Table Of Content
- Best European River Cruise Line for Unique Destinations: CroisiEurope
- Best Overall European River Cruise: Viking Cruises, Viking Egdir
- Best Mediterranean Cruise For History Lovers: Azamara Cruises, Azamara Pursuit
- Night Balkan Jewels
- BRITISH ISLES
- Mediterranean Cruises
- British Isles and Ireland: Hurtigruten
The vast majority of countries visited by European cruises do not require a visa. From 2024, Americans, Canadians, and British citizens will be required to register for the new European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) to enter 30 European countries. Throughout the ship, casual resort wear, sundresses, shorts, polos, or button-downs are appropriate, paired with sandals, low heels, and loafers.
Best European River Cruise Line for Unique Destinations: CroisiEurope
The experience is worth the $295 fee, especially for true oenophiles who will get to savor coveted Bordeaux Grand Crus. Other highlights include visiting a truffle farm near Viviers and savoring a selection of wines at Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyard. In Lyon, guests can visit foodie heaven at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, the city’s outstanding indoor food market filled with a vast array of produce. A-Rosa Sena, launched in 2022, is a knockout for its array of family facilities. A jaunty kids' club with a climbing wall and secret nooks is positioned next to 12 family cabins, each sleeping up to five, featuring nautical-themed bunk beds. The 280-passenger ship—the largest on the Rhine—has a kids’ splash pool next to a larger pool, with some sailings offering kids swimming lessons for an extra fee.
Best Overall European River Cruise: Viking Cruises, Viking Egdir
You’ll find attractions that are great fun for the whole family, from the pretty Tivoli Gardens amusement park in Copenhagen to the ABBA Museum in Stockholm. If you are traveling in peak season, we recommend you book your Shore Excursions through My Celebrity Cruises as soon as you confirm your sailing as many attractions in Europe are extremely popular. Pick an itinerary that matches your interests and pace yourself; some places are best explored with a guide, while in others, it can be fun to just sit and people-watch with a glass of local wine or a cold beer. Enjoy the quintessential Mediterranean summer with spectacular beaches, warm weather, and delicious food, or sail through the Norwegian fjords between May and August, when they are at their most beautiful. Visit unique destinations like the Holy Land in the cooler months, from February to April. Cruise to Europe with Celebrity and you’ll enjoy the best of all worlds, from cultural immersion and culinary adventures ashore, to our contemporary, design-led ships.
Best Mediterranean Cruise For History Lovers: Azamara Cruises, Azamara Pursuit
Get into the heart of great European cities such as Budapest on a Danube river cruise. Attend original productions from Broadway legend Stephen Schwartz, composer of Wicked. From double-decker buses and telephone booths to medieval castles and monuments, experience the best of the city and countryside on a European cruise from Southampton. Ride on the London Eye, and watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. Then head west and walk the hallways of Windsor Castle, or travel even further to learn about the mystery of Stonehenge. Before you set sail on your European cruise, indulge in thrills at Tivoli Gardens, and ride a bike along Nyhavn’s waterways, passing multi-colored homes on the way.
Night Balkan Jewels
France has got something for every traveler, which is why so many cruises to Europe dock here. It's no coincidence that many of the best European cruises call in the most beautiful ports in the world. Eat your way through the cobbled streets of Italy, contrast the timeless beauty of Greece's ruins with the modern chic that's come to define its islands or hike through forlorn caverns and up lush waterfalls in captivating Croatia. On the cruise line's Norwegian Coastal Express route, Hurtigruten's Richard With ship calls on 34 ports in just seven days.
All ships are stocked with age-appropriate games and books, and family shore excursions to zoos and theme parks feature on itineraries. Azamara is a luxurious option, but it’s not just about glitz and glamour on this line. The cruise line also emphasizes hyper-local experiences to allow its passengers to dive deep into the history, food, culture, and life of its ports of call, even if they’re there just for a day. The cruise line offers a variety of destinations and cruise lengths, including 10, 12, and 15-night voyages, some of which include overnight stays in the ports so guests can get the full scope of a destination.
Viking came in at No. 1 in T+L's best mid-size ship category and river cruise category. Golden said the WBA Hall of Fame honoree's 50 river "longships" are "light-filled floating boutique hotels." On the Belmond Napoleon, guests cruise the River Saône past châteaux, rural river towns, and expansive vineyards.
