If you’d like to visit a variety of European cities, but don’t want to spend all your holiday time carrying heavy bags through busy train stations, a cruise is your best option. Mediocre food and gigantic ships full of screaming children used to be the hallmark of most cruises, but not anymore. Now, many cruise lines run smaller cruise ships through the ports of Europe, so travelers can experience the best these cities have to offer. At the end of the day, instead of stumbling to your third or fourth hotel room of the trip, you’ll get to sink into a luxurious bed in your own stateroom. It’s definitely the best choice if you want to see a large number of cities without sacrificing comfort.
There are a variety of cruise lines that run European cruises. Some operate in other ports like the Caribbean and Mexico as well, while others focus solely on their European offerings. Even though cruises have steadily been gaining popularity, there are still some people who believe that cruising won’t fit into their budget. Today, we’re here to dispel that illusion and bring you some of the best European cruise deals for 2020.
1. 10-Night Best of Italy, Malta & Montenegro
This Celebrity cruise takes passengers through the gorgeously sunny French Riviera and Mediterranean, calling in at ports all over Italy, as well as Malta and Montengro. You’ll set sail on the Celebrity Constellation, a ship that’s been around for so long and has so many fans that they’ve even given it the nickname “Connie”.
It’s one of the best-known value cruises out there as many passengers return again and again because the value for money is unbeatable. This 10-night cruise only costs $1,445 per person for an inside cabin, which is little more than the cost of a basic hotel room.
Itinerary
- Day 1: Rome (Civitavecchia)
- Day 2: Florence/Pisa (Livorno)
- Day 3: Portofino
- Day 4: At Sea
- Day 5: Naples
- Day 6: Sicily (Messina)
- Day 7: Valletta
- Day 8: At Sea
- Day 9: Kotor
- Day 10: Venice
- Day 11: Venice
The Details
The Celebrity Constellation was updated in 2013. With the update, designers added new amenities including a basketball court, Wi-Fi across the entire ship, and updated upholstery and carpeting. Typically, cruisers who sail with Celebrity are older, so it’s a great cruise to take if you don’t want to be splashed by children in the pool all day. They offer a variety of cuisines in their onboard restaurants, including French, Italian, and a sushi bar.
2. 12-Night French Riviera & Mediterranean Cruise
For only $968, set sail aboard the Celebrity Infinity for a 12-night cruise around the French Riviera and Mediterranean this May. Since the Celebrity Infinity can only house 2,170 passengers at a time, this cruise gives you the chance to enjoy a variety of onboard amenities without having to deal with huge crowds.
Itinerary
- Day 1: Barcelona
- Day 2: Provence (Marseille)
- Day 3: Cannes
- Day 4: Cannes
- Day 5: At Sea
- Day 6: Florence/Pisa (La Spezia)
- Day 7: Rome (Civitavecchia)
- Day 8: Naples
- Day 9: Sicily (Palermo)
- Day 10: At Sea
- Day 11: Ibiza
- Day 12: Palma De Mallorca
- Day 13: Barcelona
The Details
The Celebrity Infinity was Celebrity Cruises’ most impressive ship when it was built in 2001, but has since been eclipsed by some of their newer vessels. If you prefer privacy and space to modern amenities, this is a great option for you. The ship features lots of alternative restaurants and gorgeous sea views, but it lacks some of the more upscale (read: expensive) features some cruisers prize. Many reviewers love the fact that the ship’s understated elegance puts the focus on the itinerary, rather than the onboard amenities.
3. 7-Night Greece and Croatia Cruise
For a cruise that sails through the Adriatic and into the Ionian Sea, check out this cruise from Royal Caribbean International. For only $684, you’ll get the benefit of both ship-board days and six gorgeous ports of call, spread across Italy, Croatia, and Greece. There are two days of just cruising, so you’ll get to enjoy the incredible amenities of the Rhapsody of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s award-winning “floating city.”
Itinerary
- Day 1: Venice
- Day 2: Dubrovnik
- Day 3: Kotor
- Day 4: At Sea
- Day 5: Santorini
- Day 6: Katakolon
- Day 7: At Sea
- Day 8: Venice
The Details
The biggest strength of this cruise package lies in the vessel itself. The Rhapsody of the Seas is a mid-sized ship that brings modern amenities like a rock wall, three specialty restaurants, and balconies with sea breezes. Since it’s mid-sized, you won’t have to deal with massive lines. Royal Caribbean also has a great reputation for personalized and attentive service from their friendly staff, and a basic dinner buffet that’s as varied as some other ships’ specialty dining options.