Northern Europe

The quirky and heritage-filled Hamburg is a true city of water, nestled snugly between the Baltic and North seas and intersected by a frayed network of rivers and canals, spanned by hundreds of pretty bridges. Explore the Speicherstadt, the world’s largest warehouse district and a UNESCO site, known for its neo-gothic architecture.

The nearby Elbphilharmonie concert hall is impressive with its striking design and views over the Elbe River. For a taste of local life, visit the lively Fish Market or stroll along the waterfront at Landungsbrücken, where ferries offer scenic river cruises along the canals.

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.

Soaring turrets, spires and beautiful ornamentation adorn the buildings throughout Ålesund, giving it a distinctive flair and earning the town a revered architectural reputation. Seven islands comprise Ålesund , and they’re cleverly connected by an elaborate set of underwater tunnels. Feeling energetic - climb the 418 steps to Mount Aksla for panoramic views of the town, surrounding islands and fjords or how about visting the Atlanterhavsparken aquarium, which offers an immersive look at marine life.

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.

Called the northernmost point of Europe, the North Cape (or Nordkapp) is situated at the very north tip of Norway and inside the Arctic Circle. Home to where the Atlantic and Arctic oceans meet and with only the Svalbald archipelago standing between it and the North Pole, this is the true land of the midnight sun.

Lookout for hundreds of thousands of puffins, gannets, cormorants, seals, dolphins and whales that make this stretch of chilly water and the tall cliffs their home. Not forgetting the colourful, compact fishing villages, so at odds with the otherwise stark and barren landscape.

The world’s northernmost village, Honningsvag is the gateway to the North Cape. It is a completely modern fishing harbour set in a land of forests, fjord waters, and crashing waterfalls. The cliffs of the North Cape are perched 1,000 feet above the Arctic Ocean and provides a lookout over a limitless panorama.

Top Things to Do in Honningsvag:

• visit the North Cape cliffs and hall
• birdwatch on Gjesvaerstappan Island
• go crabbing in Sarnesfjorden
• ATV in the North Cape
• have a drink at the Artico Ice Bar

Tromsø, nestled within the Arctic Circle, is ideal if you want to see the northern lights, and offers a lovely mix of outdoor activities, cultural events, and restaurants that serve Arctic delicacies. The Arctic Cathedral, with its striking design, is a must-see. Take a cable car up Storsteinen Mountain for panoramic views of the fjords and surrounding islands.

Tromsø is also renowned for its Northern Lights, visible from September to April. The Polaria Arctic aquarium provides a unique insight into Arctic marine life, and the Polar Museum offers a fascinating look at the region's polar history. Stroll through the city center to explore charming cafes, shops, and the historic wooden houses of Skansen.

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 colourful, historic capital of Norway, Trondheim's history reaches back to 997 AD. It may be Norway's third-biggest city, but there's a welcoming and intimate feel here, with a photogenic waterfront, and glowing wooden warehouses adding old-time charm. Ships will dock in the port of Trondheim.

Top Things to Do in Trondheim:

• visit the Rockheim Museum
• walk a trail in Bymarka Nature Reserve
• visit the Nidaros Cathedral
• ride the historic trolley up Byåsen Hill
• stroll the charming Bakklandet district

Nestled peacefully at the end of one of Norway’s most beautiful waterways, Nordfjordeid is a picturesque, hidden gem. A sensory overload of blue glaciers, majestic mountains, fertile valleys, and deep lakes, Nordfjordeid is Norway at its wildest best. Ships will dock at the Port of Nordfjordeid.

Top Things to Do in Nordfjordeid:

• hike to Briksdal Glacier
• visit the rebuilt Myklebustskipet viking ship
• explore the the open-air Folk Museum
• ride a cable car to the summit of Mt. Hoven
• enjoy a panoramic cruise on Loen Lake

Nestled on the shores of Sognefjord, Vik offers a serene escape with its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Start the day with a visit to the Hopperstad Stave Church, a beautiful 12th-century wooden church showcasing intricate carvings and medieval architecture. Just a short walk away, you can explore the charming village centre with its quaint shops and cosy cafes.

For a taste of local history, head to the Hove Stone Church, another historical gem dating back to the 1100s. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the scenic hikes around Vikafjell Mountain, providing breath-taking views of the fjord and surrounding valleys. Don't miss sampling traditional Norwegian cheeses at the local dairy farms, a true treat for the senses.

Set on the shores of a sparkling fjord, cosmopolitan Kristiansand is the largest city in Southern Norway. It has a cultural and tranquil atmosphere, a blend of contemporary and traditional architecture, and a natural beauty woven throughout and beyond the city. Ships will dock at the cruise terminal.

Top Things to Do in Kristiansand:

• admire the wooden buildings in Posebyen
• cross the bridge to the island of Odderoya
• visit the Christiansholm Fortress
• hop aboard the Setesdal Vintage Railway
• visit the charming village of Lillesand

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 quirky and heritage-filled Hamburg is a true city of water, nestled snugly between the Baltic and North seas and intersected by a frayed network of rivers and canals, spanned by hundreds of pretty bridges. Explore the Speicherstadt, the world’s largest warehouse district and a UNESCO site, known for its neo-gothic architecture.

The nearby Elbphilharmonie concert hall is impressive with its striking design and views over the Elbe River. For a taste of local life, visit the lively Fish Market or stroll along the waterfront at Landungsbrücken, where ferries offer scenic river cruises along the canals.