Cruise destinations

Among the most popular destinations for cruise passengers are Mediterranean and Caribbean cruises. These are known as “cruise destinations.” It is not easy to describe the different cruise destinations. Ocean-going cruise ships in particular do not always operate in fixed regions. Many destinations overlap, because cruises begin in one of the major destinations and end in another. The regions covered by a cruise itinerary are therefore only a rough guide—every cruise has its own schedule. The areas covered by river cruises are easier to distinguish, but even riverboats cross the boundaries formed by individual rivers by traveling along canals. The first choice is between an ocean cruise and a river cruise.

Ocean Cruises

Ocean cruise destination: Mediterranean
Cruises in the Mediterranean are the origin of all cruises. The very first cruise was a “pleasure voyage” by the passenger ship Augusta Victoria in 1891. The trip lasted several weeks, and the major destinations of the Mediterranean were on the route. Today, Mediterranean cruises are usually shorter, and not all the important cities of the Mediterranean region can be visited. Vacationers can choose between cruises in the Eastern Mediterranean, with stops mainly in Greece, Croatia and Turkey, and cruises in the Western Mediterranean, with destinations in Italy, France and Spain. Since Eastern Europe opened up, the Black Sea has also become an attractive cruise destination—ports of call here include destinations in Ukraine and, for example, Sochi in Russia. Many cruise ships operated by major cruise lines sail fixed routes through the Mediterranean practically all year round. Mediterranean cruises are among the most frequently booked cruises, and the destination is very popular.

Destination: Caribbean cruise
A cruise through the Caribbean is also a sought-after sea voyage. Few people do not associate the Caribbean with endless white palm-fringed beaches, sunshine and a laid-back lifestyle. Outside hurricane season, the Caribbean is busy with cruise ships of all kinds. You can book Caribbean cruises at especially attractive prices aboard the mega-ships of the major American cruise lines. However, the tours are very much tailored to American tastes: the onboard entertainment is especially important, while travelers are less demanding about destinations ashore and are happy with the ports and onshore attractions created especially for these cruises. European cruise operators also often spend several months a year in the Caribbean. One of the highlights is probably sailing cruises in the Caribbean. These can also visit exotic ports that are out of reach for large cruise ships.

Baltic Sea Cruises
The Baltic Sea is the region covered by Baltic cruises. Ports of call include major cultural centers and Hanseatic cities throughout the Baltic. Vacationers on Baltic cruises tend to be interested in culture and immerse themselves in the history of cities such as Kiel, Copenhagen, Stockholm, St. Petersburg and Gdańsk. Even cruise operators sailing the Baltic Sea find it difficult to select a handful of the many fascinating port cities for a cruise lasting just seven days. Routes within the Baltic destination are therefore highly varied. With the expansion of the cruise terminal in Rostock, Baltic cruises have an excellent starting point on German soil.

Northern Europe Cruises
Probably the best-known sea voyage to northern Europe is the Hurtigruten route. Initially, the route along the Norwegian fjords was established as an important means of transport for the towns along the fjord coast, many of which were particularly remote in winter. But it was not long before the Hurtigruten became a cruise destination. The Hurtigruten is said to be the most beautiful sea voyage in the world—but kreuzfahrten-netz.de will not pass judgment; we would rather invite cruise passengers to decide for themselves. The modern Hurtigruten ships are no longer simple transport vessels: they are fully equipped for cruise passengers and are also deployed on routes far from home. In addition to the regular Hurtigruten services, many cruise ships visit the Nordic fjords on their Northern Europe cruises—on some days, three or more ships can be found in a single fjord. The reason is the breathtaking natural beauty of the fjords, which is unmatched anywhere in the world.

Transatlantic Crossing
Crossing the Atlantic to the USA is a domain of classic cruising. For a long time, the route from Southampton to New York was a one-way passage for emigrants—and it was nowhere near as luxurious or comfortable as it is aboard cruise ships today. A classic cruise means pure luxury, just as you might imagine your dream cruise. On a transatlantic cruise, there are no shore excursions; the cruise experience revolves entirely around the ship and its amenities. British cruise passengers in particular are said to place great importance on this type of travel: the ship becomes more than a floating hotel—it becomes the destination. It is no coincidence, then, that luxury liners are especially common on this route. Transatlantic cruises are not taken in winter, incidentally: the seas are too rough, and many cruise ships are deployed in other regions.

River Cruises

Romantic Danube Cruises
Danube cruises are among the most popular river voyages of all. There are a great many passenger ships on the Danube, giving vacationers plenty of options. Many Danube cruises still start in Germany, for example in Passau. The Danube is navigable for most river cruise ships all the way to its delta on the Black Sea. Along the route are many important capitals of European history, including Vienna and Budapest.

Nile Cruises
Among the classics of river cruising are Nile cruises. You pass the ancient monuments of Egyptian civilization, with opportunities to visit them everywhere along the way. It is said that anyone who drinks the water of the Nile will always return to Egypt—but we strongly advise against actually drinking Nile water on a Nile cruise! Instead, enjoy the beverages served on board. Incidentally, Nile cruises vary widely in the quality of the ships and the service offered. This accounts for much of the difference in price. We recommend choosing a Nile cruise based on more than just price: spend a few extra euros and get the perfect ship for your Nile voyage.