The 10 Best River Cruise Lines in Europe

Table Of Content

• Best Mediterranean Cruise For History Lovers: Azamara Cruises, Azamara Pursuit
• British Isles Cruises
• Fjords & Glaciers Seaplane Flightseeing
• TIMELESS BEAUTY OF THE PAST
• What is the best time to cruise to Europe?

On a European cruise, sail into Le Havre and choose to visit the beaches of Normandy or ascend the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Walk through the Colosseum in Rome, and stop by Livorno to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Natural attractions abound in Norway and Iceland, your gateway to dazzling fjords, cascading waterfalls and black-sand beaches.

Best Mediterranean Cruise For History Lovers: Azamara Cruises, Azamara Pursuit

25 BEST Mediterranean Cruises 2024 (Prices + Itineraries): Cruises to the Mediterranean on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic

25 BEST Mediterranean Cruises 2024 (Prices + Itineraries): Cruises to the Mediterranean on Cruise Critic.

Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 14:35:23 GMT [source]

Palate-pleasing gastronomy and epicurean shore excursions make new arrival Riverside Luxury Cruises a standout for foodies. The cruise line, which cruises on several ships that once belonged to luxury cruise line Crystal, offers a sublime culinary program, particularly on the 110-passenger Riverside Ravel, which taps into the Rhône’s extraordinary bounty. All menus onboard reflect the region, with vintage wines, dishes featuring truffle, escargot and foie gras and a gout-inducing selection of premium cheeses. The doyen of Europe's waterways is the adults-only Viking Cruises, a multifaceted cruise line that also boasts a fleet of ocean and expedition vessels.

British Isles Cruises

However, there are also other lesser-known cruise lines to choose from that are contenders for the best river cruise line in Europe, depending on your travel style. To help you out, we've taken a look at 10 lines, from the familiar to the lesser-known, so you can decide the best river cruise line in Europe for you. The two routes can be combined into longer 13-day sailings, meaning you'd sail round-trip from Bergen and see all the fjords. Seven-night northbound itineraries from Bergen to Kirkenes start at $331 per person, per night, for an inside cabin.

25 BEST Western Mediterranean Cruises 2024 (Prices + Itineraries): Cruises to the Western Mediterranean on Cruise ... - Cruise Critic

25 BEST Western Mediterranean Cruises 2024 (Prices + Itineraries): Cruises to the Western Mediterranean on Cruise ....

Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 14:40:04 GMT [source]

Fjords & Glaciers Seaplane Flightseeing

Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. Viking Oceans immerse you in wonderful communities within the world's finest cities, providing enriching experiences whether in the Viking Homelands or Catalonia to Constantinople voyage. They also provide cultural lectures, destination-focused dining, and carefully curated shore excursions.

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. Transatlantic sailings make for such a special vacation, and this 13-night Transatlantic Azores itinerary on Adventure of the Seas® packs four remarkable ports into the crossing.

Dining Experiences

Daily activities feature a wide choice of included shore tours so you can personalize your cruise experience. Picking the best line for a European river cruise can be a challenge as more and more lines compete for attention on European waterways. Many American travelers have heard of river cruise lines like Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon Waterways -- and you can find more about them below. The ship offers a regular program of 7-, 10- and 14-night voyages, starting from $148 per person, per night, for an inside cabin. The itineraries involve a mix of ports in Greece, Montenegro, Croatia and Turkey, depending on the specific sailing you choose.

The cruise line sails all of Europe’s major rivers, offering thoughtfully crafted shore experiences that dig deep into each destination’s past. Between off-hours tours at world-renowned museums and guided walks through medieval cities, guests are also invited to join enriching lectures aboard the ships. European cruises provide the perfect blend of exploration, relaxation, and cultural immersion. 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.

What is the best time to cruise to Europe?

