Why Cruising Europe Is the Best Way to Start European Family Travel

​Finally, the diapers, childcare bills, and pack ’n plays are gone. With a little more flexibility (and budget) in your pocket, you may be starting to think about a European family vacation. London? Paris? Rome? Or… what about a cruise through the Mediterranean?

​For families traveling to Europe for the first time, a cruise can remove much of the stress while still delivering iconic destinations.

Why Cruising Europe Is the Best Way to Start European Family Travel...

Up until my 40s, we were “never-cruisers.” We enjoyed boating and had done a dinner cruise or two, but we had never considered a multi-night voyage on the high seas.

When our kids were 10 and 7 years old, we decided that a 7-night Disney Cruise through the Mediterranean was the best way to start European travel as a family. It ended up being one of the best family vacations we’ve ever taken. Here’s why it might be a great option for you, too.

Cruise Ship Staterooms Offer Space for the Whole Family

Most European hotels do not have the typical “American-sized” hotel rooms. The actual size of the rooms and beds are often smaller, and many hotels limit occupancy to two people. While splitting up into multiple rooms can work for a few nights, do you really want to spend your entire vacation down the hall from the rest of your family?

Some European hotels offer “family rooms” (often connecting rooms), but these usually come at a much higher price point.
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Cruise lines vary in their stateroom offerings, but many cabins accommodate three, four, or even five guests comfortably!

Photo:  Verandah Stateroom on the Disney Dream.  This room sleeps up to four guests.  The couch converts to a twin bed, and an "upper berth" twin bed folds down from the ceiling at night.  

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Cruising Makes Jet Lag Easier to Manage

The ideal vacation overseas would include a direct flight overnight, allowing everyone to wake up in their new destination and start their day.  When that overnight sleep doesn’t happen, and someone needs to catch up on sleep, many cruise itineraries make this possible.

Some cruise itineraries start with a day at sea, giving everyone in the family a full day to adjust to the new time zone.  If the kids have adjusted and you haven’t, they can head off to cruise activities or the kids' club while you catch a much-needed nap.

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A Cruise Lets You Sample Europe

Many cruise itineraries give you a sampling of Europe without fully committing to one destination.    What’s better than visiting one country in Europe?  Visiting more than one! 

Our first cruise included ports in Spain, Italy, and France.  Our second European Cruise included stops in Denmark, Sweden, Germany, and Norway. 

​We are so grateful that our kids have checked off that many fun places without having to constantly pack and change hotels.

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Port Stops Offer Flexible Sightseeing

Traveling somewhere unknown can be unsettling, especially when you have your kids in tow. 

Maybe you studied abroad in Florence, so you don’t need a guided tour or set excursion to navigate that area.  Or maybe you're the opposite and feel nervous because you don't want to do it alone. 

Cruise line excursions offer a variety of options, but if you’re comfortable, you can walk off the ship and explore independently.  If you prefer more structure, you can choose an excursion that meets onboard and guides you step-by-step through the day.  While safety during travel can never be promised, choosing the level of structure that fits your comfort zone can help mitigate risk.

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Your Ship Becomes a Comfortable Home Base

It’s funny how quickly your cruise ship starts to feel like home. 

By day three, you can find your room without hesitation. The barista knows your name. The bartender remembers how you like your martini.
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Each day you get to go out on a port adventure, it’s a new city, often times with new menus in different languages.   Walking up to a local restaurant can raise some questions: What if I can’t read the menu or pricing? What if the server tries to get a tip because they know I’m American?  What if I order something entirely too adventurous for my palate?  It is great to know that while you may have a different meal or two while ashore, your "home" is waiting for you. Back on your cruise ship, French fries and chicken fingers are always available!

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​Cruising through Europe might be a catalyst for more European adventures.  Once you’ve successfully done it, you might realize, and like my family did, that European travel is far more doable than expected.  

Bon Voyage! 

-Katie D.

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About the author:  Katie D

​Katie D is a travel advisor with Magic Expeditions who specializes in family travel, Disney destinations, and cruises. She helps families plan trips that feel manageable, memorable, and fun - especially when navigating international travel with kids.

Email Katie D