Top Cruise Itineraries in Europe

Best european cruises & beyond

Love travel, but not a fan of planning? Cruises are the answer you’ve been looking for. There’s a great big ocean out there for you to explore, but with so many places to see, it’s hard to choose where to go next! To inspire your next vacation, we’ve put together a list of some of our favourite cruise itineraries in Europe.

When in Rome: Eastern Mediterranean

This historically-loaded itinerary is offered by many of our favourite European cruise partners, and typically leaves from Rome, Barcelona, London, or Amsterdam.

Start your journey across the western Mediterranean from the canals of Venice, home to gorgeous works of architecture and urban design like the Doge’s Palace or the Grand Canal. Make sure you pick up a Carnival mask before the ship leaves port! Look forward to further stops in ports like Naples, where you can find remnants of Pompeii at the National Archaeological Museum, along with the finest wood-fired pizzas on the planet.

No matter where you choose to cruise, you’ll see some of history’s most fascinating landmarks.

Sweetness in the East: Eastern Mediterranean

For admirers of the road less travelled, consider a cruise to the eastern Mediterranean, where you’ll see astonishing sights in lesser-known ports around the Adriatic Sea, like Croatia, Malta or Slovenia. Begin your escape in Ravenna, the former capital of the Western Roman Empire in Italy. Visit some of the eight World Heritage sites located within this ancient city, and bask in its beautifully preserved Byzantine mosaics and architecture.

From there, sail to the rugged port of Dubrovnik and visit the famous walls that depicted King’s Landing in HBO’s Game of Thrones. After a day spent walking the streets of this venerable fortress, we recommend enjoying some of the local seafood, like a plate of brudet, a type of Croatian fish stew.

Sail through time: Greek isles

These charming islands dotting the Aegean Sea have long attracted artists and actors alike. Join the ranks of celebrities like Leonard Cohen and embark on your own island-hopping adventure. Cruises with this mythological itinerary typically depart from Athens, the birthplace of democracy, where you’ll find the glorious Parthenon atop the acropolis. Between stops at historic sites, enjoy some of the most delicious seafood in the Mediterranean.

After filling up on souvlaki and souvenirs, make your way to sunny Santorini, situated on the rim of a caldera. Explore iconic villages like Oia, seamlessly integrated into the walls of the volcanic crater, for an unforgettable photo-op. There’s no better place to see the sunset in the Mediterranean!

The best of Northern Europe

Looking for something different? Perhaps a trip to the Baltic Sea is in your future. Providers like Royal Caribbean International, Princess Cruises, and Celebrity Cruises all offer this northern itinerary, typically departing from Amsterdam or London.

As you follow the sea to the north, make stops at Stockholm for Skansen, the world’s first open-air museum, and Helsinki, for its unique neoclassical architecture. Along the way, sail through breathtaking Norwegian fjords and immerse yourself in the majesty of the untouched Scandinavian landscape. End your journey at sea in Copenhagen, where you’ll find castles and gardens galore. See for yourself why it’s considered Europe’s cosiest city.

What’s next

If you’ve decided on where you want to stretch your sea-legs, sail onwards to our cruise deals for the latest in savings at sea. Need a little bit more to get started? Read our first-timer’s guide and make your own checklist of what you need to book a cruise.