10 Best Cruises to Scandinavia for 2023-2024

Spitsbergen Photography: Domain of the Polar Bear

Helsinki to Helsinki
14 Days from $11,495

This two-week Arctic cruise aboard the brand new expedition vessel Ultramarine, equipped with 20 quick-launching Zodiacs, luxurious onboard amenities and the biggest portfolio of adventure options in the Polar Regions, will acquaint you with the magnificent wildlife of this rugged region.

Spitsbergen Explorer: Wildlife Capital of the Arctic

Helsinki to Longyearbyen
12 Days from $8,495

Prepare for this 12-day Arctic expedition cruise aboard Ocean Adventurer in the exploration of Spitsbergen, the wildlife capital of the Arctic. Grab your cameras for a chance to capture the iconic polar bear, whales, walrus, Svalbard reindeer, seabirds and the stunning landscapes and fjords as you cruise through Spitsbergen.

Spitsbergen Highlights: Expedition in Brief

Helsinki-Longyearbyen
7 Days from $4,995

Board the Ocean Adventurer in Longyearbyen for a 7-day Arctic cruise through the pack of ice and participate in optional adventure activities like hiking, kayaking, and Zodiac cruising. Explore Spitsbergen, a rocky island covered in mountains and glaciers, with towering cliffs and fjords home to a surprisingly thriving and varied ecosystem.

Introduction to Spitsbergen: Fjords, Glaciers, and Wildlife of Svalbard

Helsinki to Longyearbyen
10 Days from $7,995

This exciting 10-day Arctic cruise of the remote Norwegian island of Spitsbergen aboard the sleek new vessel Ultramarine, travels from Helsinki, Finland to Longyearbyen and shows you why Norway is renowned for its stunning scenery and abundant, varied wildlife, providing a distinct polar experience.

Four Arctic Islands: Spitsbergen, Jan Mayen, Greenland and Iceland

Helsinki to Reykjavik
18 Days from $13,895

Explore four incredible regions of the Arctic on this 18-day cruise aboard Ocean Adventurer. Discover the world’s largest fjord system, see the varied wildlife, visit a rarely visited nature reserve island and learn about the culture of the Inuit, from Norway through Spitsbergen and Jan Mayen, and ultimately Iceland.

Watch the sun set over the iceber-filled Arctic Ocean.

Spitsbergen In Depth: Big Island, Big Adventure

Helsinki to Longyearbyen
14 Days from $11,995

Join Ocean Adventurer as it cruises across the island of Spitsbergen on this 14-day Arctic expedition cruise. See polar bears, walrus and reindeer plus the photogenic seabirds. You'll also visit secluded landing sites and learn more about the history and culture of Spitsbergen!

Spitsbergen Explorer: Wildlife Capital of the Arctic

Helsinki to Longyearbyen
12 Days from $9,995

Embark the Ultramarine for a 12-day voyage to Spitsbergen, the wildlife capital of the Arctic. Start and end in Helsinki, Norway's bustling capital. Fly by private charter to Longyearbyen. The archipelago is home to polar bears, whales, walrus, Svalbard reindeer, seagulls, and stunning landscapes and fjords.

Paddlers in the Nyhavn district of Copenhagen

Historic Cities of the Baltic Sea

Stockholm - Copenhagen
9 Days from $6,570

On your 9-day luxury trip onboard Le Champlain from Stockholm, Sweden to Copenhagen, Denmark, discover the Baltic Sea's most stunning historic cities, including captivating Tallinn, and Helsinki. Explore the region's rich history by visiting palaces, gardens, canals, and cathedrals.

Iconic Capitals & Towns of the Baltic

Helsinki - Copenhagen
10 Days from $7,400

The beauty of Finland, Estonia, Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Denmark captivates you during this 10-day Baltic Sea exploration tour on the Le Champlain.

Historic Cities of the Baltic Sea

Stockholm - Copenhagen
9 Days from $7,200

On this 9-day tour, you can visit important Hanseatic League cities in Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Denmark, all while sailing on the Baltic Sea on the Le Dumont-d'Urville.

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Top 5 Luxury Tours & Cruises of Scandinavia

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Spitsbergen Photography: Domain of the Polar Bear

Helsinki to Helsinki
14 Days from $11,495

Introduction to Spitsbergen: Fjords, Glaciers, and Wildlife of Svalbard

Helsinki to Longyearbyen
10 Days from $7,995

Spitsbergen Explorer: Wildlife Capital of the Arctic

Helsinki to Longyearbyen
12 Days from $9,995

Historic Cities of the Baltic Sea

Stockholm - Copenhagen
9 Days from $6,570

Cruising the Historic Cities of the Baltic Sea - with Smithsonian Journeys

Stockholm - Copenhagen
9 Days from $8,510

Discover beautiful historic cities of the Baltic Sea including fascinating Tallin, and Helsinki on this 9-day luxury cruise aboard Le Champlain that departs from Copenhagen, Denmark towards Stockholm, Sweden. See impressive architecture like palaces, gardens, canals, churches, and more!

