Netherlands in spring specifically to see the tulips blossoming, and some river cruises run during December to take travelers to the Christmas markets.
Cruise Options
It’s important to note that European cruises are much different from Alaskan, Caribbean, and South Pacific cruises. Not only are the itineraries, landscapes, and points of interest vastly different, so are the ships. For Europe, there is a mix of ocean-going liners and much smaller river cruise vessels (as seen in the lead photo) depending on the body of water required for the destination.
River Cruises:
The Danube River: destinations entail ports of call in countries like Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, and Romania.
The Rhine River: destinations include ports of call in Austria, France, Germany, Netherlands, and Switzerland.
The Seine River: destinations cover ports of call in France.
Large and Small Cruise Ships:
Scandinavia and the Baltics: ports of call in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and sometimes Finland, Russia, and Estonia. Late summer weather is the best time for traveling to this region due to longer days. The sun in mid-June to early July sets only for 3-4 hours. Tourists can expect to find architectural and historical value in the urban areas of Northern Europe such as Oslo, Helsinki, Stockholm, and St. Petersburg. Many cruise ships provide 2-3 days in St. Petersburg, leaving tourists with enough time to discover the attractions rich in cultural and historical value.
Mediterranean: for destinations such as Greece, Spain, Sardinia, and Turkey. Ships stop in the most beautiful cities in Greece including Athens, Mykonos, Rhodes, and Santorini. Turkey’s popular stops include Istanbul, Izmir, and Kusadasi. Stopovers are an option for some itineraries as well, with stops made in Cyprus, Lebanon, and Varna. The ideal time to enjoy this cruise is during spring and fall since temperatures rise greatly in the summer.
Western Mediterranean: for the wondrous Italian cities of Capri, Florence, Genoa, and Naples to name a few. Stops made in France include Marseille, Monaco, Nice, and St. Tropez. A variety of beaches in the French and Italian Rivieras offer golden sands and warm sun for travelers.
Atlantic Islands: for Portugal, the Canary Islands, and Western France. This route offers comfortable temperatures year-round. The North Atlantic islands of Iceland and the Shetland Islands are a few destinations that are featured on itineraries for summer cruises.
The Black Sea: for ports of call in Ukraine, Romania, and Bulgaria. Cruises sail from the city of Istanbul into the Black Sea. The ancient ruins, natural wonders, and enriched cultural experiences make for a wonderful trip.
Repositioning Cruises from Northern Europe to the Mediterranean: In the winter months, some ships need to reposition to warmer regions, and excellent cruise deals can be found during this time with more time spent at sea than during regular cruises. Although this option is not for everyone, it’s well worth considering to see more and spend less. Itineraries include ports of call in Normandy, France as well as Gibraltar and Atlantic Ocean islands.
Cruising is a great way to experience the many wonders of Europe while enjoying luxurious service on board a ship. The scenic routes and countless cities and attractions offer a memorable and delightful vacation.
There is a lengthy list of companies that offer these cruises, so be sure to research Ama Waterways, Avalon Waterways, Celebrity Cruises, Cunard, Emerald, Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess, UniWorld, and Viking. We strongly advise visiting their websites to get all the necessary details for the cruises they currently offer with their respective departure schedules and pricing.