Spain and more destinations are preparing to welcome new cruise journeys as Star Explorer and others spotlight Europe in 2027. Meanwhile, these new cruise journeys are giving global travellers fresh reasons to explore Spain and more of Europe. Star Explorer and other cruise lines are bringing cultural experiences, smaller ports and memorable coastal escapes into sharper focus. As a result, Europe in 2027 could offer travellers a wider choice of cruise journeys than ever before. Travel And Tour World explores what Spain and more destinations can offer, where these new journeys travel, and what tourists should know before planning. Read the full story for essential insights.

2027 European Cruise Expansion: Six More Cruise Lines Opening New Routes, Ships and Cultural Journeys Beyond the Star Explorer Programme

The launch of new Star Explorer 2027 cruises comes at a time when Europe is experiencing exceptionally strong tourism demand. The wider market is also becoming more diverse, with cruise operators adding smaller ports, longer stays, Northern European routes, Mediterranean journeys and river-cruise experiences.

For travellers, the most interesting development is not simply the number of ships sailing Europe. It is the changing geography of cruise holidays.

Several operators are directing travellers towards Baltic capitals, Norwegian fjords, Iceland, British coastal towns, Mediterranean heritage centres and smaller European ports.

The following six cruise lines are particularly important when comparing the wider 2027 market with Windstar’s European programme.

Europe’s Tourism Market Provides a Strong Backdrop for 2027 Cruise Planning

Official Eurostat figures show how dramatically European tourism has recovered since the pandemic.

Eurostat reports that EU accommodation nights reached about 1.83 billion in 2021 and 2.73 billion in 2022. By 2023, the figure had moved beyond the pre-pandemic level.

The latest Eurostat estimate puts 2025 at approximately 3.08 billion nights, around 61.5 million above 2024. International visitors accounted for much of the additional demand.

The figures are important for cruise travellers because many European cruises combine port visits with hotel stays before or after sailing.

EU Tourism Nights: Five-Year Comparison

In 2024, international travellers accounted for 48.1% of EU tourism nights, while domestic visitors represented 51.9%. In 2025, the international share moved close to 49%.

This gives cruise companies a substantial pool of travellers already moving around Europe.

Europe’s Maritime Passenger Market Is Also Near Its Pre-Pandemic Level

Cruise traffic should not be confused with total maritime passenger traffic.

Eurostat recorded 417.8 million maritime passengers at EU ports in 2024, up 24.3 million, or 6.2%, from 2023. The total was only around 0.1% below the 2019 level.

Italy accounted for 93.5 million maritime passengers, Greece for 81.1 million and Denmark for 41.3 million.

The scale demonstrates why Mediterranean and Northern European ports remain strategically important for cruise operators.

1. Princess Cruises Expands Northern Europe With 48 Voyages and 54 Destinations

Princess Cruises is one of the most significant additions to the 2027 European cruise landscape.

Its expanded Northern Europe programme includes 48 voyages visiting 54 destinations across 18 countries. The programme provides travellers with a broad choice of Northern European ports rather than concentrating exclusively on the Mediterranean.

For travellers, this means more possibilities around Scandinavia, the Baltic region, Iceland and Northern European coastal cities.

A useful travel strategy is to combine the cruise with several days before departure. Travellers heading through Northern Europe can consider Copenhagen, Stockholm, Amsterdam or other gateway cities depending on their itinerary. Copenhagen is particularly convenient for combining urban sightseeing with a cruise departure.

Travellers should explore historic centres, waterfront districts, museums and local food markets rather than limiting themselves to organised port excursions. Danish visitors can look for open-faced smørrebrød, while Swedish stops provide opportunities to try traditional dishes such as meatballs, seafood and cinnamon buns. Baltic ports offer another culinary dimension, with regional rye breads, fish, soups and contemporary Nordic cuisine.

For accommodation, travellers should prioritise properties near major railway stations or central transport connections when arriving before a cruise. This reduces the risk of missing embarkation after flight delays.

The biggest advantage of the Princess programme is its geographic breadth. A single European holiday can combine several countries without repeatedly changing hotels.

For families and first-time European cruisers, this can simplify logistics considerably.

The programme also fits the wider tourism pattern. Europe recorded more than 3 billion tourism nights in 2024 and another record year in 2025, creating a strong environment for multi-country travel.

2. Norwegian Cruise Line Brings New 2027 European Open-Jaw Options

Norwegian Cruise Line is another important player in the 2027 European market.

The company announced that Norwegian Dawn would operate scenic open-jaw sailings between Barcelona and Lisbon from May through October 2027.

An open-jaw cruise can be particularly useful for international travellers because the holiday does not necessarily require returning to the original port.

Barcelona provides an opportunity to explore Catalan architecture, food markets and Mediterranean culture before sailing. Lisbon provides a different cultural environment, with historic neighbourhoods, viewpoints, Portuguese cuisine and access to nearby Sintra.

Travellers should consider spending two or three nights at both ends when flight schedules allow.

Barcelona visitors can explore the Gothic Quarter, modernist architecture and waterfront areas. Lisbon travellers can explore Alfama, Belém and the city’s historic tram routes.