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10 Scandinavia Travel Deals

Trip Name	Save	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Expedition Svalbard	Savings	$8290	11	Jun 30, 2023	Cruise the fantastic fjords of Svalbard, Norway on this 11-day cruise on the M/S Quest. Make daily landings with Zodiac craft to find remnants of the … 0
Around Spitsbergen - Kvitoya, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice	Savings	$5400	10	Aug 10, 2023	Embark the MV Hondius for a 10-day expedition cruise around the Spitsbergen archipelago, where you'll likely see the mighty polar bears, walrus, … 0
Iceland & Greenland: Edge of the Arctic	Savings	$20980	18	Jul 29, 2023	Join this 18-day voyage aboard National Geographic Explorer to follow the routes of explorers, from Iceland’s magnificent Westfjords peninsula, … 0
Natural Wonders of Svalbard Cruise	Savings	$12080	9	Jun 1, 2023	Experience the stunning natural beauty of Svalbard during the summer months, where the sun shines for 24 hours a day on this 9-day Svalbard Micro … 0
Spitsbergen In Depth: Big Island, Big Adventure	Savings	$11995	14	Jul 7, 2023	Join Ocean Adventurer as it cruises across the island of Spitsbergen on this 14-day Arctic expedition cruise. See polar bears, walrus and reindeer … 0
Under the Northern Lights: Exploring Iceland & East Greenland	Savings	$11495	14	Sep 8, 2023	Take a two-week Ocean Adventurer voyage to see Iceland and northeast Greenland. Roundtrip from Reykjavik, immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of … 0
Lands of the Vikings: Norwegian Fjords & Shetland Islands	Savings	$6964	12	May 13, 2023	12-day Norwegian Fjords & Shetland Islands from Tromso to Bergen aboard SH Diana. The luxury excursion ship takes you deep into the prominent places … 0
West Svalbard & Polar Ice Edge	Savings	$7895	10	Jun 9, 2024	Journey across the enchanting Arctic on this 10-day sailing expedition aboard the Sea Spirit. Take advantage of every opportunity to experience … 0
Spitsbergen Photography: Domain of the Polar Bear	Savings	$11495	14	May 18, 2023	This two-week Arctic cruise aboard the brand new expedition vessel Ultramarine, equipped with 20 quick-launching Zodiacs, luxurious onboard amenities … 0
Island Hearts of the Arctic	Savings	$8626	14	Aug 13, 2023	Embark on the Vega for a 14-day Iceland and Greenland cruise. The luxurious boutique ship allows passengers to experience the wild and spectacular … 0

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Scandinavia Cruise Guide & Travel Tips

The majestic, ice-covered tundra of Scandinavia proudly crowns the globe. Unlike tropical cruises where snorkeling & tanning are the highlights, here you'll need to bundle up as you get acquainted with the fascinating and unique sites of the Arctic Circle.

Norway: Witness the incredible biodiversity of the Sea of Okhotsk, where polar bears & seals tread through the waters; Get to know the Spitsbergen archipelago, home to Svalbard & Longyearbyen.
Iceland: Immerse yourself in Norse folklore as you follow in the steps of the Vikings. Explore the West Coast & Ísafjördur, considered by many to be one of the most magnificent fjords in the Arctic. In Reykjavik, museums and buildings preserve ancient artifacts and architecture.

No matter which cruise you choose, you are sure to see the marvelous Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). Some crusies even offer exclusive expeditions to the North Pole.

Arctic Cruise: When to Go?

Though the austere Arctic landscape is often imagined to be a cold white wasteland, the brief months of summer see the flora blossoming and the fauna emerging from their long winter dormancy. Find out the best time to visit the Arctic based on your interests and expectations.

Polar bear balances on the ice in the Arctic

Wildlife Guide to Polar Regions

Which Polar region is home to penguins? Or how about those elusive narwhals? Before your travels, it will be helpful to learn more about the different species that inhabit the Polar regions of the Arctic and Antarctica. You may be surprised to learn the differences!

Getting to Scandinavia
Scandinavia comprises the whole northern region of Europe, including Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark. So depending on where you are traveling from and where you are traveling to, there are a number of options:

From Europe by bus or train: Europe's intricate and consistent bus and train network makes it easy to get a train to most major cities in Scandinavia (other than those in Iceland, of course). Since some destinations require overnight commutes, trains typically provide cabin cars to sleep in.

From Europe by plane: If you are traveling from other parts of Europe that are too far to go by train or bus, then it's easy to find a flight that connects to the major cities in all Scandinavian countries. This is also the only way to get to Iceland.

From the United States, Asia, & Australia: There are many direct flights from both coasts of the United States and throughout Asia. From Australia & New Zealand, you will have to connect via Europe or Asia.

Getting around Scandinavia
If you are already in Scandinavia, a good alternative to land or air transportation is taking a ferry or speedboat. These will take you to most of the major port cities from which the cruises depart.