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A playground of Nordic riches
Longing to get off the tourist trail and lose yourself in a world of glorious cathedral domes, spellbinding city squares and Nordic coastal castles all steeped in fantastical folklore? Welcome to a playground of cultural riches in some of Europe’s prettiest Scandinavian and Nordic cruise destinations.&nbsp;

Visiting between 5 to 8 ports, with evening and/or overnight stops on every itinerary, our Northern Europe & Scandinavia cruise holidays are 14 or 16 nights. 

How long is a Northern Europe & Scandinavia cruise holiday?

Although this can be a personal choice, if you’re looking to enjoy more outdoor activities on your holiday, then between May and September would be the best time to go on a Northern Europe cruise holiday. The warmer weather during these months means you’ll have the chance to go cycling around picturesque old towns in one destination or kayaking in calm waterways in the next.&nbsp;&nbsp;

What is the best time of year to go on a cruise holiday to Northern Europe?

Northern Europe is characterised by cold winters and mild, humid summers. That said, as the region’s climate can be affected by the Gulf Stream, it can, unlike southern parts of Europe, make for unpredictable weather at any time of the year.&nbsp; Although you can expect an average temperature of 22°C in mid-summer, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for all weather possibilities when travelling in Northern Europe, whatever the season.&nbsp;

What is the weather like in Northern Europe?

The weather across Scandinavia varies greatly depending on the season. During the summer months, you can expect warmer weather on your Nordic cruises with temperatures reaching as high as 25°C, while in mid-winter temperatures can drop to as low as -20°C in the more northern parts of the region.



During the summer months, the sun barely sets in Scandinavia. If you’re travelling around this region in June or July, you can enjoy almost 24 hours of daylight in some parts. 

What is the weather like in Scandinavia?

Given the vast wild areas of the region, it’ll come as no surprise to learn that traditional Scandinavian food is based on local natural resources such as meat and seafood. When mixed with fresh ingredients, this produces tasty Nordic food for you to try. One cuisine that you’ll find across the region is gravlax. This Scandinavian dish consists of salmon that’s been cured using a mix of salt, sugar, dill, black pepper and sometimes berries. Reindeer meat is also popular across Scandinavia and comes in various forms. If you fancy trying this meat, then you could try the Norwegian steak called finnbiff, which is often served with potato dumplings and a hearty gravy. If you’re vegetarian or vegan and feeling missed out here, one Scandinavian food tradition you can get on board with is the smörgåsbord. This is a popular lunch option, where you can make up your own rye-bread sandwiches from an array of fillings such as roasted tomatoes with herbs, mushrooms, cloudberries and boiled potatoes (as well as meats and cheeses).&nbsp; &nbsp;

What is traditional Scandinavian food like?

Even in the summer months, it’s fair to say the weather in Scandinavia can be a tad unpredictable.  As well as waterproof clothing and an umbrella, make sure you bring along plenty of extra layers such as fleece jackets and jumpers, so you can put on or take off when needed.

Many of our Scandinavian cruise destinations are perfect places for hiking trips or exploring (which is part of their appeal), so it’s a good idea to bring appropriate footwear, such as hiking shoes or durable trainers that you’ll be able to comfortably trek about in for a few hours.

What should I wear on a Scandinavian cruise holiday?

Outside of the British Isles,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-destinations/northern-europe-cruises">Northern Europe</a>&nbsp;consists of the Lowland countries, such as &nbsp;Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, and the Baltics. The Baltics consist of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
And, more importantly for you, with P&amp;O Cruises you can visit some of the prettiest places in this eclectic and culturally rich region. The winding lanes of Tallinn and Riga’s old towns will leave you feeling like you’ve stepped back in time.

Which countries are in Northern Europe?

