Sunday, March 31, 2024

10 of the Best Mediterranean Cruises for Every Type of Traveler

best european cruise line

Whether on the water or solid ground, there are plenty of ways to keep active during Celebrity’s 9-night Italy, France & Spain itinerary, beginning in Rome and ending in Barcelona. Cruisers can opt for the kayak and walking adventure in Valletta, where they can meander through farms, woodlands, and even Neolithic tombs before setting out in a kayak to paddle along the rugged coastline. Or, paddle a kayak along Corsica’s coastline to Trottel Beach, where you can relax under the warm sun, walk in the sand and swim in the clear water. In Sardinia, ride a 4x4 into the wetlands and oak forests before dismounting for a hike in the island wilderness. Onboard, the Celebrity Ascent keeps active guests engaged with its fitness center, activities and entertainment, and fueled for more activity with 32 restaurants, bars and lounges.

Best cruise for budget-conscious travelers: Celestyal Cruises in the Greek isles

best european cruise line

Princess Cruises first started sailing in the Mediterranean in 1985, and the cruise line has never looked back. In celebration of its 40th anniversary in the Med next year, the cruise line is sending the new Sun Princess to join her sister ship, Star Princess, for her first season of cruising. Until then, the 7-Day Mediterranean with Greece & Italy on the brand new Sun Princess is a terrific way to experience this part of the world. Departing Piraeus, near Athens, she calls upon Montenegro; Corfu, Greece; and Sicily and Naples, Italy, before arriving in Barcelona, with plenty of shore excursions from which to choose. European cruisetours combine our traditional cruises with four to eight nights on land exploring world-famous regions. Experience seamless transportation from land to ship before setting sail to the dream destinations on your itinerary.

Viking Cruises

From thrilling kayak voyages in Flåm to relaxing beach days in Mykonos, find shore excursions that match every guest’s preference with Princess. In Rome, taste local delicacies like wood-fired pizza, fine wines and homemade gelato. Walk past medieval buildings in Bergen, stopping by the Schøtstuene Museum on your way back.

Night Tulips & WindmillsDetails

You can shop for Italian, French and Spanish designer fashion when you're not dining on the best Italian pasta and gelato you've ever tasted — or bouillabaisse and escargot in France, or paella and tapas in Spain. For romance seekers, few experiences beat a cruise that lingers along the French and Italian rivieras. France's Cote d'Azur, with its coastal mountains and crystal blue sea, has inspired artists and romantics for centuries. The equally stunning Italian coast is perfect for romantic strolls around secluded harbors or an indulgent, delectable lunch at a table for two overlooking the ocean. Ships will sail at reduced capacity and popular attractions are unlikely to be crowded. As restrictions ease, the traffic is bound to pick up in 2022, which already is looking like a year when ships will sail full due to pent-up demand.

A Mediterranean cruise, however, is the perfect way to get a taste of many coastal countries with ease as you transit between destinations while you sleep aboard your ship. Dive even deeper into the flourishing cultures abroad with More Ashore late-night departures and overnight stays on select European cruise itineraries. Visit one of Dublin’s pubs and enjoy a night of Irish song, dance and Guinness.

Once home to ancient civilizations and famous philosophers, the Mediterranean continues to define tradition. Departing from Rome, Athens or Barcelona, sail into Marseille and bask in the beauty of Provence’s lavender fields. Or taste cuisine as rich as the culture with fresh vegetables in Santorini and hand-thrown pizzas in Naples. 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.

Best Value Mediterranean Cruise: Holland America Line, Oosterdam

On a European cruise, you can be one of the first to travel aboard these vessels, adding a whole new level of excitement and opportunity to your trip. Plus these are the first ships designed with Princess® MedallionClass®, making them the best European cruises at sea. See the many faces of the world with seasonal European cruise sailings from Princess. In the spring, shop France’s colorful outdoor markets for hand-crafted souvenirs. On a European cruise, unpack once and save on transportation and baggage fees as well as dining and entertainment costs. Independent land travel through Europe adds up fast — between accommodations, restaurants, train travel, taxis and more.

I boarded my first European cruise. How different is it from a USA cruise? - Cruise Blog

I boarded my first European cruise. How different is it from a USA cruise?.

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Spend three perfect days sailing from Haifa, Israel to Limassol, Cyprus, and back again. The quick cruise is the perfect way to get on the water if you just want to spend a weekend at sea on an otherwise land-bound trip. Check out a few shore excursions, or go it alone, knowing you have the perfect place to call home, even for a few days, each night.

Discover the rich cultures of Scandinavia and Russia on a Baltic Sea voyage, or immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Norwegian Fjords. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the captivating British Isles, where historic castles in England, Scotland, and London await your visit. When looking at a cruise with children, you'll want to mix time exploring on land with playtime on the ship, whether in the kids club or with attractions like video arcades and waterslides. Your jaw might drop as your ship navigates the sunken caldera that leads to Santorini, where whitewashed villages dot the tops of steep cliffs. In Mykonos, you can head to one of the island's famous beaches or catch a ferry to explore the ancient ruins of Delos, known as the birthplace of Apollo.

