6. Northern Europe & The Baltics — Castles, Capitals & Coastlines

Why Cruise Northern Europe & The Baltics

Cruising Northern Europe feels like stepping into a storybook — medieval castles, cobblestone streets, and grand royal palaces blend with cutting-edge design and cultural sophistication. Sail through the Baltic Sea or along Norway’s dramatic fjords and experience the charm of cities like Copenhagen, Stockholm, Tallinn, and Helsinki, along with the grandeur of St. Petersburg and the beauty of the Scandinavian coast. Every port offers centuries of history and striking natural scenery.

Best Time to Cruise

• Peak season: June – August (long daylight hours, festivals, warm weather)
• Shoulder season: May & September (fewer crowds, lower fares, pleasant temperatures)
• Winter: November – March (select voyages focused on Northern Lights and Christmas markets)

Top Cruise Lines & Ships

• Princess Cruises – elegant itineraries through Scandinavia, the Baltic, and the British Isles.
• Celebrity Cruises – Apex and Silhouette with immersive cultural shore excursions.
• Holland America Line – Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam, ideal for fjord exploration.
• Viking Ocean Cruises – small-ship luxury with extended stays in port and cultural depth.
• VOA Member Favorites: Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas and MSC Euribia for a modern, value-rich Northern Europe experience.

Top Ports & Highlights

• Copenhagen, Denmark – the colorful Nyhavn waterfront, Tivoli Gardens, and royal palaces.
• Stockholm, Sweden – a city built on islands with stunning views and the Vasa Museum.
• Tallinn, Estonia – perfectly preserved medieval old town, cafés, and craft markets.
• Helsinki, Finland – modern design meets Baltic tradition; visit the Suomenlinna Fortress.
• Oslo & Bergen, Norway – gateways to fjord cruising, Viking history, and stunning mountain backdrops.
• Petersburg, Russia (when available) – the Hermitage Museum, Catherine Palace, and iconic architecture along the Neva River.
• Riga, Latvia – Art Nouveau architecture and lively market culture.

VOA Insider Tips

• Book a balcony or observation deck cabin — ideal for scenic sailing through the Norwegian fjords.
• Choose longer itineraries (10–14 nights) for deeper exploration beyond the main capitals.
• Add a VOA pre-cruise stay in Copenhagen or Amsterdam to enjoy local culture and cuisine.
• Opt for small-group or private VOA excursions to skip lines at popular sites like the Hermitage or Tivoli Gardens.
• Bring layers — summer can still bring cool breezes at sea.

Why VOA Makes It Better

VOA Worldwide offers travelers:

• Member-only cruise rates and savings of up to 30%.
• Pre- and post-cruise hotel packages in major embarkation ports like Copenhagen or Amsterdam.
• Access to premium small-ship sailings for a more personalized, immersive experience.
• Custom VOA concierge support for flights, transfers, and curated cultural shore excursions.