Europe Cruise Guide
From striking northern fjords to sunny Mediterranean towns and ancient cities, Europe’s destinations are so vast and varied that you’ll need more than one trip to cover the continent. Europe cruises are a great way to pick a region for your destination and cover a lot of ground efficiently.
What are the best Europe cruises for seniors?
Different types of cruises cater to different types of travelers, whether you’re craving adventure, culture, local cuisine, or unusual excursions. You can also use your AARP member benefits to get great deals on Europe cruise packages.
- Viking River Cruises: Viking’s cruises target adults 50 and up who are particularly interested in history, culture, and local cuisine. Children 18 and under aren’t allowed on board, and the smaller river cruise ships offer an intimate way to travel. Sail past storybook castles on a Rhine River cruise, visit picturesque wine-growing regions in France and Luxembourg on a Moselle River cruise, or span the distance from Budapest to the Norwegian fjords on a Danube River cruise. On board, cuisine is inspired by dishes from the cruise region.
- Avalon Waterways: Avalon offers river cruises that focus on immersive experiences. Pricing is all-inclusive, covering meals, drinks, on-board entertainment, and offshore excursions. Avalon Waterways’ European cruises depart from cities in Switzerland, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.
What’s the best time to cruise in Europe?
High season varies in Europe because of the vast variation in its geography. A few tips:
- The Baltic season runs from April to October. Consider sticking to July or August if you want to enjoy the full sunshine of the Scandinavian summer.
- The Western Europe cruise season runs from April to November. Ships cruise the Eastern Mediterranean and Greek islands from April to December. River cruises can also be delightful during winter.
- Summer is particularly busy for tourism in Europe, and prices are higher. But spring and fall bring European cruise deals for regions like the Mediterranean and Western Europe. Much of Europe goes on holiday in August, but September is a great time to visit, when children are back in school and the weather is a bit cooler.
No matter the season, remember that you can save on your senior cruise deals to Europe as an AARP member and get.
What should I pack for a cruise to Europe?
Passengers on European cruises tend to dress up a little more compared to cruises heading to a relaxed tropical destination or the Alaskan wilderness. Check ship dress codes, and plan for regional weather variations. A few essentials by season and occasion include:
- Summer: Pack shorts, khakis, polos, t-shirts, or sundresses. Make sure to add a scarf, light jacket, or cardigan for air-conditioned areas.
- Winter: Pack long pants, as well as shirts or blouses that can be layered. A jacket is a must.
- City excursions: Go with polished casual, as Europeans tend to favor clothing a little less casual than athletic wear or yoga pants. And don’t forget good walking shoes.
- Nighttime on board: Make sure to check any dress codes for your cruise, which may require cocktail dresses or formal wear for ladies, and dress pants, jacket, and tie for men.
*Prices are cruise only, per person, double occupancy. Taxes, fees and port expenses not included. Rates are valid for US and Canadian residents only. Fuel supplement may apply. Savings advertised and Expedia Extras are based on specific cabin types and sailing dates, and may not be available for all cabin types/sailings.