Northern Europe Cruise Vacations

The countries of Northern Europe are wealthy and sophisticated with a rich history. The cities are filled with great architecture, art and cultural offerings. In addition to the city attractions, you’ll find some extraordinary rugged landscapes that leave an indelible impression upon all who visit.

There are essentially two different types of cruises within Northern Europe. Cruises of the Baltic Sea include visits to great cities in Norway, Finland, Denmark, Germany, Poland, Estonia, Sweden, and Russia.

Cruises of the Norwegian Fjords explore the almost supernatural beauty of the Norwegian coast. Deep gorges carved into the shoreline are ideal to explore by ship. In contrast to the cosmopolitan cities of the Baltic Sea cruises, the fjordland of Norway is dotted with quaint fishing villages.

Things To Do

Baltic Sea Cruises

The cities of Northern Europe feature hundreds of sightseeing options -- famous museums, great architecture including magnificent royal palaces, and thousands of years of history.

In Copenhagen, Denmark visit the renowned Tivoli Gardens. Stroll the historic streets of Helsinki and Oslo. Stockholm is a strikingly clean and beautiful city with a beautiful royal palace.

The State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg features an extraordinary collection of art. Founded almost 1000 years ago the historic city of Tallinn in Estonia is like a step back in time as you stroll through narrow cobblestone streets with ancient buildings. Berlin, Germany is the cultural and historical center of Germany.

Norwegian Fjord Cruises

The coastline of Norway is one of the most unique natural landscapes in the world. Thousands of pristine, narrow gorges cut into the mainland with a backdrop of soaring mountains, cascading waterfalls, towering trees and fields of wildflowers, and immense glaciers. Small towns and fishing villages add charm to the incredible natural beauty.

Hiking tours leave from most ports so you can experience the splendid natural beauty up close. Climb a glacier and have lunch at a cozy inn, meander through fields of wildflowers, and snap photo after photo of awesome waterfalls and coastal mountain panoramas.

The towns themselves are also fun to explore, with tidy well-kept homes, fish and flower markets and beautiful buildings and gardens. Take a self-guided walking tour and enjoy food at drink at cozy local establishments.

Ports of Call

The Baltic Sea cruises generally visit:

Oslo, Norway Copenhagen, Denmark

Stockholm, Sweden Helsinki, Finland

St Petersburg, Russia

Cruises might also make a stop in:

Berlin (Warnemunde), Germany

Tallinn, Estonia

Gdansk, Poland

Norwegian Fjord cruises generally visit:

Bergen Helsingor Flamm Geiranger/Hellsylt

Honningsvag Tromso Trondheim

Spitsbergen Stavanger Reykjavik

Season / Trip Lengths / Departure Ports

Weather and temperatures dictate a cruise season during the height of summer -- June to August. Cruises are generally 7-14 nights long and depart roundtrip from Southampton or Dover near London. A few cruises also depart roundtrip from Copenhagen.