Northern Europe

Stockholm, Sweden's charming capital, spans 14 islands connected by picturesque bridges. Begin your exploration in Gamla Stan, the city's historic old town, where cobblestone streets lead to the majestic Royal Palace and the medieval Storkyrkan Cathedral.

For a dose of modern culture, visit the ABBA Museum on Djurgården Island, celebrating Sweden's iconic pop group. Nearby, the Vasa Museum showcases a remarkably preserved 17th-century warship. Stroll along the waterfront promenade of Strandvägen for stunning views and vibrant cafes. Don't miss the Stockholm City Hall, renowned for its striking architecture and the annual Nobel Prize banquet. Enjoy Swedish cuisine at a local bistro, featuring dishes like meatballs and herring.

Onboard MSC you'll experience a welcoming atmosphere with a Mediterranean-inspired elegance. Enjoy a wide array of dining options, from gourmet restaurants to casual eateries and experience live performances, themed parties, and engaging activities for all ages, making it ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

Copenhagen captivates with its blend of royal history and modern Scandinavian cool. Visit the 17th-century Rosenborg Castle, home to Denmark’s crown jewels, or stroll through the picturesque Nyhavn harbor with its colorful townhouses and lively cafés.

The iconic Little Mermaid statue sits serenely by the waterfront, while Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, offers charming rides and lush gardens in the heart of the city. Your ship will dock at the Port of Copenhagen, which is a 30 minute drive to Copenhagen Airport and a 15 minute drive into the city centre.

Karlskrona is an enchanting city with its storybook cottages, immense town square, and hundreds of small islands awaiting discovery amid the sparkling sea. It is known as Sweden's only baroque city and is host to Sweden's sole remaining naval base. Small ships will dock at the Port of Karlskrona, while large ships will anchor offshore.

Top Things to Do in Karlskrona:

• visit the Naval Museum
• cruise through the Karlskrona’s archipelago
• tour Karlskrona’s Old Naval Shipyard
• view the city from atop Brewer Hill
  

Berlin, Germany's dynamic capital, is a city steeped in history and modern innovation. Start with the iconic Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of unity and peace. Nearby, the Reichstag Building offers a panoramic view of the city from its stunning glass dome.

Art lovers should not miss Museum Island, home to five world-renowned museums. For a poignant glimpse into the past, visit the Berlin Wall Memorial and the East Side Gallery, where vibrant murals cover remnants of the historic divide. End your visit with a relaxing afternoon in Tiergarten, Berlin’s expansive park perfect for unwinding and reflecting on the city’s rich tapestry.

Warnemünde, a quaint seaside resort in Germany, captures the hearts of visitors with its broad, sandy beaches and the charming promenade of Alter Strom, lined with fishing boats and boutiques. This port town is renowned for its maritime flair and historic lighthouse, dating back to 1898, which offers sweeping views of the Baltic Sea.

Warnemünde offers access to both the historic city of Rostock, just 13 kilometers (8 miles) away, and the vibrant capital, Berlin, approximately 240 kilometers (150 miles) away. Rostock is reachable within 20 minutes by train, while Berlin requires a longer travel time, about 3 hours by train or coach. Explore Rostock's medieval architecture and Hanseatic history or if you're looking to explore Berlin, plan for a full day experience.

Sweden's second largest city and the largest port in Scandinavia is laced with a network of gracious canals lined with elegant buildings. Goteborg is a cosmopolitan city with a wealth of cultural attractions, from its ancient University to its beloved pleasure garden at Liseberg Amusement Park. Ships will dock at the Port of Goteborg.

Top Things to Do in Goteborg:

• visit Tjolöholm Castle
• island hop in the Bohuslän archipelago
• cruise the canals
• stroll down Aveneyn boulevard

Onboard MSC you'll experience a welcoming atmosphere with a Mediterranean-inspired elegance. Enjoy a wide array of dining options, from gourmet restaurants to casual eateries and experience live performances, themed parties, and engaging activities for all ages, making it ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

IJmuiden serves as a key cruise port for Amsterdam. The port is approximately 27 kilometres (about 17 miles) from Amsterdam's city centre, a journey that takes around 30-45 minutes by car or shuttle bus. IJmuiden itself offers attractions like the expansive Zuid-Kennemerland National Park and the historic Forteiland, providing a mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

London, a vibrant metropolis brimming with history and culture, is a must-visit destination for cruise travellers. Explore the historic Tower of London, witness the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, and stroll across the majestic Tower Bridge. Art enthusiasts will relish the treasures housed in the British Museum and Tate Modern.

