A cruise ship

A cruise ship by Colin Lloyd – Unsplash

Best European Cruises


 

Europe is synonymous with culture and all that comes with it from museums, theatres, fashion, and concerts. Starting with the Louvre Museum in Paris which is home to more than 35,000 works of art, including the Mona Lisa. Florence, Italy has The David, another artwork on many people’s bucket lists. Italy, overall, has more masterpieces per square meter than any other country in the world. 

Immerse yourself in the incredible history, culture, cuisine, and undeniable beauty of the Old World on a Celebrity European cruise vacation. Whether you’re traveling in the beautiful Mediterranean or visiting the iconic cities of Northern Europe, there are plenty of ways to embrace the best of everything in the region.

The cruise gets you to experience awe-inspiring medieval architecture in Lisbon and taste wonderful Port wine at the source in Porto, Portugal. Its 25 de Abril bridge, the longest suspension bridge in Europe, looks amazingly like the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Here are the best European cruises to explore.

1. Odyssey of the Seas

Odyssey of the Seas was launched in July 2021 and holds 5,498 passengers and 1,550 crew members. Odyssey of the Seas sails to ports in Europe, as well as to various destinations in the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 

Cruisers can choose between Interior, Ocean View, and Balcony staterooms, as well as suite accommodations and new Virtual Balcony rooms. These technologically advanced cabins feature floor-to-ceiling displays that project real-time views of the sights and sounds from the outside of the ship.

As far as cabins go, cruisers can choose between Interior, Ocean View, and Balcony staterooms, as well as suite accommodations and new Virtual Balcony rooms. These technologically advanced cabins feature floor-to-ceiling displays that project real-time views of the sights and sounds from the outside of the ship. 

2. The Celebrity Apex

A cruise ship

A cruise ship by iSAW Company – Unsplash

The Celebrity Apex sails to European destinations like Greece, Italy, Croatia, and Portugal, as well as to Caribbean hot spots like St. Thomas, Puerto Rico, Belize, and Grand Cayman.

The ship’s staterooms, which start at 181 square feet and reach up to 243 square feet, offer smart TVs, customizable air conditioning, and plenty of storage space. It can hold up to 2,900 passengers and 1,320 crew members. 

Visit the spa or adults-only Solarium pool to stay relaxed throughout your stay at sea. For younger travelers, there are some kid-friendly areas on the ship such as a Toddler Time space and the Teen Club plus a few educational classes. However, the ship is geared more toward adult clientele.

3. Silversea’s Silver Moon

Silver Moon is set to explore a variety of regions, including Europe, Africa, South America, and Asia. Silver Moon which was launched in June 2021, accommodates just 596 passengers. And with 411 crew members, travelers can expect an attentive experience.

The dining experience aims to introduce passengers to their destinations through food. On board, the Sea And Land Taste Lab offers travelers the chance to participate in tastings and workshops, while the S.A.L.T. Kitchen provides a unique dining experience. On shore, foodies can book special cuisine-focused excursions through the program.

Following a delicious meal, travelers will have access to a couple of amenities, including the spa, a pool, several whirlpools, lounges, and a fitness center. In the evening, cruisers can try their luck at the casino or catch a live show.

4. Viking Sky

A cruise ship docking on an island

A cruise ship docking on an Island by Fernando Jorge – Unsplash

Viking Sky sails to the Mediterranean, Europe, Central America, and more destinations. With 550 crew members on board, the ship maintains a nearly 2-to-1 guest-to-crew ratio.

Cabins offer between 270 and 1,448 square feet of space and include balconies, complimentary Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs, and bathrooms with heated floors, among other amenities. 

Viking Sky’s activities include classes at the fitness center, treatments at the spa, and destination-focused lectures. The ship also offers two pools and two whirlpools. In the evenings, passengers can enjoy live performances in the theater or watch destination-related movies in one of two cinemas.

5. Seabourn Ovation

Ovation sails throughout Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and more destinations. The ship holds 600 passengers and has an intimate crew-to-passenger ratio of nearly 1-to-1. 

