Northern European Cruises
Video compliments of Travel ChannelCruising used to be all about the ship and its amenities. Now it’s all about the destination, and Northern Europe is an ideal place to start. Cruise ships sailing to Scandinavia, the Baltics and Northern Europe are greeted by an impressive variety of cosmopolitan cities and quaint fishing villages, lakes, mountains and deserted island beaches. During the summer, the sun shines until midnight and the Northern Lights provide a cosmic performance year round.
There are as many cruise options for traveling to Northern Europe as there are things to see once you get there. The first step is establishing a budget for your cruise. If you’re on a limited budget, aim to travel off-season, which means either September to November or March to April. You’ll still get a fantastic sense of the region (albeit with warmer clothes on), but you’ll avoid the high-season prices and many of the summer crowds. If money is less of a concern, travel during the warmest months to enjoy the most daylight and balmy temps. After pinning down your budget and travel timeframe, it’s best to decide on the size of your ship. While large boats do sail through Northern Europe, there are also small vessels offering a more private and lavish experience.
The toughest decision is where in Northern Europe to travel. The region stretches from the United Kingdom through Scandinavia all the way to the Baltics and Russia, with fascinating ports of call all along the way. Many don’t see the immediate benefit of visiting the United Kingdom by boat, but there’s a reason that virtually every cruise line offers trips to the region. Cruises to the United Kingdom provide a perspective rarely gained from land. Sail through the English Channel or explore the narrow inlets of Scotland, as ancient castles and famous golf courses pepper the landscape.
Scandinavia is another popular Northern European cruise destination. While there are many countries to cover in Scandinavia, Norway seems to win the popular vote for its expansive parkland, dramatic fjords and cultural attractions of Oslo. A Scandinavian cruise is ideal for the outdoor adventurer, as shore excursions include hiking and skiing trails galore.
Russia is a cruise destination unlike any other in Northern Europe. With St. Petersburg as a starting point, Russia is a natural choice for history buffs (where else can you find a city that has changed names three times in the past century?) and culture seekers. Cruise guests don’t need a visa to enter St. Petersburg (unlike those who come by land), and group shore excursions prevent common language barriers issues.
