Why You Should Travel Europe on a Cruise

Cruising gives you the opportunity to visit the most popular cities in Europe and some hidden treasures without having to coordinate your transportation and hotels. With Europe cruise itineraries, you arrive at port and can explore the city at your leisure and then hop back aboard at the end of your day to rest and travel onto the next port while you sleep. On sailing days, you can enjoy the best-in-class amenities on the ship and plan your adventures at the next port. Both Norwegian Cruise Line® and Princess Cruises® offer bookable excursions directly when you book your cruise, so you can pre-plan your daytrips in the European cities or opt to go out and explore on your own.

Not only does choosing to cruise in Europe make it easier to plan out your adventure, but it also can oftentimes be a fraction of the cost of staying in the cities. The daily cost for a stateroom with a variety of onboard amenities included could be as low as $120 CAD per day per person, in comparison to a hotel stay in Paris, transportation, restaurants, etc. in the city which could easily add up to much higher costs.

Cruising Europe also provides diversity and can accommodate your family or group’s unique travel styles. It’s possible for each member of your family to have their own adventure whether it be lounging by the pool, exploring a landmark or museum, partaking in a thrill-seeking adventure, shopping or taking in a show. When the day is ending the whole family can regroup for dinner and chat through their individual perfect day. Having the ship to retreat to gives travel companions the opportunity to adventure together or explore solo, onboard or onshore.

Both Princess Cruises® and Norwegian Cruise Line® offer itineraries to explore the Mediterranean, Greek Isles and Northern Europe. You can discover the ports of Greece, Croatia, Italy and Spain, or focus on the Greek Isles of Santorini, Syros, Mykonos, Crete, Corfu, Rhodes and more. If Northern Europe is more your scene there are itineraries to take you to England, Ireland, France, Scotland, Belgium, Iceland or Norway. There are endless options of places to explore and itineraries to choose from. You can pick where you want to go, how long you’d like to stay, and what you’d like to do while you’re away.

There are so many popular itineraries for cruising Europe, but below are some cruise favourites to consider. 

Princess Cruises

• 14-Day Mediterranean Cruise with stops at nine ports throughout the Greek Isles, France and Italy
• 10-Day European Explorer Cruise with stops at six ports in England, Spain, Gibraltar and Italy
• 10-Day Ireland and Scotland Cruise with stops at seven ports in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales

Norwegian Cruises

• 9-Day Mediterranean Cruise including stops at seven ports in Italy, France and Spain
• 7-Day Greek Isles Cruise including stops at six ports in Greece and Turkey
• 10-Day Northern Europe Cruise with stops at nine ports in Iceland, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium and the United Kingdom

Each port and destination offers a full day to immerse yourself in excursions and the culture of the local communities.

Each ship in the Princess and Norwegian fleets offer endless options for activities, whether you’re on sailing days or you just want to take a port day onboard there is so much to do on every vessel. From pools, arcades and spas to theatres and programs for all ages, there is a unique offering on each ship.

The Norwegian Prima includes the world’s first three-level racetrack at sea, mini golf and golf simulators, a waterslide, infinity pools, a theatre and club, a spa, shops and a casino. Other ships in the Norwegian fleet include many of the same amenities such as casinos, pools, arcades, theatres, sports activities, spas and so much more. There are literal days of entertainment to be had.

Princess boasts an impeccable fleet as well with so many activities to partake in onboard. The Enchanted Princess vessel has pools, shops, casinos, immersive 360 dining experience, theatre and music performance, Discovery™ at SEA programs and so much more. Other ships in the Princess fleet include a variety of amenities such as spas, movies under the stars, sports courts, art galleries and many other activities to partake in.

If getting into European cities and exploring the landmarks is more your style, there are thousands of different off-board excursions available. From full-day walking tours to Eiffel Tower excursions, there is something with each cruise line to see all the sites you’re hoping to catch. Make sure to speak to your Travel Consultant when you’re booking your cruise to inquire about the off-board excursion options.

Experiencing Europe onboard world-class vessels is one of the best ways to economically and easily discover all that the continent has to offer. Taking all the guesswork and effort out of booking your daily hotels, food and exploration, you can relax and know you’ve got a stateroom to lay your head every night and a new city to explore every day. With Norwegian Cruise Line® and Princess Cruises® you’re sure to have an epic time in Europe. Chat with our Travel Consultants today to get onboard your European adventure.

This sponsored story was written by Flight Centre on behalf of Norwegian Cruise Line® and Princess Cruises®.