{"id":62255,"date":"2023-11-27T09:22:00","date_gmt":"2023-11-27T17:22:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/?p=62255"},"modified":"2025-08-17T05:19:12","modified_gmt":"2025-08-17T12:19:12","slug":"europe-cruises","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/europe-cruises\/","title":{"rendered":"12 OF THE BEST CRUISES FROM EUROPE"},"content":{"rendered":"

Taking a cruise is a great way to explore the world in comfort and with ease. It’s also a great way to have a fun girls’ getaway<\/a>, without having to worry about logistics. Europe is one of the most popular cruise destinations worldwide, and it’s easy to see why. It is filled with history, beautiful beaches, islands, and coastal cities.<\/p>\n

Europe<\/a> is an ideal location to go on a cruise as there tends to be shorter travel time between destinations. While on a European cruise you’ll often arrive in a different country daily with small at-sea passages through the evenings and nights. This makes Europe a great destination for those first-time cruisers who aren’t sure about the longer at-sea days or for those who want to explore many countries in one trip.<\/p>\n

Taking a cruise is a travel experience everyone should have at some point in their life. Here are the 10 best cruises to take in Europe!<\/p>\n

\"Italy
\n\"Travel<\/a><\/p>\n

Top 12 European Cruises<\/h2>\n

Every year, many travelers opt for Europe as their summer vacation destination, often visiting multiple countries at once. A European cruise is a great way to explore different countries on a single trip.<\/p>\n

The European cruise season usually spans from May to November, and the same ships are often used in European and Caribbean seasons. This is also the time when the weather is warmer and most tourist attractions are open.<\/p>\n

From the majestic Mediterranean to the beautiful countries of Spain, Belgium, Italy and Greece, there are many options for a memorable European cruise. Here are our top ten recommendations for European cruises.<\/p>\n

1) Spain & Portugal Cruise<\/h2>\n

Spain and Portugal are two of the most popular summer vacations and cruise destinations. With their rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and warm and friendly people, these countries offer an unforgettable experience.<\/p>\n

Whether you are interested in exploring historic cities, hiking in the mountains, or simply relaxing on the beach, Spain and Portugal have something for everyone.<\/p>\n

Many Spanish cruises start from the beautiful coastal city of Barcelona. You can explore the Mediterranean Sea and visit some of the most popular ports, including Cadiz, Funchal, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and Lisbon. These cities offer various attractions, from ancient castles and museums to vibrant nightlife and delicious cuisine.<\/p>\n

When to Travel:<\/strong> April to September<\/p>\n

Book Your Cruise:<\/strong> 5-night Spanish and Portuguese Cruise<\/a><\/p>\n

2) Italy Cruise<\/h2>\n

Italy is incredible when it comes to cruising, with its coastal towns, picturesque landscapes and rich history. From the stunning Amalfi Coast to the charming Cinque Terre, plenty of beautiful and unique destinations exist. Not forgetting the cuisine that Italy is so famous for, from the fresh seafood to the delicious pasta dishes and excellent wine options.<\/p>\n

Popular routes for Italian cruises include stops in Genoa, Civitavecchia, Messina, Olbia, Florence, Naples, and Venice. Each of these cities has its unique charm and attractions, so there’s always something new and exciting to discover. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or an adventure-packed trip, Italy has something for everyone.<\/p>\n

When to Travel:<\/strong> April to September<\/p>\n

Book Your Cruise:<\/strong> 6-night Italian Cruise<\/a><\/p>\n

3) Northern Europe Cruise<\/h2>\n

When it comes to cruises, Northern Europe is often overlooked in favor of the Mediterranean. However, there are many great countries to explore in this region. Although it may not be as warm as the Mediterranean, there are still plenty of things to see and do on a cruise in Northern Europe.<\/p>\n

Popular routes include Hamburg, Zeebrugge, Rotterdam, Le Havre, Southampton and Bilbao stops.<\/p>\n

Many Northern European cruises begin in Southampton, Le Havre and Rotterdam.<\/p>\n

When to Travel:<\/strong> May to September<\/p>\n

Book Your Cruise:<\/strong> 7-night Northern Europe Cruise<\/a><\/p>\n

4) Mediterranean Cruise<\/h2>\n

The Mediterranean region is known for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical significance. It boasts many stunning coastal destinations, picturesque islands, beautiful beaches and historic locations worth exploring.<\/p>\n