ITALY & GREEK ISLES
From colorful Nyhavn harbor in Copenhagen to storied castles like Amalienborg and Frederiksborg, Denmark more than makes up for the fact that its more famous neighbors often eclipse it. When you visit Scotland, it can be difficult to discern legend from real life. Strolling down Edinburgh's Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle might feel like a dream, while the fabled and mythical Loch Ness may surprise you with its charm and stunning scenery. Here's everything you need to know about skiing in the Alps, including where to stay and when to visit. Here's a list of some of the best Israeli food found in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa and beyond including sabich, shakshuka and bourekas. Find a new perspective from high in the sky with a hot air balloon ride in Turkey.
I cruised to Europe with a first-timer. Here's why she might not cruise again. - Cruise Blog
I cruised to Europe with a first-timer. Here's why she might not cruise again..
Posted: Wed, 15 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
British Isles and Ireland: Hurtigruten
Some are quick stops in the middle of the night while cargo is loaded and unloaded, but you technically could get off the ship in each port if you wanted to. However, it's Norwegian Epic that has a presence in the Western Mediterranean, offering solo cruisers a chance to explore Europe on a ship with staterooms just for them. Seabourn Sojourn's voyages to the Canaries span 10 to 28 days and visit the islands of La Palma, Gran Canaria and Madeira, as well as Lisbon, Portugal. Extras like Wi-Fi, gratuities and alcohol (including the in-room mini-bar) are rolled into the fares.
Life is but a dream in Ireland, whether you down a pint of Guinness and trace tales told by James Joyce in Dublin, or careen along the Cliffs of Moher along the west coast. Many cruises to Europe also stop in Northern Ireland's Belfast, a city that's a testament to rebirth and reconciliation. We've narrowed down a list of the most; historic, cultural, famous, and royal significance.
One cruise line that consistently offers great value is Emerald Cruises, a river cruise operator that gets travelers more bang for their buck—without compromising on quality or service. As standard, Emerald’s eight Europe-based “Star-Ships” offer a generous number of inclusions built into the cost of the cruise, with typically lower entry level fares. Sail the Seine from Paris to Normandy aboard Tauck’s intimate 98-passenger MS Sapphire to explore destinations such as Caudebec-en-Caux, Les Andelys, Mont-St-Michel and Étretat. The cruise features a number of thoughtful, exclusive excursions, like dinner at the 16th-century Château du Taillis and a walking tour in Rouen to Joan of Arc Square and the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen.
The Best Cruises in the World: 2023 Readers' Choice Awards - Condé Nast Traveler
The Best Cruises in the World: 2023 Readers' Choice Awards.
Posted: Tue, 03 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Admire the architectural splendor of marvels like Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia and the blue-domed churches of Santorini. And eat your way through the Mediterranean and beyond — like pasta in Italy, tapas in Spain, fresh seafood in Norway and grilled meats in Greece. Pack a lifetime of adventure into one legendary Europe vacation next summer. The only thing better than strolling into Paris as the Eiffel Tower lights up at night? Sitting down for a meal of fresh-caught seafood as the sun sets into the harbor of aptly-named Nice.
It's easy to be intrigued by Iceland, whether you walk through Reykjavik's riveting Hallgrimskirkja church, or watch the northern lights dance over Kirkjufellsfoss waterfalls. Plus, there are few better ways to cap off cruises to Europe than a dip in the aptly-named Blue Lagoon. As you browse cruises, the first question you ask will be "Where are cruise ports near me?" Here's how to choose a port, and what to do once you're there. Here are some fun European cities to visit on your next European cruise — plus tips to make it a memorable, stress-free experience. Turkish desserts are as pivotal to the experience of traveling in Turkey as a cruise through the Bosphorus Strait. Uncover the ultimate Turkish baths & hammam spa experiences to making the most of your vacation to Turkey.
Walk Tallinn’s cobbled streets and admire the preserved medieval architecture from its 13th-century origins. Classic, elegant, and forever in style, Cunard Line is the cruise to choose if chicness is your top priority. Its boats are decked out in luxurious styling, including the Queen Elizabeth, which makes its way through the Med with art deco decor, plush sundeck furnishings, and high-end dining experiences included. I’m a Florida-based freelance travel and lifestyle journalist who has embarked on more than a dozen cruises, including several in the Mediterranean.
Embark on a Mediterranean cruise along the coasts of Italy, Spain, Croatia, and Greece. Discover itineraries from a leisurely 7-night Greek Islands voyage to nine nights exploring the Italian coast and the lavender fields of Provence. New from Lindblad Expeditions in April 2022 is a unique cultural exploration cruise from Lisbon to Bordeaux.