Seabourn Ovation adheres to the line’s penchant for luxury, offering all-suite accommodations, fine dining experiences, and indulgent onboard activities. All suites boast verandas that overlook the ocean, plus standard amenities like a complimentary in-suite bar and flat-screen TVs. 

Amenities range from complimentary fitness classes to spa and salon treatments to a deck with private cabanas and a whirlpool. At nighttime, cruisers can unwind at the alfresco Sky Bar, or the casino or enjoy a movie or dance under the stars.

6. Nieuw Statendam

View of the city on a cruise ship

View of the city on a cruise ship by Colin Lloyd – Unsplash

Nieuw Statendam departs from Fort Lauderdale and Boston, as well as European ports in Rome and Barcelona. It sails to various destinations in Canada, the Caribbean, and Europe. 

This 2,666-passenger ship is the second in the line’s contemporary Pinnacle Class collection. Like its sister ship, Koningsdam, this vessel places an emphasis on an elegant, eye-catching design.

Nieuw Statendam features a mix of engaging daytime and nighttime activities, as well as facilities designed to keep guests rested and relaxed. Passengers can unwind at the spa or pools, work up a sweat at the fitness center or sports court or participate in enriching activities like cooking demonstrations and wine-blending classes.

7. Viking Jupiter

Viking Jupiter visits ports in Buenos Aires, Barcelona, and more on both regional and transatlantic cruises. Viking Jupiter is the cruise line’s sixth ocean vessel. The ship sleeps up to 930 guests in luxurious staterooms that include everything from large bathrooms to comfortable king-sized beds.

Travelers will have the opportunity to indulge in several onboard activities. They can visit the spa’s snow grotto and chill beneath the snowflakes, go for a swim in the infinity pool or let their worries melt away in the hot tub. The Bar and The Living Room offer additional spaces to unwind with a cocktail or mingle with fellow cruisers.

8. Seven Seas Explorer

Drone photo while the cruise ship is docked along side this private spot

Drone photo while the cruise ship is docked along side this private spot by Fernando Jorge –Unsplash

Seven Seas Explorer sails to destinations in Alaska, Africa, Asia, Australia, the Mediterranean, and Europe. The ship makes service a top priority, with 567 crew members on board for the 732 passengers.

All 366 suites include spacious balconies, marble bathrooms, walk-in closets, interactive flat-screen TVs, and unlimited Wi-Fi. Explorer offers eight dining areas that range from the casual Pool Grill to Asian creations at Pacific Rim. As part of ‘Regent Experience,’ all specialty dining is included in the cruise fare.

Outside the cabins, guests can spend their days participating in cooking demonstrations, lounging by the pool, or relaxing in the library. At night, entertainment options include casino games, cocktail lounges, and shows in the Constellation Theater.

9. Celebrity Edge

Celebrity Edge makes sailings across the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, and Europe. The Edge is dressed to the nines in contemporary designs and features a diverse array of technologies, amenities, activities and dining venues on board. Passengers can delight in the ship’s rooftop garden, take a dip in one of many ocean-facing pools, work up a sweat on the jogging track or relax at the on-site spa.

You’ll find plenty of evening entertainment options, too, including themed bars and lounges, a club, and a theater showcasing a variety of productions. 

For dining, passengers have 29 options to choose from. These include four main restaurants and specialty options serving a range of cuisines, from sashimi to French bistro classics. After a bite to eat, take a break and relax in your modern stateroom or suite. Every room offers technology that allows guests to control temperature, service, and lighting with a touch screen.

10. Sky Princess 

Sky Princess sails throughout the Caribbean, Europe, Canada and New England. The ship also completes some transatlantic sailings and Grand Voyages. Sky Princess can accommodate 3,660 passengers and 1,346 crew members.

Sky Princess features a traditional Interior, Oceanview, and Balcony staterooms, as well as a number of Suite-category cabins some of which are equipped with the largest balconies at sea. Every room comes fitted with a queen-sized bed or two twin beds, a refrigerator, a flat-screen TV, and complimentary 24-hour room service.