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European Cruises

Award-Winning European Cruises

The beaches of Mykonos beckon, the vineyards of Tuscany are blooming and Barcelona radiates colour. Why choose just one city when you can see it all on a European cruise with NCL? Unpack once and wake each day to new, extraordinary destinations – all in one seamless journey. Somewhere between Santorini’s sunsets, Copenhagen’s canals and the waterfalls of Iceland, you’ll feel the difference of holidaying with us. Out here, we don’t just make exploring Europe possible, we make it effortless.

HIGHLIGHTS

 

  • Discover the best of Europe with ease – culture, art, cuisine, coastal scenery, iconic cities and landmarks.
  • Sail through the Mediterranean, Greek Isles or Northern Europe on a European cruise with NCL.
  • Named Europe’s Leading Cruise Line for 19 consecutive years.
  • Balance time ashore with onboard dining, curated activities and space to relax.
Amazing view of beach las Teresitas with yellow sand. Location: Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife, Canary Islands. Artistic picture. Beauty world.

Experience Culture, History and Cuisine on a European Cruise

Europe isn’t just a destination, it’s everything from history, art, architecture and tradition. NCL’s European cruises are uniquely suited to cultural discovery:

  • Ancient history in Rome
  • Bold architecture in Barcelona
  • Café-lined streets in Paris
  • The Acropolis rising above Athens

The beauty of a European cruise with NCL is that you don’t have to choose. Iconic capitals and coastal gems unfold from one day to the next, all in one seamless journey. Unpack once and take in Europe’s art, food and traditions at your own pace – with the ease of knowing the details are already taken care of.

Historic architecture in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter

Featured Europe Itineraries

Discover the Best of Europe on an NCL Cruise

NCL’s European cruise itineraries are the best way to discover a legendary continent in one seamless holiday. Out here, you can explore entire centuries in one week. Or you can do nothing at all – it’s totally up to you. Sail to iconic Mediterranean cities one day and relax on beautiful beaches in the Greek Isles the next. Need a nature fix? The lush landscapes and outdoor wonders of Northern Europe – from Ireland to Iceland – have you covered. Coastal scenery, cultural landmarks and waterfront cafés are all included on our cruises to Europe. Settle in once and let the destinations come to you.
Couple in Europe.

Shore Excursions on a European Cruise

 

On an NCL cruise, each destination isn’t just a stop – it’s a choose-your-own adventure. Our European shore excursions go beyond the postcard, bringing you closer to authentic, local experiences. In Amsterdam, hop on a bike and follow the canals – wherever they lead. Or take your time wandering; that’s the beauty of NCL – you do it your way. Soak in the charm of Lisbon, explore the Alcazar in Seville or debate the origins of Stonehenge. Looking for nature? Spain’s Canary Islands are home to Mt. Teide—the highest peak on any Atlantic island. Your only job? Show up curious. We’ll handle the rest.

What to Expect on a European Cruise

Explore iconic cities, cultural landmarks and scenic coastlines by day, then return to global dining, award-winning entertainment and thoughtfully designed cabins each night. As you sail from one destination to the next, time onboard offers a range of ways to unwind, take it in or do a little more. Endless adventure meets effortless relaxation when you cruise Europe with NCL.

Barcelona will show you how to remarkably spend holiday. Smiling mother and baby taking selfie at Park Guell

Iconic Cities and Historic Ports

Sail straight into Europe’s most celebrated cities – from Rome (Civitavecchia) and Barcelona to Amsterdam and Venice – plus smaller, fairytale ports along the way. Walk through the Colosseum, admire Gaudí’s masterpieces, stand in St. Mark’s Square, explore the Van Gogh Museum, wander Dubrovnik’s historic city walls or catch the sunset from Oia Castle in Santorini. The best part? You unpack once and experience it all – seamlessly.

Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands, has more than one hundred kilometres of canals, about 90 islands and 1,500 bridges.

Scenic Coastlines and Regional Diversity

From the sun-drenched Mediterranean to the dramatic landscapes of Northern Europe, every sailing reveals a different side of the continent. Cruise past pastel villages, rugged cliffs, island-dotted horizons and centuries-old seaside towns – all from a front-row seat on the water. In one effortless journey, experience coastlines, cultures and contrasts you simply can’t replicate on land.

Couple at pool.

A Perfect Balance of Exploration and Relaxation

Spend full days immersed in Europe’s most captivating destinations, with late departures and overnights on select sailings that let you explore at your own pace. Then return to the comfort of the same cabin each evening – no trains, no hotel changes, no unpacking. It’s the easiest way to experience more of Europe at your own pace.

