European Cruises

View all available European special offers »

View all available European Cruises »

When to cruise to Europe

Month	Cruise season indicator		Month	Cruise seacon indicator
January	No		July
February	No		August
March	No		September
April			October
May			November
June			December

European Cruise Season Guide »

All you Need to Know

by Travel Journalist Phil Davies

Chocolate, crab sandwiches, waffles, stout and Pernod - guilty delights not necessarily associated with cruise holidays.

Yet all are among the tasty treats to be found when taking a short cruise in Europe.

Two, three, four and seven-night sailings from the UK to the Continent, Channel Islands and Ireland are an ideal way for first-timers in particular to get a feel for cruising while visiting some of the most exciting places in Europe.

Bruges, famous for its chocolate making, Amsterdam for its wonderful waffles, Cork for a pint of Murphys or Beamish, Guernsey for its seafood and Le Havre for excursions to Paris are among the easy to reach destinations on a cruise mini-break from Southampton. Some even allow for an overnight stay in port to allow for in-depth destination exploration.

Western France, northern Spain, Portugal, Germany and Norway also feature in short break cruises of up to seven days in duration.

The great thing about cruising in Europe is the amazing mix of cultures to be experienced on a single trip.

Destination-based cruises such as these can be as relaxing or as busy as you wish to make them. There is always ample time spent in port for sightseeing, or you can stay on board and make the most of the numerous passenger facilities available from spas and sports courts to cafes and bars.

Two-night party cruises are the perfect way to indulge in the big cruise ship experience without breaking the bank. P&O Cruises, for example, runs regular trips from Southampton to Zeebrugge for a day in Bruges, home of some of the oldest bars in Belgium and famous for its chocolate making.

You could also combine a day and evening in Amsterdam with Bruges on a three-night itinerary or Bruges, Amsterdam and Le Havre on a four-night break.

P&O Cruises’ brand new family-friendly superliner Ventura will offer ‘weekender’ breaks to Bruges in 2008, allowing you to be amongst the first to experience innovative on board family entertainment such as a giant six-car digital Scalextric set, 3D cinema, circus skills school and Noddy, who will be on board to entertain the toddlers.

The best way to get a feel for the unique cruise experience offered by one of the world’s largest cruise ships – Royal Caribbean International’s Navigator of the Seas – is to take a three-night itinerary from Southampton to Cork in Ireland. Next year, one of Navigator’s big sisters, the brand new Independence of the Seas, will be offering four-night Cork cruises with a call in Guernsey on the return. Picturesque St Peter Port in Guernsey is a popular short cruise stopping off point with its cobblestone streets, fabulous pubs and bars and low duty shopping.

DOS and DON'TS of European Cruising

DON’T think that cruises only run for a week or more – more mini-cruises from UK ports are being offered than ever before.

DO consider spending a little bit extra to have either a cabin with an ocean view or balcony to enjoy the real seafaring experience.

DON’T rule out a short cruise for a stag or hen party, birthday celebration or special occasion as everything is laid on for you.

European Offers