Planning a Virgin Voyages cruise from Europe? This guide covers the practical differences between sailings from Barcelona and Athens, from late-night port calls and overnight stays to heat, walking, local currency, and finding better-value dates.

What We Cover

• Choosing a European itinerary
  • Why the itinerary may matter more than the ship
  • Sailing from Barcelona, including ports in Spain, Italy, and France
  • Sailing from Athens, including Greek island, Croatian, and Montenegrin itineraries
  • Overnight calls in Ibiza and Mykonos
• Making the most of port days
  • Planning for later evening departures and dinner ashore
  • Managing consecutive, port-heavy days
  • When staying onboard can be the better choice
• Onboard entertainment and nightlife
  • Why programming can be lighter on long port days
  • What to expect onboard during overnight stays
• European summer essentials
  • Heat safety, hydration, sunscreen, and limited air conditioning
  • Pedestrianized city centers, hills, cobblestones, and suitable footwear
  • Checking excursion accessibility and activity levels
• Embarkation, currency, and gratuities
  • Barcelona cruise port and Athens/Piraeus logistics
  • Using euros and preparing for ports with other local currencies
  • Onboard charges in U.S. dollars and cash tipping options
• Finding better-value European voyages
  • Shoulder-season sailings in May, September, and October
  • Transatlantic repositioning voyages and longer stretches at sea
  • Potential future Northern Europe sailing possibilities

Links And Resources