Northern European cruises follow two main routes: the Norwegian fjords and the Baltic capitals. This page lists Northern European cruise programs departing from Copenhagen and Hamburg.
Fjord itineraries call at ports such as Geiranger, Ålesund, and Flåm; ships sail deep into fjords surrounded by steep, towering cliffs. Geirangerfjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These itineraries usually depart from Hamburg or Copenhagen.
Baltic itineraries depart from Copenhagen, calling at Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn and Riga, as well as Gdańsk, Klaipeda and Warnemünde (with connections to Berlin). They’re the most practical way to visit the capitals of several countries in a single trip.
Costa Favolosa, Costa Diadema, MSC Magnifica, MSC Euribia and Norwegian Jewel operate on these routes. Itineraries range from 6 to 12 nights, with 7 nights being the most common. The price per person starts in the 1.099-euro range.
The Northern Europe season runs from May to September; daylight lasts a very long time in June and July. Weather in the fjords can be changeable, so a raincoat and layered clothing are recommended.
Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Germany are in the Schengen Area; Turkish citizens need a Schengen visa.
In Geiranger, the Dalsnibba and Ørnesvingen (Eagle Road) viewpoints and the Seven Sisters Waterfall are the best-known stops. The Flåm Railway, departing from Flåm, climbs up a steep valley and is one of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world. Bryggen Wharf, with its colorful wooden houses in Bergen, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most of these excursions are sold separately as shore excursions arranged by the cruise line.
In Stockholm, highlights include the old town of Gamla Stan and the Vasa Museum; in Helsinki, Senate Square and Suomenlinna Fortress; in Tallinn, the UNESCO-listed medieval walled old town; and in Riga, its Art Nouveau buildings. In Copenhagen, Nyhavn Canal and the Little Mermaid statue can be visited before departure. A day trip to Berlin by train or bus is possible from Warnemünde.
Cabin accommodation, meals in the main restaurant and buffet, shows, and pools are included in the price. Drinks packages, internet, spa services, and shore excursions are charged separately. Prices are high in port cities in northern countries; planning shore excursions in advance makes it easier to manage your budget. Each sailing’s page states whether the onboard service charge is included.
Northern Europe cruises usually start from Copenhagen, Hamburg or Kiel. There are direct flights from Türkiye to these cities; arriving a day early is recommended to reduce the risk of delays on departure day. Each cruise page states whether flights are included in the package.
The season runs from May to September.
Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn, Riga, Gdańsk, Klaipeda, and Warnemünde (Berlin) are included in the itineraries.
From Copenhagen or Hamburg.
Yes; a Schengen visa is required.