Choose your cruise

• Before you pick a ship, decide what areas of Europe you wish to explore. The two main options are northern cruises or Mediterranean cruises. If you want warmer temperatures, a variety of outdoor activities, swimming or sunbathing, a Mediterranean cruise would be an excellent choice. The climate in this area tends to be more temperate even in winter. If cooler weather is preferred, try a northern cruise. These offer a variety of ports of call and are especially great for cruisers who enjoy museums, architecture and other historical structures.
  
  Mediterranean cruises are usually divided into east and west routes. Western routes often encompass Italy and travel as far away as the Balearic Islands. East routes also include Italy, Greek islands, Egypt, Croatia and Turkey.
  
  Northern cruises, which often travel the Baltic Sea, will feature ports of call in Stockholm, Amsterdam, Helsinki, St. Petersburg and Copenhagen.
  
  Other cities common on European cruises include Rome, Athens, Paris and Barcelona.
  
  A few cruises hit Northern Europe and Mediterranean ports of call. These tours are longer, but will take cruisers around the European continent.
  
  River cruises also have become a fashionable way to explore Europe. European rivers and waterways give cruisers a chance to head father inland and visit more cities. For instance, cruisers can go from Amsterdam to Vienna using the Rhine and Danube rivers. Or choose a ship that travels through Spain and Portugal.
  
  

When to cruise

• Cruises are usually offered routinely between April and November, but there are several ships that travel year-round.
  
  European summers are very warm, especially near the Mediterranean. For this reason, many visitors prefer the milder temperatures of spring and fall. However, the high season is from June to August for most cruises so these will be more expensive. Northern cruises are most popular between May and September as this is when temperatures are most pleasant.
  
  

Picking a ship

• European cruise lines employ ships ranging from relatively small to the larger, floating resorts that include pools, shopping centers, casinos and restaurants. The largest ships resemble small towns, accommodating more than 3,000 travelers. These bigger ships usually offer a smoother ride and are a great option for travelers who are worried about getting seasick. However, smaller ships have the advantage of docking at more ports, which can mean a broader itinerary.