From cruising the waters of France to reach the iconic wine destination of Bordeaux to exploring the Norwegian Fjords and trying the culinary delights of Spain and Portugal, cruising through Europe is the best way to visit this exciting and historic continent.
Whether you’re looking to relax on board at the spa or take part in a French cooking class, a European cruise is sure to have on-board entertainment and activities to suit the whole family.
The Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) rounds up some of Europe’s exciting cruising highlights and destinations to coincide with this month’s Plan A Cruise Month.
Discover Austria’s rich and varied history with Emerald Waterways
If the history and culture of Austria’s capital is of interest, Emerald Waterways offers a cruise to explore Vienna, Austria’s capital. The home of classical music, guests are invited to explore the city visiting the magnificent Ringstrasse, where you will see the world famous Opera house, Hofburg Imperial Palace and Town Hall. Delve deeper into Vienna’s city centre by riding a bike through the city and as a part of the Discover More optional tours on offer to book whilst on board. Cycle to Belvedere palace, the former home of Franz Ferdinand and sample some of Austria’s fantastic cuisines before enjoying an optional evening at the Viennese concert.
Celebrity cruises ‘Signature Event’ sailings
In 2018, Celebrity Cruises is offering more than 80 destinations across Europe. With 40 cruise holidays on offer next year, there has never been more choice or a better opportunity to choose the perfect cruise destination. If you’re looking for your cruise to coincide with some of some of the continents best known events, Celebrity Cruises offers signature event sailings which offer guests the chance to watch tennis at the French Open, or see British golf champions at the Open, to name a few. With 55 overnight stays and 1,100 shore excursions, guests have more freedom than ever to tailor their cruise and experience world-class sporting events.
Spend the Christmas period with Tauck
Whether you’d prefer to sail the Danube or cruise along the Rhine, Tauck has a fantastic range of river cruise options to kick-start the Christmas celebrations. Tauck’s eight-day itineraries will offer guests the chance to capture the magic of the festive season in a number of iconic Christmas market cities. Some of these include Basel, the largest Christmas market in Europe and the enchanting Nürnberg in northern Bavaria, famous for its medieval architecture. The Christmas fun isn’t purely on shore as the excitement that guests experience in the destinations will continue on-board with seasonal decorations, carol singers, gingerbread house decorating workshops and of course, some Christmas season culinary delights.
Join Uniworld on its newest and most glamourous ship
Aboard Uniworld’s newest and most glamourous Super Ship, the Club L’Esprit offers guests the chance to take part in yoga, pamper with beauty treatments and enjoy the renaissance pool by day. By the time the evening comes, the luxurious spa and wellness centre transforms into a glamourous entertainment venue. Some destination highlights include Northern Normandy whose coastline boasts white sand cliffs and a number of historic WWII beaches and the iconic city of Paris, home to the Eiffel Tower and the beautiful river Seine.
From Copenhagen to Helsinki on an MSC Northern Europe Cruise
Beginning in Copenhagen, this Northern Europe cruise will take in some of Europe’s most scenic locations, including Norway, Denmark, Germany, Finland and Russia. With a history that dates back to 1043, Copenhagen will provide its guests with a breadth of beautiful architecture, gardens and interesting museums, before heading to the seaside resort of Warnemünde and Stavanger, the Norwegian region famous for its breath-taking landscapes, mountains for miles, long white beaches and of course the iconic Norwegian fjords. Ending in St Petersburg, Russia, guests are invited to explore the former imperial capitals art collections and fantastic architecture.
Join Disney on their first-time sailings to Cork, Ireland
For the first time, the Disney Magic will take in Cork, Ireland as part of the cruise liners first ever seven-night British Isles cruise, departing on 2 September 2018. One of Ireland’s biggest cities, the location is a hub for lively pubs, bustling shopping streets and historical architecture. On this first-time cruise, guests are invited to connect with Ireland’s ancient past, with visits to historic sites like Blarney Castle to kiss the famed Blarney Stone. Some other fantastic attractions include Fota Wildlife Park, and the cities famous Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral.
