MSC Cruises
European-flavoured family cruising at scale, with Mediterranean and Caribbean coverage year-round.
A short flight from the UK, then the Norwegian fjords or the Baltic capitals from one of Europe's loveliest cities.
Copenhagen is the main cruise port for northern Europe and a wonderful city to start from. A short flight from the UK brings you to a city of canals, cycle lanes and colourful harbourside houses, and the cruise terminals are close to the centre. Many travellers add a night or two to explore Nyhavn, Tivoli Gardens and the old town.
MSC Cruises sails from here through the summer with family-friendly ships, and Princess Cruises and NCL Norwegian offer big-ship itineraries. Smaller and luxury ships are well represented too, from Windstar and Azamara to Seabourn, Silversea, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas and Explora Journeys.
There are two classic routes. The Norwegian fjords, with Geiranger, Hellesylt, Ålesund and Flåm, are reached on seven- to ten-night sailings. The Baltic, with Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn, Riga and Gdańsk, suits travellers who love cities and history, and longer voyages combine both, or reach Iceland and the North Cape.
The season is summer: roughly May to September, with long, light evenings and the mildest weather. June and July bring almost endless daylight in the far north. We can arrange flights, a Copenhagen hotel and transfers around your sailing.
The cruise lines our Travel Designers suggest most often for this kind of trip. Tap a line for the full guide.
MSC Cruises
European-flavoured family cruising at scale, with Mediterranean and Caribbean coverage year-round.
Princess Cruises
Mid-premium cruising with destination-strong itineraries — Alaska, Caribbean, Mediterranean.
NCL Norwegian
Freestyle American cruising with no fixed dining times — flexible and family-friendly.
Windstar Cruises
180–342-guest sailing yachts and motor yachts — small-ship ocean cruising, casual luxury.
Seabourn
Ultra-luxury all-suite small-ship cruising with Restaurant by Thomas Keller and global reach.
Silversea
All-inclusive ultra-luxury cruising on small ocean and expedition ships, butler service throughout.
| Cruise line | Best for |
|---|---|
| MSC Cruises | Families who want a big, modern ship and good value. |
| Princess Cruises | Travellers who want a classic, premium feel and long Baltic itineraries. |
| NCL Norwegian | Those who like flexible dining and a relaxed, freestyle approach. |
| Windstar Cruises | Travellers who want a small ship and quieter ports. |
| Seabourn | Food lovers and couples who want ultra-luxury. |
| Silversea | Luxury travellers who want all-inclusive fares and small ships. |
A night in Copenhagen is well spent: wander Nyhavn’s colourful harbour, cycle along the canals, visit Tivoli Gardens and see the Little Mermaid. The cruise terminals are close to the centre.
For a no-fly alternative, see our cruises from Southampton, which also reach the fjords.
The two classic routes are the Norwegian fjords, including Geiranger, Ålesund and Flåm, and the Baltic, with Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn and Riga. Longer voyages combine both or reach Iceland and the North Cape.
From about May to September, when the weather is mildest and the days are long. June and July bring the longest daylight.
We recommend it. The city is compact and easy to explore, and a night before sailing protects you against flight delays. We can book a hotel and transfers.
Southampton avoids flying but needs more days at sea. Copenhagen is a short flight away and reaches the fjords faster, leaving more time in port. Both are good choices.
Tell a Travel Designer where you want to go, when, and what kind of ship suits you. Three honest recommendations, same business day.