How To See The Best Of Northern Europe On A Scandinavian Cruise

Table Of Content

• The Most Famous European Cathedrals Royal Caribbean Cruises
• Italian Music Culture & its Famous Operas
• Make the Most of Your European Cruise Vacation
• Night Islands Of Iceland & ScotlandDetails
• Best countries to have a workcation for UK workers in 2022
• Fjords & Glaciers Seaplane Flightseeing
• Dining
• Enjoy the Convenience of Cruising

If you’ve ever wanted to dive into the culture of the Vikings or explore what makes people in the Nordic region the so-called happiest on earth, you could do a lot worse than book a Scandinavian cruise. 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. 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. The "Charming Castles & Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle" begins with arrival in Frankfurt and transfer to Mainz for boarding.

The Most Famous European Cathedrals Royal Caribbean Cruises

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.

Italian Music Culture & its Famous Operas

Each ship has an onboard wellness director who hosts daily fitness classes as well as meditation and yoga. AmaWaterways was also the first river cruise operator to carry a fleet of complimentary bicycles. German river cruise line A-Rosa has carved a niche for multigenerational river voyages after pioneering its kids club in 2014.

Make the Most of Your European Cruise Vacation

The cruise gives you the perfect mix between Europe and a little further afield. For anyone who hasn’t strayed beyond Europe before, it’s a great way to get a taste of Egypt and Israel. This particular cruise is on the Starflyer, which has two pools and a sun deck. There’s no entertainment on board, though there might be some games in the evening, but children are welcome over the age of 6 months. I love these small-yacht ships that can get you into ports the larger cruise ships can’t, and this one is a beautiful ship with an atmosphere of relaxation and easygoingness.

Not forgetting the cuisine that Italy is so famous for, from the fresh seafood to the delicious pasta dishes and excellent wine options. When it comes to Europe river cruises, a perfect seven-night starter sailing is the Upper Danube, which takes you through centuries of history as you explore Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. With popular Norwegian fjords cruises together with midnight sun and northern lights tours to the north of Norway also available, there is a lot of diversity in Scandinavian cruises.

This Might Be the Most Affordable Way to See Europe This Summer - Travel + Leisure

This Might Be the Most Affordable Way to See Europe This Summer.

Posted: Mon, 12 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Best countries to have a workcation for UK workers in 2022

Attend original productions from Broadway legend Stephen Schwartz, composer of Wicked. Expect a casual vibe where passengers dress up like mermaids, crew dress up like drag queens, and performers look like real people. The vessel sails five- to 12-night voyages back and forth between Rome and Barcelona, calling on ports that include Naples, Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, Marseille, Cannes and Florence (Livorno). At press time, last-minute fares started from $90 per person, per night, for a studio cabin for one.

Uniworld's one-of-a-kind vessels are inspired by the locales they visit, making their luxurious ships a destination in themselves. Billed as "the world's only authentic boutique cruise line," Uniworld offers in-suite butler service, world-class cuisine, and all-inclusive rates that cover premium spirits and wines as well as gratuities. On Celebrity’s ships, you enjoy a different restaurant at every meal, with menus designed by a Michelin-starred chef. Try anything from mouth-watering seafood to steak, flavor-packed Italian and gourmet French cuisine.

Ships offer a wellness area, massage services, gym, e-bikes, and onboard entertainment. Scenic's "FreeChoice" excursions offer something for all activity levels. 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. There’s also opportunity in Croatia and Malta to see filming locations for HBO’s Game of Thrones.

This one is a canal cruise in France, but they also offer river cruises. The rooms on the barge are hotel standard and there’s a sun deck and a hot tub on board. The cruise ambles along the canals in the Côte d’Or, stopping off for a walking tour in Dijon, shopping and markets, and wine tasting at a vineyard. AmaWaterways' holistic wellness program encompasses a variety of fitness classes and wellness-themed excursions, making it the leading European river cruise line for active travelers.

From the majestic Mediterranean to the beautiful countries of Spain, Belgium, Italy and Greece, there are many options for a memorable European cruise. When you choose to apply (and are approved) for a new credit card through our site, we may receive compensation from our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. Another must for wine-lovers is exploring the interior of France, sipping Cotes du Rhone in such famous winemaking regions as Hermitage and Chateauneuf-du-Pape in Provence and Beaune in Burgundy. Layered clothing accommodates the region's variable weather, while specialized gear might be necessary for specific excursions. The fleetwide reservation-only Vintage Room is set up for private dining, with an extravagant seven-course wine-pairing menu.

Uniworld's ships are each distinctly designed and outfitted, and the all-inclusive itineraries include tours, meals, liquor and wine, fitness classes and more. This German company offers 30 years of experience on Europe's rivers, and has a fleet of 26 river ships in addition to the expedition ship World Voyager and oceangoing Vasco Da Gama. The company's "time to discover" philosophy focuses on intensive travel experiences, shore excursions, and varied culinary offerings.

The 8 Best European River Cruises 2024 - Forbes

The 8 Best European River Cruises 2024.

Posted: Fri, 19 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Programming and excursions are geared toward kids, To that end, expect a focus on storytelling rather than straight history lessons. You'll also find plenty of energetic and engaging activities, like tobogganing, 4x4 tours and bike excursions. The ships also have small pools onboard, popular with any kid on vacation. In the evenings, supervised meals for kids and teens (and movie nights) keep the vibe upbeat until bedtime. 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.

British line P&O Cruises operates its relatively new megaship Iona in the fjords region for much of that period, with regular departures from Southampton on a popular 7-day itinerary. One such trip is this 12-night itinerary from Celebrity Cruises, which includes a visit to both Visby and Tallinn. Other highlights include a visit to Stockholm and Copenhagen, including an overnight stop in the latter. Such itineraries tend to be shorter, and are a great introduction to both cruising and Scandinavia, with limited sea days and plenty to see and do while in port.

