Hi, my husband and I are considering a cruise within Europe. We think we’d prefer one with a smaller number of passengers, but one which has a great reputation (for itinerary, food, accommodations, etc.). I see the ads on TV but that’s about all I know about cruises. Based on your own personal experience, could you recommend the best cruise line(s), and why? Thanks in advance.

Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea and Crystal are all higher end “small ship” cruise lines that have an excellent reputation.

You can find out a lot about them on their respective websites and you can also go to the Cruise Critic website (https://www.cruisecritic.com) where you can compare the pros and cons of each of those cruise lines and also compare them to cruise lines with larger ships. You’ll find hundreds of reviews of the cruise lines themselves as well as the various itineraries offered by each cruise line. There’s a wealth of information on that site and you’ll find answers to all your questions and dozens of other aspects about cruising that you haven’t even thought about yet.

Also look into Oceania which has smaller cruise ships.

Do you want an ocean cruise or a river cruise?

Another cruise line you can consider that has smaller ships is Azamara. They are also more upscale.

You should be aware of that. Most of these cruise lines are pretty expensive compared to mass market cruise lines

Look at Viking, they have both river and ocean cruises in Europe, comparable in price to many of the other lines people have mentioned

We love Azamara, with ships of 600 or so passengers. Ocean cruises only, not river cruises. They tend to stay bit longer in certain ports. Food, service, entertainment all excellent. But hope you know not to book with them directly, nor any other cruise line. We have been recommended by worldwide travellers to use Pavlus Travel in NM for far better prices. I would suggest you contact them for info on what you are considering.