Passengers can dine on fresh wood-fired pizza at Cielo's and sip Bellinis at Hari's Bar, all while taking in views of Venice's sparkling lagoon. Find out the best time of year to cruise the Mediterranean, depending on what you want to experience. Ice bars, rooftop tours, meatballs and more – use our handy city guide to get a fresh view of Sweden’s brilliant capital. Discover the best museums, restaurants, cafés, attractions and experiences in the Scandinavian country. That’s why every room is equipped with the expertly designed Princess Luxury Bed, 100% Jacquard-woven cotton linens and our SLEEP program created by a board-certified sleep expert. From interior cabins to full suites, unwind in any of our staterooms, and enjoy peace of mind with the option of connected rooms for families of four or more traveling together.

Windstar Cruises

Their ships are large and family-friendly, with a vast array of entertainment options. The itineraries include popular destinations in the Mediterranean, the Baltic Sea, and the British Isles. European cruisetours combine our traditional cruises with four to eight nights on land exploring world-famous regions. As a part of your trip, enjoy expert guides, hotel stays and daily meals. Experience seamless transportation from land to ship before setting sail to the dream destinations on your itinerary.

Culinary excellence also awaits, from familiar favourites like Italian pasta and Spanish tapas, to lesser-known cuisines from Amsterdam to Zagreb. 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. Wild nights on board include raucous and sometimes raunchy theater shows, impromptu dance parties and Scarlet Night, a poolside bash reminiscent of a rave where everyone's dressed in red.

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. Set to launch in the summer of 2024, Utopia of the Seas℠ will be the sixth Oasis Class ship, Royal Caribbean's class of ships packed with adventure and entertainment.

Passengers can sip on fine wines in the Wachau Valley, wander Regensburg's UNESCO-listed old town and marvel at Vienna's Habsburg-period architecture. Itineraries feature guided trips to revered museums, cathedrals, and palaces—complemented by slow days sailing these scenic waterways. Royal Caribbean International is the largest cruise line in the world, offering a wide variety of cruises at affordable prices.

The fleetwide reservation-only Vintage Room is set up for private dining, with an extravagant seven-course wine-pairing menu. For the best in-suite views, book a room at the back of the ship, Kelly Cochrane, executive chef of Regent Seven Seas Cruises tells T+L. Meena Thiruvengadam is a lifelong traveler and veteran journalist who has visited more than 50 countries across six continents. Her writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Departures, TripSavvy, and other publications. Discover our top 5 picks for the best fjords in Norway—and what makes each one unique.

The most popular ports in the British Isles are Edinburgh in Scotland and the cities of Belfast and Dublin in Ireland. This 22-day trip tracks its way through 20 ports via five countries, including Italy, Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, and Turkey. Walk the cobblestone streets on the Greek Islands, see the colorful coastline in Marmaris, admire the glittering lights from the homes that snake their way up Lovćen Mountain, and more.

This thrill-seekers guide will show you where to get the ultimate adrenaline fix on European vacations. Cruises from Venice can be a gateway to discovery — and not just of the places you sail to. From the storied streets of Rome to the charming canals of Venice, Italy is a country that needs no introduction. Whether you pose with Michelangelo's David in Florence or indulge in to-die-for Pizza in Naples, it's no wonder why so many cruises to Europe visit la bella Italia. If you want to see the Northern Lights in Norway, Seabourn’s wintertime Norway cruises are your best bet.

THE 25 BEST Senior Cruises to Europe River with Prices on Cruise Critic

Table Of Content

• Save Big With These European Cruise Deals
• Best European cruises for families: Disney Dream
• Best European River Cruise For Families: A-Rosa, A-Rosa Sena
• Onboard Activities

To help you navigate this choice, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to the best cruise lines in Europe, highlighting their unique itineraries, accommodations, pricing, and schedules. 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. Circumnavigating Iceland from Reykjavík, the itinerary includes stops on the mainland and islands including Grimsey Island, above the Arctic Circle, where you might catch sight of rare little auks with their black and white plumage. German river cruise line A-Rosa has carved a niche for multigenerational river voyages after pioneering its kids club in 2014.