Food should be an essential part of the itinerary.

Barcelona is ideal for tapas, seafood and Catalan specialities. Lisbon offers seafood, grilled fish, pastries and traditional Portuguese dishes.

For a longer land extension, Sintra is particularly attractive. Portugal’s official tourism authority identifies Sintra as a major cultural destination, with its historic architecture and UNESCO-recognised cultural landscape.

The route therefore creates a natural westbound European travel plan.

Suggested plan: two nights Barcelona, cruise, two or three nights Lisbon, followed by a Sintra or Porto extension.

3. Celebrity Cruises Adds 2027 European Experiences Across the Mediterranean and Northern Europe

Celebrity Cruises is expanding its European programme for 2027 and 2028, with its official programme highlighting 32 destinations across seven countries as part of its new European offering.

Its Mediterranean programme also features overnight stays in cities including Athens, Copenhagen, Florence, Istanbul, Lisbon, Madeira and Thessaloniki, while major European ports such as Barcelona, Rome and Venice remain part of the wider network.

For travellers, the overnight calls are particularly important.

A port visit that continues into the evening gives visitors more opportunity to experience restaurants, nightlife, museums and illuminated historic districts.

Athens works well for travellers interested in ancient history. Florence is suited to art and Renaissance heritage. Istanbul offers a distinctive bridge between European and Asian cultures.

Travellers should avoid attempting to see an entire city during one short call.

Instead, choose one central theme.

In Athens, focus on the Acropolis and surrounding historic districts. In Florence, prioritise the historic centre and major artistic landmarks. In Lisbon, explore the old neighbourhoods and waterfront.

Food can become the second theme.

Greek travellers can seek traditional mezze, grilled seafood and regional pastries. Florence is suited to Tuscan cuisine, while Istanbul provides opportunities for Turkish breakfast, kebabs, meze and sweets.

Celebrity is also entering European river cruising, with inaugural river sailings planned from August 2027 on the Rhine and Danube. The company says these journeys will include destinations such as Amsterdam, Budapest, Vienna and Prague.

This gives travellers another way to connect ocean cruising with European city breaks.

4. Seabourn Creates a 60-Destination Northern Europe Programme

Seabourn’s 2027 programme is especially relevant to travellers searching for smaller-scale European cruising.

Seabourn Quest will operate Northern European voyages between June and September 2027, with 10 departures covering 60 destinations in 19 countries. The line says these journeys provide access to at least 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Destinations span Norway, Iceland and the British Isles.

Seabourn also highlights smaller ports, fjords, castles, wildlife and regional cuisine. Its official programme includes destinations such as Amsterdam, London, Oslo, Rouen, Reykjavik, Klaipeda and Bruges.

Travellers interested in Norway should build time around scenic experiences rather than simply visiting the main cities.

Norway’s tourism statistics underline the destination’s strength.

The country recorded 40.6 million guest nights in 2025, including 14.2 million foreign guest nights. Foreign guest nights increased 14% year on year.

Norway’s commercial accommodation sector had recorded 38.6 million guest nights in 2024, including 12.4 million foreign guest nights.

Norway Guest-Night Trend

Statistics Norway reports that 2022 represented a 33% increase from 2021, while 2023 increased another 2.5%.

For travellers, Norway is ideal for combining fjord scenery with local seafood.

Look for salmon, cod, brown cheese and regional bakery products.

In Iceland, visitors can explore volcanic landscapes, geothermal attractions and Reykjavik’s cultural scene.

Travellers should also allow sufficient time between international flights and embarkation.

5. Oceania Cruises Builds a More Destination-Focused 2027 Europe Programme

Oceania Cruises is positioning its 2027–2028 collection around destination-rich travel, with Europe forming one of its major programme areas.

The company describes its European collection as covering destinations from the French Riviera to Türkiye, while its wider programme emphasises culinary and cultural experiences.

Oceania is also preparing for the introduction of Oceania Sonata, with inaugural voyages planned for 2027–2028.

For travellers, the attraction is the opportunity to pair Mediterranean destinations with food-led experiences.

The French Riviera can be approached through Nice, Cannes and surrounding towns. Italian ports can become gateways to regional food and heritage rather than simply serving as transfer points to famous cities.

Travellers visiting Italy should consider regional dishes instead of relying only on international restaurants near cruise terminals.

In France, local markets provide an easy introduction to regional products.

Italy’s tourism figures show why these destinations remain central to European travel.

Official Italian statistics recorded 139.6 million tourist arrivals and 466.2 million overnight stays in accommodation in 2024. Foreign visitors represented 53% of arrivals and 54.5% of overnight stays.

That provides a useful indicator of the enormous visitor base supporting Mediterranean cruise demand.

For a longer trip, travellers can combine an Italian cruise with two or three hotel nights before sailing.

6. Explora Journeys Extends the Luxury Small-Ship Approach Into 2027

Explora Journeys is another important luxury operator expanding its itinerary portfolio through 2027.

Its programme includes the Mediterranean, Western and Northern Europe, alongside the Caribbean, South America and Amazon. Its published itineraries include extended stays in destinations such as Port of Spain in Trinidad and Gustavia in Saint Barthélemy.

