Europe

A European cruise is an ideal way of seeing iconic cities, stunning coastal scenery and culture galore, and all just a short flight from home or even embarking from the UK. River cruising is also in its element here too, offering an alternative way to delve into the heartlands of Europe. The Rhine, Rhone and Danube are always popular choices as well as the Douro in Portugal and the Moselle in the Northern Lowlands. The main European cruise season is May to October, when the weather is fine and waters calm but you can cruise year-round, particularly during the advent season to visit the Christmas Markets by river.

With its turquoise waters, warm climate and abundance of cultural sights, you’ll want to return to the Western Mediterranean again and again. Cities like Barcelona, Rome and Monte Carlo never fail to impress, while picturesque Spanish villages and Italian coastal towns give a beautiful backdrop to life on board. The idyllic islands of the Balearics, Corsica, Sicily and Sardinia are also popular cruise stops in the Western Med. To the east, you’ll find an enchanting mix of ancient civilisations and beautiful beaches cruising the Adriatic and Aegean Seas. Venice, Istanbul and Athens are popular starting points for visiting the rugged Croatian coastline. Alternatively, you can island hop around traditional Greek harbours or venture into the less-travelled but equally fascinating Black Sea.