Scandinavia is a group of countries in northern Europe that include&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.scandinaviastandard.com/tag/denmark/">Denmark</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.scandinaviastandard.com/tag/norway/">Norway</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.scandinaviastandard.com/tag/sweden/">Sweden</a>&nbsp;and, more commonly,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.scandinaviastandard.com/tag/finland/">Finland</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.scandinaviastandard.com/tag/iceland/">Iceland</a>&nbsp;and the Faroe Islands. However, this can vary depending on whether you’re talking about geography or culture – the Scandinavian Peninsula excludes Denmark, but Finland has distinctly different cultural traditions and language.&nbsp;
Whatever the similarities and differences, you’ll have the chance to see the best of this region on a P&amp;O Cruises Scandinavian holiday. Whether you’re coming face-to-face with Viking longboats in Oslo, wandering the cobbled streets of Stockholm’s old town or saying ‘hi’ to a famous mermaid in the fairy-tale capital Copenhagen, there’s no end to the adventures waiting for you on a Nordic cruise.

Which countries are in Scandinavia?

Set sail for Northern Europe &amp; Scandinavia from Southampton and start your Nordic cruise sooner. There are currently three ships you can explore this enchanting region on with P&amp;O Cruises: Britannia and our two exclusively-for-adults ships Arcadia and Aurora.&nbsp;

Which ships visit Northern Europe and Scandinavia?

Frequently asked questions

Cruise holidays

Find your favourite Northern Europe and Scandinavian cruise holiday

Immerse yourself in local culture on a Scandinavia shore experience. Take to the water on a kayak in Copenhagen or cruise by Helsinki’s sprawling sea fortress. Submerge yourself in Stockholm’s cave-like metro stations, enjoy a drink in an ice bar, and stroll the UNESCO-listed streets of Tallin’s Upper Town, Toompea.

Our top 5 Northern Europe and Scandinavian shore experiences

A fairytale mix of Gothic spires, cobbled alleyways and pastel-painted merchants' houses.

 Big buildings behind a car park and water

Home to many a whimsical town and alluring landscape.

From castles to beer halls, Germany brims with history and hearty traditions.

An 'old world' feel the moment your feet make contact with Belgian soil.

 A sky view of a city of buildings by a bridge over water

Latvia’s cobbled lanes and Baltic spirit invite you into a medieval fairytale.

Brosundet Guest Marina in the port of Alesund, Norway

 Boats in Amsterdam canal in front of buildings

The Old Harbor, or Oude Haven, of Rotterdam with the Willemsbrug bridge and Openlucht Binnenvaart Museum

The indulgent explorer
Mid-sized Arcadia offers timeless style – a worthy home for our epic World Cruises.
Cruise type
Long duration, Southampton round-trip

An Intimate classic
A classic cruising experience with a focus on relaxation, world-class dining and a stylish atmosphere.
Cruise type
Long duration, Southampton round-trip

contemporary glamour
Family friendly&nbsp;
Our flagship offers something for everyone, from fine dining to thrilling shows.
Cruise type
Southampton round-trip

The fun all-rounder
Family friendly&nbsp;
From the arcade to the Retreat, there's something for everyone on Ventura.
Cruise type
Southampton round-trip

Innovation meets exploration
Family friendly&nbsp;
A favourite for couples and families alike, enjoy everything from lively entertainment to quiet spaces to unwind.
Cruise type
Southampton round-trip

Northern Europe and Scandinavian cruises 2026

{"metadata_en_GB":{"alt-text":"Gdynia, Poland"}}

Boat sailing in Nyhavn neighbourhood of Copenhagen

Northern Europe and Scandinavian cruises 2027

Northern Europe and Scandinavian cruises 2028

Shore experiences

Experience Northern Europe and Scandinavia like never before

Ships

Explore Northern Europe and Scandinavia on your favourite ship

{"metadata_en_GB":{"alt-text":"Britannia at sea - Family Friendly Cruise Ship"}}

'An excellent time on Britannia going to&nbsp;Scandinavia. The crew are so friendly and helpful, nothing is too much trouble for them. The food and entertainment were great.'

