These are the best Europe cruises for travelers who want to combine multiple countries and historic ports without repacking at every stop. Europe covers far more cruise territory than the Mediterranean alone — from Norwegian fjords to the canals of the Baltic to the castles along the Rhine.
By Vacation Intel
Types of European Cruises
Mediterranean
The classic warm-weather Europe cruise — Spain, Italy, Greece, and Croatia. See our dedicated Mediterranean Cruises guide for ports and timing.
Northern Europe and the Baltic
Sailing between Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, and St. Petersburg, these itineraries trade beaches for fairy-tale old towns, Scandinavian design, and (in Norway) dramatic fjords with waterfalls pouring straight into the sea.
British Isles
Round-trip from Southampton or London, these itineraries visit Scotland, Ireland, and sometimes Iceland or the Channel Islands — a good pick for history and castles without the summer heat.
River Cruises
Smaller ships sail Europe’s rivers — the Rhine, Danube, and Seine — docking in town centers rather than industrial ports, which puts you steps from the sights every morning. River cruises tend to be all-inclusive and appeal to travelers who want a slower, more immersive pace.
Best Time to Go
May through September covers most of Europe’s cruise season. Northern Europe and the Baltic are best June through August when daylight runs nearly 20 hours in Scandinavia. The Mediterranean extends slightly longer, into October, with milder crowds in shoulder months.
More Tips for Booking the Best Europe Cruises
When comparing the best Europe cruises, decide on a region before a ship, since Mediterranean, Northern Europe, British Isles and river itineraries each deliver a very different trip. A Mediterranean sailing leans toward sun and ancient history, while a Baltic or fjord itinerary trades warm weather for dramatic scenery and fewer crowds.
Ocean cruises and river cruises are not interchangeable, even though both fall under “Europe cruises.” An ocean ship gives you more onboard activities and a bigger ship experience, while a river cruise docks in the center of smaller cities and towns that larger ships cannot reach, trading big-ship amenities for a slower, more intimate pace.
Shoulder-season sailings in May, June or September on many of the best Europe cruises offer a good balance of mild weather and smaller crowds compared to the peak July and August months. Our Holland America vs. Princess comparison is a useful read if you are weighing two premium lines that both run strong European itineraries. For country-specific travel advisories before booking a multi-port itinerary, the U.S. State Department is a useful outside resource.
Book pre- or post-cruise hotel nights in your embarkation and disembarkation cities, since flight schedules rarely line up perfectly with a ship’s departure time, and arriving a day early also protects you against missing the ship if your flight is delayed.
Pack for variable weather even on a summer sailing, since coastal European weather can shift quickly, and a light rain layer is worth the suitcase space on nearly any Europe itinerary.
If you are new to cruising Europe, a Mediterranean sailing out of Barcelona, Rome or Venice tends to be the most forgiving first choice, since these routes offer frequent flights, well-established shore excursion infrastructure and warm, predictable weather for most of the season.
Onboard currency and gratuity policies vary by cruise line even within Europe, so check whether tips are included in your fare before you sail, since some lines automatically add a daily service charge while others expect it to be settled separately.
Many of the best Europe cruises sell out their most popular sailings a year or more in advance, especially fjord and Mediterranean itineraries during peak summer weeks, so booking early tends to secure both a better cabin selection and a lower fare.
Vacation Intel Tip
If you cannot decide between ocean and river cruising, consider your priority: ocean cruises usually cost less per day and offer more onboard activities, while river cruises put you directly in the heart of each town with fewer crowds and more included excursions.