Top European Cruises: 6 Notable Ships Across the Ocean

Many aspiring cruisers ask for recommendations on the finest European cruises, but it’s a complex question due to Europe’s vastness. With around 45 countries, it features cruise areas like the Mediterranean, the Baltic, Northern Europe, the British Isles, and the Canary Islands.

While there are plenty of options in this region, deciding where to start your cruise research can be overwhelming.

To assist you, I’ve compiled my top picks for the best European cruises tailored for various types of travelers, including families, couples, and solo adventurers.

Note: Prices were accurate at the time of publication and may change without prior notice.

Top European cruises for families: Disney Fantasy

Disney Cruise Line is fantastic for children; if you're considering a family cruise in Europe, Disney Fantasy stands out as a top choice.

With character meet and greets, mesmerizing evening shows, and exciting dining options, your kids will always have something to enjoy. The ship features impressive kids clubs, including a replica of Andy's room from "Toy Story" and Star Wars flight simulators. They can also participate in the Marvel Super Hero Academy, where young ones can learn to be defenders of the universe.

While Disney Fantasy isn't the latest ship in the fleet, it offers a more manageable size and pricing. It's also not the oldest, ensuring families have plenty of activities on board compared to the line's smaller vessels.

Onshore, Disney's family-friendly excursions will allow you to relax on the beach, discover museums, and delve into history.

Starting in May 2025, Disney Fantasy will offer three- to twelve-night cruises to Western Europe, the British Isles, and the Mediterranean. Prices begin at $362 per person, per night for an inside cabin without a window. Ports of call include Glasgow, Scotland, and Liverpool, U.K., departing from Southampton, U.K.; additionally, you can explore Florence and Rome (Civitavecchia) on cruises from Barcelona.

Top European cruises for couples: Viking Star

If you and your partner are looking for a luxurious Mediterranean or Northern European experience that offers great value and the opportunity to reconnect, Viking is the perfect choice.

Viking Star offers a variety of itineraries throughout Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, with numerous European ports providing ample chances to ignite romance. Join a pizza-making class in Italy, or share some laughs at a wine tasting in Greece.

Viking includes at least one complimentary shore excursion per port in its fares. This means you can stroll through Europe's charming cobblestone streets, hand-in-hand with your partner, at no additional cost.

While the fares may not be the lowest, you'll receive exceptional value for your money. Along with the tours, Viking's prices cover Wi-Fi, specialty dining, and beer and wine during lunch and dinner.

Additionally, every cabin on Viking's ships features a balcony, perfect for enjoying fresh air while maintaining privacy. You can also take advantage of 24/7 complimentary room service, making it easy to enjoy a cozy dinner in your cabin for a delightful alfresco experience for two.

Looking for more ways to indulge together? Visit the incredible thermal suite in the ship's spa; it offers saunas, steam rooms, tile loungers, and aromatherapy rooms at no extra cost. Alternatively, treat yourselves to a couples massage for a truly relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

Even better, Viking ships maintain a child-free environment, providing the perfect opportunity for you and your partner to reignite the romance without the distraction of other passengers' kids.

Through 2025, Viking's itineraries in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean range from seven to 28 nights. Ports of call include Barcelona, Rome (Civitavecchia), Venice in Italy, Athens and Santorini in Greece, as well as Istanbul, Bergen in Norway, and Reykjavik.

Prices begin at $400 per person, per night for a balcony cabin on a Western Mediterranean cruise.

Top European cruises for seniors: Seabourn Sojourn

If you're a senior traveler who appreciates fine dining and exquisite wine, consider booking a luxurious cruise to the Canary Islands on Seabourn's Seabourn Sojourn.

This intimate ship accommodates fewer than 500 passengers, ensuring a tranquil atmosphere without loud parties or large numbers of children. You can expect exceptional service, gourmet cuisine, a cabin with a view (all cabins feature at least a window), and a peaceful environment. The extended itineraries cater to affluent travelers with plenty of time to explore.

Seabourn Sojourn's trips to the Canaries last from 12 to 26 days and include stops at La Palma, Gran Canaria, Madeira, and Lisbon. Prices start at $314 per person, per night for a suite on a March 2025 sailing, with extras like Wi-Fi, gratuities, and alcohol (including in-room minibar) included in the fare.