Some of the most popular stops on a Mediterranean cruise include Split (Croatia), Venice (Italy), Montenegro, Valletta (Malta), Santorini (Greece), Palma De Mallorca (Spain), Zadar (Croatia), Kos (Greece) and Mykonos (Greece). Each of these destinations offers a unique experience, with the canals of Venice to the white-washed buildings of Santorini and the charming harbors of Mallorca.<\/p>\n

When to Travel:<\/strong> April to September<\/p>\n

Book Your Cruise<\/strong>: 5-night Mediterranean Cruise<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Cruise<\/p>\n

5) Greece Cruise<\/h2>\n

Greece is a highly sought-after destination for summer vacations, offering a wealth of ancient history, a rich culture, charming white-washed towns, stunning sunsets, and breathtaking beaches. With over 6,000 islands to explore, cruising around Greece and beyond provides a fantastic opportunity to experience the unique features and amenities of each island. <\/p>\n

A cruise allows you to explore different areas all in one trip while also enjoying activities and amenities on board. The most popular stops on a Greek cruise include Kos, Santorini, Rhodes, and Piraeus. These cruises are often combined with a few days in Croatia or Italy to make the most of your trip.<\/p>\n

When to Travel:<\/strong> April to September<\/p>\n

Book Your Cruise: <\/strong>7-night cruise Greece and Italy<\/a><\/p>\n

6) Greece & Turkey Cruise<\/h2>\n

A Greece and Turkey cruise is a popular option for travelers seeking unique experiences. These cruises typically start from Greece and explore several islands before heading to Turkey. Both countries offer various activities, from excursions to ruins and small towns to days spent basking in the warm Mediterranean sun.<\/p>\n

If you want to extend your trip, consider adding stops in neighboring countries like Israel, Spain, and Italy for an even more memorable vacation experience. Exploring the beautiful Greek islands on a cruise combined with visits to other countries will surely make your trip unforgettable.<\/p>\n

When to Travel:<\/strong> April to September<\/p>\n

Book Your Cruise:<\/strong> 7-night Greece and Turkey<\/a><\/p>\n

7) United Kingdom & Ireland Cruise<\/h2>\n

Neither the United Kingdom nor Ireland are short of coastline, with England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and Northern Ireland all surrounded by beautiful and uniquely different coastlines.<\/p>\n

A cruise around the UK and Ireland will allow you to explore areas and cities you may never have been to before without having to negotiate the public transportation system. The short distances between ports also allow for short durations at sea and more time to explore off the boat.<\/p>\n

Popular stops on the United Kingdom and Ireland cruises include Dover, Holyhead, Cobh (Ireland), Dun Laoghaire (Ireland), Liverpool, Glasgow-Greenock and Belfast. <\/p>\n

When to Travel:<\/strong> June to September<\/p>\n

Book Your Cruise:<\/strong> 9-night United Kingdom and Ireland Cruise<\/a> <\/p>\n

8) 21 Night Europe Cruise<\/h2>\n

A 21-night European cruise offers endless route options due to the easily accessible ports and short ocean passageways surrounding many European countries. During such a trip, it’s possible to dock in nine or even ten countries, making it a great way to explore multiple destinations in a single journey.<\/p>\n

With possible routes including stops in multiple countries. A route example could include something like Civitavecchia, Livorno (Italy), Toulon (France), Palma De Mallorca, Valencia, Barcelona (Spain), Alghero, (Italy), Ajaccio (France), Messina, Naples, Civitavecchia (Italy), Cephalonia, Corfu (Greece), Kotor (Montenegro), Dubrovnik (Croatia) and Trieste (Italy).<\/p>\n

When to Travel:<\/strong> May to September<\/p>\n

Book Your Cruise:<\/strong> 21-Night Cruise Around Europe<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Monaco<\/p>\n

9) 14 Night Europe Cruise<\/h2>\n

The perfect thing about a 14-night European cruise is endless opportunities for potential routes. With easily accessible ports and surrounded but short ocean passageways, many European countries can be easily accessed via a cruising route.<\/p>\n

14-night cruises can dock in seven, eight, or even nine countries during a 14-night trip.<\/p>\n

Popular cruising routes typically start in Barcelona, Spain, then stop in France, Italy, Greece, Montenegro, and Croatia before finishing in Italy again. But this is just one of multiple cruising options. Another option includes starting in the United Kingdom and visiting Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Estonia, Finland and Norway.<\/p>\n