From short sailings of 4 nights to longer, more immersive voyages of 12 nights and more, Celebrity has a European cruise for you. With its historic sites, whitewashed towns, the popular beaches of Mykonos, and views galore in the cliffside towns of Santorini, Greece opened its doors to international travelers in May. Nearly a dozen cruise lines are returning to the Aegean this summer and fall so there are ample options for those seeking to sail the Greek isles. 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.

10 best cruises to experience in Europe

Table Of Content

• SUN, SPICE AND SEA BREEZES
• Spain and France: National Geographic Resolution
• How to Have an Epic Family Vacation Onboard Rhapsody of the Seas Royal Caribbean Cruises
• Night Iberian TapestryDetails
• Night Baltic & Scandinavian Capitals: Lithuania & LatviaDetails

Embarking on this awe-inspiring journey takes you through Norway’s breathtaking fjords, where nature’s grandeur unfolds before your eyes. Towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and serene villages create a mesmerizing backdrop as you sail through the pristine waters. The Norwegian Fjords Cruise offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of untouched landscapes and witness the harmony between mountains and sea. It’s an extraordinary European cruise experience that will leave you in awe of Mother Nature’s magnificence. Embarking on a Scandinavian Cruise is an exceptional way to immerse yourself in the mesmerizing landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Northern Europe. This remarkable cruise takes you on a voyage through the breathtaking fjords of Norway, allowing you to witness nature’s awe-inspiring beauty firsthand.

SUN, SPICE AND SEA BREEZES

For a lazy, dreamy, wonderful river cruise experience, nothing quite beats exploring the wine regions of Portugal on the Douro, one of the major rivers through the Iberian Peninsula. The home base for these river cruises is Porto, Portugal, with its historic city center, spectacular bridges and port houses. I am a freelance journalist who has covered travel for over a decade and the cruise industry for several of those years. I've written about destinations ranging from the South China Sea to the Arctic and Norway. Some of my favorite cruise experiences include sailing the Rhine during fall or a transatlantic voyage on the Queen Mary 2 during summer. I adore my home city, London, the west coast of Ireland and New York, where I once spent a summer living in Brooklyn Heights on a work abroad program.

Spain and France: National Geographic Resolution

Many different types of itinerary can be advertised as Scandinavian cruises. Some may also include the highlights of the Baltic Sea region, including the Baltic countries and ports in the north of Germany and Poland. 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.

How to Have an Epic Family Vacation Onboard Rhapsody of the Seas Royal Caribbean Cruises

Sitting down for a meal of fresh-caught seafood as the sun sets into the harbor of aptly-named Nice. France has got something for every traveler, which is why so many cruises to Europe dock here. Extend your Europe 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. Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise.

The best of land and sea

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.

Posted: Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:23:06 GMT [source]

Many of the best European cruises dock in Denmark, and it's no wonder why. 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.

While Scenic isn't strictly adults-only, this elegant Australian-owned cruise line doesn't tend to draw many families, making it ideal for couples. Couples can dress up for glitzy cocktail receptions and choose from romantic dining venues, including Portobellos or L'Amour, for candlelit meals for two. Diamond Deck and Junior Suite guests can also dine at Table d'Or, where a six-course degustation menu is paired with local wines. European Waterways isn't the most widely known European river cruise line, but for travelers craving something truly intimate and unlike any other sailing, it's the best.

Night Iberian TapestryDetails

Or, take a 7-night cruise to the Norwegian fjords to marvel at glaciers, waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains. Get into the heart of great European cities such as Budapest on a Danube river cruise. New from Lindblad Expeditions in April 2022 is a unique cultural exploration cruise from Lisbon to Bordeaux. The itinerary begins in Porto, Portugal, and continues through Basque country to the epicenter for French wine, Bordeaux, with a strong focus on food and drink throughout the cruise. 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.

Best European River Cruise For Foodies: Riverside Luxury Cruises, Riverside Ravel

Founded in 2017 with the goal of making European river cruises more economical and personalized, family-owned American company Teeming River Cruises developed a different river cruise model. Instead of pre-programmed group activities, guests create their own unique experiences with a complimentary city tour app for each destination. All-inclusive plans and group tours are not part of Teeming's itineraries.

Night Baltic & Scandinavian Capitals: Lithuania & LatviaDetails

Plus, there are few better ways to cap off cruises to Europe than a dip in the aptly-named Blue Lagoon. No matter which 7-day cruise to Europe you end up booking, here's how to plan a European vacation that's high on adventure with low added stress. Turkish desserts are as pivotal to the experience of traveling in Turkey as a cruise through the Bosphorus Strait.

Then head ashore to savor fresh ingredients and iconic dishes, including fresh Greek salads and Italian gelato. 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. Go glamping in Alta and spend the night under the evening sky for a chance to see the Northern Lights.

Sparkling new Europe-based ships seemingly debut every year, all with innovative features and itineraries that showcase art, history, food and more. The best European river cruises make it easy to enjoy the continent’s marvelous scenery to its fullest, with thoughtful amenities, intimate ship sizes and a slower pace to soak it all in. If that size river cruise sounds too small for you, Uniworld is a great boutique-style option for sailing Europe's rivers.. The line is more high-end than European Waterways and decor runs maximalist.

14-night cruises can dock in seven, eight, or even nine countries during a 14-night trip. 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. 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.

Mealtimes are peachy, too, with dishes such as dressed salmon and pork goulash, plus a children's buffet luring kids to the table. After a long day of exploring, parents and grandparents can relax at the spa or in the lounge. Picking the best line for a European river cruise can be a challenge as more and more lines compete for attention on European waterways.