Save Big With These European Cruise Deals

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. 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.

Best European cruises for families: Disney Dream

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. A Barcelona vacation is always a good idea, but arriving at this iconic port of call by sea is a truly unique experience. 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.

Best European River Cruise For Families: A-Rosa, A-Rosa Sena

Adventures by Disney is, unsurprisingly, one of the best river cruise lines for families in Europe. The line charters AmaWaterways and, while you shouldn't expect a bevy of Disney branding on the ship, Disney's Adventure Guides are trained to bring kids into the river cruise experience. AmaWaterways ups its dedication to active cruisers with a bevy of wellness spaces as well, including massage rooms, a fitness center, open-air spin classes on the sun deck and a pool. However, despite being twice as wide as most river ships in Europe, there are only about 30% more travelers onboard (just shy of 200 passengers). In addition to the main dining room, ships have smaller venues where every passenger can have a meal. There's also the exclusive Table La Rive fine dining experience for Diamond Deck suite guests.

Best Overall European River Cruise: Viking Cruises, Viking Egdir

See multiple international cities without the hassle of transportation or additional planning. Cruise from one destination to the next with world-class entertainment, fresh food and relaxing accommodations at your fingertips. When you return to the ship, continue your exploration with unique activities and global cuisine, or enjoy the familiar comforts of home with your favorite foods — all on our best European cruise ships. When Viking Ocean Cruises returns to cruising this summer, it will have three ships sailing from Valletta on Malta to Greece, Italy, and Spain. Our pick is Viking’s 10-night Malta and Adriatic Jewels Cruise, roundtrip from Valletta.

Turkish Desserts to Sweeten your Vacation

Most poignant, however, is the chance to pause at the D–Day Beaches, with 2024 marking the 80th anniversary of the Allied landings in Normandy. The guided tour also visits the somber Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial on Omaha Beach. Cunard’s extensive tradition in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe offers you the opportunity to sunbathe on the shores of southern Europe or discover northern medieval cultures. Relax at the pool areas, surrounded by classic deck chairs with staff catering to your every need. With Hurtigruten Expeditions, you can enjoy intimate cruising programs that will take you to iconic and off-the-beaten-path destinations for a unique glimpse at European history and culture. Explore the wildlife and natural beauty of coastal towns with specialized excursions led by experienced expedition teams.

Onboard Activities

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. The cruise line created the beds in a special collaboration with a sleep expert to ensure every guest leaves feeling fully recharged. While fares aren't the cheapest you'll find, you'll get a lot for your money. In addition to the tours, Viking includes Wi-Fi, specialty dining, and beer and wine with lunch and dinner in its prices. To help you out, I've narrowed down my favorites for the best cruises to Europe for different types of travelers, including families, couples and solo travelers.

Big Ben Facts to Know Before Your Next Vacation Royal Caribbean Cruises

Sip the local gruner veltliner and riesling in Wachau Valley or dance like you are in The Sound of Music in Salzburg. Back on the ship, check out in wellness classes on the spacious roof deck or dining in onboard restaurants that include a fancy Chef’s Table venue (where you might score a taste of Siberian caviar) and a wine bar. The two-week trip stops in 10 different ports in Italy, Greece, Israel, and Cyprus. It offers dozens of shore excursions to take part in, including historical tours, vineyard tours and wine tastings, local market visits, and so much more. Room options range from interior staterooms to massive premium suites with 119-foot balconies so you can let the fresh ocean breeze in.

Plus, there are few better ways to cap off cruises to Europe than a dip in the aptly-named Blue Lagoon. Plan a cultural vacation to Italy by setting sail for the Roman Colosseum. Enjoy a tour guide tailored to you on the history of Rome & its gladiator. Uncover the ultimate guide to eating locally in Italy as you make the most of your vacation travels. Explore the Salvador Dali Museum and Garden in Spain as you make the most of your cultural traveling adventures. Take a moment to make the most of your Greek island hopping travels, reveal the best places to visit in Greece.

Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative. It's difficult to imagine something more romantic than sailing through the alluring cities and charming countryside of Europe. With exciting tours through age-old cities, kids can see textbooks come to life and return with their own stories to tell.

Here are some Rome vacation must-sees and tips on how to navigate travel when arriving or departing via cruise through Civitavecchia. Visit the crystal caves in Spain as you take a travel vacation to uncover a view of the magnificent Pulpí Geode. Learn about the types of Greek architecture you can explore during your next Mediterranean vacation. When in Greece, you're sure to discover hidden gems of ancient ruins that still stand alongside modern buildings. Reveal the most romantic ideas for a couple’s weekend getaway while traveling on a Paris vacation. This guide will help you discover the most glorious and influential abbeys in England.

The line's European family program is available on at least one ship on each river the line sails during school breaks. Fun activities include a “meet the captain” event, pizza-making classes and treasure hunts. All ships are stocked with age-appropriate games and books, and family shore excursions to zoos and theme parks feature on itineraries. Azamara Cruise Line specializes in western Europe; it takes you through the Pyrenees Mountains and Provence’s lavender fields. Discover the history of Western European, Mediterranean, and Northern European cultures and explore food. Enjoy exclusive shore excursions, known as AzAmazing Evenings, which provide unique access to local culture and events.

Our mission is to be your go-to source for discovering new and exciting places to visit, ensuring that you have all the information you need to plan the perfect getaway. Here’s what to pack for a European cruise and shore excursions, so you can feel comfortable and prepared for your adventures. Unwind as you take in the beauty of the Atlantic and enjoy more time at off-the-beaten-path Europe destinations and remote islands.

Cruise Critic's Best Cruise Itineraries for First-Timers - Cruise Critic

Cruise Critic's Best Cruise Itineraries for First-Timers.

Posted: Fri, 20 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Arrange ground transportation ahead of time and breeze to and from your cruise. Add a hotel package to your Europe cruise and indulge in a comfortable, convenient overnight before or after your cruise. Whether you’re interested in a 7-day cruise or a long voyage, your dream port is where the adventure begins. A Mediterranean cruise transports you to bustling cities, secret escapes, and even back in time. Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us.

Enjoy the attentiveness of the crew, ensuring a personalized and pampered experience throughout your journey. Royal Caribbean Cruise Line offers a wide array of European experiences, from the towering spires in Copenhagen to the blinding whites of Santorini, all of which are accompanied by many different cuisines. Royal Caribbean is known for its groundbreaking activities, including surfing simulators, skydiving experiences, and state-of-the-art theaters, providing entertainment for all ages. Also, explore a world of flavors with Royal Caribbean's diverse dining options, from casual eateries to specialty restaurants featuring renowned chefs. Holland America Line offers "Explorations Central," a program designed to immerse cruisers in the local culture and history of each destination. With an array of itineraries, Holland America guarantees to create unforgettable memories from fairytale cruises in the Baltic region and exploring villages on cliffs in Greece.

Scandinavia—and Norway in particular—is an expensive place to travel around, so a cruise can make financial sense for those seeking an introduction to the region. For one price, you get your travel, accommodation, meals, and entertainment covered. AmaWaterways' active excursions take in some of Europe’s most breathtaking scenery—enticing passengers on hilly bike rides and waterside hikes. The line’s newest ship sails Europe’s Rhine, Main, Danube and Moselle rivers, featuring a heated pool that transforms into a cinema, spacious suites and a dedicated wellness area. The intimate 96-passenger Scenic Azure winds through the port-producing Douro Valley, with its terraced vineyards, olive groves and tranquil towns and villages. This ship truly embodies the decadence of Renaissance Venice, with a playful interior featuring hand-painted Venetian masks and flamboyant custom-made fabrics by Venice-design house Fortuny.