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Mornings spent exploring ancient ruins, afternoons in vineyards and supper in quaint cafes along cobblestone streets - a European cruise lets you experience all of this and more. The average itinerary lets you spend about 7 nights on the ship. Of course, shorter and longer cruises are also available.
Irrespective of the cruise length, you’ll probably need to fly into the port city to join your ship. This is where your holiday actually begins. European port cities are holiday destinations on their own. Keep reading to learn more about the cruise options available from Europe’s top cruise ports.
Barcelona stands as one of Europe’s top cruise ports, featuring seven international passenger terminals that host some of the world’s largest cruise ships. It serves as a popular starting and ending point for Mediterranean cruises, with major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, NCL, Princess, Costa, and Celebrity offering round-trip sailings from April to October. MSC Cruises operates year-round from Barcelona, including the winter season.
Barcelona is well connected by flight, rail and road which makes it the city of choice to embark on a Mediterranean Voyage. Beyond its cruise appeal, Barcelona enchants visitors with a mix of Gothic heritage and modernist marvels. Stroll through medieval streets, admire Gaudí’s unique architecture, unwind on sun-kissed beaches, and indulge in tapas at lively local plazas.
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Venice, often called the city of love, is among the most romantic and stunningly beautiful cities ever built. It’s also one of the Mediterranean’s busiest cruise ports, with nearly 500 ship departures and around 700,000 cruise passengers annually. Cruise lines offer round-trip itineraries from Venice to the Eastern Mediterranean, Adriatic Sea, Croatian Coast, Greek Islands, and even Turkey.
Before or after your cruise, explore Venice’s top attractions like St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Jewish Ghetto, or enjoy a classic gondola ride. Excellent air, rail, and road connections make Venice an ideal gateway for Mediterranean voyages.
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Rome, the capital of Italy and once the heart of the Roman Empire, is a vibrant city with 3,000 years of rich history. Iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Vatican City make it a must-visit destination. Many Mediterranean cruises start or end in Rome, allowing travelers time to explore the city pre- or post-cruise. Rome is well connected by air, rail, and road, making it a convenient embarkation point.
The Port of Rome is located in Civitavecchia, about 60 km northwest of the city. This major cruise hub offers sea connections to Sardinia, Sicily, Malta, Tunis, and Barcelona. Cruise lines also offer cruises to the Greek Islands from Rome. Trains from Rome to Civitavecchia are direct and take just 40 minutes, departing from Termini or Ostiense stations.
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Athens, the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and the arts, is a captivating city to explore before or after your cruise. From the iconic Acropolis and Parthenon to the lively Monastiraki Flea Market and charming Plaka neighbourhood, Athens blends ancient history with vibrant culture.
The Port of Piraeus, just 45 km from Athens International Airport, is one of Europe’s largest cruise ports and the perfect gateway to the Mediterranean and Greek Islands. Sail to Greece’s stunning islands, explore Turkey’s ancient ruins, Croatia’s coastline, or Italy’s historic ports. With a wide range of cruise options, from luxury liners to smaller ships, Athens offers an unforgettable journey filled with cultural, historical, and scenic treasures across the Mediterranean region.
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London serves as the perfect gateway to the UK and beyond, with the Port of Southampton - just 80 miles south - offering cruises to the Norwegian fjords, Mediterranean, British Isles, and Northern Europe. It’s also a hub for transatlantic sailings, including iconic routes to New York with Cunard. Southampton hosts world-class cruise lines such as P&O Cruises, NCL, Princess, MSC, Carnival, Cunard, and Celebrity Cruises.
Adding to the appeal, a cruise from London allows you to explore this dynamic capital before or after your voyage. From Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London to the West End’s theatres and Shoreditch’s trendy vibes, London offers a captivating mix of history, culture, and modern energy-making your cruise experience even more memorable.
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Copenhagen is a charming blend of old-world history and modern cosmopolitan energy. Founded in 1043, the city boasts historic landmarks, notable buildings, and fascinating museums. Many Scandinavia cruises offer round-trip options from Copenhagen, allowing you to enjoy a few days in the city before or after your voyage. Well connected by air, Copenhagen receives daily direct flights from major global hubs.
Denmark’s strategic location makes it an ideal cruise destination, serving as a gateway to the Baltic Sea, St. Petersburg, and the Norwegian fjords. Leading cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, MSC, Costa, Celebrity, Princess, and Silversea offer 7 to 12-day round-trip cruises from Copenhagen from May to September annually, providing unforgettable journeys through Northern Europe.
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Norway boasts of over a thousand fjords. Picture steep, pine-covered cliffs rising out of the blue waters with eagles soaring overhead and snow-capped mountains in the distance.
And, the best views of these fjords are from the sea- it’s no wonder you’ll see a Norwegian Fjord cruise on so many bucket lists. Read our blog to find out what can you expect from these cruises and what are the best options out there.
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