Northern Europe | MSC Cruises

 

NORTHERN EUROPE CRUISES

 

 

 

 
Northern Europe Cruises

The charm of the great North

Climb aboard one of our MSC Northern Europe cruises and discover the wonders that can be found in the British Isles, Scandinavian coastlines or the Baltic states and experience Europe like never before.

Start your Polar, Scandinavian or Baltic cruise from the British Isles and visit the coastal towns and cities in countries like Norway, Denmark, Sweden or Iceland. From the bustle of cities like Copenhagen, Tallinn or Hamburg, to the quiet beauty of the fjords or the scenic coastal hamlets, a Northern Europe cruise has it all.

The cities in Northern Europe are distinctly different from any other settlements, this is because they perfectly combine the essence of their culture with the modern features of our current times. Scandinavian cruises will take you to locations such as Stockholm, Bergen or Oslo. Here in particular you will be able to visit awe-inspiring buildings such as the Akershus Fortress, or relax with a stroll around Frogner Park, not to mention the avant-garde building of the Oslo Opera House, located at the harbour. A Nordic cruise could also take you to Copenhagen, with its famous statue of the Little Mermaid, or Stockholm, home to the Drottningholm palace, a UNESCO-listed building.

If you are also a nature enthusiast, then this is the cruise for you: MSC Baltic cruises will show you the best of the northern coastlines, including the Norwegian fjords or rugged north Atlantic islands such as Svalbard, or explore further and take an Arctic cruise to visit Iceland and Greenland. Whether as a trip with friends, a family holiday or a couple's getaway, treat yourself to a Baltic or Fjords cruise this 2025, or in 2026 and discover Europe from a new perspective.

Northern Europe Countries

Have you ever dreamed of seeing the Norwegian fjords? Are you curious about the volcanic wonders in Iceland? Choose a Scandinavian cruise to travel to Norway, Sweden, Denmark or Iceland, and discover how these countries combine a modern lifestyle with centuries of history and culture. You will be able to learn about it and experience it up close during trips and excursions, either to capital cities such as Oslo, Stockholm or Reykjavik, but also to smaller towns such as Trondheim and Andalsnes in Norway, or Akureyri and Isafjordur in Iceland. No matter where in Norther Europe you’d like to go, we can take you there.

Choose also an MSC Northern Europe cruise and discover all the North Atlantic has to offer in style: from France (La Rochelle) and the United Kingdom (Southampton, Belfast or Edinburgh) all the way to Greenland (Qaqortoq, Nuuk or Ilulissat), going through the Baltic Sea to Estonia (Tallin) or Finland (Helsinki, Hamina/Kotka), among many others.

UK Cruises

How well do you know the British Isles? If you need a plan for your 2023 holidays, there are many treasures hidden within Great Britain, Ireland, the Isle of Portland, the Orkney Islands or the Shetlands, you only need to jump on an MSC cruise around the UK and enjoy the local attractions.
The ports for the British Isles cruises serve as gateways to other cities, although there is much to see in them as well. For instance, you could start your cruise from the UK’s very own Southampton, typically the stop to visit London, although with a rich history of its own. Inhabited since the Stone Age, from the Romans to the Normans and to current times, this port city has always been a spot for cultural exchange; why not take a stroll down its medieval town walls?
Enjoy the beauty of Edinburgh during a stop at South Queensferry. Visit the castle for a look at the Scottish crown jewels or amble round the city centre for a bit of shopping or a cup of tea. If you are lucky, you might see –or hear– the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the Art Festival or the International Book Festival.
If you wish for a bit of luck in the emerald isle, you can stop at the ports in Cork and Ringaskiddy in the Republic of Ireland, or in Belfast, in Northern Ireland, where you can visit the hexagonal basalt column formations known as the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO world heritage site. You can also go for a hike around the beautiful Glenariff Forest Park, and its breathtaking waterfalls.

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UK Cruises

Cruise from Southampton, United Kingdom | MSC Cruises

Norway Cruises

Did you know the Vikings used to get around in ships to travel from one fjord to another? You can do the same with an MSC Norwegian fjords cruise that will take you to some of the most beautiful locations in the planet.
Discover two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Geirangerfjord (Hellesylt) and the Nærøyfjord (Flaam), a breathtaking landscape you will only be able to see in Norway, so hop onto an MSC fjord cruise and enjoy these wonders of nature, whether as a trip with friends, a family holiday or a couple’s getaway. You will be able to visit fjords such as the Geirangerfjord and the Naerøyfjord and witness the natural beauty of these formations.
Another example of incredible natural formation you can enjoy in Norway is the impressive Briksdal Glacier, near the port city of Olden. There you can visit the picturesque houses, or go for a hike to the Jostedalsbreen National Park.
More locations you can visit during an MSC Norway cruise are, among others, Maloy, Stavanger or Adalsnes in the southern area; and Tromso, Alta or Hammerfest at the very north. Find the perfect Norwegian cruise for your holiday with MSC cruises this summer!

