Northern Europe Cruises
Cruises through Northern Europe are always a delight, especially if you’re after city breaks and no-fly cruises from UK ports; with the rich culture, history, and cuisine of destinations like Amsterdam, Riga, and Tallinn on offer alongside voyages to the Arctic Circle and Scandinavia, they’re always an exciting adventure.
Northern Europe Cruise Deals
Cruise lines Sailing to Northern Europe
With such a wide variety of destinations available when it comes to Northern Europe cruises and Nordic cruise itineraries, you’ll find an impressive selection of cruise lines to choose from when booking your next adventure in this rich region. From popular budget-friendly cruise lines where the atmosphere is always lively, available alongside historic options where elegance fosters a refined environment onboard, there’s a cruise line to suit every type of cruisers when cruising to stunning destinations in Northern Europe.
Cruise ships sailing to Northern Europe
When booking a Scandinavian countries cruise and sailings through Northern Europe, you’ll find yourself with a fantastic variety of cruise ships to choose on, thanks to the selection of cruise lines sailing to this part of the world. With each ship offering you different dining options, unique entertainment opportunities, and a variety of unforgettable experiences, you’re certain to find a voyage to suit your tastes and preferences.
Types of cruises to Northern Europe
Last-minute deals, all-inclusive packages, luxury sailings, and more. These are all among the plethora of options available when it comes to booking yourself a Northern Europe cruise. A destination with so many remarkable experiences and adventures waiting, you’ll have no trouble finding the right type of cruise for you.
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Northern Europe cruises are among the most adaptable available, with both no-fly cruises from UK ports available alongside cruise and stay packages; the options available range from short city breaks to famous Christmas markets in November and December, to longer itineraries around Scandinavia, taking in the Norwegian fjords on an adventure into the Arctic Circle, and so much more. Home to some of the most fascinating cities, steeped in history and overflowing with culture, Northern Europe cruises whisk you away to hidden gems and must-see sights alike.
This is also a popular destination for family-friendly getaways, with so many incredible options sailing from UK ports like Southampton, Dover, and Tilbury (London). But, while no-fly cruises are fantastic, you’ll also find plenty of itineraries starting from ports like Amsterdam and Copenhagen; extended visits to these remarkable cities is a great way to kick-start your holiday.
Best Time for a Northern Europe Cruise
If you’re looking to enjoy as many daylight hours as possible, and sunny weather while exploring Northern Europe, the best time for a cruise in this part of the world is between May and December. However, with the high season being during the school holidays between June and August, you’ll find cheaper cruises – and fewer crowds – when booking at the beginning and the end of this season. You’ll still get a fantastic cruise experience when you do, though, so don’t worry!
Alternatively, if you’re willing to brave the colder weather, November and December are also excellent options. You’ll find Christmas markets scattered throughout this part of the world, something that’s guaranteed to get you into the festive mood. Meanwhile, late August to mid-April is the best time of year to see the Northern Lights if you’re heading to ports in Iceland and Scandinavia.
What to do on a Northern Europe Cruise
In the summertime, you can enjoy the lush scenery of the Keil Canal, the vibrant café culture of Amsterdam, and the charming cobbled streets of Bruges. When winter rolls around, you’ll be able to indulge in boutique shopping and vibrant Christmas markets. Unlike action-packed cruises in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, Northern Europe cruises are more relaxing and you’ll find yourself with plenty of opportunities to soak in the local culture while sampling flavourful foods and learning more about the complex histories of the destinations you’ll visit.
Northern Europe Cruises Destinations and Shore Excursions
Northern Europe Cruises in Holland
Cruises to Holland are a fantastic way of visiting the wonderful cities of Amsterdam and Rotterdam. The country may be known for its clogs, tulips and canals, but it also offers one of Europe's most cultured cities: Amsterdam. From the maritime museum and Anne Frank's house to the diamond factory tours and charming cobbled streets, you'll want to go back as you'll struggle to make the most of the city in a day!
Northern Europe Cruises in Germany
A Northern Europe cruise to Germany gives you the opportunity to visit Hamburg, the seventh largest city and the third largest port in Europe, and the historic Kiel Canal. The Kiel Canal is a man-made canal running from Brunsbüttel to Kiel-Holtenau and at almost 100km in length, the journey saves around 250 nautical miles as you don't have to sail around the Jutland Peninsula. In addition, Hamburg is one of Germany's most popular and fastest growing tourist destinations and boasts an array of museums, parks and places of interest.
Northern Europe Cruises in Belgium
Cruises to Bruges take you to one of Europe's most charming cities. The romantic, cobbled streets, boutique shopping and vast selection of famous Trappist beers all add to the quaint atmosphere and relaxing pace of the city. In the summer you can relax along the canal side in the serene surroundings and in winter the hustle and bustle of the markets make for a fascinating visit.
