Large ocean ships are floating resorts with several restaurants, pools, shows and kids' clubs. One voyage takes you to ports in several countries, and many itineraries start right in Hamburg, Kiel or Warnemünde, no flight needed.
We show which cruise region suits which season, how the big German cruise lines differ and how to explore ports on your own.
Cruise regions by season
| Region | Best time | Departures from Germany |
|---|---|---|
| Norway & fjords | May to September | Hamburg, Kiel, Warnemünde |
| Baltic Sea | May to September | Kiel, Warnemünde |
| Western Europe & capitals | April to October | Hamburg |
| Mediterranean | April to November | Fly or take the train |
| Canaries & Caribbean | November to April | Fly |
A rule of thumb for planning. Exact seasons are in each cruise line's brochure.
Guides in progress
- Mediterranean: classics between Spain, France, Italy and Greece
- Norway & fjords: from Hamburg and Kiel
- Caribbean: island hopping in winter
- Baltic Sea: capitals from Copenhagen to Stockholm
- AIDA vs. Mein Schiff: Germany's two big lines compared
Already online: the Hamburg port guide with terminals, transfers and hotels.