Northern Europe Cruises

Experience the Wonders of Northern Europe with CruiseAway

Prepare for an unforgettable adventure as you set sail for **Northern Europe**—a region bursting with history, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Cruising through this enchanting area allows you to explore charming cities steeped in Viking lore, majestic fjords, and picturesque coastal towns. Highlights often include the grandeur of Scandinavian architecture, the stunning beauty of the Norwegian fjords, and the quaint charm of medieval towns. Fun fact: Did you know that **Lapland**, located in Northern Europe, is home to the Sami people and the famous Santa Claus Village? Cruises through Northern Europe provide the perfect opportunity to experience a blend of natural beauty and cultural wonders!

Top Harbours to Explore in Northern Europe

When venturing to **Northern Europe**, several harbours promise unique experiences. Here are five noteworthy ports to consider:

• Southampton, England: A major port for cruises to Northern Europe, Southampton offers easy access to London. As you dock, explore the historic **SeaCity Museum** or take a day trip to the majestic **Stonehenge**. Pro tip: Use the public transit system—it’s effective, affordable, and will get you to the heart of London in under two hours!
• Copenhagen, Denmark: The vibrant capital of Denmark invites you to stroll through its colourful **Nyhavn** area and visit **Tivoli Gardens**, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. Make sure to stop by the **Little Mermaid Statue**! Insider tip: Rent a bike to explore the city like a local—Copenhagen is known for being bike-friendly and offers beautiful routes along the waterfront.
• Rotterdam, Netherlands: Known for its modern architecture, Rotterdam is a unique city with something for everyone. Exploring the **Markthal** with its iconic ceiling artwork, walking along the **Erasmus Bridge**, or visiting the historic **Delfshaven** district are all must-do activities. Pro tip: Try the local **stroopwafels** for a sweet treat during your visit!
• Reykjavik, Iceland: Your gateway to nature’s wonders, Reykjavik is bursting with vibrant culture and stunning landscapes. Take advantage of your time by exploring the **Golden Circle**, which includes waterfalls, geysers, and, of course, the Blue Lagoon for a relaxing soak. Insider tip: Book a guided tour to make the most of your experience—there’s so much beauty to take in!
• Oslo, Norway: A city that beautifully combines nature and urban living, Oslo is steeped in history and culture. Visit the **Vigeland Sculpture Park** and explore the **Viking Ship Museum**. Pro tip: Take a ferry to the nearby islands of the Oslo Fjord for a delightful afternoon escape!

Best Times to Cruise in Northern Europe

Timing your cruise to Northern Europe can greatly enhance your experience. The optimal cruising months are usually from **May to September**, where you can expect mild temperatures ranging from **15°C to 25°C**. This period also offers long daylight hours, perfect for exploring. The months of **April and October** present cooler temperatures, from **5°C to 15°C**, with fewer crowds, making it a more budget-friendly choice if you prefer quieter ports and activities.

Cost of Cruising in Northern Europe

Are you curious about the cost? A typical one-week cruise to Northern Europe averages around **$2,200 to $4,200**, while a two-week itinerary can cost between **$4,500 and $7,500**. For luxury options, expect starting prices from **$6,000** upwards for a one-week cruise. The most economical times to sail are during the shoulder months of April and October, while July and August generally command premium pricing due to peak travel seasons. When enjoying meals in port, plan a budget of about **$25 to $60** per meal, depending on where you choose to dine.

