Best Cruises to Take out of Europe as a First Timer

[Cruising Caribbean]

Which embarkation ports would you recommend as a first timer cruising out of Europe? I have not cruised out of Europe before, and I am a bit overwhelmed by all of the options. I don't even know where to begin! I was thinking to cruise out of Spain because there are so many options out of there. What airports would you recommend? Thanks in advanced for all of your feedback. I want to narrow down my search a bit. 

[Woody14]

Depending on which countries you want to see (you are not going to get them all at one shot) For a first timer I would recommend Barcelona or Rome (Civitavecchia).    Many from Barcelona give you a great taste of the western med and some Italy.    From Rome you get more central med and some east.    If you want the east you will need to sail from Greece or Venice.

Do you have a cruiseline you sail normally or are you more about the itinary?

[LukeJ]

@Woody14 yes tend to agree with Barcelona or Italy for first time.

Yet Norwegian Fjords is a massive plus, I do believe that anyone would find the place fascinating. And if you don't want to venture too far out, the proper European countries like Germany, Denmark or other Scandinavian countries is also a must.

[Cruising Caribbean]

@Woody14 Thanks for this! I have seen a good amount of cruises out of Rome, mostly roundtrip that would fit the bill. I really just want to start exploring Europe little by little via cruise. Since I'm novice, I prefer going somewhere where English is spoken, making it easier for me to communicate with the locals. I can't go for more than like 7-14 days at a time because I have to work! I have been cruising with MSC Cruises lately, and majority of the line's itineraries are out of Europe. This is what really opened my eyes to branching out and going away from the Caribbean on my next cruise. 

@LukeJ The fjords see like an epic itinerary. I have seen a few cruise reviews about the fjords where guests have said it's been the most incredible cruise itinerary to date. What is the best time of year to cruise the fjords in Norway? I would prefer to go when it's not too cold! I'mm a wimp when it comes to cold climates.

Edited November 13 by Cruising Caribbean

[LukeJ]

@Cruising Caribbean any time is glorious if I'm honest, however May is where you have the best chance to see the northern lights. It's spectacular, a real wow moment. I've been in August and the weather was stunning, and the views in each port was something out of this world. I got the balcony and I was so grateful that I did with the views on offer, I would have missed out on those otherwise.