Recommendations
Published: Updated:
See several countries in one vacation, combine city walks with sea views, and return to your cabin after excursions-this is exactly what people choose European cruises for. The trip may run between the islands of Greece, along the coast of Italy and Spain, through Norwegian fjords, or via Baltic Sea ports.
On Cruise-Life.PRO, you can compare European cruises by itinerary, departure date, duration, ship, and cabin category. Start with what you want to see, and then choose a convenient embarkation port and отдых format.
The routes in this region combine ports in Italy, France, and Spain, and depending on the voyage, may also include Malta and countries in North Africa. It’s a great option for those who want to alternate between historic cities, local cuisine, and coastal walks.
When choosing, pay attention to the distance from the port to the city you plan to visit. For example, a trip to Rome from Civitavecchia requires additional travel time.
These destinations are worth considering for island landscapes, ancient sights, and seaside towns. Depending on the itinerary, the cruise may include Greece, Italy, Croatia, Montenegro, and Turkey.
Compare the length of port calls: a short stop and time until late evening offer different opportunities to explore the city. If a specific island is important to you, check whether it’s included in the schedule of the selected departure.
A cruise to the fjords is ideal for travelers who choose a trip for nature: mountain slopes, waterfalls, narrow bays, and coastal towns. Part of the experience is traveling through the route’s scenic sections aboard the ship.
For this type of cruise, it’s worth comparing cabins with a balcony and available observation decks. For shore excursions, you’ll need layered clothing and protection from wind and rain.
Baltic itineraries make it possible to combine exploring northern cities, historic city centers, and waterfront promenades. Possible stops include Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn, and Riga; the specific set of ports depends on the departure.
This format is worth considering if you’re interested in architecture, museums, city culture, and independent sightseeing.
Routes along the Atlantic coast may combine ports in Portugal, Spain, France, and other Western European countries. Separate programs are dedicated to the British Isles or to crossings between the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
Here, it’s especially important to compare the embarkation and disembarkation ports: they can be in different countries. This allows you to extend your vacation on land, but it requires appropriate planning for the journey.
For the Mediterranean, choosing the right season depends on your plans. If your main focus is city walks and excursions, consider spring and autumn dates. To combine a cruise with beach relaxation, compare summer itineraries and the length of port calls.
There are also winter cruises in the Mediterranean. They are suitable for getting to know the cities, but you shouldn’t expect summer weather or swimming.
For the fjords and the Baltic, first check the warm-season programs. Weather conditions vary even within the same itinerary, so choose clothing for all ports of your journey.
Before booking, compare a few key factors:
Ports and port call times. Will there be enough time for your planned walk or excursion?
Days at sea. Do you want to go ashore every day, or do you prefer alternating between excursions and relaxing on the liner?
Cruise start and end. How convenient is it to get to the port and return home?
Ship infrastructure. What matters most to you: kids’ clubs, pools, evening shows, restaurants, or quiet relaxation areas?
Cabin. Compare the size, location, type of window or balcony, and the room selection options.
For your first trip, it’s convenient to start with an itinerary where the logistics are clear to you and most of the stops sound interesting. The company name or the size of the liner alone don’t determine how well a cruise will match your expectations.
Learn more: types of cabins and how to choose yours.
The cost depends on the season, duration, ship, cabin category, number of guests, and included services. Compare the calculation for all passengers: the price per person in double occupancy differs from the cost of the entire cabin.
The basic fare usually includes accommodation, meals in the included venues, and part of the entertainment program. Separately check port fees, gratuities, drinks, internet, excursions, and specialty restaurants.
Also add to your travel budget the cost of getting to the port, transfers, and possible overnight stay before embarkation. A cheaper cabin does not always mean lower total expenses.
Learn more about what is included in the cruise price.
Check the documents for all countries on the itinerary and transit. A European cruise may include ports outside the Schengen area, so requirements need to be assessed according to the full schedule.
Plan your arrival to the port with some extra time. If you’re traveling on your own, consider an overnight stay the night before embarkation. For excursions, take into account not only the ship’s departure time, but also the scheduled time for passengers to return on board.
Before payment, review the booking terms, payment deadlines, and cancellation rules.
Useful resource: documents for the cruise.
View the routes below or contact us for help with selecting. Share your preferred dates, number of passengers, children’s ages, budget, and the city from which you plan to travel.
We’ll help you compare options, choose a cabin, and clarify what’s included in the price so you can select a trip that fits your plans.
Ports of call: Hamburg, Southampton (London)
Ports of call: Southampton (London), Hamburg
Ports of call: Le Havre, Southampton (London), Hamburg
Ports of call: Hamburg, Southampton (London), Le Havre
Ports of call: Malaga, Alicante, Palma de Mallorca, Marseille…
Ports of call: Hamburg, Southampton (London), Le Havre, Rotterdam
Ports of call: Hamburg, Ijmuiden, Dover, Le Havre
Ports of call: Dover, Arhus, Kiel
Ports of call: Southampton (London), La Coruna, Seville (Cadiz), Malaga
Ports of call: Rotterdam, Le Havre, Southampton (London), Hamburg
Ports of call: Southampton (London), La Coruna, Seville (Cadiz), Malaga…
Ports of call: Cherbourg, Le Havre, Southampton (London), Hamburg…
No. Most itineraries cover a specific region: the Mediterranean, Norwegian fjords, the Baltic, or the Atlantic coast. The journey’s geography is determined by the list of ports for a particular route.
Start with the route where you’re interested in most of the stops and it’s convenient to reach the embarkation port. Compare the duration of calls, the number of days at sea, the liner’s onboard infrastructure, and the full budget.
Yes, in particular in the Mediterranean there are winter sailings. Such a vacation is worth planning first of all for city walks and leisure time on board the ship. Check the specific destinations and dates in the catalog.
This depends on the itinerary. Round-trip cruises start and end in the same port. On liner routes, embarkation and disembarkation ports differ, which needs to be considered when purchasing transportation tickets.
No. Excursions can be paid separately or included in a special package. In many ports, you can arrange an independent tour, taking into account the disembarkation rules and the time to return to the ship.
Requirements depend on citizenship, documents, residence status, and all countries on the route and in transit. Check them before payment. The name “Cruise Europe” does not automatically mean a visa-free trip.
Yes, provided that the age requirements of the cruise are met. Compare the cabins for your family’s group, the kids’ clubs, and the intensity of the excursion program. During the calculation, you need to enter the age of each child.
