Ask The Experts All About Northern Europe, Scandinavia Cruises - What you need to know BEFORE you take a Northern Europe, Scandinavia, And Baltic Russia Cruise with information, advice and cruise tips from the Cruise Lines International Association.

Northern Europe, Scandinavia, And Baltic Russia

Regional Cities

Amsterdam

The Netherlands has been made world-famous through reports of its lax drug laws, liberal structure, and legal prostitution. These aspects may or may not be reasons for visiting this beautiful country, but allow me to tell you that they do not...

Bergen

Bergen is a picturesque city in the gorgeous country of Norway. Located in the western region of this glorious land, Bergen is a beautiful and diverse city. The museums are fantastic, and the Bergen Art Museum in particular is a real gem. The...

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is one of the warmest and most inviting cities in existence. A picture of this quaint city includes cobblestone streets, a few towering skyscrapers and friendly people who will greet you at every turn. This is very unlike the typical...

Flåm

Flåm is located deep in Sognefjord, in the heart of southern Norway. It is the longest of all of the fjords in Norway. The fjords formed after the last Ice Age, over ten thousand years ago. After the glaciers withdrew, the waters of the Norwegian...

Geiranger

Geiranger has been called the best fjord viewing location in Norway; a picturesque location full of sights that you will never forget. The landscape of Geiranger is remarkable, and everyone you encounter will be eager to help you while you...

Hellesylt

One of the highlights of the fjord lands, tiny Hellesylt sits at the head of Geirangerfjord, the westernmost section of the fjords. It is located on one of the most enchanting offshore islands of Norway. A fjord is a sharp gash in the land formed...

Honningsvåg

Honningsvåg is the northernmost village in the world, and that is definitely its claim to fame. The lovely citizens of Honningsvåg hold the North Cape Festival every year celebrating their culture and heritage, as well as the uniqueness of their...

Kalmar

Since the founding of the nation of Sweden, Kalmar has played an intricate role in the industries of trade and shipping. The government and citizens both realize this, and efforts to bolster the import and export production from the Kalmar port...

Oslo

Oslo is one of the oldest capitals in all of Scandinavia. Because of increased interest in tourism, Oslo has experienced tremendous growth in the past decade. Whereas twenty or thirty years ago, visitors to Oslo would have had to rely solely on...

Reykjavík

Reykjavík is a close-knit, inspiring and beautiful city. There are many great sights and marvelous museums, fabulous dining facilities, and lovely stores to peruse. The citizens here are friendly and welcoming to tourists. From an architectural...

Rønne

Located in the middle of the Baltic Sea, Bornholm is an island filled with charisma and natural splendor. It is actually situated closer to Sweden than to Denmark, but Danish appeal is alive and well in Bornholm. The land here is rich and...

Stavanger

Norway's fourth largest city, with over 110,000 inhabitants, Stavanger is a gorgeous city full of beauty and wonder. Stavanger was founded in 1125, built around the landmark St. Svithuns Cathedral. The Cathedral still stands, and is now called...

Tallinn

Tallinn is a city bustling with activity; a city that begs to be explored. The capital of Estonia is an incredible city--one that features outstanding museums and cultural sites, fabulous shopping, and an outrageously active nightlife. Both the...

Tromsø

Tromsø is the largest city in northern Norway. After much archaeological study, Tromsø is thought to date back nine thousand years. Today it is a technologically advanced city that still maintains an aura of charm and simplicity even in the midst of...

Trondheim

Trondheim is a fun and diverse city full of great sights and fabulous eateries. The city is an ancient and beautiful one, and much of the architecture dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries. The citizens of Trondheim are very proud of their...

Northern Europe perennially tops lists of favorite destinations for North American travelers. Those who have been there look forward to returning, and those who have not dream of going.

There are plenty of good reasons for this popularity. The many great cities in this prosperous and sophisticated corner of the world include London, Paris, St. Petersburg and many others. Its landscapes include the rugged beauty of Norway and Finland, the bright flower fields of the Netherlands and the lush greens of Ireland. The architecture encompasses modern masterpieces as well as ancient churches and castles.

And of course, the art and music and literature of this region form a large part of the cultural fabric of the western world. These also are the heartlands of golf, tennis, auto racing, equestrian sports, soccer and many of the world's other favorite sporting pursuits and championships.

Summer is the high season for cruises in this part of the world; however, some lines offer year-round sailings from ports in Great Britain and Norway.

Ports of Call

London -

Although some small luxury vessels actually sail up the Thames River to tie up in the heart of London, larger vessels dock at nearby Tilbury, Harwich or Southampton. Wherever the ship is, the action is in London Town.

The British Museum -

If there is a master repository of the history of the world's civilizations, this must be it. Collections built through the long history of the British Empire and the work of some of the greatest scholars have created a museum that possibly could not be completely explored in a single lifetime.

Kings and Castles -

London's many royal buildings embody the history and traditions that continue today in this constitutional monarchy. Among those open to the public is the famous Tower of London on the banks of the Thames, dating back to the 11th Century, where tours allow visitors to see where the great and the notorious were once imprisoned and executed and to view the priceless Crown Jewels.

Great Walks -

A stroll through the city's Bankside along the Thames takes tourists past the new recreation of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, the Tate Modern art gallery, the medieval Southwark Cathedral and a lively shopping and entertainment district. Other prime locations for leisurely walks include the legendary Hyde Park and the stately Victoria Embankment, which leads to the Houses of Parliament.

St. Petersburg -

Although this great city shows the wear and tear it endured as Leningrad during the decades of the Soviet Union, its essential grandeur shows through.

The Hermitage -

Originally a palace of the czar, this vast building now houses one of the world's greatest art collections. It is, in fact, a work of art in itself, and no visit to St. Petersburg would be complete without a visit to this great museum.

The Summer Palace -

A short trip from the city, this country home built for Peter the Great and its surrounding grounds provide a glimpse into the opulence and elegance of the Czar's court. The tour also takes visitors through the rural countryside outside St. Petersburg.

Nevskiy Prospekt -

St. Petersburg's main thoroughfare and the heart of its lively shopping and entertainment district, this broad avenue is lined with shops carrying the names of world-famous designers, art galleries and restaurants and nightclubs. The street also crosses over the canals that earned St. Petersburg the title "Venice of the North."

Norwegian Fjord -

Not exactly fit the definition of a port call but a series of scenic transits and stops at small villages and cities, the Norwegian Fjords treat visitors to spectacular scenery and a first-hand view of the life, culture and history of the land of the Vikings.

To find a cruise specialist in your area, use the Cruise Expert Finder:

Northern Europe, Scandinavia, And Baltic Russia

Regional Cities

Amsterdam

Bergen

Copenhagen

Flåm

Geiranger

Hellesylt

Honningsvåg

Kalmar

Oslo

Reykjavík

Rønne

Stavanger

Tallinn

Tromsø

Trondheim

Ports of Call

London -

The British Museum -

Kings and Castles -

Great Walks -

St. Petersburg -

The Hermitage -

The Summer Palace -

Nevskiy Prospekt -

Norwegian Fjord -

City Guides

African (Southern)

Alaska

Australia/New Zealand

Bahamas

Baltics/Russia

Bermuda

British Isles

Canada/New England

Caribbean

Central America

E. Mediterranean/Aegean

Europe (Western)

Far East/Orient

Hawaii

India

Ireland

Mexico (Pacific Coast)

Middle East

Scandinavia/North Cape

SE Mediterranean

South America

South Pacific/Tahiti

Southeast Asia

Southeast US Coast

West Coast US