Ideal for solo travelers: Norwegian Epic

When Norwegian Epic launched in 2010, it unveiled Norwegian Cruise Line's first cabins designed specifically for solo travelers. These studio cabins, featuring single beds and slightly less space, are situated near a private lounge exclusively for solo guests. Special activities encourage solo travelers to socialize and forge new connections.

Since the debut of Norwegian Epic, nearly all of the line's new ships — including Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Prima, and Norwegian Viva — have been equipped with accommodations for one that do not require a single supplement. However, Norwegian Epic uniquely sails in the Mediterranean and Greek Isles, providing solo cruisers the opportunity to discover Europe aboard a ship tailored for them.

Onboard, guests can enjoy a wide range of activities and dining options. In addition to standard cruise ship amenities — such as pool games, dance parties, game shows, trivia contests, and movie nights — Epic offers a variety of entertaining diversions. Unique options include an adults-only beach club at the ship's aft, spa treatments, a bowling alley, and even gaming lessons (the latter three available for an extra fee).

The ship offers six- to 12-night voyages round-trip from Rome (Civitavecchia), stopping at ports like Naples and Florence (Livorno) in Italy; Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza in Spain; Marseille and Cannes in France; and Mykonos and Santorini in Greece, among others. As of the latest update, studio fares began at $161 per night for a 12-night journey, which includes a two-night pre-cruise stay with tours of Rome and visits to Santorini, Mykonos, and Corfu in Greece; Valletta in Malta; and Sicily, Naples, and Florence in Italy.

Top European party cruises: Virgin Voyages' Resilient Lady

If your dream includes visiting the Greek islands without children and you thrive in a vibrant party setting, Virgin Voyages' Resilient Lady is an excellent choice. As the third ship in the line's fleet, Resilient Lady provides some of the top cruises to the Greek Islands and other Mediterranean destinations.

Prepare for a relaxed atmosphere where passengers don mermaid outfits, the crew dresses as drag queens, and performers resemble everyday people. With unique features like an onboard tattoo parlor, a food court (definitely not a buffet), complimentary fitness classes, and an app that lets you order Champagne wherever you are on the ship, this experience is shaking up the cruise industry.

Exciting nights on board feature lively and sometimes cheeky theater performances, spontaneous dance parties, and Scarlet Night — a poolside celebration reminiscent of a rave where everyone is dressed in red. If you participate in enough daily events, you might even receive an invitation to a secret late-night tour of the crew bar, with drinks included.

The ship runs a consistent schedule of seven- to 11-night voyages. Rates begin at $174 per person, per night for an inside cabin on an eight-night cruise to France, Italy, and Greece in April 2025.

Top European cruises for 'wow' factor: Hurtigruten's Richard With

If you're searching for a unique sailing experience that will leave your friends on TikTok and Instagram envious, consider a line you might not know: Hurtigruten.

Founded over 130 years ago to transport residents and cargo along Norway's coastline, Hurtigruten still serves as a vital means of transportation while allowing cruisers to immerse themselves in the country's culture.

On the Norwegian Coastal Express route, Hurtigruten's Richard With ship visits over 30 ports within just six or seven days (depending on the itinerary). Some stops occur late at night for cargo loading and unloading, but you can disembark at each port if you choose. This flexibility alone makes the itinerary noteworthy.

Still need more persuasion? These voyages also venture into the Arctic Circle and navigate through Geirangerfjord (traveling north from Bergen to Kirkenes) and Trollfjord (southbound from Kirkenes to Bergen). The journey offers truly stunning views and, naturally, bragging rights.

The two routes can be combined for longer 13-day sailings, allowing you to travel round-trip from Bergen and experience all the fjords. Seven-night northbound itineraries from Bergen to Kirkenes start at $137 per person, per night for an inside cabin.

Conclusion

Ultimately, determining the best cruise to Europe is subjective, as it depends on your desired destinations and travel style. Consider a mix of destination, price, and onboard atmosphere when choosing what’s best for you and your travel companions.