The Best Cruises in Europe: 6 Standout Ships Across the Pond

Prospective cruisers often ask me what the best cruises are in Europe, but that question is difficult to answer because Europe is so vast. It covers about 45 countries and includes cruise regions such as the Mediterranean, Baltic and Northern Europe, the British Isles and the Canary Islands.

While there are plenty of cruise options in the area, it can be difficult to know where to start when researching trips.

To help you, I’ve narrowed down our list of favorite cruises to Europe for different types of travelers, including families, couples, and solo travelers.

Note: Prices are accurate at time of publication. Fares are subject to change without notice.

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Best European Cruise for Families: Disney Fantasy

Disney Cruise Line Great for kids; if you’re planning a cruise in Europe with kids, the Disney Fantasy is a great choice for the ultimate family cruise in Europe.

Character meet-and-greets, inspiring nightly entertainment and exciting dining experiences mean your kids will never be bored. The ship’s fantastic kids clubs go above and beyond, with their resemblance to Andy’s room in “Toy Story” and Star Wars flight simulators. They can even head to the Marvel Super Hero Academy, where kids can train to become space guardians.

The Disney Fantasy isn’t the line’s newest ship, which means it’s more manageable in both size and price. It’s also not the oldest, so families will find more things to do on board than on the line’s smallest ships.

On shore, Disney’s family tours will take you to the beach, explore museums and learn about history.

In May 2025, the Disney Fantasy will begin three- to 12-night cruises to Western Europe, the British Isles and MediterraneanCruise fares start at $362 per person, per night, for an interior cabin with no windows. You can visit ports like Glasgow, Scotland and Liverpool, UK, on ​​cruises from Southampton, UK; you can also visit Florence and Rome (Civitavecchia) on sailings from Barcelona.

Related: Best Cruise Lines for Families

Best European Cruise for Couples: Viking Star

If you are a couple looking for a premium Mediterranean or Nordic experience that offers real value and the opportunity to reconnect with your partner, look no further than Viking.

The Viking Star cruise line offers a variety of itineraries in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, and the European ports it visits offer plenty of opportunities to fall in love. Take a pizza-making class together at Italyor giggle while tasting wine in Greece.

Viking includes at least one complimentary shore excursion per port in the price of your ticket, meaning you can wander the romantic cobblestone streets of Europe hand in hand with your sweetheart without paying a dime.

While the fares aren’t the cheapest, you get a lot for your money. In addition to the tours, Viking includes Wi-Fi, specialty dining, beer and wine with lunch and dinner in the price of your ticket.

Plus, all Viking cabins have balconies, which is great if you want to get some fresh air but still want to keep your distance. Complimentary room service is available 24/7, so you can order dinner to your cabin for a charming al fresco dining experience for two.

Want more ways to pamper yourself together? Check out the amazing thermal retreat in ship spa; they offer saunas and steam rooms, tiled loungers, and aromatherapy rooms at no extra charge. Or splurge on a couples massage, which will leave you both feeling relaxed and refreshed.

Even better, Viking ships don’t allow children on board, making it a great excuse for you and your date to rekindle the romance without the fear of other passengers’ kids spoiling the mood.

By 2025, Viking’s voyages to Northern Europe and the Mediterranean will range from seven to 28 nights. The ship will visit ports such as Barcelona; Rome (Civitavecchia) and Venice, Italy; Athens and Santorini, Greece; Istanbul; Bergen, Norway; and Reykjavik.

Fares start at $400 per person per night for a balcony cabin on a Western Mediterranean cruise.

Related: 10 Best Cruises for Couples Looking for Romance and Time Together at Sea

Best European Cruise for Seniors: Seabourn Sojourn

If you are a high-end traveler who loves fine food and wine, one of the most luxurious cruises in Europe that you can book is a cruise to Canary Islands ABOVE OceanSeabourn’s Trip.

The small ship carries fewer than 500 passengers, and you won’t see loud parties or tons of children. Instead, you’ll be treated to great service, delicious food, rooms with views (all cabins have at least one window), and relative quiet. Longer cruises are ideal for wealthy passengers with plenty of time to travel.

Seabourn Sojourn’s Canary Islands sailings range from 12 to 26 days and visit the islands of La Palma, Gran Canaria and Madeira; they also visit Lisbon. Fares start at $314 per person, per night in a suite on the March 2025 sailing. Extras like Wi-Fi, gratuities and alcoholic beverages (including in-room minibars) are included in the fare.

