Best Cruises to Europe

With a nearly 1-to-1 crew-to-passenger ratio, the Seabourn Odyssey welcomes cruisers with its top-notch customer service. The ship began sailing in June 2009 and – like its sister ships – is an all-suite vessel. Travelers can enjoy complimentary Champagne upon arrival, fresh fruit daily and 24-hour room service, plus everyone has access to a personal suite stewardess for additional requests. Each cabin is equipped with a separate living area and bedroom, a stocked bar, a flat-screen television, a walk-in closet and a bathroom with a tub, shower and dual sinks.

The four dining options aboard the Seabourn Odyssey range from casual poolside fare, such as pizzas and salads, to The Grill by Thomas Keller, which serves upscale meals and tasty libations. Post-dinner, travelers can relax with a cocktail at one of the bars or test Lady Luck at the casino. The Seabourn Odyssey also offers nightly entertainment like movies under the stars and dance parties on the boat's deck.

Onboard amenities on this ship include two pools, six outdoor hot tubs, a fitness center, a nine-hole putting green and a spa. The ship also allows cruisers to enjoy water sports equipment like kayaks, paddle boats and Hobie Cat sailboats.

Launched in April 2016, Viking Sea is the second vessel in Viking's Ocean Cruises fleet. Carrying just 930 passengers and 550 crew members, the ship's small size is designed to allow direct access to smaller ports such as Bergen, Norway, and Montreal.

Viking Sea's staterooms range from 270-square-foot Veranda cabins to the 1,448-square-foot Owner's Suite. All accommodations include balconies, flat-screen TVs, king-sized beds, complimentary Wi-Fi access and bathrooms with heated floors. Those who splurge on upgraded staterooms receive extra perks like priority reservations for excursions, spa treatments and specialty restaurants.

The ship's facilities include a fitness center, a Nordic spa (complete with a snow grotto), an outdoor gym and yoga area, a theater and a one-of-a-kind infinity pool on the stern of the ship that gives the illusion of swimming in the ocean.

When you work up an appetite, the Viking Sea offers a variety of dining options that range from casual Norwegian cuisine at Mamsen's to alfresco dining on the Aquavit Terrace. Recent passengers report a stellar onboard experience, describing the food as delicious, the ship as comfortable and the service as top-notch.

The 930-passenger Viking Sky – which debuted in February 2017 – is one of the newest ships in Viking's ocean cruising line. Identical to its four sister ships, Viking Sky receives rave reviews from past passengers for its port-heavy itineraries (cruise fares include one complimentary excursion per port) and luxurious, comfortable staterooms. All cabins offer 270 to 1,448 square feet of space, and include balconies, complimentary Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs and bathrooms with heated floors, among other amenities. Those who opt for an upgraded stateroom or suite are also treated to additional perks like priority reservations at the spa and specialty restaurants.

Viking Sky's activities include classes at the fitness center, treatments at the spa and destination-focused lectures. The ship also offers four pools and whirlpools, including an infinity pool on the stern of the ship. In the evenings, passengers can enjoy live performances in the theater or watch destination-related movies in one of two cinemas.

Guests also have their choice of cuisine, from alfresco dining on the Aquavit Terrace to Manfredi's Italian Restaurant. Plus, with 550 crew members on board, the ship maintains a nearly 2-to-1 guest-to-crew ratio.

When it debuted in 2015, the Viking Star was the fleet's first ocean liner. Welcoming up to 930 passengers and 602 crew members, the Viking Star stands outs for its staterooms, which are all outfitted with a veranda. Cabins range from the 270-square-foot Veranda cabins to the 1,448-square-foot Owner's Suite, which offers a dining area that can seat six, an ocean view dry sauna and a boardroom that seats 12, among other amenities.

Outside their accommodations, passengers will find a spa, several shops, a theater that hosts live performances and lectures, two cinemas for screening movies and two pools, including a glass-backed infinity pool cantilevered off the stern.

When it's time to eat, guests will have eight dining options to choose from, all with no additional charge or fee. For fine dining, there's The Restaurant, Manfredi's and The Chef's Table, which touts a multi-course tasting menu with wine pairings. For a more casual atmosphere, passengers can stop at Mamsen's for Norwegian deli-style eats or the Wintergarden for afternoon tea, among others.

Seabourn Quest, which launched in June 2011, sails to and from destinations around the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, Europe and South America. The Odyssey-class ship is one of the smallest in Seabourn's fleet, able to fit up to 458 passengers and about one crew member for every cruiser.

For accommodations, Seabourn Quest differs in that it is one of only three Seabourn ships to offer Ocean View Suites. This suite option, unlike other cabin categories, features porthole windows instead of verandas. However, it still comes equipped with amenities like flat-screen TVs, designer toiletries, personalized stationery, Egyptian cotton linens and in-suite bars stocked with your preferred refreshments.

Outside your suite, you can enjoy a range of pursuits, such as spa and salon treatments, free fitness classes, a nine-hole putting green and two swimming pools. Additionally, Seabourn Quest offers complimentary water sports equipment rentals at its Watersports Marina.

Once you've worked up an appetite, sit for a meal at one of the ship's four restaurants, including the main dining room and The Grill by Thomas Keller, a steakhouse helmed by Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller. And for evening entertainment, you'll have access to a variety of bars, plus a casino, a dance club and the Grand Salon, where cabaret performances, comedy shows and more are hosted nightly.

