Europe Cruises

Board a boat on the Douro to see Porto majestically rising uphill; trips range from 50-minute cruises of the six bridges, including the Gustav Eiffel-designed Dona Maria Pia, to moonlit dinner sailings and day excursions to the Douro Valley.

Cruise up the Douro to the charming town of Régua in the Douro Valley, which just celebrated its 250th anniversary as a demarcated wine region; trips typically include a visit to a local quinta (wine lodge) en route.

Though you’re almost guaranteed to spot whales any time of year (if you don’t, most companies will give you a free return pass), finding puffins is more of a feat. They’re only out during the breeding season (April to August), when whale-watching boats detour to the islands of Akurey and Lundey in hopes of spotting them. All boats depart from Reykjavik harbour.

Traveling the extensive canal network by private barge is a relaxing and elegant way to tour Burgundy; book well in advance.

The Danube passes through several Bavarian cities, including Regensburg, Passau, and Nuremburg. Explore these cities as well as parts of Austria and Hungary on a seven-night Nuremburg to Budapest cruise. The River Cloud offers 1930s charm and a sprawling sundeck from which to take the sights.

The best way to travel up or down the scenic Norwegian coast is with the Hurtigruten cruise company, which specializes in voyages to remote destinations. Ships follow the old postal route between Bergen in the south and Kirkenes in the north. The full trip takes seven days, but you can hop on and off as you like, cruising around islands and past majestic fjords along the way.

Greece is a haven for sailing. Santorini Sailing Center offers privately available sailboats, speedboats and catamarans, each with a skipper, by the hour or by the day. They can also arrange bespoke luxury private cruises around the caldera or to neighboring islands such as Anafi and Ios.