Major Cruise Lines Offering Northern European Adventures

• Cunard: With a fleet size of **four ships**, **three** are dedicated to Northern Europe, including the elegant **Queen Mary 2** and **Queen Anne**. Departures occur from ports like **Sydney** and **Southampton**, making it convenient for cruisers. Cunard is famed for its sophisticated onboard experience, complete with exquisite dining options, relaxing afternoon teas, and a splendid atmosphere that exudes timeless charm.
• P&O Cruises: P&O has a fleet of **seven ships**, with **six** visiting Northern European destinations. Ships like **Aurora** and **Britannia** often depart from key ports like **Southampton** and **Bridgetown**. Known for their warm hospitality and family-friendly atmosphere, P&O Cruises focus on creating memorable experiences with plenty of onboard activities and entertainment options.
• Holland America Line: This cruise line has **11 ships**, and **four** sail to Northern Europe, with the **Nieuw Statendam** and **Rotterdam** leading the pack. Departures often occur from **Sydney** and **Rotterdam**. Holland America is celebrated for its commitment to enriching travel experiences, including exclusive culinary classes and expert-led shore experiences that delve into local cultures.
• Princess Cruises: With **17 ships** and **nine** that cruise to Northern Europe, notable vessels include the **Sky Princess** and **Crown Princess**. Typical departure points include **Sydney** and **Southampton**. Princess Cruises is recognized for its excellent onboard entertainment and imaginative shore excursions designed to let you explore your beautiful destinations thoroughly.
• MSC Cruises: With a total fleet of **23 ships**, **four** offer itineraries to Northern Europe, including the **MSC Poesia** and **MSC Virtuosa**. They typically depart from ports like **Southampton** and **Copenhagen**. MSC is famed for its family-friendly amenities and innovation in Italian dining, ensuring a delightful experience on board every cruise.

Luxury and Small Ship Options

• Silversea: This luxury cruise line has a fleet of **13 ships**, with **five** travelling to Northern Europe. The **Silver Dawn** and **Silver Spirit** often depart from ports like **Copenhagen** or **Southampton**. Silversea is renowned for its all-suite accommodations, gourmet dining, and exclusive shore excursions that offer immersive cultural experiences.
• Viking Ocean Cruises: With **11 ships**, **eight** offer itineraries in Northern Europe. Key ships like the **Viking Neptune** and **Viking Sky** frequently embark from **Bergen** or **Greenwich**. Viking is known for its immersive, culturally enriching voyages that delve deep into local traditions, ensuring that your travel experience goes beyond traditional cruising.
• Oceania Cruises: This line operates **eight ships**, with **four** sailing to Northern Europe, including the **Sirena** and **Vista**. Departing most often from **Southampton** or **Reykjavik**, Oceania Cruises boasts acclaimed culinary experiences on board, with meals crafted by renowned chefs, ensuring top-notch dining on top of your exciting itinerary.
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Featuring a fleet of **six ships**, **five** explore Northern Europe. The **Seven Seas Grandeur** and **Seven Seas Navigator** are popular choices. These cruises depart mainly from **Southampton** or **Reykjavik** and offer a luxurious all-inclusive experience, where shore excursions, gourmet meals, and fine wines are included in the fare.
• Ponant: With **11 ships** and **seven** cruising to Northern Europe, the **Le Bellot** and **Le Lapérouse** are among the top choices. Departing often from **Reykjavik** or **Greenock**, Ponant focuses on luxurious small-ship experiences, combining elegance with a sense of adventure for unforgettable travels in stunning regions.

Explore Alternative Regions

While a cruise to **Northern Europe** is certainly enticing, consider these five appealing alternative regions for your next adventure:

• Scandinavia: Perfect for those intrigued by fjords, fairy-tale cities, and unique Viking history, Scandinavia offers breathtaking scenery and rich cultural heritage.
• The British Isles: Full of charm with its historic castles, quaint villages, and rugged coasts, discover the very essence of British culture and hospitality.
• Western Europe: Taking in iconic cities and famous landmarks, Western Europe provides a fab blend of history, art, and culinary delights.
• Eastern Mediterranean: Explore stunning islands and archaeological wonders while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and delicious cuisine of this beautiful area.
• Norwegian Fjords: A specialized cruise through the fjords rewards you with breathtaking landscapes and stunning natural beauty that is truly one-of-a-kind.

A cruise to **Northern Europe** promises unforgettable sights and unique experiences around every corner, all while indulging in comfort and luxury aboard the ship. So why wait? Book your cruise holiday with **CruiseAway** today and embark on an extraordinary journey through this captivating region!