Like its sister ship, Azamara Journey, Quest appeals to travelers seeking an intimate, relaxed atmosphere. According to recent cruisers, the 690-passenger vessel is small enough to provide individualized service with a low crew-to-passenger ratio, while still being large enough to offer multiple dining venues which include two specialty restaurants, a main dining room and three causal venues.

The ship's staterooms were recently refurbished and include flat-screen TVs, minibars and 24-hour room service. Suites offer additional perks such as 235 complimentary Internet minutes and complimentary specialty dining. Cruisers can also spend time at the spa and fitness facilities, which previous passengers described as modern and comfortable.

Onboard entertainment includes seminars, wine tastings among other enrichment programs. At night, passengers can enjoy blackjack in Casino Luxe, take in shows at the Cabaret Lounge or sip cocktails at one of the three lounges. On top of all that, itineraries that are seven or more nights include a complimentary night experiencing local culture in port, known as AzAmazing Evenings. 

Crystal Serenity first set sail in 2003, and thanks to a $17 million refurbishment in 2013, the ship now features new Crystal Penthouses and a series of renovated restaurants. A main highlight is the herb garden (added to the lido deck), which boasts olive trees and fresh lavender. And with 12 onboard restaurants, including the specialty venues Prego and Silk Road & The Sushi Bar, there are plenty of dining options. 

In terms of lodging, 85 percent of all staterooms are appointed with verandas, and all cabins come outfitted with flat-screen TVs, minifridges and bathrooms with tubs. Guests staying in a Penthouse category room have access to extras like Jacuzzis, nightly hors' d'oeuvres and personal butler service. 

And with its language classes, wine and food tastings, and personalized service with 655 crew members catering to 1,070 guests, Crystal has long garnered high marks from cruisers and critics for its tailored onboard experience. There's also a feng shui-inspired spa, five bars and lounges and a casino. Additional onboard offerings include four shopping boutiques, a sports deck with a driving range and the Computer University@Sea. 

After undergoing a $125 million refurbishment in late 2016, Seven Seas Voyager boasts updated decor throughout the ship. The 698-passenger ship also carries 447 crew members, ensuring a low crew-to-guest ratio and a high standard of service.

A major draw is Seven Seas Voyagers all-suite accommodations, which are outfitted with flat-screen TVs, private balconies and marble bathrooms.

Recent passengers describe the common areas of the ship as never overly crowded. While onboard, passengers can lounge poolside or receive treatments at the Canyon Ranch SpaClub. After working up an appetite, guests can dine at one of the ship’s six venues, including the Prime 7 steakhouse and the French-inspired Signatures. As with all Regent Seven Seas ships, all specialty dining is included in the cruise fare.

When nighttime rolls around, guests can try their luck at the casino, catch a stage production at the Constellation Theater or savor a nightcap at one of four lounges and bars.

In 2017-18, Seven Seas Voyager departs from Miami for sailings in the Caribbean and sails from places like London and Copenhagen for itineraries throughout Europe. 

Debuted in 2016, Seven Seas Explorer is the newest and largest ship in the fleet. Welcoming up to 748 passengers, the ship makes service a priority with a nearly 1-to-1 crew-to-guest ratio. Plus, according to recent cruisers, the crew was friendly and attentive.

Travelers were even more impressed by the all-suite accommodations which are some of the largest offered among ocean liners. All suites include spacious balconies, marble bathrooms, walk-in closets, interactive flat-screen TVs and unlimited Wi-Fi.

Another high point: the cuisine. Explorer offers seven restaurants that range from the causal Pool Grill to Asian creations at Pacific Rim. As part of 'Regent Experience,' all specialty dining is included in the cruise fare.

Outside the cabins, guests can spend their days participating in cooking demos, lounging by the pool or relaxing in the library. At night, entertainment options include casino games, cocktail lounges and shows in the Constellation Theater.

The best perk, according to recent passengers? All shore excursions are included. In 2017-18, Seven Seas Explorer will depart from ports in Miami and Los Angeles for sailings in the Caribbean and Mexico as well as ports in London and Rome for sailings throughout Europe. 

The largest ship in Silversea's fleet, the 608-passenger Silver Spirit (which debuted in 2009) still prioritizes customer service with 376 crew members on board, maintaining a less than 1-to-2 crew-to-passenger ratio.

Recent cruisers were pleased with the all-suite accommodations, all of which offer ocean views and 95 percent include private verandas. The spacious suites (ranging from 312 to 1,668 square feet) offer amenities like butler service, minifridges and full baths with separate showers.

Spacious suites aren't the ship's only impressive asset: the ship houses six dining options, including the Relais & Châteaux-affiliated restaurant Le Champagne as well as the Seishin Restaurant – an Asian fusion outpost.

The extra space on board also allows for a roomier spa – 8,300 square feet, to be exact. When you're not getting pampered, take advantage of the ship's other activities like fitness classes, casino games and enrichment courses. Come nightfall, unwind in one of three bars, or catch a performance at The Show Lounge.

In 2017-18, Silver Spirit offers a variety of itineraries throughout the Caribbean, Europe, Africa and Canada.