Northern Europe, Scandinavia & Baltics Cruises

Everyone loves a beach holiday, but the diverse countries of Northern Europe have an altogether more mysterious allure. Perhaps it’s the luscious green forests, the soaring mountains, the fascinating history – or maybe just the Danish pastries.

•    Unique vantage points – Travelling by ship, you’ll see the many sights of Europe from a different perspective. We reckon there’s no better way to explore the majesty of the Norwegian Fjords than to sail directly through them. 
•    Hassle-free travel – When you sail with us, we remove all the fiddly logistics that usually come along with a holiday. Simply unpack once and enjoy all the amenities on your Celebrity Cruises ship while we take you cruising from A to B in style and comfort.
•    Multiple ports of call – We can’t wait to show you the best that Northern Europe has to offer. Wake up in a new destination each day, and perhaps discover a hidden gem you weren’t expecting. 
•    Efficient – Choosing a cruise is the most economical way to save both time and money, as your transport and accommodation are consolidated into one cost. 

Northern Europe is packed full of things to do, whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a culture vulture. Here are some of our top recommendations:
•    Tallinn Old Town – This preserved medieval city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dip in and out of cosy cafes, photograph the gothic spires and find hidden boutiques down cobbled streets. 
•    Norwegian Fjords – There’s nowhere quite like the Norwegian Fjords, with their crashing waterfalls and steep valleys. Explore the majesty of Geirangerfjord and Sognefjord on Northern Europe cruises. 
•    Winter Palace, St Petersburg – Once the home of Russian Emperors, today the grand Winter Palace houses the Hermitage Museum, the second largest art museum in the world. 
•    Nyhavn, Copenhagen – No visit to Denmark’s capital is complete without a stroll along Nyhavn, a colourful and picturesque waterfront dating back to the 17th century. Discover more on one of our city tour shore excursions.  
•    Gamla Stan, Stockholm – The island of Gamla Stan is Stockholm’s atmospheric old town. As well as quaint, traditional 18th century buildings, you’ll find the Royal Palace and Storkyrkan Cathedral. 

If you’re cruising in the summer, prepare for warm temperatures with shorts, vests and T-shirts. You may also want to bring waterproof clothing and hiking boots if you’re planning on getting out into the wilderness. If you’re visiting Northern Europe in the shoulder seasons, be sure to bring plenty of layers as the evenings can get chilly. Find out more about packing for your Celebrity cruise. 

Most countries in Northern Europe have either GMT, CET, or EET time zones. Russia has 11 time zones due to its large size. 

Typical cuisine varies across the region. In Scandinavia, you can expect to find plenty of local seafood and fish such as herring and crayfish, as well as tart berries. In Baltic countries, traditional stews feature beef, onion, potatoes and cabbage. The national dish of Russia is pelmeni – little pastry dumplings, filled with minced meat and covered in butter. In Amsterdam, start the day with pancakes or snack on some salty liquorice. And what would a trip to Germany be without a pint of beer and a bratwurst? 

Northern Europe is generally considered a safe region to visit, although as with most tourist destinations, incidents do occur from time to time. Check the GOV.uk website to find out about any potential risks before you go.

When travelling anywhere, we encourage guests to be vigilant about their personal safety. Find out more about your safety onboard. 

We cruise to Northern Europe between April and October, when the weather is at it’s warmest. In Scandinavian countries like Sweden temperatures reach up to 24 degrees Celsius, making it the perfect time to hit the beach. June and July are when the awe-inspiring White Nights take place in St Petersburg. In this time, the sun doesn’t set, and the phenomenon is marked by music and festivals in the cities.

The warmer months are also when the Norwegian Fjords look at their most spectacular, with sunshine reflecting off the cobalt water. The mild temperatures also mean you can get out and about to explore the wilderness. 
 

Yes, there is a chance you might see the Northern Lights in Northern Europe. Norway, Sweden and Iceland are all known for their aurora borealis. You can also see the Northern Lights on the Baltic Sea, in destinations such as Russia. 

However, it’s worth noting that cruise season in Northern Europe (April to October) isn’t the prime time for Northern Lights viewing due to lighter skies and shorter nights. 

Baltic countries we visit include Russia, Estonia and Germany. A Baltic cruise also includes Scandinavian countries like Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Denmark and Finland. Find out more about Baltic cruises.

Scandinavian countries we visit include:
•    Norway
•    Sweden
•    Finland 
•    Denmark
•    Iceland