Europe, like Alaska, is one of the most popular destinations for cruising. But also like Alaska, much different from the Caribbean. Lets take a look what you need to consider when planning your European Cruise Vacation
Itineraries Choices For the most part, you have a choice between northern Europe, Eastern or Western Mediterranean and the Baltic plus River Cruising. For Northern Europe, you choices can be the British Isles including England, Scotland and Ireland, The Baltic which is Germany, Holland, Lithuania and more plus Norwegian Fjords which has a focus on Norway. In the Mediterranean, you have a choice between Eastern and Western Med and longer cruises will often do both. Eastern Mediterranean will often include cities in Italy like Rome, Naples, Venice, Palermo, Florence and more. Also Spit or Dubrovnik in Croatia, Ephesus in Turkey as well as the islands of Greece like Mykonos, Santorini and more. For Greece you can even sail a line like Celestyal who specialize in Greece allowing you to get more stops for longer. The Western Mediterranean will also have stops in Italy along with stops like Barcelona, Cadiz Palma de Mallorca and more. Stops in France like Marseilles and Cannes. 
Consider River Cruising
If you are want to immerse your self into the destination, consider taking a river cruise. Most cities in Europe like here in North America, were built from the river out so the more historic sites can often be found here. You can cruise in The Netherlands, Austria, Germany, France, Hungary and Switzerland. Cruise the Rhine, Seine, Danube and more. When you cruise the rivers of Europe with cruise lines like Viking Uniworld, AmaWaterways and more, your cruise will include excursions, beer and wine at dinner plus luxuries accommodations. Plus, the experience is different from the big cruise lines as these ships only hold 100 to 150 guest allowing for easier debarkation in ports of call and a more immersive and relaxed experience.
Where to begin your cruise.
Where to begin your cruise can be important. You can base this on the destination you are most excited about seeing. For example, if Rome is your primary focus, you will want to begin or end your cruise there. If you cruise just has a stop in Rome, you will not get to spend much time there as the port is about an hour away from the city. Other options include open jaw where you start in one country and end in another like Rome, Italy to Athens Greece. A popular options is to take a trans-Atlantic cruise either going in the spring or returning in the fall. When to go Cruising in Europe goes year round now but of course the busiest as with most any destination is Summer. Unless you are held to the summer by the kids, trying going during the fall as the crowds are less.
Cruise Line and Ship
Picking your cruise line and ship for a European cruise can be based on a few factors. Remember that the ship is not as important as European cruises can often be port intensive so the almost every day is spent in a port.
Cruising Europe is often on your bucket list and hopefully these tips will make it easier to plan. Remember, I can help you with your planning, just simply email me [email protected] and we can get started.
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