Explore London's culinary diversity at Borough Market, where a variety of international flavors await. Be sure to visit the lively Covent Garden, renowned for its street performers and charming boutiques. From the tranquil Royal Parks to the vibrant West End theatres, London provides a captivating blend of British heritage and modern vitality.

Southampton has a long maritime history, it was the departure point for the Mayflower in 1620, and for the ill-fated Titanic in 1912. Today the city is the cruise capital of Northern Europe. During your time in Southampton, explore its medieval architectural spots like Bargate and the Old Town walls, shop at the ultra-modern Westquay and historic sites such as the SeaCity Museum and the Titanic Trail. Southampton is approximately 128 kilometers (80 miles) southwest of London, which takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by car or train. The port is conveniently located near the city center.

Onboard MSC you'll experience a welcoming atmosphere with a Mediterranean-inspired elegance. Enjoy a wide array of dining options, from gourmet restaurants to casual eateries and experience live performances, themed parties, and engaging activities for all ages, making it ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Santiago de Compostela has been an important pilgrimage centre for Christians since the 800's, when the tomb of the apostle James was believed to have been found by a hermit, guided to it by a bright light.

Centuries of building and subsequent preservation efforts have maintained a range of extraordinary architecture in the Old Town, including Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical styles. Ships will dock in Vilagarcia which is a 50 minute drive from Santiago De Compostela.

Perched on a rocky peninsula in Spain's northwest, La Coruña is brimming with ancient Roman heritage and maritime history. This historic town is nicknamed the 'Crystal City' due to the 19th-century enclosed glass balconies that reflect the glittering waters of the Atlantic. Ships will dock at the Port of La Coruña.

Top Things to Do in La Coruna:

• visit the Tower of Hercules
• stroll the streets of La Coruña’s Old Town
• cycle along the Paseo Marítimo
• visit the Santiago de Compostela
• sample some of the areas delicious seafood

Lisbon, Portugal's vibrant capital, is a city of hills, history, and stunning views. Start your day at the iconic Belém Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering a glimpse into Portugal’s maritime past. Nearby, visit the Jerónimos Monastery, a masterpiece of Manueline architecture, where you can admire its intricate designs.

In the afternoon, explore the historic Alfama district, with its narrow, winding streets and traditional Fado music echoing from cozy taverns. Ride the famous Tram 28 to see landmarks like the Lisbon Cathedral and the São Jorge Castle. For a panoramic view of the city, head to the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte viewpoint.

Onboard MSC you'll experience a welcoming atmosphere with a Mediterranean-inspired elegance. Enjoy a wide array of dining options, from gourmet restaurants to casual eateries and experience live performances, themed parties, and engaging activities for all ages, making it ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

Located on the Costa Blanca, Alicante exudes a rare beauty. Lovely Baroque buildings cluster around the historic central district, while marble plazas grace its broad waterfront boulevard and pristine beaches like San Juan hug the shoreline. Ships will dock at the Port of Alicante cruise terminal.

Top Things to Do in Alicante:

• visit the Castle of Santa Barbara
• shop at the Mercado Central
• snorkel at the Islet of Tabarca
• stroll down the Explanada De Espana
• visit the UNESCO listed Palmeral of Elche
  

Onboard MSC you'll experience a welcoming atmosphere with a Mediterranean-inspired elegance. Enjoy a wide array of dining options, from gourmet restaurants to casual eateries and experience live performances, themed parties, and engaging activities for all ages, making it ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

The port city of Genoa is the gateway to Italy’s glamorous riviera. Delight in a shore excursion to picturesque Portofino, starting with a boat cruise from Santa Margherita Ligure. Admire sea views and a yacht-filled harbor. Stroll along the harbor, enjoy the colorful houses, or relax in a waterfront café.

Portofino, surrounded by verdant hills, is a playground for celebrities and VIPs.Explore Genoa on foot with MSC Cruises. Wander narrow streets to Piazza de Ferrari, visit Palazzo Ducale, and admire UNESCO sites like Palazzo Bianco. Enjoy Ligurian cuisine and see the Cathedral of San Lorenzo before returning to the ship.