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
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 to 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 to 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 to 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to cruise Northern Europe?
June to August, for the warmest weather and longest daylight, including the midnight sun further north.
Are Northern Europe cruises worth it?
Yes. They're a practical way to combine Scandinavia's fjords, cities and the Baltic states in one trip, without arranging multiple internal flights.
Where not to go in Europe right now?
Most of Europe remains safe and open to tourism. Ukraine, and parts of Russia and Belarus, are the main areas currently flagged against travel by the FCDO.
Is Finland prettier than Norway?
Norway's fjords and mountains tend to draw more praise for dramatic scenery, while Finland is loved for its lakes, forests and Northern Lights viewing. Both have distinct appeal.
Which Nordic country is the prettiest?
Norway is often rated the prettiest for its fjords and mountains, though Sweden and Finland's lakes and forests have their own strong appeal.
Is Viking or Norwegian cruise better?
Viking Ocean Cruises offers a smaller, adults-only, destination-focused style. Norwegian Cruise Line runs larger, more activity-packed ships. The better choice depends on which onboard style you prefer.
Is Viking cruise for old people?
Viking tends to attract an older, adults-only crowd, given its no-kids policy and destination-focused style, though all adults are welcome regardless of age.
Where do Northern Europe cruises depart from?
Southampton is the main UK departure port, with some itineraries also sailing from Warnemünde in Germany.
Which cruise line is best for Northern Europe?
Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and Holland America Line are well established across Northern Europe, alongside Viking Ocean Cruises for a smaller, adults-only sailing.
What is the most beautiful country in Northern Europe?
Norway is frequently rated the most scenic, for its fjords and coastline, though Sweden, Finland and Iceland are all strong contenders depending on your taste.
What is the least expensive Nordic country to visit?
Finland and Estonia tend to be more affordable than Norway or Sweden, particularly for food, drink and local transport.
Which countries do Northern Europe cruises visit?
Typical itineraries cover Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Sweden and Denmark in one round trip.
Why is Viking Cruises so expensive?
Viking's fares are all-inclusive of drinks, Wi-Fi, tips and often shore excursions, which pushes the headline price higher than mainstream lines that charge separately for these.
Are cruises affected by the Iran War?
No. Northern Europe is geographically unrelated to the Middle East conflict, and itineraries here are operating as normal.
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