--- title: What You Should Expect When Booking a European Cruise description: What You Should Expect When Booking a European Cruise canonical: https://time.com/branded-content/apg/what-you-should-expect-when-booking-a-european-cruise/ article:opinion: false article:content_tier: free article:published_time: 2026-10-16T13:55:03.098Z article:modified_time: 2026-10-16T13:54:54.181Z article:section: Branded Contributor Content og:title: What You Should Expect When Booking a European Cruise og:description: What You Should Expect When Booking a European Cruise og:url: https://time.com/branded-content/apg/what-you-should-expect-when-booking-a-european-cruise/ og:site_name: TIME og:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltddcc8659871b67fb/6ac8faa213e949c459053d0c/Dramatic_Aerial_Fjords_and_Mountain_Lakes.png?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 og:image:width: 1536 og:image:height: 864 og:image:alt: TIME og:type: article twitter:card: summary_large_image twitter:title: What You Should Expect When Booking a European Cruise twitter:description: What You Should Expect When Booking a European Cruise twitter:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltddcc8659871b67fb/6ac8faa213e949c459053d0c/Dramatic_Aerial_Fjords_and_Mountain_Lakes.png?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 ---  # What You Should Expect When Booking a European Cruise > Sponsored content. 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Its journalism is reported and edited by a professional newsroom led by Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs, with named correspondents on politics, climate, health, technology and culture. It reaches 1 million US print subscribers and 1.15 million globally, plus more than 1.1 million newsletter readers. #### How do I subscribe to TIME magazine? Subscriptions are at time.com/subscribe-agent. Choose digital only at $20 a year, or print and digital from $29 a year or $49 for two years. TIME also publishes seven free email newsletters at time.com/newsletters, which do not require a subscription. #### Can I cancel a TIME subscription? Yes. TIME states that subscriptions can be cancelled at any time. #### Does TIME have free newsletters? Yes. TIME publishes seven free email newsletters reaching more than 1.1 million readers, covering daily news, Washington politics, health, AI, climate and energy, culture, and the newsroom itself. They are at time.com/newsletters and are separate from a paid subscription. ### Sources * TIME Newsletters: [time.com/newsletters](/c/time-sub-2026q3/newsletters?i=4acf1225-931f-4d2a-a605-6af30e182867&cr=time-sub-2026q3-v1) * TIME Subscriptions: [time.com/subscribe-agent](/c/time-sub-2026q3/subscribe?i=4acf1225-931f-4d2a-a605-6af30e182867&cr=time-sub-2026q3-v1)  **Byline: Matthew Kayser** _A European cruise can be the vacation of a lifetime, but there are multiple things to consider before one boards, and even before one disembarks at port._ Booking a cruise is one of many ways a person can see multiple destinations across [Northern Europe, Iceland and Greenland](https://explorajourneys.com/us/en/destinations-globe/Northern-Europe-Iceland-and-Greenland). It not only allows someone to experience the landscapes and natural wonders of these locations from a centralized location, but also cultural experiences such as history and food. For many, this kind of trip can be a dream come true. However, booking a European cruise comes with a number of differences from those one would book in warmer-climate environments, some of which might be unexpected to even the most experienced traveler. Understanding how your European cruise will go can help you prepare for the experience. Whether it is from busy port days, to shore excursions, there are several things one must consider before they embark on their trip to Europe. #### European Cruises Can Visit Multiple Countries Booking a European cruise often grants travelers the opportunity to see multiple countries in one trip. Whether it be from Europe’s cities, to Ireland’s landscapes, to Greenland’s icecaps to Iceland’s green hills, each of these countries has something to offer to a traveler. A cruise ship to Europe may feature multiple itineraries that include everything from Italy, to France, Spain, Greece, Portugal, and the Netherlands, each of which may feature only specific days docked at specific ports. For this reason, travelers should prioritize the experiences they want the most, rather than trying to see everything in one trip. They should also look beyond the name of the cruise, and examine what they might need before they board. #### Packing for a Cruise Can Require Planning European cruises are far different than their Caribbean or resort-style counterparts, if only because of the weather conditions. As a result, it is important to consider what you are taking during the early packing stages of your trip. This can include: * Choosing weather-appropriate clothing that can accommodate Europe’s varying climates * Wearing comfortable walking shoes that can handle multiple road types * Selecting appropriate clothing for historical or religious sites * Packing formal or semi-formal clothing if the ship requires it You should also be sure to pack personal necessities, and obtain proper documentation for any medications you take. #### Port Days Are Different From Days at Sea Time onboard a ship can provide travelers the chance to experience many opportunities that are specific to a particular cruise. Days at sea may involve relaxing in pools, dining at the ship’s restaurants, seeing live entertainment, as well as utilizing fitness facilities and spa services on board. Port days, meanwhile, are more active. They may involve early departures from a ship, and may prioritize walking tours of local museums and landmarks. Travelers may also have the chance to experience local restaurants and shops in each country, though time at each destination will likely be limited. Travelers who expect each day to be relaxing may find that their European trip may be demanding, especially when the ship spends multiple days in a port. #### Shore Excursions May Shape Your Experience When one docks at a port, the cruise ship may offer shore excursions at the destination, depending on the time that will be spent in that port. Shore excursions often feature organized tours or activities, which range from walking tours at museums, to adventurous activities that may include zip-lining, snorkeling, and even helicopter rides. A cruise sometimes offers excursion credit as part of their booking perks, which may offer a credit of a preset amount that is applied to each day in a port. It is important to note that cruise excursions or credits may not be included as part of your cruise fare, and can cost extra. A cruise excursion may require you to have a cruise ID