The Best European Cruises Offer Culture and Fun in Abundance

A cruise around Europe encompasses a lot of different climates, stops and opportunities to enjoy the art of history of European ports. For example, a cruise to Greece out of Rome will be very different from a cruise to Oslo out of London. You can also enjoy a smaller cruise up and down the Rhine and other major rivers throughout Europe. Depending on what you want to see, your language preferences, your cruising temperature preferences and your cruising goal, you can enjoy cool northern waters near Copenhagen or warm, sunny days on ship on your way to Corfu.

It's also a very good idea to carefully review what you really love about cruising. If you love history, visiting the Acropolis may be a goal. If you have always wanted to study the paintings and story of Van Gogh, a cruise to Amsterdam will suit you very well. Try to find a cruise that has a couple of days strictly on the water to avoid overloading yourself and enjoy some downtime between ticking stops and experiences off of your bucket list. This article will look at a few of the best cruises found throughout Europe.

1 - London to Honningsvag, Norway

The 14 day cruise offered by Princess Cruises from Southampton just outside London up the North Sea on the coast of Norway up to Honningsvag is quite popular. If you choose this cruise, make sure you pack:

• Decent hiking boots
• A quality backpack
• Sunglasses and a water bottle

There are many quality hikes along the Norwegian coast for those who want to stretch their legs. You can also enjoy the glorious views of the Norwegian fjords and stretches of rugged coastline. It may not be bikini weather every day, but if you love to layer up and enjoy more reasonable summer weather, this cruise may be exactly what you need.

2 - Rome to Majorca to Naples

For art lovers the world over, a stop in Rome is key. If you choose to take a cruise on the Norwegian Cruise Line from Rome into the Tyrrhenian Sea, consider getting to Rome early or scheduling enough time to allow you to tour sites including the Vatican before you return home.

Your cruise in the Tyrrhenian Sea will likely be sunny and quite comfortable. Expect temperatures from 59 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Be prepared for high humidity. You will want to pack sunglasses, a sun hat, a shawl you can use as a canopy or sunshade, and a comfy pair of walking flats or sandals. Avoid heels. The combination of brick streets and cobblestones can make for unsecure footing.

3 - Kiev, Ukraine to Port Raysut, Oman

The world of river cruising is quite different from sea cruising. Your travel group will likely be smaller as the boat is smaller. Additionally, your excursions ashore will be of shorter duration and organized more snugly.

Your trip up the Dnieper River of the Ukraine could mean being met at the river by a docent who can take you up and show you the fortress of Zaporozhye or traditional Ukrainian treats in a small shop or at the home of a resident. The docents on these tours are often residents. Do your best to learn enough of the language so you can exchange niceties.

Do your best to choose just a few "must see" spots on your cruising itinerary. Part of vacation time is down time. If you must see a particular historical structure, rent a car and spend as much time there as possible. If you aren't interested in a particular port, stay on ship and enjoy the quiet. Stay flexible and enjoy your cruise.