Ocean Cruises in Europe

What our customers ask about Ocean Cruises in Europe

• What types of Ocean Cruise itineraries are available in Europe?

  European Ocean Cruises span several distinct regions. The Mediterranean routes connect coastal cities like Barcelona Nice and Venice while Nordic voyages navigate through Norwegian fjords. Baltic Sea cruises bring travelers to Stockholm Copenhagen and Helsinki. The Scenic Eclipse II serves as a good example offering a 22-day Baltic & Nordic cruise that visits 7 countries including stops in Tallinn and Riga. Recent TourRadar travelers shared that "the variety of destinations and shore excursions made every day an exciting new adventure especially exploring hidden gems like Portofino and Saint-Tropez."

• What's the best time of year to take an Ocean Cruise in Europe?

  Timing varies significantly by region for European Ocean Cruises. Mediterranean routes work best from May to October with warm sunny conditions. The Baltic and Norwegian fjord sailings run mainly from June through September taking advantage of extended daylight and moderate temperatures. Arctic expeditions such as the West Svalbard route operate in June-July when ice conditions permit safe passage. A TourRadar guest noted on their Hurtigruten cruise "Visiting in September meant perfect weather for exploring ports with fewer crowds than peak summer months."

• What size ships are used for Ocean Cruises in Europe?

  Ships range from small expedition vessels to luxury mega-yachts in European waters. The Scenic Eclipse II carries 228 guests with nearly equal crew numbers and all-verandah suites. Smaller expedition vessels like MS Spitsbergen and Ocean Albatros host 200-250 passengers perfect for narrow fjords and small ports. The MS Sea Spirit provides 93 staterooms each with clear ocean views. According to a TourRadar traveler "the smaller ship size meant we could access charming ports like Portofino and Calvi that larger vessels can't reach."

• What kind of cabins and accommodations are available on European Ocean Cruises?

  Accommodations range from standard porthole rooms to premium suites. The Scenic Eclipse II features eight room categories including Deluxe Verandah Suites and Owner's Penthouses. Ocean Albatros offers 93 ocean-view staterooms most with private balconies. MS Sea Spirit includes Premium and Owner's Suites. A TourRadar guest at the Radisson Collection Hotel in Nice noted "the perfect blend of luxury ship amenities with stunning ocean views from our private veranda."

• How many ports of call do European Ocean Cruises typically visit?

  Most European cruises include 5-10 ports during 7-14 day journeys. Mediterranean routes often connect Venice Split and Dubrovnik while Baltic itineraries link Stockholm Helsinki and Copenhagen. Some trips like Hurtigruten's Atlantic coast voyage reach up to 10 ports including Lisbon Porto and Hamburg giving travelers a thorough regional experience.

• What are the typical itinerary highlights on a European Ocean Cruise?

  European Ocean Cruises connect diverse experiences from medieval Cartagena to the French Riviera. Popular Mediterranean stops include Barcelona Monte Carlo and Saint-Tropez while northern routes explore the British Isles and Norwegian fjords. Scenic's Mediterranean cruises showcase Ibiza's white villages Bordeaux's wine châteaux and Gibraltar's famous Rock. A TourRadar traveler remarked "The variety of ports and excursions was exceptional from cultural sites to stunning coastal scenery."