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Norway Cruises

Flaam, Norway | MSC Cruises

Baltic Cruises

Are you curious about the Baltic Sea and its wonders? Discover them with an MSC Baltic cruise and spend the summer exploring Sweden, Finland, Germany, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and much more.
Discover Tallin, capital city of Estonia, stroll down its cobbled streets, and explore its medieval walls, Gothic churches and squares. You can also book an MSC cruise excursion to visit the Toompea Castle and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, two of the most impressive buildings in the city.

Other capital cities included in an MSC Baltic cruise are Riga, Stockholm, Copenhagen or Helsinki, an emerging destination where you will discover the Suomenlinna, an 18th century fortress that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If you are indeed interested in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, or you just enjoy history and culture, choose a Baltic cruise and enjoy the beauty of Visby, on the island of Gotland. Visby’s botanical gardens and its beautiful medieval town centre will charm you; don’t forget to visit the 12th century St. Mary’s Cathedral.
There is much more to see, with more ports in Goteborg, Ronne, Warnermünde or Gdynia, hidden gems in Northern Europe that are waiting for you, don’t miss out!

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Baltic Cruises

Cruise to Tallinn, Estonia | MSC Cruises

 

Northern Europe ports


MSC offers a wide range of ports of call for your Northern Europe cruise, some are embarkation ports, and others are ports of call, so you can pick the one that best suits you to start from, and then which ones you want to visit during your holiday. Start your journey in the south of Great Britain, with cruises from Southampton and enjoy your MSC Baltic, Fjords or European Atlantic cruises. We also stop at ports in Ireland, such as Cork, or in the Netherlands, for example in Rotterdam, where we organise mini cruises as well.

If you would rather begin your adventure elsewhere, there are ports across northern Europe, so you could get started in France, choosing a cruise from Le Havre port, near cities such as Paris, Cherbourg or Brest or in Netherlands, choosing a cruise from Ijmuiden near Amsterdam. You could also climb aboard your cruise in Hamburg, or other German ports such as Kiel near Lübeck or Warnemünde.

There are many others spread across the Atlantic coastline, such as Zeebrugge, Rotterdam or Copenhagen. Choose MSC Cruises, and enjoy an unforgettable experience exploring the north of Europe.
Cruise from Southampton, United Kingdom | MSC Cruises

CRUISES FROM SOUTHAMPTON

Historically, the British Isles have always relied heavily on their port cities, and Southampton is a perfect example: it was a centre of activity in the Stone Age, then continued to be an important port for the Romans, the Anglo-Saxons or the Normans, all the way to the present. Choose a cruise from Southampton this 2024 and for 2025 and explore the north of Europe in style with MSC.
From Southampton, you will be able to access London during your cruise, and we needn’t tell you the wonders of the capital city of the United Kingdom. From Southampton you will also be able to book excursions to Windsor Castle; the elegant city of Bath, among the most beautiful places in England to visit, was transformed by the Romans in the first spa resort in England; or Stonehenge, the mysterious Neolithic stone circle that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the treasures of the Atlantic, starting with the British Isles.

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Copenhagen, Denmark | MSC Cruises

COPENHAGEN CRUISE

Begin your MSC Northern Europe cruise in Denmark’s capital city, Copenhagen. Discover this bustling city known for its picturesque houses, its love for art and culture, and its cuisine. Did you know Copenhagen has Michelin-star restaurants? You can discover it all during your wanderings around the city while the cruise ship is docked there. Take a stroll around the city on your own and enjoy the sight of the Øresund strait, or book MSC excursions to see the Christiansborg Palace, an impressive building at the heart of the city. You can also admire the city from the water with a scenic cruise with MSC; or enjoy the excitement of the Tivoli Gardens, with an amusement park, the perfect place for a family excursion, a day with friends, or your couple. Climb aboard an MSC Baltic cruise at Copenhagen and discover other port cities like Tallin, Stockholm, Helsinki and much more. Treat yourself to an unforgettable holiday.

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Hamburg, Germany | MSC Cruises

HAMBURG CRUISE

If there is a famous port in Northern Europe, that is Hamburg. This port city, located on the banks of the Elbe river, is a bridge between continental Europe and the Scandinavian countries. Begin your MSC cruise in Hamburg and take the opportunity to explore this exciting and bustling German city.
Did you know the world’s largest warehouse district is in Hamburg? It’s called the Speicherstadt, and you can visit it through a MSC excursion. Not only can you enjoy its Neo-Gothic style, but you can also learn more about it in its museums. The intricate setting of alleys and canals has earned its place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site; definitely worth a look. You can also visit the botanical park, St. Michael’s church or the City Hall.
There is more to do in Hamburg before you embark on your Norwegian Fjords cruise: another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lübeck. This picturesque town, on the Trave river, is known for its Gothic architecture, medieval streets and alleys, the Holstenstor or the largest mechanical organ at St. Mary’s Church. Embark on a new adventure with MSC this summer!

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Reviews ON OUR Northern Europe CRUISES

 

"We love MSC...first experience earlier this year visiting Norway, then again for Estonia, Russia and Finland..."