Experience the rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities of Europe on state-of-the-art cruise ships that ensure comfort and luxury throughout your journey. Cruise Critic is the ultimate resource, partnering with cruise lines and travel agents to provide the best price and itinerary comparisons for your ideal European cruise. Whether you're drawn to historical landmarks, natural wonders, or charming coastal towns, Europe promises once-in-a-lifetime experiences and unforgettable memories. Royal Caribbean is the line to choose for those traveling in groups with varied interests and age levels. Think, the kids who want to play all day, the adults who want to lounge by the pool, the friend who wants to explore a city’s history through tours, or the friend who wants to stay up all night enjoying the onboard entertainment. And, best of all, it’s one of the few in the Med to offer options for those who are short on time or want to tack on a quick sailing to a longer trip.

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The 8 Best European River Cruises 2024.

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For foodies, we love the premium cuisine found onboard Silversea Cruise’s Silver Moon, and for couples, the romantic Viking Saturn is sure to be a hit. Back-to-back itineraries are rarely the same as Viking Star circles the Med. The ship visits ports such as Barcelona, Spain; Marseille, France; Florence (Livorno), Rome (Civitavecchia), Sicily and Venice, Italy; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Athens and Santorini, Greece; and Kusadasi, Turkey. Character meet 'n' greets, awe-inspiring nighttime entertainment and fun dining experiences mean your kiddos will never be bored.

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. Until it was popularized by the 1992 Olympics, Barcelona was a hidden gem amidst Europe’s diverse landscapes.

25 BEST Europe Cruises 2024 Prices + Itineraries: Cruises to Europe on Cruise Critic

best european cruise line

If that's not enough, attend enough daily activities, and you might be invited to a secret nighttime tour of the crew bar, drinks included. It's a great excuse for you and your significant other to rekindle the romance without other passengers' kids running around. On sea days, you'll have access to three main pool areas, a kiddie splash zone, surfing simulators, a miniature golf course and even a zip line.

Night Mediterranean OdysseyDetails

Choose from itineraries that range from five to 11 nights, all of which sail aboard the Disney Dream. Just like other Disney Cruise Line sailings around the world, its Mediterranean cruises feature spacious cabins with split bathrooms; kids clubs for ages three to 17; all meals, including snacks and room service; Broadway-quality shows; and more. Adults can find plenty of alone time on a Mediterranean Disney Cruise, too, with adult-exclusive dining, an adults-only pool and hot tub, a fitness center and a spa for ultimate relaxation. Shore excursions on the 9-night Mediterranean with Greek Isles Cruise include 4x4 adventures, sailing, fiestas, tasting tours, archeological expeditions and more. The land of fire and ice is open for cruising this summer, and several lines will be exploring the coast, bringing guests to lava fields, gigantic waterfalls, seabird colonies, and other striking landscapes under the Midnight Sun.

Adriatic: Viking’s 10-night Malta and Adriatic Jewels Cruise

THE 25 BEST 10 Day Cruises to Europe (Prices & Itineraries) on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic

THE 25 BEST 10 Day Cruises to Europe (Prices & Itineraries) on Cruise Critic.

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The Mediterranean is world-renowned for its excellent cuisine, so it’s no wonder that foodies flock here to experience the region through its many flavors and native dishes. Silversea invites its guests to dive right in with its 21-day Fusina (Venice) to Barcelona itinerary aboard the Silver Moon, calling upon 21 ports in seven countries, beginning in Venice and ending in Barcelona. The cruise line’s all-new Sea And Land Taste (S.A.L.T.) culinary program was created to enable guests to travel deeper and learn about each destinations’ culinary heritage through curated gastronomic experiences, both at sea and in port. Back onboard the Silver Moon, step into the S.A.L.T. Lab to participate in cooking classes and workshops to learn more about regional dishes, including how to make them at home. Combining the rich history and ancient cultures of some of the Mediterranean’s most iconic destinations with all of the fun of a Disney vacation, Disney Cruise Line is a great option for families of all sizes.

European cruise excursions

Most departures are from Tromsø, Norway, or Copenhagen, with fares for 12-night sailings starting from $10,999 per person. Those looking for an adults-only option will find exactly what they need with Viking Cruises. The company is strictly for guests ages 18 and up, providing a more mature cruising environment.

The cruise line offers more options for everyone onboard (think kids club to casinos), as well as varied shore excursions and affordable pricing options to make it a more viable trip for larger groups. Enjoy the exemplary service you have come to expect from The Ritz-Carlton Hotels when sailing the Mediterranean with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. We recommend the 10-night Venice to Rome itinerary, which explores Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast before calling upon Montenegro, the Amalfi Coast and Capri before arriving in Rome. Curated excursions in each port are designed to provide exceptional experiences that make the most of each destination. In true Ritz-Carlton fashion, the Concierge Ashore can also create a personalized outing tailor-made just for you.

