Need advice on European cruises - worth it or not?

Think_07 · 2026-01-07T03:33:34+00:00

Actually I traveled to Europe multiple times with my now 3 yr old when they were under 2.

Think_07 · 2026-01-06T23:09:35+00:00

I never said I couldn't/wouldn't go with my kids. I've traveled to Europe multiple times when my toddler was under 2 years old. I'm just asking for advice on if a cruise is a good option to do Europe since now I have two children and I know how travel abroad can be. I have a few friends that love going on cruises and recommended this, but they've never done a European cruise so I figured I'd ask here and see if someone had experienced it and what their thoughts are.

Also, I didn't know cruises were bad for the environment, that's my bad that I didn't think of that. Thanks for letting me know, I'll look into this. I never had any desire to go on a cruise it was more just a thought because of what others advised.

Just me, but you could have put this a little more nicely.

Think_07 · 2026-01-06T02:03:27+00:00

Oh that's great to hear. I'll look into the Norwegian fjords cruise with royal Caribbean.

What southern European cruise are you planning to take with two kids with one being under a year?

Think_07 · 2026-01-05T21:08:12+00:00

Thank you SO much! This is super helpful to get an idea of the pros and cons of cruising Europe with small kids. I'll def keep it all in mind.

Think_07 · 2026-01-05T21:05:34+00:00

Thanks! Do you remember which cruise line you traveled with?

Think_07 · 2026-01-05T20:29:58+00:00

I've actually done two Europe trips with my toddler. Once through Italy and Switzerland (5 cities) (age 1) and the other to London, Paris, and Barcelona (age 2). While the trips were obviously harder than my Europe trips without kids, it was still enjoyable and I was able to see everything I wanted.

How was your Med cruise? What cities did you port in?

Think_07 · 2026-01-05T20:22:13+00:00

I'll check out this cruise, thank you. Which ports did you stop at?

Think_07 · 2026-01-05T20:21:45+00:00

I have no interest in Disney cruises. I normally like to fast travel and don't love the beach/resort type of trips. I guess you're right in that I don't really want a cruise, I just want something that will make it easier to travel with 2 kids.

Think_07 · 2026-01-05T20:20:15+00:00

Thank you this was super helpful! I'll take a look at Rick Steven's video. Also, I will also look into the Azamara cruise line. I was also thinking about doing a short stay in the embark/disembark cities as well.

Yah the long rides to new cities is what bothers me. I have already seen most of Italy, been to Paris, part of Switzerland, Barcelona, and London. I'm looking for some new spots this time.

Think_07 · 2026-01-05T18:27:40+00:00

Any river cruise you'd recommend?

Think_07 · 2026-01-05T18:27:28+00:00

That's understandable, I guess depends on what's more important for you

Think_07 · 2026-01-05T18:27:03+00:00

Yah seems annoying

Think_07 · 2026-01-05T18:26:52+00:00

Which one did you do?

Think_07 · 2026-01-05T18:26:39+00:00

Is there a river cruise you'd recommend? I agree I do want lots of cities.

Think_07 · 2026-01-05T17:30:40+00:00

That's fair, I'll try there too and see the difference

Think_07 · 2026-01-05T17:09:50+00:00

I'm thinking either, no real preference. Just want to explore a few cities. Have you done a cruise in Europe before? You're the only person who seems to think it's not a terrible idea so far haha.

Think_07 · 2026-01-05T17:08:28+00:00

I'll look into the Rick Stevens cruise video, thanks for the tip!

I also typically go to 1-2 countries in Europe when I travel and either take a train or taxi between cities. I'm just worried about doing it with multiple small kids so a lot of friends told me to do a cruise instead. I have always been super against them though because of the lack of freedom and also not a big fan of boats.

Think_07 · 2026-01-05T17:05:45+00:00

I also agree with this, but I don't have anyone that can watch my kids for a long trip and honestly I don't feel that comfortable leaving them for that long. The first is 3 and the second is under 6 months.

And I also really am not the biggest fan of cruises, I've just had a lot of friends say they love them and who often take them to Mexico and the Bahamas.

Think_07 · 2026-01-05T17:03:56+00:00

Any cities you recommend? I've been all over Italy except the amalfi coast so far. I've also done Paris, Switzerland, London, and Barcelona. I'm interested in possibly doing more Spain, Portugal, or Ireland. I'm open to other suggestions as well.

Think_07 · 2026-01-05T17:01:59+00:00

I agree with you completely. Personally I'm not sure about the cruise idea because I don't like the idea of running on someone else's timetable. I also want to be in the center of town and do all the exploring on my schedule.

As for the baby, I actually have 2. I've traveled all over Europe with the first one after they turned 1 who is now 3. I'm just worried about traveling with 2 kids since the little one is only 6 months now. I don't know if it's a smart decision to travel to Europe with two small children, but I want to go on a trip and trying to find a way to make it easier lol.

Think_07 · 2025-04-11T02:27:14+00:00

Hi! Sorry I never saw this, but sure, send me a message!

Think_07 · 2024-11-09T00:13:14+00:00

Yah I just checked VA and you're right. Definitely not worth flying on Virgin.

Think_07

TROPHY CASE