Home to some of the world’s most classic cruise experiences, these are the bucket list cruises to take in Europe, from London, France, Rome and Russia to Denmark.
Iceland to Rome with Grand Voyage
The route: This cruise aboard Aegean Odyssey begins in London and ends in Rome, visiting Reykjavik, La Rochelle, Bordeaux, Lisbon, Barcelona, Marseilles, Monte Carlo and other destinations along the way.
The experience: When you’re on the high seas for 38 days, it’s hard to pick trip highlights – especially when that journey takes you to some of Europe’s most fabled cities and towns. Beginning in London, this itinerary was designed to include some of the continent’s greatest architectural and artistic treasures including the magnificent achievements of the Renaissance in Florence, the Moorish palaces and gardens of the Alhambra, the cathedral at Santiago de Compostela and the Papal Palace at Avignon.
It’s a dramatic contrast to the volcanic and glacial landscapes of Iceland, where you’ll visit the world’s most northerly capital, Reykyavik, known for its colourful buildings, quirky, creative people, eye-popping design and wild nightlife. Agaean Odyssey also spends time in the Faroe Islands. Part of the Kingdom of Denmark, these self-governing islands between Iceland and Norway are a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, with hikers and bird-watchers drawn to the mountains, valleys and grassy heathland.
The ship: Classic and elegant in design, the 350-passenger MV Aegean Odyssey is perfectly sized for coastal cruising to the small inlets of Europe that larger ships cannot reach. The ship has every comfort you need at sea, without being over-the-top and ostentatious – you won’t find ziplining and nightclubs here. You will find extremely comfortable suites and staterooms, a well-stocked library, a spa and top-deck pool, as well as restaurants and bars. The ship’s small size also guarantees personalised service.
Getting there: There are flights from a number of Australian cities to London, either via the Middle East or Asia.
The details: NRMA’s 42 night Grand Voyage Iceland to Rome aboard Aegean Odyssey includes economy fares from Sydney, guided shore excursions, two nights each in London and Rome pre- and post-cruise, as well as an on-board lecture program.
Cruising in Central Europe
The route: This 14 night cruise on Avalon Panorama between Amsterdam and Budapest along the Danube River includes stops at Bratislava and Vienna as well as Nuremberg and Cologne, among other destinations.
The experience: The Danube is one of Europe’s busiest waterways, allowing unparalleled access to some of the continent’s most historic cities and towns. Avalon offers a number of guided sightseeing excursions in each port of call, led by knowledgeable local guides.
In Cologne, explore the city’s Jewish quarter; float along Amsterdam’s elegant grachten (canals) lined with stately homes dating back to the city’s Golden Age. Attend a beer tasting in Nuremberg or visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in pretty Rüdesheim, where you’ll be fascinated by the self-playing calliopes and music boxes from the 18th to early 20th centuries.
The ship: Among Avalon Waterways’ new fleet of Suite Ships, Avalon Panorama features two full decks of suites with wall-to-wall windows that open to a balcony. One of the best ways to absorb the sights and sounds gently floating by is from the Sky Deck where you can sink into lounge chairs or soak in the whirlpool while gazing over the river. Extremely well appointed, the ship also comes with a library, fitness centre, restaurant and bar – where you’ll enjoy on-board lectures, activities and nightly entertainment.
Getting there: One of the quickest ways to Amsterdam from Australia is via Dubai. Flights to Dubai depart from a number of Australian cities, including Sydney and Melbourne.
The details: NRMA’s 14 night Magnificent Central Europe itinerary aboard Avalon Panorama includes all on-board meals and most beverages, guided shore excursions, complimentary wi-fi and entertainment.
The ultimate bucket list European cruise
The route: This cruise aboard MSC Magnifica from Genoa, Italy, to Copenhagen, Denmark, visits Barcelona, Lisbon, St Petersburg, Helsinki and other destinations along the way.
The experience: MSC’s shore excursions cater to first-time visitors to a city as well as repeat visitors who are looking for a more immersive experience. Those who have already seen the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg, for example, can opt for a guided tour of the city’s stunning underground metro – the world’s deepest, with some stations located more than 100m underground. The oldest of these are opulent in design, featuring materials like polished granite, marble and stainless steel, with decorated ceilings, mosaics, bas-reliefs, columns and sculptures.
Arriving in Barcelona, see all the sights of this city on a coach tour that takes you down Passeig de Gràcia, one of Barcelona’s main boulevards, passing by Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece, the incredible Sagrada Família. Over lunch, you’ll have the chance to see how bottle-fermented Spanish cava is made.
In the Finnish capital of Helsinki, visit the year-round Winter Wonderland Experience in the middle of the city, replete with an igloo hotel, ice bar and opportunities for husky sledding, tandem skiing and tobogganing.
The ship: Uniting the many offerings of a big ship with the personalised service of a smaller one, MSC Magnifica features five restaurants serving food from around the world, alongside a staggering 12 designer-themed bars. The entertainment continues in the 1,200-seat theatre, 4D cinema, casino and disco, although there are also opportunities for quiet moments under the stars on the top deck. Or in the spa.
Aurea Spa is popular for its Balinese-style massages, but the facility is also equipped with a sauna, Turkish bath, fitness centre and relaxation area. The open-air pool complex continues the pampering with four whirlpools, a solarium and skylit indoor pool.
Getting there: Fly to Milan from Sydney via Abu Dhabi. From Milan, there are cruise transfers to Genoa.
The details: NRMA’s 25 night To Russia With Love itinerary aboard MSC Magnifica from Genoa to Copenhagen includes all main meals, entertainment, a cocktail party, gala dinners, economy class airfares from Sydney to Milan and Copenhagen to Sydney, as well as a hotel stay pre-cruise.
