Know the best gifts from Europe before you set sail.
From dramatic views of coastlines to skylines to tasting tours and off-road adventures, you’ll make plenty of memories on your European cruise. Even more rewarding, you can share your experiences with your friends and family when you bring home cool souvenirs from Europe.
How do you decide what’s worth the money and what to leave behind? This cheat sheet of ideas for souvenirs to take home from Europe features items that are easy to carry, practical and reflective of the cultures and countries you visit.
If you decide to bring home some edible European goodies to the United States, be sure to keep them packaged until the end of your cruise. U.S. Customs and Border Protection requires food items taken onboard or off the ship to be sealed and packaged.
They also prohibit fruits and vegetables from being taken on or off the ship. For your wine products purchased ashore, our ship crew will hold them for safekeeping until the end of the voyage.
Croatia
Croatia may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of fashion, yet it’s the home of the modern necktie. Mercenaries from the country brought it to France, where it soon gained worldwide popularity.
Pick up a few of these iconic accessories with patterns like classic stripes or contemporary prints from any of the shops around the town of Dubrovnik.
More Croatian souvenirs and gifts to take home include:
- Jams
- Lavender soap
- Wooden toys
England
You’ll find plenty of items — from T-shirts to keychains to handbags — all over London and Dover boldly featuring Union Jack. Grab a coffee cup adorned with England’s flag, and fill it with a real English treat: tea. Sample the flavors of England’s favorite beverage, including Ceylon, Darjeeling and traditional black tea.
If you want more English souvenir take-home ideas, look for:
- Pillboxes
- Shortbread
- Umbrellas
Italy
You can’t go wrong with Italian leather goods (think handbags, belts and shoes) from Florence, the birthplace and center of Italian leather crafting. Gourmet treats such as pasta, balsamic vinegar, olive oil and limoncello — a classic Italian liquor — are also favorite gifts everyone enjoys.
Additional Italian souvenir take-home ideas include:
- Handmade Shoes
- Wine
- Murano glass
Montenegro
While you’re in the beautiful city of Kotor during your cruise, you will find that cats are widely popular among locals. In fact, Kotor has a museum dedicated to the city’s feline fascination. While you check it out, stop by the gift shop to pick up cat-centric trinkets to remember your time in this Adriatic city.
Check out these other Montenegro souvenirs to take home:
- Vranac wine
- Lavender products
- Orthodox prayer ropes
Greece
The mati, commonly known as the “evil eye”, has everything you want in a souvenir. It’s lightweight, attractive and embedded in the local culture. With stunning blue and white concentric circles reminiscent of the blue water surrounding the country, this is a good luck charm that dates back to antiquity. You should have no problem finding the evil eye during your cruise to Corfu, and they’re small enough that you can pick up an assortment of pieces to share with everyone back home.
Other Greek souvenirs to consider include:
- Grecian pottery
- Greek Soap
- Bouzouki, a Greek string instrument.
Malta
It may be one of the smallest countries in Europe, but the island nation Malta has a rich cultural history. After you explore the fascinating architecture, bring back a piece of Maltese history in miniature form. These hand-crafted, tiny works of art are exact replicas of the cathedral, chapels and farmhouses across the island.
Look for these other souvenirs as well:
- Filigree jewelry
- Colorful Textile Dolls
- Maltese nougat candy
Portugal
The best kinds of souvenirs you can take home from Europe are the ones that evoke the experience of being back in the country. This rings true for the Portuguese seafood. Sampling fresh seafood is a must in Funchal, Lisbon and Leixões, but since you can’t bring a filet back home, choose some canned fish and port wine for a Portuguese treat back home.
Additional Top Portuguese souvenirs to take home include:
- Cork products
- Ceramic tiles
- Rooster-themed crafts
Spain
Spain is the world’s leading producer of olive oil, and it’s easy to find a variety of bottles at Palma de Mallorca, Malaga and Barcelona. If you prefer olive oil with a milder flavor, look for smooth blends. Spanish wines like Rioja are also popular, so pick up a bottle along with a wineskin to create the perfect gift to take back home.
Other Spanish souvenirs to take home include:
- Handheld fan
- Castanets
- Bottle of Cava sparkling wine or a port of Sherry
France
When you think of France, chances are that gourmet food, fine wine and classic works of art come to mind. Well, there’s a good reason for that! France is home to some of the most popular wines in the world. During your cruise to Marseille in southern France or Le Havre in Normandy, pick up a bottle of Bordeaux or Champagne to recreate the special experience back at home.
If you prefer alcohol-free souvenirs, look for:
- Replica of the Eiffel Tower
- Soaps
- Perfume
European cruises lets you sample the culture and cuisine of the continent’s coastline. In addition to the fabulous memories and photos you’ll bring back with you, you can bring back one-of-a-kind memorable gifts from Europe.
If you’ve already booked your cruise vacation, we’re thrilled to be part of your experience and if you’re still planning it, we’re here to help! Check out our selection of cruises to find the perfect adventure for you and your family.