Northern Europe is home to countries such as Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Estonia, Belgium, and Russia. With a cruise in Northern Europe, one gets to marvel at the natural wonders of the Norwegian fjords, the Baltic Sea archipelagos of Sweden and Finland, the Golden Circle in Iceland, and the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) of Norway. A cruise with CruiseBooking.com will leave you stunned in Northern Europe- luckily not in terms of its prices, since we extend our best-price guarantee to airfare and hotels too.
Some of the most breathtaking cruises to Northern Europe can be taken from departure ports that easily access its spectacular fjords, its cities steeped in history, and its stunning coastlines. This is the best point of access from which to experience Northern Europe's beauty by sea through culture, nature, or modern cities. Here are Northern Europe's best departure ports.
In a mesmerizing combination, the flair of Scandinavia blends with the cool touch of contemporary life in Copenhagen. While the famous Danish pastries are a treat in themselves, a stroll through the colored canals of Nyhavn or a visit to Rosenborg Castle could be a delightful preface to embarkation. From this city that exudes history, architecture, and an easy-going aura-the beginning of an unforgettable cruise adventure-Copenhagen spreads itself a mantel of sustainability and innovation seen through its bike-friendly streets and green spaces. Both old-world charm and modern sensibilities together provide an enriching experience for each visitor.
Stockholm, a haven to a reclusive Nordic fairytale-in Gamla Stan, narrow cobbled alleys transport you back in time to the medieval ages whilst the glimmering waterfront speaks to you of Swedish seafaring history. Before you head for the fairytale cruise, make sure you visit the Vasa Museum where a perfectly preserved collision is now on permanent display. The Stockholm Archipelago-30,000 islands for a perfect gateway when the journey on your cruise begins.
Rotterdam is the hub for creation. What was once a city of wrecks today stands transformed into a futuristic marvel of avant-garde architecture mingling in historical amongst the Cube Houses and the Market Hall. The energy from the city spills over into the waterfront where bustling markets and lively cafés create the stage for a very worthwhile journey. A cruise arising out of Rotterdam is symbolic of plowing through a city where innovation and tradition reside harmoniously together.
In Oslo, what traditional sophistication meets untamed nature? The city itself throws back its seafaring past upon visiting the Viking Ship Museum. For art enthusiasts, the trip to the National Museum becomes a pleasure with Edvard Munch and his paintings of The Scream while the adventurous begin to explore the city's lush green spaces. Fjord views become an inescapable sight on a cruise from Oslo.
Reykjavik, with glaciers, lava fields, and geysers surrounding it, serves as a rare departure port. The quirky city offers a view of colorful houses and lively music scenes. A geothermal spa lends to its quirkiness. Before the cruise, one can either soak in the Blue Lagoon or wait, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. An unforgettable goodbye awaits at the moment the ship leaves for departing through Iceland's otherworldly landscapes.
Each northern European cruise port embodies a different kind of history and culture, different kinds of landscapes with the ever-present view of history that concerns every one of the ports. From medieval towns, imperial splendor, or colorful urban life, there is something for everyone. There are five cruise ports in Northern Europe, ranging from fairy-tale stories in Tallinn to imperial grandeur in St. Petersburg.
Helsinki combines modern Nordic design with a great cultural background. Traditional Finnish delicacies are readily available at Market Square, which is crowned with the presence of that same Helsinki Cathedral and its marvelous white façade. An island sea fortress, Suomenlinna is there too, just next to Temppeliaukio Church, which itself was entirely carved into rock. There should be a cruise stop when one passes through Northern Europe in Helsinki, as it has all the waterfront charm and a relaxed vibe.
With cobblestone streets, colorful merchant houses, and towers piercing skies, Tallinn's Old Town feels like a journey into a medieval fairy tale. One of the well-preserved medieval cities of Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has many charming cafes hidden in little courtyards for visitors to enjoy while exploring Toompea Castle, admiring Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, or simply chilling. Apart from being more than just a living historic core, Tallinn also breathes vibrant digital culture.
The cruise stop in Amsterdam presents art traditions, idyllic canals, and exuberant culture. This picturesque setting complements the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum against the city's classic canals. Enjoy some stroopwafels and bicycle through lovely neighborhoods. Amsterdam, a fascinating mixture of past and present, welcomes exploration around each corner.
Ever since Peter the Great built his Neva on the cusp of the Gulf of Finland, the city has been known as Venice of the North in recognition of its beautiful canals and bridges. The Hermitage Museum houses one of the greatest collections of art in the world, right in the heart of the city. A little excursion to Peterhof Palace or a stroll around historic Nevsky Prospect can be made from the foot of St. Isaac's Cathedral. St. Petersburg tells, in every square inch, the fading glories of imperial Russia.
The charming medieval city of Visby, also called "The Pearl of the Baltic", lies on the Swedish island of Gotland. There are many medieval and Viking treasures to be discovered here in this UNESCO site, surrounded by well-preserved walls built in the 13th century. Rose gardens and remnants of medieval churches entice visitors wishing to wander the tiny alleyways. With its calm energy and historic charm, Visby is an enchanting and tranquil stop for cruise passengers.
The views across Northern Europe are eye-catching, ancient cities line the way, and a whole realm of cultural treasures awaits. The cruise option as a means of traversing the different countries in this region is simply great; whether you're sailing through the fjords of Norway, stopping by to breathe in the medieval capitals, or gazing at the imperial palaces.
A huge spectrum of prices exists between cruise lines in Northern Europe, depending on the itinerary, duration, and season. Generally, a cruise to Northern Europe could cost from $1,000* to $3,000* per passenger, depending on the cruise line, itinerary, time of year, stateroom type, and luxury level, with a standard, 7-day cruise ranging from $1,500*-$2,500* per person. More variables that can affect pricing include the types of cabins chosen, onboard amenities, and shore excursions offered. By going for early booking or promotional offers, one can get the best deals.
It is too much for a cruise to claim to take you to every nook and corner of Northern Europe. But that being said, cruise lines do have a wide variety of itineraries going through different parts of this amazing region. Most of them take you through the Baltic region (i.e. Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Russia), North Sea (Norway, Denmark, the UK), or even down to Iceland and Greenland. An extended cruise or back-to-back would probably offer more of that immersion you are after.
Northern Europe cruises tend to last anything from 7 to 21 days, depending on the itinerary and whether or not it is a customized one. Unlike short cruises which are usually concentrated on exploring one region, the extended ones allow visits to many countries at a greater level of depth.
Cruises through Northern Europe are an ideal way for travelers to get acquainted with the culture and history of the region. On a shore excursion, travelers get to immerse themselves fully in an entirely new and exciting destination. With CruiseBooking.com, it is an adventure that you will never forget!
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