“People can book with confidence,” says Jamie Loizou, managing director of river cruise operator AmaWaterways. “Even if there are restrictions at the moment, by the time they travel in the summer they can be confident that things will be much more normal, which is very encouraging.”
Even though some European river sailings are already pretty much sold out, demand is not yet outstripping supply. Cruise companies looking to make up for lost time are sending more ships to Europe for the peak season, meaning there is no shortage of choice.
There has also been a boom in availability as a result of the proactive investments made during the pandemic. While travel was shut down, many cruise operators utilised the time to refurbish and upgrade older vessels. A raft of new vessels are also set to launch this year – around 25 ocean ships and 20 river craft – in addition to those that made low-key debuts in 2021 but are embarking on their first full sailing season this year.
Availability is particularly good for early summer – especially on popular routes such as Portugal’s Douro and Rhône cruises through Provence.
It’s gearing up to be an exciting season, and there is still plenty of availability for those looking to hop aboard once more. Here are 20 of the best European cruises to look forward to this summer.
Splash out in style
Venetian class
Venice, or La Serenissima, is a seductive starting point for an Adriatic cruise cocooned in the salubrious surroundings of Silversea’s new ship Silver Dawn which moors overnight, giving guests a chance to relish the city’s palazzos and piazzas long after the day-trippers have departed. In Dubrovnik, channel your inner Game of Thrones spirit on a walking tour to uncover mythical capital King’s Landing inside the city walls, and put your best paddle forward on a sea kayaking trip along the coast of Dalmatian isle Hvar.
How to do it
A 14-night Adriatic voyage with Silversea (0844 251 0837; silversea.com) from Venice to Civitavecchia with calls at Corfu, Palermo and Naples costs from £4,950pp; departs July 21
