Europe for Cruisers is part of Europe for Visitors, a Forbes and Washington Post "Best of the Web" editorial travel-planning site that has offered unbiased advice to millions of travelers for nearly two decades.

We focus exclusively on European cruising, with in-depth ship reviews and information on ocean, river, and barge cruise lines in Europe.

We invite you to browse our site while you're sitting at home during the current pandemic, because Europe's oceans and ports will be ready to explore when cruise ships begin sailing again.

• Please note: It remains to be seen whether the cruise lines can salvage the remainder of their 2020 European season. (2021 looks more promising.) For more on this, see the COVID-19 update on the introductory page of our European Cruise Guide.

ABOVE: Tidal currents keep mud swirling on the Garonne River in the port of Bordeaux.

Plan your cruise in Europe:

European Cruise Guide

More than 50 cruise lines cater to English-speaking travelers on Europe's oceans and inland waterways. Our illustrated descriptions include links to the cruise lines' Web sites.

Cruise Reviews and Articles

Read our in-depth reports on ocean and river cruises. Also see Tour Europe by Ship, which discusses "port-intensive" cruising as an alternative to cars, trains,  and coaches.

European Barge and Canal Cruises

Explore Europe's inland waterways on a hotel barge or narrowboat. The pace is slow, the atmosphere is cozy and informal, and you'll avoid crowds even during high season. Also see our article on Coastal, Canal, and River Cruises in Britain.

Venice for Cruisers

If your cruise begins or ends in Venice, Italy, read our port information at Venice for Visitors. Also see "Roundtrip Cruises from Venice," our 35 pages about Rome's cruise port of Civitavecchia, and our guide to Paris River Cruise Ports.