'Just returned from Northern Europe &amp;&nbsp;Scandinavia&nbsp;on Britannia. The ship was excellent, food &amp; service amazing. I can’t wait to go on her again.'

'Excellent holiday, interesting ports of call and the ship itself was well maintained, food was excellent, plenty of activities to suit all tastes and all the staff pleasant and helpful.'

Reasons to visit

<a href="https://www.pocruises.com/ports/helsinki-finland">Helsinki</a>&nbsp;is a design lover’s dream: the city boasts some of the finest examples of Nordic Art Nouveau architecture, with the central train station and National Theatre being prime examples. Be sure to also visit the Design Museum, a treasure trove of Finnish design on your Scandinavia cruise.

{"metadata_en_GB":{"alt-text":"A tourist photographing the iconic buldings at Stortorget."}}

Delicious sandwich with sprats, cucumbers, lemon and dill on wooden board, closeup

The culinary scene across the Nordic region has boomed in recent years. When in Oslo, you can’t go wrong with seafood – smoked salmon and tørrfisk (air-dried cod) are good bets. Scandinavian, Nordic and German influences are evident in Estonian cuisine – sample the local delicacy of kiluvõileib, a sprat sandwich made with traditional black bread, washed down with a local craft beer.

The Gotlands Museum in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pocruises.com/ports/visby-sweden">Visby</a>&nbsp;is home to hundreds of fascinating artefacts from the Stone and Bronze Ages, as well as The Spillings Hoard – the world’s greatest Viking silver treasure ever found - offering a glimpse into the richNordic past. Over the centuries, Estonia has been a battleground for Danish, Swedish, Polish and German forces all jostling for supremacy, but today Tallinn is a peaceful yet vibrant modern capital.

{"metadata_en_GB":{"alt-text":"Aerial view of Riga center from St. Peter's Church, Riga, Latvia"}}

Where we sail

Explore our Northern Europe and Scandinavia cruise destinations

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There are refreshments available at the Southampton cruise terminal and plenty of seating to make you comfortable.

Are there refreshments available at the Southampton cruise terminal?

Depending on which cruise you choose, you usually have at least one day at sea before you get to the first port. That means you have at least a full day at sea to get used to your ship and have as much fun as you can squeeze in.

How long does it take to get from Southampton to the first destination? 

Southampton welcomes more than four million visitors each year and is easily accessible from major UK cities by rail, road and air. It’s entirely up to you. You might prefer to drive and park at or near the cruise terminal. Parking at the terminal needs to be pre-booked. Alternatively, why not hop on a coach or train and let someone else do the driving while you relax. And if you live further away, you could always fly into Southampton airport and grab a taxi to the terminal.

What are the transfer options to get to Southampton docks?

There are no size limits for liquid toiletries on P&amp;O Cruises holidays from Southampton. This means you can bring all of your favourite full size toiletries. We allow guests to bring 1 litre of wine or champagne, per person, on board.

What is the liquid allowance on a P&O Cruises holiday departing from Southampton? 

Great news! You’ll be pleased to know that Arcadia, Arvia, Aurora, Britannia, Iona and Ventura sail from Southampton to wonderful destinations all over the world. So take your pick of our Southampton cruises and set sail.

Which ships sail from Southampton docks?

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Northern Europe and Scandinavia cruise holidays

Reasons to visit Northern Europe and Scandanavia with P&O Cruises

Immersive artwork and architecture

Delicious cuisine

History that spans the ages

Explore our Northern Europe and Scandinavia cruise destinations

Discover Northern Europe and Scandinavia destinations

Visby

Visby

Find your favourite Northern Europe and Scandinavian cruise holiday

Experience Northern Europe and Scandinavia like never before

Our top 5 Northern Europe and Scandinavian shore experiences

Explore Northern Europe and Scandinavia on your favourite ship

Arcadia