When to Travel: <\/strong>May to September<\/p>\n

Book Your Cruise: <\/strong>14 Night Europe<\/a><\/p>\n

10) Three-Night Europe Cruise<\/h2>\n

If you are short on time or are looking for a quick long weekend getaway, a three-night European cruise might be the perfect option for you and your girls. Three-night cruises offer all the luxuries you would expect with cruises but for a much shorter time frame.<\/p>\n

These cruises still travel between countries and with short cruising distances in Europe, they are a great way to see multiple places and countries within a long weekend.<\/p>\n

Popular three-night cruises have routes that include Genoa, Barcelona, Marseille and Savona or Civitavecchia, Genoa, Marseille and Barcelona.<\/p>\n

When to Travel: <\/strong>May to September<\/p>\n

Book Your Cruise: <\/strong>3-Night Cruise<\/a><\/p>\n

11) Transatlantic Cruise<\/h2>\n

Cruise ships are a popular way of traveling and offer a unique experience for passengers. They typically operate during two seasons: a European summer season and a Caribbean winter season. The same ships are used for both seasons and must cross the Atlantic to move between them. These crossings are often enjoyable cruises that are more affordable than other types of cruises.<\/p>\n

Another advantage of taking a cruise is that passengers can visit several destinations during the journey. During these cruises, passengers can visit destinations in the United States, Tenerife, Portugal, Spain, the UK, the Caribbean, and the Netherlands. The journey usually begins at a port in the United States or Europe and ends at another, stopping at various islands along the way. This gives you the opportunity to explore different cultures and countries in a single trip.<\/p>\n

When to Travel: <\/strong>April or May and October, November, or December (these months vary per boat and often are only done twice a year per boat)<\/p>\n

Book Your Cruise<\/strong>: Transatlantic Cruises<\/a><\/p>\n

12) Around The World Cruises<\/h2>\n

In recent years, cruises have gained immense popularity as a means of travel. These trips have become increasingly popular worldwide as they offer a hassle-free way to explore multiple countries and continents without having to fly or switch accommodations. <\/p>\n

Unlike regular cruises, these journeys usually last for a longer period, with an average of 20+ nights. This option is perfect for those who want to take their time and truly immerse themselves in the culture and sights of each destination.<\/p>\n

During these cruises, passengers can discover awe-inspiring destinations, including Iceland, the United Kingdom, the Faroe Islands, Norway, Antarctica, and Ireland. These destinations are known for their unique landscapes, stunning natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage. <\/p>\n

However, remember that these voyages also include several extended periods at sea, which can last several days. These longer cruises offer a fantastic opportunity to explore some of the world’s most fascinating destinations while enjoying the comfort and luxury of a cruise ship.<\/p>\n

Book Your Cruise: <\/strong>World Cruise<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Europe<\/p>\n

Best Time Of Year To Go On A Cruise<\/h2>\n

The European summer season is a time when the continent experiences warmer weather, typically lasting from May to September. Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun on a sandy beach or explore the historic landmarks of ancient cities, a cruise in the European summer season is the perfect time to visit and explore.<\/p>\n

\"Carnival<\/p>\n

12 Best Cruises To Take In Europe Wrap-Up<\/h2>\n

I hope you’ve found this best cruises guide helpful. If you love relaxation, exploration, and convenience, a cruise is perfect for you. Enjoy all-inclusive luxuries like drinks, food, and activities while moving to new destinations every few days!<\/p>\n

Going on a cruise is like entering a magical floating city dedicated to fun! There is something for everyone with bars, nightclubs, skating rinks, water slides, wave pools, kids clubs, outdoor movie theaters, evening entertainment, and so much more available to enjoy onboard.<\/p>\n

And if you’re interested in visiting other cruises, you can check out all our cruise articles<\/a> for inspiration and our where to stay guides<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\n
\n

We hope that this article has inspired you to go on a European cruise. If you have questions or advice to share with our readers, please leave these in the comments below. <\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Want to write for We Are Travel Girls? Visit our<\/i><\/b> Contribute Page<\/i><\/b><\/a> to submit your article.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

\n

Subscribe to We Are Travel Girls<\/h2>

Join 9 million+ readers, get travel tips, event invites, trip discounts and more!<\/p>\n\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/form>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/span><\/h6>\n
\n

Read More About Cruises<\/em><\/h4>\n