For travellers, extended stays can change how a destination is experienced.

Instead of rushing back to the ship after a short shore visit, passengers can spend additional time experiencing restaurants, local culture and evening activities.

This style particularly suits couples and luxury travellers who prioritise dining and relaxed exploration.

A Caribbean extension can also work well for travellers combining European and tropical holidays.

Port of Spain offers access to Trinidad’s cultural attractions and culinary scene, while Gustavia provides a gateway to Saint Barthélemy’s beaches, boutiques and restaurants.

Travellers should reserve high-demand restaurants and activities well ahead of their trip.

The broader appeal of Explora’s model is its combination of luxury accommodation at sea with destination-led travel.

For travellers comparing the six cruise lines, this makes Explora a particularly relevant option for those prioritising longer stays and premium experiences rather than maximum port count.

European Cruise Competition Is Becoming More Diverse

The 2027 landscape shows a clear shift towards different forms of cruising.

The comparison demonstrates that travellers now have more than one way to experience Europe by water.

Five-Year European Tourism Comparison Shows Why These Routes Matter

The wider tourism numbers reinforce the scale of the opportunity.

*2023 maritime passenger figure is derived from the 2024 Eurostat statement that 2024 was 24.3 million higher than 2023.

Spain’s official statistics show international arrivals climbing from 31.2 million in 2021 to 96.8 million in 2025.

That represents an increase of approximately 65.6 million international tourists across the five-year period.

Spain International Visitor Growth

The figures demonstrate why Barcelona, Bilbao, San Sebastián, Lisbon and other Iberian gateways remain important to cruise operators.

Italy, Spain and France Remain the Heavyweights of European Tourism

Eurostat recorded Spain, Italy, France and Germany as the four largest EU tourism markets by overnight stays in 2025.

Together, these four countries represented 61.7% of all EU tourism nights in 2025.

This concentration explains why cruise lines continue to develop Mediterranean and Western European itineraries.

However, the most interesting opportunity for travellers may be the destinations beyond those headline numbers.

Smaller Ports Could Become the Biggest Travel Advantage

The new programmes reveal an important travel trend.

Cruise operators are increasingly promoting smaller ports, boutique destinations and longer stays.

That matters because Europe is facing pressure in some highly visited locations.

For travellers, choosing an itinerary that includes smaller destinations can provide a more relaxed holiday while distributing spending across different communities.

The experience can also become more personal.

A visitor in a smaller Spanish town can spend time in local restaurants, markets and cultural venues rather than moving through a heavily congested attraction.

The same principle applies to Baltic ports, Norwegian coastal towns and smaller French destinations.

Detailed Traveller Planning Guide for a 2027 European Cruise

Travellers from outside Europe should check the latest entry requirements for every country included in their itinerary.

A cruise itinerary does not automatically mean that one country’s entry rules apply everywhere.

Visa, passport-validity and border requirements can vary according to nationality and destination.

How to Build the Ideal 2027 European Cruise Holiday

For travellers interested in Star Explorer 2027 cruises and competing programmes, the best approach is to choose the itinerary according to travel interests rather than ship alone.

For food lovers: Northern Spain, Portugal, Italy and France provide exceptional regional culinary possibilities.

For history travellers: Athens, Florence, Rome, Normandy, Tallinn and Istanbul offer particularly strong heritage experiences.

For nature travellers: Norway, Iceland, Ireland and Scandinavia provide dramatic landscapes.

For first-time Europe visitors: Barcelona-to-Lisbon or multi-country Mediterranean itineraries can provide a broad introduction.

For repeat European visitors: Baltic, British Isles and smaller-port programmes can provide a different perspective.

For luxury travellers: Windstar, Seabourn, Oceania and Explora offer particularly strong alternatives for travellers prioritising intimate experiences.

What the 2027 Cruise Wave Means for Global Travellers

The expansion of European cruise programmes is arriving alongside record tourism activity.

The EU recorded approximately 3.08 billion tourism nights in 2025, while Spain reached 96.8 million international tourists and Norway recorded 40.6 million commercial accommodation guest nights.

The cruise industry is therefore operating in an exceptionally active European travel environment.

For travellers, the biggest opportunity is choice.

Instead of selecting a cruise purely according to famous ports, visitors can now design holidays around food, heritage, landscapes, smaller communities and longer stays.

That makes the Star Explorer 2027 cruises particularly relevant to a broader shift in European travel.

The strongest itineraries may ultimately be those that give travellers enough time to step away from the ship, discover local communities and experience Europe beyond its most familiar tourist landmarks.

Conclusion

Spain and more European destinations are set to welcome travellers through an exciting selection of new cruise journeys in 2027. Star Explorer and others are putting culture, cuisine, heritage and lesser-known ports at the heart of the experience. For global travellers, these European journeys offer more than a cruise. They create opportunities to discover different countries through one carefully planned holiday. From Spain and Portugal to France, the Baltic and Scandinavia, travellers can choose routes matching their interests and travel style. Travel And Tour World encourages readers to explore these new European cruise journeys early and plan a memorable 2027 adventure.

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