European Cruise Itineraries

Europe features a large selection of itineraries and departure points. Cruise lengths also vary, ranging from just a few days to over three weeks.
The supply is immense, and there are not many fixed, standard "classic itineraries" like those found in Caribbean or Alaska cruises.
Many European itineraries are seven nights long, but there are also numerous sailings lasting 10-14 nights.
At the same time, you can find European itineraries lasting only 2-3 nights that include a stop at a single port. These cruises typically begin in one destination and end in another.

Despite the wide variety of options, European itineraries can be divided into six main routes:

Sample Itineraries in the Western Mediterranean

Western Mediterranean Cruise Descriptions:

Western Mediterranean cruise aboard the Norwegian Epic ship Norwegian Epic

Includes a description of the ship's attractions, port details, and recommended shore excursions. Departs from Rome or Barcelona.

 

Western Mediterranean cruise with Costa Cruises - Includes port tour descriptions.

Mediterranean cruise departing from Barcelona - Advantages of a cruise from Barcelona, port description, and recommended hotels in Barcelona.

Sample Western Mediterranean itinerary maps:

Sample Itinerary in the Eastern Mediterranean

Eastern Mediterranean cruise descriptions:

Cruise among the Greek Islands and the Adriatic Sea with an Italian flair departing from Venice - Includes port tour descriptions.

Western Mediterranean cruise with Costa Cruises - Crete - Santorini - Haifa including port tour descriptions.

Sample Eastern Mediterranean itinerary map:

Sample Itinerary in Scandinavia and the Fjords

Fjord cruise description:

Cruise from England to Norway - Description of the voyage and port tours; it is recommended to combine a trip to London before or after the cruise.

 

 

Canary Islands Itinerary Canary Islands

Description of this cruise in the article:

Cruise from England to Spain, Portugal, and the Canary Islands - Description of the 14 days of sailing including port tours

Baltic Sea and Russia Itinerary

Description of this cruise in the article: Baltic Sea cruise aboard the luxurious Regal Princess Regal Princess

Note: Since the war between Russia and Ukraine, Baltic Sea itineraries do not include Russia and instead incorporate destinations in Scandinavia or Germany.

British Isles & Coastal Itinerary

 

When to Go?

The main cruise season in Europe runs from April to October. During these months, the largest variety of itineraries is offered, both in the Mediterranean and in Northern Europe, Scandinavia, and the Baltic Sea.
At the same time, there is also a limited supply of cruises in Europe during the winter months, primarily to the Canary Islands, Portugal, Spain, and North Africa (mainly Morocco and Egypt), as well as other destinations in the Mediterranean—mostly in Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Malta—where the winter is relatively mild.
During the summer months, European cruise prices are at their highest. Here too, similar to most itineraries worldwide, prices drop significantly during the shoulder seasons (at the beginning and end of the sailing season for these routes).