From April to November cruise enthusiasts will be making their way across the pond to explore Europe. Considered high season, there are plenty of itineraries available for those looking to explore the continent. There are of course certain things to take into account including when to go to which regions. If you’re headed to the Mediterranean or the Atlantic islands, the weather is best in early spring while the Baltics, Scandinavia, Great Britain and Ireland have better temperatures in late summer (70s and above). Below we found six of the best itineraries out there for wanderlusters hoping for a European sojourn this year:
Celebrity Cruises
From June 4-18, Celebrity Eclipse will embark on a British Isles & French Open cruise from Southampton, England. Throughout the trip, guests will visit the Channel Islands, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Scotland and Ireland. On day three, visit the seaside town of Cherbourg, France which played a major role in transatlantic travel, nautical pastimes and submarine building. Explore Glasgow’s many museums, restored Victorian architecture, live music venues and some of the best clubs in the UK on day 10. Aboard the ship, guests relax at Canyon Ranch SpaClub, gamble at the on-board casino, or take in a glassblowing show. Available rooms begin at $2,996 per person.
Holland America
Departing on April 17 from Barcelona, Spain, Holland America’s 19-Day Gems of the Mediterranean excursion is a great way to get your Europe fix in. Along with Spain, the ship ventures to Monaco, Italy, France, Greece and Montenegro. In Monte Carlo, passengers will have the chance to explore one of the most iconic locales for the well-heeled. Celebrities, royalty and the well-to-do have all fallen in love with the French Riviera due to its marinas filled with yachts, buzzing nightlife and its haute couture culture. On April 27, guests can participate in a Taste of Tuscany at Villa Lucchese & Farmhouse in Lucca or a tour of Cinque Terre. Holland’s staterooms are some of the best in the industry and range in size from 141 square feet to the Pinnacle suites at 1,357 square feet. Available rooms begin at $2,059 per person.
Cunard
Cunard is offering a Baltic Highlights cruise that covers Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Estonia and Russia over the course of nine days. From June 2-11, passengers aboard the Queen Elizabeth will get to see a less-frequented side of Europe that is just as impressive. On June 7, guests will arrive in Tallinn, Estonia, considered a fairytale city. Cobblestone streets, medieval walls and towering spires make up this colorful town. The next two days will be spent in St. Petersburg, Russia where travelers will get to experience The Palaces of Catherine & Peterhof, the Winter Palace, Hermitage Museum and all of the city’s bright, quirky buildings. Many suites have already sold out, so be sure to book this one soon. Available rooms begin at $2,318 per person.
Seabourn
This year Seabourn is taking passengers on a 14-day tour of Western Europe aboard the Seabourn Quest. The trip begins in Lisbon, Portugal and ends in Copenhagen Denmark. Along the way guests will make stops in Spain, France, Belgium, The Netherlands and Germany. While in Amsterdam, travelers can choose to partake in one of the many shore excursions offered including a visit to the Anne Frank House, an evening canal cruise and a trip to the Heritage Amsterdam Museum. Towards the end of the trip, you’ll disembark in Germany where you can participate in a tour of the countryside and learn about the region’s culinary traditions. The liner is home to 225 suites measuring 295 to 1,682 square feet and just about all include private verandas. Available rooms begin at $6,999 per person.
Silversea
If you’ve been wanting to head to Turkey this year but haven’t mapped out the best trip, this could be it. Jetting back and forth between Greece and Turkey, Silversea’s 14-day cruise takes guests on a voyage across the Aegean Sea starting in Athens. Ports of call include Canakkale, Alanya, Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos, Thessaloniki and Volos. On May 1 in Santorini, passengers can grab tasty local food in Oia, go shopping in Fira and see the remains of a Venetian castle in Pyrgos. If history is more your cup of tea, in Thessaloniki you’ll get to walk in the footsteps of Alexander the Great with visits to Pella and Vergina. For accommodations, staterooms range in size from 325 square feet to 827 square feet for the two-bedroom Owner’s suite. Available rooms begin at $4,950 per person.
Regent Seven Seas
We’re all about Regent Seven Seas. The all-suite, all-balcony cruise line is the definition of elegance on the high seas.For 2016, the liner is offering a 15-night voyage from Dublin to Reykjavik with stops in Ireland, the UK, Denmark, Iceland and Greenland from June 26 to July 11. When in Belfast, passengers can tour attractions such as the Giants’ Causeway, Grand Opera House, pubs lining The Golden Mile or Stormont Castle. A few days later on July 6, guests will head into Nuuk, Greenland, the country’s cultural and economic center dotted with quaint buildings and lush hillsides. There you’ll get to visit with local families and enjoy a whale watching tour. Available rooms begin at $20,999 per person.
