Western Europe Cruises

Western Europe Cruises

Western Europe offers travelers a taste of the unknown coupled with the many of the comforts of home. Visit some of the finest museums, cathedrals, and palaces in the world, and delight in delicious foods on and off the ship. Western Europe offers so many sightseeing, leisure, and adventure activities... there really is something for every traveler to enjoy in this region of the world.

Western Europe Cruise Highlights

For North American travelers, Western Europe offers a nice balance of the familiar and the unusual. Visit cities with lots of English speakers but cathedrals and monuments that pre-date America's founding; explore outdoor markets far different from your local grocery store and then enjoy a pint of your favorite beer in a local pub. Western Europe is home to several "bucket-list" cities, from London to Paris to Amsterdam, and in each place you'll find plenty of local treasures to explore, whether you visit the Louvre in France, the tulip fields in the Netherlands, or Buckingham Palace in London.

Popular Western Europe Cruise Ports

Western Europe is home to many famous ports throughout countries like France, Belgium, Ireland, and England. The region is a popular cruise destination to sail through, as travelers can visit many countries in a short period of time while having a comfortable home base on board. While in Western Europe, expect to sail to at least one of these popular ports:

• Amsterdam, Netherlands: Known for its charming canals, extensive art collection, and bike-friendly streets, Amsterdam truly blends the old with the new. Visit the Van Gogh Museum, the historic Anne Frank house, and the Royal Palace.
• Dublin, Ireland: In Dublin, fun, friendliness, and gorgeous landscapes abound. Enjoy a pint at Guinness Brewery, stroll along O'Connell Street, or visit Dublin Castle. See the historic Book of Kells at Trinity College, and the bog bodies at the National Museum of Ireland. Don't forget to try corned beef and cabbage, plus a bite of Irish Soda Bread.
• Civitavecchia, Italy: From Civitavecchia, guests can easily access Rome, a city so expansive and full of history you'll want to come back again and again. From the Colosseum to the Pantheon, the Sistine Chapel to St. Peter's Basilica, magical landmarks are around every corner. Replenish your fuel with pizza, pasta, gelato, and more.

When is the Best Time to Go to Western Europe?

Spring and fall are popular times to sail to Western Europe. During these months, the climate is relatively mild compared to the hot summers and rainy winters, and the crowds are less concentrated than in the summer months. Cruises to the British Isles are especially popular in July, when the weather is most favorable.

What Cruise Lines Go to Western Europe

Western European cruises are popular with most major cruise lines, whether you're looking for a large, family-friendly line like Royal Caribbean, or a smaller, upscale one like Silversea. Here are a few lines with many upcoming cruises to Western Europe:

• Norwegian Cruise Line: Awarded "Europe's Leading Cruise Line" nine times in a row, Norwegian's large, contemporary ships sail to dozens of ports in Ireland, the UK, Portugal, pain, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Most cruises in this region are between 7 and 11 days, and all feature Norwegian's signature Freestyle Cruising model.
• Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity's line of "modern luxury" ships sail to Western Europe often. With 75 unique shore excursions in Europe and the most veranda staterooms of any premium cruise in Europe, Celebrity places a high premium on your cruising experience both onboard and off.
• MSC Cruises: Several of MSC's large ships sail to Western Europe, traveling to ports like Amsterdam, Marseille, Cork, Le Havre, and Rotterdam. The family-friendly line offer plenty of shore excursions, children's programming, and delicious food and drinks for the adults.