From the long-awaited reopening of a cherished icon to the latest about two trendy European destinations and new summer sailings, November was full of European travel news. Read on to get up to speed on the big stories of November, and be sure to register for the TravelPulse newsletter to keep up to date with the latest news in the travel industry.

Ponant Unveils Expert-Led Experiences

It was announced this month that in 2025, Ponant will feature a series of new themed cruises with special guests and experts in various fields. In June, travelers can explore Sicily and Italy’s Adriatic Coast on a culinary-focused cruise with food writer Maureen Fant, and in July, foreign correspondent Robin Wright will be featured on a history-focused excursion to the Baltics. During October, Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart will lead a musical exploration of Ireland and France while cultural educator Aziz Abu Sarah will shine a light on the cultures of Spain and Portugal. 

Algarve Portugal (Photo Credit: Eric Bowman)

Portugal Continues Its Ascent

Speaking with TravelPulse Executive Editor Eric Bowman this month at the Visit Portugal Travel Trade Marketplace, the Visit Portugal team detailed the nation’s continued rise in the ranks of European destinations among American travelers. Visit Portugal said that in 2023, the country had a solid performance from the American market with a 31.5% increase in tourism receipts year on year, a 33.7% increase in stays and a robust 35.7% increase in guests. 

In addition, Visit Portugal detailed a host of new hotel openings across the country and new flights set to take off for Portugal in 2025 that will continue to drive growth. Two new United flights will connect Newark with Faro—located in the fetching Algarve region of southern Portugal—and Funchal, which is the biggest city on the island of Madeira. 

Croatia Aims To Be Year-Round Destination

Croatia is another European nation experiencing impressive growth among Americans. Through September, American travelers have made up a big portion of the nation’s visitor growth, accounting for 700,000 arrivals and 1.9 million overnight stays, which is an increase of 8% and 7% respectively compared to 2023.

With growth comes responsibility though, and TravelPulse reported this month that the Croatian National Tourist Board has put sustainability atop its priorities going forward. This includes promoting Croatia as a year-round destination and focusing on lesser-known destinations, culinary experiences and special events. This all comes on the heels of added connectivity and improved travel infrastructure. 

A rendering of Cruise Croatia’s MV Aretis (Photo Credit: Cruise Croatia)

Cruise Croatia Increases Fleet

Staying in Croatia, small ship line Cruise Croatia continues to grow, announcing this month that its fleet will be enhanced in Spring 2025 by the arrival of the MV Aretis, which will be able to accommodate up to 36 guests. The vessel will sail between Dubrovnik and Split and feature a restaurant & bar on the upper deck, a sundeck and a stylish covered outdoor lounge space complete with a jacuzzi. 

Notre Dame Cathedral Confirms Reopening Date

After five-plus years of repair work after the devastating fire of April 2019, officials in Paris confirmed the reopening date for Notre Dame Cathedral: December 7. The reopening will be celebrated with a festive ceremony that will commemorate the extensive restoration effort that has taken place at the cathedral. Ongoing renovations will continue into 2025, but will not negatively affect the visiting experience. 

Rail traveler in Europe (Photo Credit: Rail Europe)

Rail Europe Makes Group Travel Easier

European rail reference brand Rail Europe has launched RailGroupEasy this month, an innovative new service that will help make group rail travel booking in Europe easier. Typically a process full of pain points, group rail travel booking for more than 25 travelers will now be made easier and enhanced by RailGroupEasy with customized catering options, luggage porter services, welcome services and branded travel experiences.

Trevi Fountain Renovations Disappoint Travelers

The plans may have been in place for months, but the sight of the Trevi Fountain without water still sent shockwaves through the world of European travel this month. The romantic fountain is now dry and has a metal walkway over it and visitors are not allowed to throw coins in the typical way. A temporary tub of water has been set up to collect coins, derided as a “municipal swimming pool” by some. All this takes place against the backdrop of a potential entry fee being introduced at the fountain in 2025. 

Atlas Ocean Voyages’ World Traveller. (photo courtesy of Atlas Ocean Voyages)

Atlas Ocean Voyages Adds European Itineraries

Atlas Ocean Voyages has unveiled its 2026 summer lineup, and it will feature several European port of calls sprinkled throughout the adventure line’s already stellar portfolio of European experiences. The voyages will fall under either the culinary adventures or epicurean voyages category and are as follows: 

Picturesque Peaks & Fjords (Cultural): 14 nights round trip from London departing June 1, 2026

Denmark & Sweden Beauties (Cultural): 10 nights from Oslo to Stockholm departing June 30, 2026

Sea of Antiquity (Epicurean): 10 nights from Istanbul to Rome departing July 20, 2026

Riviera Marvels (Epicurean): 10 nights from Rome to Barcelona departing July 30, 2026

Pearls of Italy (Epicurean): 7 nights from Rome to Dubrovnik departing September 8, 2026.

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