European Cruise Destinations for Every Kind of Escape

With so many ways to see Europe, the right European cruise comes down to what you want to experience. Explore iconic cities and historic landmarks in the Mediterranean, colourful architecture and energetic beaches in the Greek Isles or fairy-tale charm in Northern Europe. Whichever you choose, you’ll see more of Europe in one seamless journey.

Northern Europe

Northern Europe

Out here, it's all fairy tales and castles. See Ireland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark & more.
Greek Isles

Greek Isles

Blue domes and golden beaches steal the show in Mykonos, Santorini, Athens & more.
Mediterranean

Mediterranean

Italy, Spain and France — where life gives you limoncello.

Why Cruise Europe with NCL?

European cruises with NCL are built to give you more of what matters – more time to explore, more flexibility in how you experience each day and more ways to make the journey your own. With hundreds of sailings across dozens of itineraries, including Mediterranean cruises, and over 100 European ports, it’s a way of seeing Europe that’s both wide-ranging and thoughtfully put together. Our approach to Freestyle Cruising means your time is your own – whether that’s lingering over dinner, heading out on shore or taking it slow back onboard. And after a full day in port, you’ll return to spaces designed to help you settle in, from a wide range of dining options to award-winning entertainment and places to unwind.

  • Named Europe's Leading Cruise Line 19 years in a row.
  • Unpack once and experience effortless exploration throughout Europe.
  • Enjoy the best value at sea with our one-of-a-kind cruising package, Free At Seaᵀᴹ.
Copenhagen, Denmark

Book Your European Cruise with NCL

When you book a European holiday with NCL, sailing from one destination to the next is a seamless experience, one we’ve refined over the past 60 years. You’ll also find value-packed offers on select European sailings, including Free Airfare for 2nd guest and our all-inclusive Free at Sea package. And when it’s time to step ashore, our shore excursions are designed to help you make the most of every destination, with details that add confidence and discovery rather than complexity. Because out here, you’re not managing your holiday, you’re in it. Explore our European cruise itineraries and find your next escape.

NCL Epic

Explore Our European Cruise Ports

Here are just a few of the European cruise ports you’ll experience along the way.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona, Spain

Colourful Gaudí architecture, buzzing nightlife, and legendary cuisine.
Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik, Iceland

Geothermal wonders, Viking history, stunning architecture and endless charm.
Santorini, Greece

Santorini, Greece

Blue-domed buildings line beautiful sea cliffs on this picturesque volcanic island.

Read More on our Travel Blog

Discover insider tips, destination highlights and personal stories that bring the NCL experience to life.

European Cruise FAQs

What destinations can I visit on a European cruise?

Our European cruises are sub-divided by region to help narrow down options - Mediterranean cruises focus on Italy, Spain, France, and Portugal. Greek Isles cruises explore the islands of Greece and the surrounding areas - Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Turkey, Venice, and Croatia. Northern Europe cruises include countries like Iceland, Germany, and Ireland as well as the Scandinavian region - Denmark, Sweden, and Norway.

Are there cruises to Europe from the USA?

Yes, we have transatlantic cruises from New York!

What do I need before I cruise in Europe?

Travel documentation & visa information can be found here.

For help with everything from packing to planning your excursions, visit our Cruise Preparation page.

What is included on a European cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line?

All NCL cruises include complimentary dining, activities, and entertainment as well as free Kids' Clubs and more! Guests can also select our one-of-a-kind cruising package, Free at Sea™, which includes excursion credits at every port, speedy Wi-Fi for every guest, decadent meals at our Specialty Dining Package restaurants, and premium cocktails with Premium Beverage. And when you upgrade to Free at Sea Plus™, you get top-shelf spirits, unlimited Starbucks®, unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi and more Specialty Dining Package at a discounted rate. 

How long are European cruise itineraries?

Our cruises range from 7 to 21 days.

Are European cruises good for first-time cruisers?

Yes! Cruising is hands-down the easiest way to explore Europe. And NCL makes cruising effortless. We take care of everything  — you simply have to show up, unpack once, and get ready to explore new cities and countries nearly every day! We have a very helpful and informative page to detail logistics and frequent questions for anyone new to cruising.

Are European cruises good for families?

Yes! A cruise is the easiest way to explore Europe with large families and kids of all ages. No endless coordination, transportation, and changing home bases - everything you need is all in one place as you sail from one destination to another.