Deck of a ship sailing on a calm sea
Two sets of stairs leading towards the ocean.
Rows of balconies on a modern cruise ship.
Aerial view of a large cruise ship docked at port
Large white cruise ship docked at harbor under blue sky.
Photo by Ahmad Ahrur on Unsplash

Cruises

Dream routes on the sea and rivers: from the Mediterranean to the Norwegian fjords and the Danube. The complete guide for your first (or next) cruise.

Why Cruises Are So Popular

A cruise is the only travel format where you wake up in a different city every morning without repacking once. Your hotel travels with you – complete with restaurants, pools, shows and spa.

Cruises offer a unique mix of relaxation and discovery. On sea days you enjoy pools, spa and entertainment; on port days you explore cities and cultures. And the best part: you don't have to worry about a thing.

This guide shows you the best cruise routes, offers tips on cabin choice and life on board, and helps you plan the perfect trip on the water.

The 5 Best Cruise Routes

From sun-drenched coasts to majestic fjords – these routes are unforgettable.

1

Mediterranean

Southern Europe

The classic and perfect for beginners. In one week you visit Barcelona, Rome, Marseille, Dubrovnik and the Greek islands – without repacking.

Best time: April to OctoberBudget: €€

Highlights:

Barcelona – Sagrada Familia from the port
Santorini – iconic blue-and-white houses
Dubrovnik – Pearl of the Adriatic
Naples – Pompeii and Amalfi Coast excursion
2

Norwegian Fjords

Norway

Steep rock faces, waterfalls right beside the ship and Scandinavian cosiness. In summer you sail in the midnight sun.

Best time: May to SeptemberBudget: €€€

Highlights:

Geirangerfjord – UNESCO World Heritage from the deck
Bergen – colourful timber houses at Bryggen
North Cape – northernmost point of Europe
Tromso – gateway to the Arctic
3

Caribbean

Caribbean Islands

Postcard beaches, turquoise water and reggae beats in an all-inclusive package. Snorkelling, rum tastings and beach barbecues.

Best time: November to AprilBudget: €€

Highlights:

Bahamas – cruise lines' private islands
Cozumel – snorkelling at the coral reef
Jamaica – Dunn's River Falls and reggae
St Maarten – planes over the beach
4

Southeast Asia

Thailand/Vietnam/Malaysia

Exotic cultures and beach paradises. From Singapore you reach Ho Chi Minh City, Halong Bay, Penang and Phuket.

Best time: November to MarchBudget: €€

Highlights:

Halong Bay – limestone karsts in the mist
Singapore – city sightseeing on the stopover
Phuket – beaches and Thai cuisine
Penang – UNESCO old town and street food
5

Danube

Central Europe

The elegant alternative to ocean cruises. From Passau to Budapest, gliding through Vienna, Bratislava and the Wachau wine region.

Best time: April to OctoberBudget: €€€

Highlights:

Vienna – Schoenbrunn, St Stephen's, coffee houses
Budapest – Parliament and thermal baths
Wachau – wine tasting in Durnstein
Bratislava – compact old town with charm

Cruise Tips for Beginners and Pros

From cabin choice to seasickness – everything you need to know.

Choosing the right cabin

  • Inside cabin: cheapest, perfect if you only come back to sleep
  • Balcony cabin: worthwhile on fjord and river cruises
  • Book midship: less wave movement
  • Higher decks are quieter
  • Suite only for long voyages or special occasions

Making the most of life on board

  • Book spa appointments on the first sea day
  • Reserve restaurants early
  • Shows are usually included in the price
  • Use the gym early in the morning
  • Use sea days for relaxation

Shore excursions

  • Independent excursions are often cheaper and more flexible
  • Allow a time buffer – the ship won't wait!
  • Hop-on-hop-off buses for short port stops
  • Book local guides on GetYourGuide in advance
  • Explore the first and last ports on your own

Preventing seasickness

  • Acupressure wristbands (Sea-Band)
  • Ginger tablets or fresh ginger tea
  • Book a midship cabin on a lower deck
  • Look at the horizon when feeling unwell
  • Pack medication as an emergency backup

Cruise Routes Compared

RouteBudgetDurationSeasonType
Mediterranean€€7–14 daysApr–OctCities & Culture
Norwegian Fjords€€€7–12 daysMay–SepNature & Panorama
Caribbean€€7–14 daysNov–AprBeach & Party
Southeast Asia€€10–14 daysNov–MarExotic & Culture
Danube€€€7–10 daysApr–OctRiver & Culture

Kreuzfahrten vergleichen

Über 20.000 Kreuzfahrten von 30+ Reedereien vergleichen – Mittelmeer, Karibik, Nordeuropa, Flusskreuzfahrten und mehr.

30+ Reedereien
Flexible Termine
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Ready for Your Cruise?

Discover the world from the water – whether Mediterranean, fjords or Caribbean.