Cruise Scandinavia and the Baltics and discover the Nordic culture and culinary excellence in the land of the Vikings! This region of Europe is known for fresh air, great outdoors, magical northern lights, and some of the highest living standards in the world.
Choosing to cruise Scandinavia and the Baltics means that you will experience the best of northern Europe. Discover cities such as Stockholm (Sweden), Gothenburg (Sweden), Visby (Sweden), Copenhagen (Denmark), Skagen (Denmark), Oslo (Norway), Kristiansand (Norway), and Helsinki (Finland).
Cruise Scandinavia and the Baltics from Stockholm, Amsterdam, or Copenhagen
If you want to explore Sweden’s fantastic capital city (and we hope you do) before beginning your cruise to Scandinavia and the Baltics, opt for cruises that start and end in Stockholm. Stockholm has long been hailed as one of the most beautiful capital cities of the world. Our unique archipelago stretches about 60km east of the city, and the islands are full of holiday cottages and fishing boats.
In the summer, it’s nothing less than perfect. See our Stockholm destination page to discover what to do and where to stay for your pre-cruise adventure!
Some of the cruises to Scandinavia and the Baltics leave from Amsterdam. You can book pre-cruise hotel nights in Amsterdam and add this outstanding northern European capital to your vacation itinerary.
Staying in the center of Amsterdam is pricey but worth it. Look for hotels in the Oud-West area, just north of Vondelpark, which offer better value for money. Stick to the 4-star standard and above. It’s about a 40-minute walk from this area to Dam Square, the city’s medieval center. Van Gogh’s museum and Anne Frank’s house are within walking distance.
If you are a first-time visitor to Scandinavia, Copenhagen is a fantastic capital to start your Scandinavian experience. After three days in this Denmark’s capital city, you will most likely want to visit again. Expect super-friendly locals who speak perfect English, great shopping, high-standard hotels, and fantastic cuisine.
Many Scandinavian cruises will include the beautiful Baltic in their itineraries so that you will visit stunning destinations such as Tallinn, Estonia, and Riga in Latvia.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and Celebrity Cruises for Northern Europe cruises
Cruise Scandinavia and the Baltics with Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas is our first recommended cruise ship to Scandinavia and the Baltics for these cruises. It’s a good all-rounder for all types of guests. As a result of Voyager’s huge upgrade in 2019, you will have a luxury cruise experience onboard. It has excellent specialty restaurants (pre-purchase your dining package or use onboard credit). Giovanni’s Table is our favorite.
Guest areas such as the Promenade deck, the Royal Theatre, and the fitness area have all been refreshed and refined. And the ice rink – the first at-sea ice rink on any cruise ship – still offers mesmerizing evening shows. The Perfect Storm twin waterslides and laser tag areas have been rebuilt, and a fantastic outdoor space is now exclusively for teens.
The Schooner Bar, a Royal Caribbean classic, is a must. We love the classical nautical design, ample seating areas, friendly bar service, and excellent atmosphere day and night. But if you’re traveling with teens, visit The Tavern instead, as they will enjoy the big-screen TV sports games.
When you choose to cruise Scandinavia and the Baltics, as with all other Royal Caribbean cruises, your accommodation, dining, onboard activities (including their award-winning kid’s club), access to the fitness center, and your entertainment is included in your cruise price. Check that gratuities (tips) are all included in the price as well, which can vary depending on your region.
Book extras online via your Cruise Planner
These extras can be added to your cruise booking easily by booking them online via your Cruise Planner:
- drinks packages (choose between “Deluxe,” “Refreshment,” “Classic Soda,” or “Water Bottle” packages)
- specialty dining
- shore excursions
- Internet packages
- spa treatments
Book from home before you leave to get the best price. Often these things are more expensive if you book onboard the ship.
Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society
We recommend you join Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society membership program. Sign-up is free, and you start earning reward points from the first time you sail with them. Benefits include:
- onboard offers
- priority check-in at some ports
- private departure lounges with continental breakfast
- welcome refreshments and snacks
- balcony and suite discounts
These benefits vary from tier to tier. So the more your cruise, the more points you earn and the higher the tier status you can achieve. One cruise point for every cruise night and an additional point if you book a suite!
Voyager is a classy, elegant ship without being stuffy. You get a luxurious cruise on board a ship with just the right variety – restaurants, entertainment, sports, and relaxation. It’s one of our favorite cruise ships amongst Royal Caribbean International’s incredible fleet of ships. We highly recommend you plan your Scandinavian cruise with a land package for an unforgettable vacation.
Cruise Scandinavia and the Baltics with Celebrity Reflection, a Solstice cruise ship
Our next choice for cruising Scandinavia and the Baltics is Celebrity’s beautiful ship, Reflection. The elegant Solstice class ships are great for adults or couples with older teens. We say that because Celebrity Cruises, while offering kids and teen clubs, are aimed more at the adult market (no kids pools!), although families cruise on them, especially in the summer holidays. For European sailings, the guests are an international mix, and you will make friends from all over the world.
Celebrity is known for its 6-star dining and menus onboard. The cuisine is incredible. The main dining room, Opus, offers a fantastic menu each night, and there is always something new to try. The Specialty restaurants are good too. Try classic Italian food at Tuscan Grille.
All Solstice class ships are unique in having The Lawn Club. This is natural grass on the top deck of the ship. So grab a picnic blanket and a glass of wine and listen to live music on the lawn.
When you choose to cruise Scandinavia and the Baltics, as with all other Celebrity cruises, your accommodation, dining, onboard activities, fitness center access, and entertainment are included in your cruise price. Wifi, drinks, and gratuities (tips) are included in every Celebrity cruise.
Book extras online via your Cruise Planner
These extras can be added to your cruise booking easily by booking them online via your Cruise Planner:
- specialty dining
- shore excursions
- spa treatments
The classic drinks package is included in the price of your cruise. We found this to be more than adequate, with an extensive menu of alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks and a good selection of wines and beers. Specialty coffees, juices, and bottled water are all included. We found the classic drinks package for a family of 4 good value for money. You drink whatever you want, whenever you want.
If you want to upgrade to a premium drinks package and pay the extra, you can do this only if you want that single malt, champagne, or unique cognac. Book from home before you leave to get the best price.
Celebrity Cruises Captain’s Club
We recommend you join the Celebrity Cruises membership program, the Captain’s Club. Sign-up is free, and you start earning reward points from the first time you sail with them. Benefits include:
- onboard offers
- special invitations
- complimentary laundry
- spa discounts
- stateroom category upgrades.
These benefits vary from tier to tier. So the more your cruise, the more points you earn and the higher the tier status you can achieve. One cruise point for every cruise night and an additional point if you book a suite!
Combine your cruise to Scandinavia and the Baltics with pre-and post-cruise hotel nights.
Cruises to Scandinavia and the Baltics are a fantastic way to see many destinations in the same European vacation. Not to mention how much money you save compared to flying to these different and sometimes logistically tricky destinations. See our Stockholm, Amsterdam, and Copenhagen pages for tips on how to combine these itineraries with pre-and post-cruise city visits.
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