Ultimate Guide to Scandinavia and Northern Europe Cruises

A cruise to Scandinavia and Northern Europe is one of the most enriching and scenic journeys you can take. You’ll see dramatic fjords, discover Viking heritage, and explore elegant Baltic capitals. It’s an experience unlike any other. These cruises are a great choice for first-time cruisers, families, couples seeking romance, as well as solo explorers. If you’re thinking about a Northern Europe and Scandinavian cruise, here’s what you need to know.

Choosing the Right Cruise Itinerary to Scandinavia and Northern Europe

The ideal cruise for you depends on your travel goals, time available, and the type of experience you’re seeking.

A Norwegian fjords itinerary combines scenic fjord cruising with stops at charming coastal towns. Cruises like the 3-Night Magical Fjords of Norway Voyage typically visit ports such as Bergen, Geiranger and Trondheim.

Baltic itineraries are a strong choice for travellers interested in history and architecture. For example, the 12-Night Scandinavia and Baltic Cruise takes you to Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Tallinn and Helsinki. This lets you experience medieval charm, regal landmarks, and vibrant Nordic culture.

If the Northern Lights are on your bucket list, consider Arctic expedition cruises with autumn or winter itineraries. These Northern Lights cruises focus on Arctic exploration and aurora viewing opportunities.

Timing Your Cruise Right

Weather and daylight conditions determine the cruising season in Northern Europe.

Summer, from June to August, is the most popular time to cruise Scandinavia. Long, warm days make this season ideal for hiking, fjord viewing and photography. In regions like Tromsø, you may even experience the ‘Midnight Sun’. This is the ideal season for first-time visitors. However, be prepared for higher prices and busier ports.

May and September are excellent choices if you prefer fewer crowds and better value. This shoulder season offers cooler temperatures and a chance to witness seasonal transitions. You’ll also find fewer tourists in major cities and fjord towns.

You’ll need to travel outside the traditional cruising season to see the Aurora Borealis. This phenomenon is also known as the Northern Lights. Cruises between late September and March offer the best chances of seeing this natural spectacle.

Budgeting for a Scandinavia and Northern Europe Cruise

Scandinavia and Northern Europe cruises may cost more than Caribbean or Mediterranean cruises.

Your cruise fare typically includes your stateroom, meals in primary dining venues, and onboard entertainment. It excludes shore excursions, alcoholic drinks, specialty dining, spa services, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and shopping. Some cruise lines offer bundled options to help offset these costs. In addition, you’ll also have to account for airfare to and from the end ports.

Seeing the Northern Lights on a Scandinavia and Northern Europe Cruise

Many people book a Scandinavia and Northern Europe cruise to see the Northern Lights. Picture green, purple, and pink lights dancing across the Arctic sky.

This phenomenon is visible during the darker months, typically between late September and March. The further north you travel, the better your chances of clear aurora activity. That said, no cruise line can guarantee a Northern Lights sighting. Sightings depend mainly on solar activity and weather conditions.

Most Popular Scandinavia and Northern Europe Cruise Lines

Here are some of the most popular cruise lines sailing in the region.

• MSC Cruises
  MSC cruises are known for modern ships, family-friendly facilities, and competitive pricing. Their Northern Europe cruises to Germany, Denmark, and Norway are popular picks for family cruises.
• Royal Caribbean
  The Royal Caribbean’s activity-packed ships are ideal for families and multi-generational travellers. Popular itineraries range from a 2-Night Weekend Getaway Voyage to a 7-Night Norwegian Fjords Cruise.
• Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) 
  NCL cruises are known for flexible “Freestyle” cruising with family cabins and excursions for all ages. Solo-friendly amenities on NCL ships also make cruises like the 7-Night Northern Europe Voyage popular with solo cruisers.
• Celebrity Cruises
  This premium cruise line is known for stylish ships, refined dining, and destination-focused itineraries. If you’re looking for a relaxed holiday, consider cruises like the 11-Night Best of Scandinavia cruise.
• Havila Voyages
  Havila Voyages focuses on itineraries along Norway’s rugged coastline. Cruises like the 3-Night Northern Norwegian Adventure Voyage promise a unique, authentic experience aboard modern, sustainable ships.

