Bram ReusenEurope is a perfect continent to explore on water – it has spectacular coastlines, picturesque bays, scenic canals, thousands of islands and meandering rivers. It is essentially a huge peninsula and water is never far away.
Different means of water transportation are available for those undertaking this quest, from ocean cruises to ferries to yachts to river and canal cruises.
Ocean Cruises
Image credit: bvi4092
Pretty much all coasts in Europe, from the Arctic to the Mediterranean, are visited by huge cruise ships. Many major cruise lines – think Holland America, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, for example – call at ports all around the continent.
Northern Europe’s coasts, the North Sea, the Baltic Sea and the North Atlantic are popular cruise destinations. Highlights in this region include the islands of Great Britain, the epic fjords of Norway, the Arctic and its midnight sun or northern lights, and old cities such as Stockholm and Copenhagen.
In southern Europe, the warm and pleasant Mediterranean offers sun-soaked beaches, palm trees, historic architecture and more islands than can be visited in a lifetime. Major attractions are the Croatian coast, the Greek islands, Italian coastal villages, the French Rivièra, Turkey and Spain. Some cruises also continue into the Black Sea with its amazing natural beauty and alternative beach destinations.
Also read: 15 Experiences Every Traveller Should Have in Europe
Ferries
Image credit: BlondielSFC
Taking a ferry isn’t the same as holidaying on a boat in Europe, but it is a fine way to hop from one country to another and see an area from a different perspective. Ferries are found all around Europe— they connect the islands of Greece; the Dalmatian coast with the Italian coast; England with France, Belgium and the Netherlands; Denmark with Sweden and Norway, and so on. Often, they are the cheapest way to cross a sea and the fact that you can take a car on board is convenient as well.
Yachts
Image credit: ahenobarbus
Yachts are probably the most popular means of seeing the Mediterranean Sea and do some island hopping. This is especially so in the Adriatic Sea, the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Aegean Sea, which are dotted with countless islands, from mere rocks that protrude from the sea to larger islands such as Crete, Sicily and Sardinia. There are many charter companies in these areas that let you rent a boat and explore this gorgeous region at your leisure.
Canal and River Cruises
Image credit: Brassinne
As beautiful as ocean cruises and yacht trips can be, it’s Europe’s canals and rivers that are typical of this old continent. Iconic rivers make their way slowly to the seas, while photogenic canals crisscross the inland regions connecting rivers. A few cities are home to incredibly scenic canals as well – the most famous examples are Amsterdam, Bruges and Venice.
River cruises are organised on every major river in Europe, while canal boats can easily be rented. Popular rivers for cruises are the Rhine, the Danube and the Volga. Those rivers can also be combined because canals make it possible to hop over to another river. By doing so, you can visit almost every European country without ever having to use another form of transportation than a boat. Major cities like Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, St. Petersburg, Prague and Budapest – just to name a handful – can all be reached by boat.
It’s time to make that Europe trip happen!