Night Europe - Northern CruiseDetails

A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city. Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty and protect you if your flight is late or canceled. Learn all about our exciting options to visit Europe from cruises to in-depth cruisetour vacations. Home to some of the best vineyards in the world, Europe knows a thing or two about wine — and so does Princess.

Viking history as deep as the fjords

As a traveler, I am just as comfortable bicycling through Italian olive groves and SCUBA diving the wall of sharks in French Polynesia as I am sipping bubbles in a Champagne house and dining at Michelin-starred restaurants. The cruise line’s all-new Sea And Land Taste (S.A.L.T.) culinary program was created to enable guests to travel deeper and learn about destinations’ culinary heritage. The yacht sails myriad Mediterranean itineraries ranging from five to 13 nights, calling upon the most captivating ports in the region. Expect a casual vibe where passengers dress up like mermaids, crew dress up like drag queens, and performers look like real people. Toss in an onboard tattoo parlor, a food court (it's not a buffet), free fitness classes and an app that lets you order Champagne to wherever you are on the ship, and you've got a product that has turned the cruise industry on its head.

best european cruise line

Another popular port of call on Riviera itineraries is Monaco, where you might visit the royal palace of the Grimaldi family and stop by the glamorous Monte Carlo Casino to pretend you are James Bond enjoying a night on the town. It's difficult to imagine something more romantic than sailing through the alluring cities and charming countryside of Europe. Attend original productions from Broadway legend Stephen Schwartz, composer of Wicked. Or learn traditional moves, like Flamenco or Irish stepdance, and listen to popular music from the destinations on your itinerary. Between the castles, towers and ruins, Europe is teeming with ancient architecture.

Seven-night northbound itineraries from Bergen to Kirkenes start at $331 per person, per night, for an inside cabin. On the cruise line's Norwegian Coastal Express route, Hurtigruten's Richard With ship calls on 34 ports in just seven days. 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. If your Europe bucket list includes the Greek Isles, you don't want to sail with children, and you enjoy a lively party atmosphere, you can't go wrong with Virgin Voyages' Resilient Lady. The third ship in the line's fleet, Resilient Lady offers some of the best cruises to the Greek Islands.

But with Princess, you can spend more time exploring Europe and less time checking into your next hotel. For 12 glorious days, you can set sail through the Mediterranean with Holland America. The trip includes stops in Italy (including Venice, Sicily, Amalfi, and Rome), Greece (including Katakolon, Souda, and Mykonos), Albania, and Malta (including Valletta and Mgarr). When not exploring at port, make sure to take advantage of the ship’s luxurious spa, which comes with the bonus of the soft rocking of the waves to lull you into tranquility. The cruise line offers all-inclusive options, making it easy to relax onboard and just enjoy the ride.

While choosing a ship is important, so is picking which route to take and which countries you want to see. Ultraluxury lines such as Seabourn and Silversea are in the mix for summer 2021, along with boutique lines such as France-based Ponant and Windstar, with its 148-passenger, four-masted Wind Star sailing ship. From the spice of Moroccan tagine to the sweetness of Greek Baklava, Europe’s flavor profile is incredibly diverse. On board your European cruise, enjoy English favorites — like bangers and mash or shepherd’s pie — during a British-style pub lunch. Then head ashore to savor fresh ingredients and iconic dishes, including fresh Greek salads and Italian gelato.

While we don’t cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. Ultimately, the best cruise to Europe is a bit subjective in that it depends where in Europe you'd like to go and what your travel style is. Be sure to weigh a combination of destination, price and onboard vibe when deciding which is best for you and your travel party. Check out the phenomenal thermal suite in the ship's spa, which offers sauna and steam rooms, tile loungers and aromatherapy rooms at no extra charge.

Now it’s widely recognized for its architectural masterpieces and spirited customs. On European cruises from Barcelona, leave enough time before you depart to visit Park Güell — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and feel inspired by the colors and unique artistry that lies in the park and throughout the entire city. Make your way through five counties (Italy, Egypt, Israel, Cyprus, and Greece) on this more than two-week adventure. The voyage highlights destinations ruled by famed pharaohs, kings, and emperors and emphasizes the region’s spectacular history. Shore excursion options include exploring the ruins of Pompeii, seeing the biblical destinations of Nazareth and Galilee, and simply soaking in the ambiance of Capri for an entire day. I’m a Florida-based freelance travel and lifestyle journalist who has embarked on more than a dozen cruises, including several in the Mediterranean.

best european cruise line

Holland America also offers a varied pricing list to allow people to choose the right price point for them, with rooms ranging from interior staterooms that come with 151 square feet to over-the-top suites with 712 square feet to stretch out in. The cruise line prides itself on its low guest-to-crew member ratio, ensuring your every need is easily met. The company offers plentiful options when it comes to Mediterranean sailings, including seven, 14, 21, and even 38-day cruises for those who can’t get enough. With this cruise company, you’re almost spoiled with choice, making it hard to pick just one itinerary. So maybe, think about it as this year’s trip, then the next, then the next, and on and on forever, because there are just so many options available.

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