Lance Cameron F., Cruising the Northern Europe

"This is our second cruise with MSC.
... we enjoyed the cruise to Norway on the Preziosa... "




Janet M., Cruising the Northern Europe 

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Data source: Post-cruise comment forms submitted by MSC Guests cruising aboard Northern Europe cruises

FAQ

Where does a Baltic cruise go?

The Baltic Sea is a part of the Atlantic Ocean, right in the crook between the Scandinavian Peninsula and the continent's mainland. This North European sea begins in Denmark, with ports of call in Copenhagen, for instance, although the embarkation ports for these cruises are in Kiel, Warnemünde and Southampton. On the west is Sweden, and on the east are Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Germany. There are ports of call in all of these countries, including Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallin or Riga, among many others.

As well as bustling cities, a Baltic cruise will take you to visit picturesque locations, such as the island of Gotland, with a port in the city of Visby; or to Ronne, a small Danish island with picturesque and colourful streets. Discover the hidden wonders of Northern Europe with an MSC cruise.

What do you wear on a Northern European cruise?

The best time to go on a Northern European cruise to the Norwegian fjords, the Baltic or the northernmost part of the Atlantic is in late spring and summer, seasons when the temperatures range between 22 and 12 degrees Celsius (that would be between 72 and 53F, approximately). Understandably, with such a temperature range, you can wear anything from shorts and a T-shirt to jeans with a hoodie, we recommend you choose a varied wardrobe for your cruise, just in case. Also, even though the precipitation rate is lower in May, June and July, we would still advise you take a raincoat with you, because you might encounter light showers during your cruise. Other Northern Europe cruises going to locations such as Le Havre, Zeebrugge, Ijmuiden, Belfast or Rotterdam are also available in colder months like February, March, November or December, when temperatures may be low enough for you to need a warm coat and winter clothing.

Another detail you might want to consider is that, Northern Europe in June has long daylight hours, especially the northern areas of the Scandinavian Peninsula and Iceland, so remember to pack your sleep mask if you think you'll need it. Go on an adventure with MSC cruises.

What is the best time of year to cruise Northern Europe?

This depends on where exactly you’d like to go, and what you would like to do during your holiday. If you are planning to go on a Northern European cruise to the Norwegian fjords, the Baltic or the northernmost part of the Atlantic, the best time of the year is in late spring and summer. During these seasons the temperatures range between 22 and 12 degrees Celsius (that would be between 72 and 53F, approximately) and there is plenty of daylight for you to enjoy your visit.

That being said, if you were considering destinations such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, France or the Netherlands, there is a little more margin. MSC Cruises will take you to these locations in November, December, February or March, as well as in the spring and summer. As long as you pack the right clothing, any of these times is a great opportunity to discover Northern Europe.

What is the weather in the Baltic Sea?

The Baltic Sea is characterised by a marked seasonality, that is, a great difference in the weather depending on the month. Winters are long and cold, while summers are short and relatively warm, albeit still quite variable. Because the Baltic Sea is located between a milder maritime North Atlantic weather and the harsh continental climate, temperatures and conditions can vary immensely throughout the year. This means summers might be warm and dry due to continental influence, but still with some precipitation. Also, fog and cloudy weather are common in spring and early summer.

MSC Cruises go to the Baltic Sea when the weather is best, although you should take into consideration how variable conditions might be when packing your suitcase. Discover a unique part of the world with MSC and find your Baltic cruise for this summer!

What countries are part of a Northern Europe cruise?

MSC Cruises to Northern Europe head off to different areas. You can choose a cruise that will take you around the British Isles, or the Atlantic coast of the continent, including France, the Netherlands or Germany. If you’d rather go further north, there are cruises that visit Iceland, Greenland, or Norway, where you will be able to see the fjords.

And then, there is the Baltic Sea, located in the crook between the mainland and the Scandinavian and Jutland Peninsulas. The countries you can visit there are, on the west Sweden and Denmark, and on the east Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland.

Explore the North Atlantic, the North Sea and the Baltic Sea with MSC and discover its hidden gems on your next holiday, what are you waiting for?

How long is a Northern Europe Cruise?

Are you curious about the Baltic Sea and its wonders? Discover them with an MSC Baltic cruise this 2023 and spend the summer exploring Sweden, Finland, Germany, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and much more.

Discover Tallin, capital city of Estonia, stroll down its cobbled streets, and explore its medieval walls, Gothic churches and squares. You can also book an MSC cruise excursion to visit the Toompea Castle and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, two of the most impressive buildings in the city. Other capital cities included in an MSC Baltic cruise are Riga, Stockholm, Copenhagen or Helsinki, an emerging destination where you will discover the Suomenlinna, an 18th century fortress that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If you are indeed interested in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, or you just enjoy history and culture, choose a Baltic cruise and enjoy the beauty of Visby, on the island of Gotland. Visby’s botanical gardens and its beautiful medieval town centre will charm you; don’t forget to visit the 12th century St. Mary’s Cathedral.
There is much more to see, with more ports in Goteborg, Ronne, Warnermünde or Gdynia, hidden gems in Northern Europe that are waiting for you, don’t miss out!

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