If you’re looking for a more intimate expedition-style experience, check out itineraries by:

• Aurora Expeditions 
  The Aurora Expedition cruise experience is geared towards adventure in the remotest places. Cruises like the 7-Night Spitsbergen: Realm of the Ice Bear voyage give you a chance to enjoy tundra hikes, zodiac cruises, polar plunges and more.
• Hurtigruten 
  Hurtigruten’s smaller ships offer a more personalized cruising experience and access to remote ports. Their signature voyages like the 6-Night North Cape Line cruise are popular with cruisers chasing the Northern Lights.
• Ponant
  This 5-star luxury cruise line specializes in small-ship, French-inspired, expedition travel. For example, the 8-Night Iconic Capitals & Towns of the Baltic voyage on the Le Champlain sails with fewer than 200 guests. Thus, every cruiser can experience a refined experience from start to finish.

Ports & Excursions

Scandinavia and Northern Europe cruises stop at a variety of ports. Each port offers a wide variety of exciting shore excursions.

Norwegian fjord itineraries typically include ports such as Bergen, Geiranger, Flåm and Ålesund. Excursions here focus on nature and scenery. You can visit glaciers, ride on the famous Flåm Railway, hike, go kayaking and more. Scenic cruising through narrow fjords can be just as memorable as the time spent ashore.

On the other hand, Baltic itineraries introduce you to culturally rich cities. Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn and Copenhagen are common ports of call. Here, you can join guided walking tours of medieval old towns, royal palaces and museums. You can also explore canal cruises and culinary tastings that showcase Nordic flavours and traditions.

Further north, Arctic ports like Tromsø offer winter adventures. Here, you can look forward to dog sledding, snowmobiling and Sami cultural experiences. Cruises in the darker months may include sightings of the Northern Lights.

Packing for a Scandinavia and Northern Europe Cruise

You’ll need to dress in layers to beat the unpredictable weather in Northern Europe. Make sure you’re carrying moisture-wicking base layers, lightweight jackets and waterproof and windproof outerwear. Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots are important for shore excursions. Depending on the ship’s activities, you may need to carry one or two formal outfits for gala evenings. Other essentials include gloves, a hat, binoculars, sunscreen and sunglasses.

Visas & Travel Requirements

Indian passport holders need a Schengen visa for most Northern European or Scandinavian cruises. Depending on your itinerary, you may also require a UK visa and additional visas for non-Schengen countries.

Planning your Scandinavia and Northern Europe Cruise

CruiseBay offers an effortless way to plan a cruise.

Our advisors help you explore and compare cruise itineraries across Scandinavia and Northern Europe. We can also help you choose the ideal ship, cabin type, and shore excursions. What's more, our exclusive fares can make your holiday more pocket-friendly.

Beyond your cruise reservation, we can arrange flights and pre- and post-cruise hotel stays. We also assist with visa processing and travel insurance. With every detail handled, you can relax and enjoy a smooth, stress-free Scandinavian and Northern Europe getaway.

FAQs

Are Scandinavian cruises good for first-time cruisers?
Scandinavian cruises are ideal for first-time cruisers. These cruises showcase stunning scenery and offer relaxed itineraries with easy excursions.

What are the key destinations included in a Norwegian Fjords cruise?
Classic fjord cruise destinations include Bergen, Geiranger, Flåm, Ålesund, Hellesylt, Innvikfjorden, Nordfjord and Olden. Many itineraries also include stops in Copenhagen, Kiel, Reykjavik and even Zeebrugge.

Can you see the Northern Lights on Northern Europe and Scandinavian cruises?
Yes, you can see the Northern Lights on cruises that go towards the Arctic Circle. Some cruise lines offer special aurora alerts so you don’t miss a sighting.