OVERVIEW
Compact European region with many countries, hugely diverse cultures
and rich historical past offer many opportunities for cruise
vacationers, also considering the fact that Europe is surrounded by the
water, and cruise ships can reach many European cities. Most European
cruise ships sail overnight, and every new day is spent at a new port
of call, thus allowing travelers to spend the whole day exploring the
city. Extended time in port and wide variety of onshore excursions are
distinct features of many European cruises.
European cruises are usually divided into two groups: Western
European and Northern European cruises. Northern European cruises
usually spend more time in ports and offer more diversed itineraries.
EUROPEAN
CRUISE LINES
Recommended cruise lines for Western and Northern European
cruises include:
Celebrity
Cruises,
Carnival
Cruise Line,
Crystal
Cruises,
Holland
America,
Norwegian
Cruise Line,
Princess
Cruises,
Royal
Caribbean Cruises, and
Windstar
Cruises.
For details also check out our
Cruise
Lines and
Cruise
Reviews pages.
SEARCH
EUROPEAN CRUISE DEALS
WHAT TO SEE ON EUROPEAN
CRUISES
Comparing to most other popular cruise destinations like Alaska,
Caribbean, Mexico and Hawaii, Europe appeals to travelers with its
historical and cultural attractions rather than natural
wonders. European cruises also boast comparatively larger
number of ports of call. Therefore, European cruises are recommended
mostly for travelers interested in learning more about history, art and
culture.
Northern
European Cruises: travel to the "the land of the midnight
sun", cruise to
the northern capitals of Europe - Oslo (Norway), Copenhagen (Denmark),
Helsinki (Finland), Stockholm (Sweden), St.
Petersburg (Russia), Tallinn (Estonia), and Riga (Lithuvania). Explore
magnificent deep fjords and waterfalls in the land of vikings- Western
Norway, interesting medieval architecture of Stockholm and Tallinn,
various historical
and cultural sites in Copenhagen, Riga and Helsinki. The majestic city
of St.Petersburg, also called the Norhtern Venice for its numerous
rivers, canals and over 200 graceful bridges, offers plenty
of sightseeing attractions: museums, palaces, cathedrals and
broad boulevards.
Western
European Cruises: cruise to Wales, Ireland or Scotland,
visit London and other cities all around the British Isles, as well as
to the Canary Islands and Madeira in the Atlantic Ocean. These
destinations offer a well-balanced mix of narural beauty and man-made
wonders, of which London is
The Canary Islands and Madeira boast beautiful beaches, warm coastal
waters and some acting volcanoes which are great tourist attractions of
these year-round destinations. A wide variety of shore excursions with
lots of hiking, sightseeing and exploring are offered by cruise lines.
EUROPEAN
CRUISE LENGTH
Mostly 6 to 14 days depending on the itinerary.
For travelers from North America it takes at least 6 hours of flight to
get to the nearest port of embarkation for an European cruise,
therefore 10-day and longer cruises are the most popular ones
among North American tourists.
WHEN
TO CRUISE
The best (and the
most
expensive!) time to take a cruise to Europe is from
end of March to late
October. Cruise lines have the widest selection of ships
and itineraries during this time. Summer- the "high season"- is the
best time to see Northern Europe, due to the so called "white
nights", when the sun goes down for only a few hours. It allows more
time for sightseeing. Winter is the least crowded and cheapest season.
Spring is usually cool and rainy, especially in the North.
EUROPEAN
CRUISE TIPS
Choose clothes depending on the cruise season, but do not forget to
pack some warm clothes,
multilayering is the best tactic in case of a sudden weather change
which is not unheard of in Northern Europe. Consider taking comfortable
walking shoes if you expect a lot of sightseeing. Rain gear may be
useful for cruises to Europe, especially in the spring time. You will
find binoculars handy to
observe the maginificent coastal line of Scandinavia. For more
tips on packing for a cruise visit our
Cruise
Packing List.
USEFUL
LINKS