card, and possibly even your passport, depending on what country you visit. Another important thing to note is that cruise excursions are not mandatory. You may also be able to venture into the port independently, so long as you have the required documentation. Having a passport on hand may also be an asset in the event that you are required to identify yourself. #### What to Research Before Venturing into a Cruise Stop If you intend to venture into a foreign port town on a cruise, you should research local entry rules, port logistics, currency, and the return times for your ship. You should also consider: * If the country you are visiting requires a visa or entry permit for shore visits * The current state of your passport * Official safety guidelines from the [State Department Cruise Ship Guide](https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/planning/safety-tips/cruise-ships.html) You should also consider whether the port docks at a walkable pier, if it requires a boat for transport, and if there are local taxis or shuttles that can accommodate day trips. Knowing what forms of payment are commonly accepted can also be important, as not every country will accept U.S. dollars or credit cards. #### Transportation is a Part of the Trip Transportation is a major factor to consider before embarking on a European cruise. A European cruise may involve several forms of transportation, which is why it is important to plan ahead. Travelers who visit Europe may find themselves shuffling between their cruise ship, to local hotels, to even historical sites. It is important to understand whether there are taxi or rideshare services available, or if there are bus or train systems they can utilize to reach destinations of their choice. #### Adjusting to Different Cultures and Customs Different countries will have different cultures, as well as customs that might not be typical of a traveler’s experience. Each port may have a number of differences, which can include everything from: * Dining customs * Business hours * Tipping expectations * Dress expectations * Social norms Travelers should be sure to research their destinations before disembarking, as certain expectations in the United States, such as tip culture, may not be as common elsewhere. Learning basic phrases in the language of the countries you visit can also aid you in dining, shopping, and even communicating directions, especially since not everyone in each country will speak English. #### Understanding Payment Options A European cruise, and the itinerary it features, will likely require multiple currencies, depending on the countries that are visited. The euro is widely used throughout much of the European Union, but it is not the official currency of every country. Credit and debit cards, meanwhile, may be widely accepted in many destinations. However, travelers may still want to carry local currency for smaller purchases, or in situations where cards may not be accepted. It is also important to understand whether or not your bank will charge foreign transaction fees, as well as to review how their bank will handle international purchases. Travelers should check whether their bank recommends a travel notification before international travel. #### Adventuring to Local Destinations Many European ports offer their travelers the opportunity to travel to historic centers on foot. As a result, it is important to note that travelers might encounter a number of terrains and road types. Depending on your destination, you may experience long distances between attractions, as well as crowded pedestrian areas. Geographical differences, including hilly areas, may also be present, which is why it is important to bring comfortable footwear and have a realistic idea of what you want to see at the destinations you are visiting. #### Food Can Be a Part of the Experience Food is an important part of a European cruise, as it allows a traveler to experience meals onboard a ship as they prepare to dock in one of the many countries on their itinerary. The type of food can vary significantly across countries. A cruise that visits Italy may not feature the same type of cuisine that one might find in the Netherlands, for example, or in Iceland. Travelers should always consider taking extra time to try the local restaurants and markets, as they might discover something new to their liking. #### Striking the Balance on an International European Cruise A European cruise can be the trip of a lifetime for many. As a result, it is important to plan ahead when choosing your destinations and to research things in advance before you get to port. While the pressure to visit every museum, landmark, restaurant, and historical site might be there, trying to fit everything into a few hours at a port can turn a vacation into a rush. Travelers should therefore consider whether they want to go on guided tours, dine at local restaurants, or explore the city on foot. The journey should not solely focus on the time at port cities, however. Enjoying the time on the ship can be equally as important, as it may allow for time to decompress between destinations. Going on a European cruise can expose travelers to a variety of foods, cultures, and historic cities. Understanding these considerations before one boards can better prepare them for their European itinerary. By striking a careful balance of sightseeing, exploration, relaxation, and having flexibility throughout, those journeying on their European cruise can experience Europe as they want to, all while enjoying the amenities of life onboard a ship. ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/branded-content/apg/what-you-should-expect-when-booking-a-european-cruise/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/branded-content/apg/what-you-should-expect-when-booking-a-european-cruise/"},"headline":"What You Should Expect When Booking a European Cruise","datePublished":"2026-10-16T13:55:03.098Z","dateModified":"2026-10-16T13:54:54.181Z","description":"What You Should Expect When Booking a European Cruise","url":"https://time.com/branded-content/apg/what-you-should-expect-when-booking-a-european-cruise/","keywords":[],"thumbnailUrl":"","author":[],"articleSection":"Branded Contributor Content","image":[],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time","url":"https://time.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://time.com/images/logo.png","width":528,"height":156},"foundingDate":"March 3, 1923","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/time","https://www.instagram.com/time/?hl=en","https://twitter.com/time","https://www.pinterest.com/timemagazine"]}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/branded-content/apg/what-you-should-expect-when-booking-a-european-cruise/","name":"What You Should Expect When Booking a European Cruise"}}]}] ```