With cruises covering all over Europe including the British Isles, Norwegian Fjords, Arctic & North Atlantic, Scandanavia and the Baltic regions, there is something for everyone.
Cruise season:
Scandi-Russia, British and Norwegian cruises generally commence in late Spring (April/May) and the season ends in September. Similarly, the High Arctic is best explored in May to September, as the pack ice recedes. The shorter season reflects the more northerly latitude of the region, however weather during the cruise season is mild to warm and the days are long and generally sunny. April and September are cooler. This is a relatively low rain period with about 8 to 10 days of rain per month. Weather is the sub Antarctic islands is cool but pleasant in the summer months.
Departure ports:
Cruises can depart from Baltic ports including Copenhagen, Stockholm and St Petersburg. Those departing from Europe and the UK do so from Dover, Southampton, Liverpool, Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Kiel. Cruises to the Norwegian Fjords commence in Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Southampton. Keflavik (Iceland) is the starting point for the voyages around Iceland or to Greenland. Longyearbyen is the starting point for the voyages to the North and Around Spitsbergen.
The United Kingdom is predominantly an embark point for cruises to other destinations such as Ireland and Scotland where you can enjoy both the rugged beauty of the Scottish Islands and the Celtic history. These cruises by both large and small cruise ships can also include a visit to Iceland.
The larger cruise lines depart from the UK ports of Dover, Southampton and Liverpool as well as from Amsterdam. The cruise season is from May to September to take advantage of the longer days and warmer weather.
Norwegian Fjords
Norway is best seen from the water, with its spectacular scenery and long coastline and making this a popular cruise destination. Nowhere are there fjords to match the grandeur of those in Norway, where the deceptively clear water reflects the mountains like a mirror. Immerse yourself in the Norwegian culture by visiting the various museums and exhibits depicting life in Norway. Here, the people are friendly, flowers are everywhere and the sun shines at midnight so you can savour it all.
Arctic & North Atlantic
Until you've experienced an Arctic summer, you can't conceive of the abundance of time that 24 hours of daylight gives you. There is a lot to explore - polar bears, walrus, seals, and even Arctic foxes haunt the ice edge, while millions of seabirds breed and raise their young on ledges and barren islands. Cruises are generaly centered around Iceland, Spitsbergen or Greenland.
The larger cruise ships that visit here are restricted to scenic cruising through the area. However the majority of cruises here are provided by smaller specialty ships that allow passengers to disembark onto remote areas of the Sub Arctic islands.The High Arctic is best explored in May to September, as the pack ice recedes.
Scandinavia / Russia
Cruising the Baltic is all about history and natural beauty – you’ll be amazed by the range of experiences! St. Petersburg in Russia is reason enough to do the cruise – the incredible architecture, the Heritage/Gold Room Museums, the classical Yussupov Palace and the canal-like rivers that run through the city make this a favourite port city for cruisers.
Scandinavian/Russia itineraries typically have ports within walking distance to the city centre. Take along your guidebook, wear a comfortable pair of shoes and set out to walk and explore the medieval cities. Stroll through the famed Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen or wander the quaint cobblestone streets in the coastal town of Tallinn, Estonia.
British Isles
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