Related: The Best Cruises for Seniors Who Love to Travel by Sea

Best for Solo Cruisers: Norwegian Epic

When Norwegian Epic launched in 2010, it introduced Norwegian Cruise LineThe first cabin is for solo travelers. Designed with single beds and slightly smaller spaces, these studio cabins are centered around a lounge specifically for solo travelers. Special activities allow solo travelers to mingle and make new friends.

Since Norwegian Epic began sailing, virtually all of the line’s new ships — Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Encore, Prima of Norway And Norway Viva — was built with accommodation for one persondoes not charge passengers any extra fees. However, Norwegian Epic is the only carrier present in the Mediterranean and Greek Islandsoffers solo cruise travelers the chance to explore Europe on a ship with their own cabin.

Onboard, passengers have plenty of options for activities and dining. In addition to the usual cruise ship offerings—pool games, dance parties, game shows, trivia, and movie screenings—the Epic offers plenty of fun entertainment. Options include an adults-only beach club at the aft of the ship, spa treatments, a bowling alley, and even gaming lessons (the latter three are available for a fee).

The ship operates six- to 12-night round-trip itineraries from Rome (Civitavecchia), calling at ports including Naples and Florence (Livorno), Italy; Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza, Spain; Marseille and Cannes, France; and Mykonos and Santorini, Greece, among others. At press time, studio room rates started at $161 per night for the 12-night voyage. The voyage includes two nights of pre-cruise accommodations with tours of Rome and calls at Santorini, Mykonos and Corfu, Greece; Valletta (Malta); and Sicily, Naples and Florence (Livorno), Italy.

Related: The Best Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers

Europe’s Best Party Cruise: Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady

If your bucket list in Europe includes the Greek islands, you don’t want to sail with kids and you love a party atmosphere, you can’t miss Virgin Voyages‘ Resilient Lady. The third ship in the line’s fleet, Resilient Lady offers some of the most amazing cruises to the Greek Islands and elsewhere in the Mediterranean.

Expect a casual atmosphere where passengers dress up as mermaids, crew dress up as drag queens and performers look like real people. Plus there’s a tattoo parlor, a food court (it’s not a buffet), free fitness classes and an app that lets you order champagne No matter where you are on board; you will receive a product that has completely changed the cruise industry.

Wild nights on board include loud and sometimes sexually explicit stage shows, impromptu dance parties, and Scarlet Night—a pool party reminiscent of a rave where everyone dresses in red. If you participate in enough of the daily activities, you might even be invited to a secret nighttime tour of the crew bar, drinks included.

The ship offers regular cruises ranging from seven to 11 nights. Prices start at $174 per person, per night for an inside cabin on an eight-night cruise to France, Italy and Greece in April 2025.

Related: The Best Adults-Only Cruises to Try If You Can’t Stand Being Around Kids While on Vacation

The best cruises in Europe for the ‘wow’ factor: Hurtigruten’s Richard With

Looking for a trip that no other cruise line offers and one that will make everyone on TikTok and Instagram jealous? I’ll bet on a trip you’ve probably never heard of: Hurtigruten.

The route began over 130 years ago as a way for Norwegians to move themselves and their goods up and down the Norwegian coast. It continues to this day as a means of transportation and a way for tourists to experience the country’s culture.

On the cruise line’s Norwegian Coastal Express route, Hurtigruten’s Richard With visits more than 30 ports in just six or seven days (depending on the itinerary). Some are quick stops in the middle of the night while cargo is loaded and unloaded, but you can get off the ship at each port if you really want to. That in itself makes the journey appealing.

Still need convincing? These trips also cross the Arctic Circle and sail into the Geirangerfjord (north from Bergen to Kirkenes) and Trollfjord (south from Kirkenes to Bergen). This route offers spectacular views and, of course, bragging rights.

The two routes can be combined into a longer 13-day trip, meaning you’ll sail round-trip from Bergen and see all the fjords. The seven-night northbound cruise from Bergen to Kirkenes starts at $137 per person, per night for an inside cabin.

Last line

Ultimately, the best cruise in Europe is somewhat subjective, as it depends on where you want to go in Europe and your travel style. Consider a combination of destination, price, and onboard feel when deciding which cruise is best for you and your travel group.

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