Northern Europe Cruise | Cruise Specialists Blog

Travelers have access to a treasure trove of Northern Europe cruise options, with ancient and enchanting lands stretching from Greenland in the west and north into the Arctic Circle. Cruise lines – from boutique ships carrying just a few hundred guests to the largest, most activity-laden ships – all have unique ways of introducing travelers to the spectacles and shores of Northern Europe. Here are a few Northern Europe highlights along with some of the best cruise lines that can take you there.

With Iceland’s soaring popularity, a cruise provides incredible value and a wonderful opportunity to explore this land of fire and ice. Other cruises may take you in-depth through the United Kingdom and bustling London, or go off the beaten path in the Shetland Islands. Cruise through Norway’s dramatic fjords and cross into the Arctic – all the way to the country’s northernmost point: North Cape. Summer offers months of never-ending sunlight, perfect for maximizing your visit to Scandinavia, whether it’s trying Swedish cuisine, exploring charming medieval towns in Finland or touring Copenhagen, originally a Viking fishing village. Further east, there are fascinating ports of call in the Baltic’s Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia.

Take a look at this map created by Cruise Specialists to see what some of the most popular starting and ending points are for Northern Europe cruises.

Here are some of the most popular cruise lines that feature Northern Europe cruises:

Cunard

The iconic ships of Cunard provide a sophisticated means of travel through Europe. Savor grand feasts, relax with white-gloved afternoon tea and take your place in the rich heritage of ocean travel at a Royal Night themed ball. With Cunard being the first to operate Transatlantic liner service between England and America, it’s only fitting that you include a Transatlantic Crossing as part of your Northern European adventure.

Explora Journeys

Launching in 2023, the inaugural season of Explora Journeys offers a variety of itineraries throughout Northern Europe, including an inaugural Norwegian Journey in July 2023. It will feature Norwegian fjords, Svartisen Glacier and the dramatic North Cape. An Inaugural Iceland & Greenland Journey in September 2023 will feature multiple ports in Iceland and Greenland, allowing inquisitive travelers to spend quality time exploring these other-worldly landscapes. See the calving Eqi Glacier in Greenland, Iceland’s can’t-miss Golden Circle and unique wildlife along the way.

Seabourn

Visiting Northern Europe with Seabourn is elegant, easy and carefree, with nearly everything included. In fact, Seabourn promises a voyage that is nothing less than magical. In Iceland and Greenland, experience spectacular destinations with expert lecturers and optional Zodiac rides accompanied by Seabourn’s veteran expedition team.

Silversea

Silversea’s small ships bring you into the heart of some of Northern Europe’s most exciting destinations – in fact, one of their most memorable embarkation points is along the Thames at London’s Tower Bridge. Join Silversea and cruise to some of the prettiest villages and islands scattered across the North Sea, or all the way up to North Cape, with astounding vistas and seemingly endless sunlight.

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking’s Norwegian heritage is proudly carried on throughout its fleet of award-winning ships. Serene Scandinavian design is thoughtfully integrated and connects you to your destination. Spacious public venues are inspired by epic journeys of discovery and invite you to relax while taking in the scenery.

Princess Cruises

Europe is a land of legends and royalty, glorious history, fabled cities and spellbinding beauty. Princess Cruises takes you deep into the Baltics, with well-preserved Tallinn, friendly and modern Klaipeda, and Riga—a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its many Art Nouveau buildings.

Azamara

Azamara proudly introduces their new “Country-Intensive Voyages.” You’ll quickly realize how these immersive itineraries connect you to the countries’ authentic heart of local life and culture. Unpack once and travel to a balanced mix of marquee ports and hidden gems, with overnights in key ports to explore even further. Country-Intensive Voyages in Northern Europe include Iceland, Denmark, Scotland, Ireland and Norway.