Most cruises have enhanced cleanliness, safety & vaccinations protocols for a safer return to sea. More Details
Most cruise lines have resume sailing. Learn more about restart of cruising.
Expedia cruise experts can help you plan your next cruise vacation. More details
Europe cruises in 2023 are the perfect way for travellers to explore a variety of different European delights – from the picture-postcard canal-lined streets of Amsterdam to the seaside opulence of Cannes. The continent is a veritable smorgasbord of world-class history and culture, countryside and cuisine. Europe is also a prime location for river cruises: travelling along these historic waterways is a whole different ball game to classic ocean cruises.
Cheap cruises to Europe are readily available – simply sort your search results by price to see the cheapest options first. Flexibility on dates can make it easier to find affordable options.
Europe cruise deals are readily available: keep an eye out for emerald. The colour green above the price estimate on the search results page shows the discounts on offer.
To get the most out of your boat cruise to Europe, you'll need to choose between exploring cities or the continent's natural wonders. Many cruises, especially river cruises, travel at night, allowing passengers the daytime to stop off and explore. Other cruises, however, focus more on the natural features, spending much of the day at sea surrounded by open waters with scenic mountains and forests in the distance.
Europe cruise destinations vary from Athens to Dubrovnik. River cruises such as Rome cruises are also popular with travellers keen to soak up some history and culture. Given how compact Europe is, you'll likely be able to fit quite a few different cities in a single journey.
The best time for a cruise that goes to Europe tends to be either spring or fall when the summer family crowds and winter getaway seekers are gone, and prices are lower. However, travelling during the summer could be the best way to stay warm if you plan to embark on a North Sea cruise.
A cruise to Europe can vary in duration, with a 3-night cruise to Europe typically as easy to find as a 7-day cruise to Europe. For example, a cruise to Piraeus from Civitavecchia can take just 3 nights, including a stop in Naples too. However, cruises that cross the ocean can take more than a month.
A luxury cruise to Europe offers exceptional service and indulgence on cruise lines like Oceania and Princess. Take the Riviera, for example: a stunning vessel packed with six gourmet restaurants, 11 guest decks and even a selection of 2,000 books in its library. The staterooms offer a full-size bathtub and a twice-daily maid service.
To find an all-inclusive cruise to Europe, simply look for cruises that let you book your food, entertainment and more in the initial ticket price. Carnival and Viking cruises to Europe are two to check out. On the Viking Lif, for instance, you can book gourmet meals by Swiss-trained chefs and in-depth tours, all booked and paid for in advance.
Family cruises to Europe with fun for all ages are readily available, especially with cruise lines Disney and Norwegian. The Norwegian Star offers relaxing spa packages for adults and a fun kids’ camp for younger guests.
A honeymoon cruise to Europe is an iconic experience for you and your partner on cruise lines Viking and Regent, where you can explore some of the most romantic cities in the world during the day while the ship travels beneath the stars at night. On the Seven Seas Voyager, you and your partner can enjoy exceptional luxurious service complemented by French cuisine, a casino, hot tubs and cocktails.
Expedia offers Europe cruises on a single, convenient platform with various search filters and sort functions you can use to narrow down your results as much as you need to. Once you've found the right cruise through Europe's rivers or seas, you can book it on Expedia from the cruise's entry in your search results.
Make sure to pack your passport for a cruise to Europe. Far across the oceans, the continent isn’t suitable for a closed-loop cruise to Europe from Canada.
If you need to cancel a boat cruise to Europe, head to My Trips in your Expedia account. Each cruise line has its own cancellation policies – as a rule, the earlier the better. Always check the cruise line’s specific arrangements to keep you right.
Plan the ultimate Europe cruise in 2023 with Expedia using our convenient filters and array of cruise line options. If you're an Expedia Rewards member, booking the best Europe cruises may even earn points to spend later on future discounts on travel, accommodation and more. Membership is free – and it’s always a good time to join.
Europe is a land of breathtaking beauty, cultural charm, fine dining, and rich history. In just one European cruise, you can experience Nordic hospitality in Oslo, stroll around the Colosseum in Rome or take a shore excursion to the Hermitage in St. Petersburg.
This beautiful continent is surrounded by water on its three sides which gives the cruisers incredible opportunities to choose an itinerary that best suits their dream vacation. Your Europe cruise can depart from Barcelona, Copenhagen, Southampton, Le Havre, Hamburg and many other European ports.
With so much to see and do, cruise lines often separate their European itineraries by regions:
There’s no better way to explore Northern Europe than with a Baltic cruise. Drift through the awe-inspiring fjords of Norway, wander around the fairytale town of Tallinn in Estonia or admire the architecture of St. Petersburg’s canals.
Cruises to the Baltic and Scandinavia are largely limited to the sunny summer months of July and August.
The Mediterranean is probably one of the most popular regions in Europe. You can choose to explore the Western Mediterranean by pulling into port in Barcelona or Civitavecchia, taking you to the south of France and Spain. The Eastern Mediterranean may take you to the ancient ruins of Athens, the charming towns of Montenegro and the atmospheric islands of the Cyclades.
Many cruise lines offer itineraries of 7- 10 days or longer, but for those seeking a shorter vacation, MSC and Costa also offer 3-4- or 5-day cruises.
Don’t forget that the glorious, green British Isles also welcome cruise liners throughout the year. Sail past medieval castles, charming coastal towns and spectacular highland vistas. Your Europe cruise could also take you to majestic Iceland, where days ashore promise the chance to glimpse breathtaking waterfalls and dramatic volcanoes.
Debra Pangetsu - March 4, 2019
Consider including these unique European cruise ports on your next Europe cruise vacation.
Ming Tappin - March 4, 2020
Looking to save a few bucks on your first or next cruise? Check out this ultimate guide for planning and organizing your own cruise shore excursions.
Ming Tappin - January 23, 2020
Looking for a next romantic getaway? Give cruising a try and explore amazing destinations with a stress-free vacation.