Northern Europe Cruises

Northern Europe is enchanting at any time of year, but May to September is the best period. You’ll enjoy long, bright days and almost 24 hours of daylight in June. Summer for the locals is a time of festivals, exploring the countryside, and enjoying al-fresco dining.

Our Northern Europe itineraries vary from seven to 14 nights, with a vast range of choices, whether you’re looking for a week in the Norwegian fjords or a longer itinerary that explores the capitals of the Baltic. You can even sail from Southampton, England deep into the Arctic Circle, to Norway’s Nordkapp.

It is the responsibility of each guest to identify and obtain all required travel documents and have them available at the pier when necessary. Before leaving home, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the required travel documents you will be asked to provide prior to boarding the ship. You’ll find more information here.

The vast majority of countries visited by European cruises do not require a visa. From 2024, Americans, Canadians, and British citizens will be required to register for the new European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) to enter 30 European countries. 

This will be easy to apply for, inexpensive, and is simply a pre-authorization system similar to the ESTA that Europeans need to travel to the U.S. and Canada. Once you have the ETIAS, it will be valid for three years. You should make sure you have at least six months before your passport expires, too.

You can expect all kinds of summer weather, from bright sunshine to occasional mist, rain, and drizzle. Evenings can be cool. Come prepared for all eventualities, with light layers, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy shoes.

We offer excursions for a range of interests, from guided hikes to scenic boat rides, in-depth visits to castles and museums, and immersive explorations of local food and drink. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, an individual, a family, or a group of friends, you’ll find a fantastic range of cultural and experiential activities in every port.

On your travels in Northern Europe, you will experience a number of different cultures, currencies, cuisines, and languages. It’s important, and fun, to acknowledge these differences and learn a little about the historical events that have shaped each destination. English is widely spoken in Scandinavian countries, especially in the service industry, although it’s always appreciated if you learn a few words of the local language.

Prepare to encounter a number of different currencies on your travels; Finland, Estonia, and the Republic of Ireland use the Euro, but other countries have their own currencies. U.S. dollars are not necessarily accepted, although credit cards are widely used, and there are plenty of ATMs.