Europe-North and Britain Cruises

A cruise to Scandinavia and Northern Europe offers a mix of dramatic natural scenery and rich cultural experiences. You can sail through breathtaking Norwegian fjords, visit historic Baltic capitals, and experience multiple countries in one journey. The unique Viking heritage adds to its appeal. These cruises are suitable for all kinds of travellers, from families and solo adventurers to couples and seniors.

Northern Europe and Scandinavia have a relatively short cruising season. Cruising in June, July, or August lets you make the most of the long, warm daylight hours to appreciate fjord scenery. On the other hand, if you prefer fewer crowds, consider cruising in May or September.

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

Scandinavian expedition cruises are small-ship adventure cruises. Unlike regular cruise ships, these ships usually carry no more than 500 passengers. They feature nature and wildlife-focused itineraries rather than traditional cruise entertainment. Some of the most anticipated excursions on these cruises include hikes, zodiac landings and visits to Arctic settlements.

The most popular expedition cruises that offer sailings in Scandinavia are Hurtigruten, Ponant, Oceanwide Expeditions and Poseidon.

7 to 9 nights is ideal - most Northern Europe and Scandinavian cruises last 7 to 14 nights. If you’re looking for shorter getaways, you could consider shorter cruise itineraries focused on the Norwegian fjords.

A Norwegian Fjords cruise itinerary typically includes a mix of scenic fjords and coastal cities. Bergen, Geiranger, Flåm, Ålesund, Hellesylt, Innvikfjorden, Nordfjord and Olden are considered classic fjord destinations. Some of the longer itineraries also include cultural stops in Copenhagen, Kiel, Reykjavik and even Zeebrugge.

Indian passport holders must obtain a Schengen visa before a Northern Europe or Scandinavian cruise. You will also need a visa for the UK if you are boarding your Norwegian Fjords cruise from Southampton (London), UK.

Northern Europe and Scandinavian cruises tend to be more expensive than Caribbean or Mediterranean cruises. That said, prices vary widely based on cruise line, itinerary length, cabin type, and how early you book. For example, packages for the 3-night Northern Norwegian Adventure Voyage range from $461 to $818. Cruise prices for luxury experiences like the 7 Nights Icelandic Rhapsody cruise can start from $6720. The cost of expedition cruises is higher still. For example, packages for the 10 Nights Inuit Spring of Ammassalik cruise start from $23920.

Cruise package inclusions vary depending on the cruise line and fare type. Most standard packages include your cabin, meals in main dining venues, onboard entertainment, and basic amenities. Shore excursions, specialty dining, drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and airport transfers are often additional. You can learn more about cruise package inclusions and exclusions here.

Please contact our cruise consultants for a customised quote for your Scandinavia Cruise holiday.

Some of the most popular embarkation ports for Northern Europe and Scandinavian cruises include:

• Southampton (UK)
• Copenhagen (Denmark)
• Amsterdam (Netherlands)
• Reykjavik (Iceland)

Northern Europe and Scandinavian cruises offer a wide range of shore excursions. Walking tours are a popular pick in cities like Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo. You can also look forward to scenic experiences like fjord viewings, nature hikes, panoramic drives, and rides on the famous Flåm Railway.

Yes - you can see the Northern Lights on certain Northern Lights cruises. Some cruise lines offer special aurora alerts so you don’t miss a sighting. However, sightings can’t be guaranteed because the aurora depends on weather conditions and solar activity.

To increase your chances of a sighting, choose a Norwegian Fjords itinerary from Hurtigruten & Havila Voyages that goes far north and travels in the darker months between September and March.

During these months, Hurtigruten even offers sailings that guarantee sighting of the Northern Lights or you get your cruise for free.

Several cruise lines operate itineraries across Northern Europe and Scandinavia. Budget-friendly, family-focused options include Carnival Cruises, Costa Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean. On the other hand, cruises by Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas are ideal for luxury cruisers. For a more hands-on immersive experience, you can take a look at cruises by Havila Voyages, Hurtigruten, Ponant and Seabourn.

The best Northern Europe and Scandinavian cruises for 2026 showcase fjords, vibrant cities, and unique cultural stops across Scandinavia and Northern Europe. The most popular cruises range from 7 to 14+ night itineraries. NCL’s 7-Night Europe Voyage is an easy pick for cruisers wanting to explore Northern Europe. If you’re looking at going further north, consider cruises like the 6-night Southbound Kirkenes to Bergen Voyage. Hurtigruten’s 11‑day Svalbard expedition cruise is a great choice for adventure seekers.

Mini Northern Europe and Scandinavian cruises lasting 2–5 nights let you sample the beauty of this region without a long commitment. Popular options include the 3-night Northern Norwegian Adventure cruise and the 5 Nights Belgium and Netherlands cruise. If you’re looking for a short expedition cruise, you could also consider Hurtigruten’s 5 Nights Arctic Capital to the West Fjords cruise.

Several sustainable ships cruise Northern Europe and Scandinavia. Vessels like MSC Euribia reduce their environmental impact through cleaner fuels and advanced technology. Others go further with creative initiatives. For example, Norwegian Prima offers zero-waste cocktails made with repurposed ingredients.

Yes, Northern Europe and Scandinavian cruises are ideal for families. Many cruise lines offer connected cabins, kids’ clubs and family activities. Shore excursions like funicular rides and visits to interactive Viking museums are enjoyable for both children and adults.

Yes, Northern Europe and Scandinavian cruises are very suitable for solo cruisers. Many cruise lines offer solo cabins or affordable single-person rates. Cruises like the 11-night Northern Europe Voyage on the Norwegian Star also have lounges where you can meet fellow travellers.

Versatile clothing that can be layered and comfortable walking shoes are key to packing for a Northern Europe and Scandinavian cruise. Note that the weather can change quickly. While you don’t need to worry about a strict cruise line dress code, you are expected to be smartly turned out.

Indian passport holders boarding a Northern Europe and Scandinavia cruise must carry:

•  Passport (valid 6+ months, 2 blank pages)
• Cruise boarding documents
• Schengen visa (required for most Northern Europe & Scandinavia ports)
• UK visa (only if your cruise stops in the UK)
• Travel insurance is not mandatory but advisable

Yes, you can easily combine a Northern Europe and Scandinavian cruise with a land holiday. Arrive early or stay after your cruise for a combined cruise and land holiday. This lets you recover from jet lag, experience local culture, and explore highlights beyond brief port visits.

Planning a Northern Europe and Scandinavian cruise is easy with CruiseBay. Our cruise experts simplify the process of comparing itineraries and prices, selecting a cabin, arranging shore excursions and more. What’s more, we support your pre- and post-cruise travel needs, including flights, hotels, and visa applications.