The best time for a Northern Europe cruise
Planning a cruise to Northern Europe? Then it's good to know what to expect from the climate.
+ British Islands: The British Isles includes the countries of England, Scotland and Ireland. These countries have a temperate maritime climate. Rainfall is regular throughout the year; winters are mild and summers are pleasant. The months of May through October are the best choice for a cruise.
+ Greenland: Much of Greenland is covered under an ice sheet and it has an Arctic Climate. In contrast, the coastal area has a Tundra climate. Fresh winds from the sea 
and ice sheets can cause local weather to change very quickly. Cruises come to this destination mainly in the summer months (June-September). In the winter months, the sun does not rise above the horizon, making it dark all day. During these months, ships do not sail in this direction. Remember to bring warm clothing on a cruise to Greenland.
+ Iceland: A Marine climate on the coastal areas runs into a Tundra climate inland in magical Iceland. Cruise ships sail to this diverse country during the months of April through September. The high season is in the months of July and August. Unsurprisingly, this is also the period with the most sunshine
, opportunities to spot whales and to look out for Puffins!
+ North Cape: The North Cape is the northernmost tip of Norway, and in fact, almost of Europe. There is a Subarctic Climate with an average temperature of 10 degrees. Generally, ships sail to this destination during the summer months. After all, that is the best time to visit the North Cape. Do make sure to pack some warm clothing.
+ Norwegian Fjords: Every season in the Norwegian Fjords has something beautiful and special. Spring is when everything is in bloom
, the summer months are warmer and lend themselves to water activities, autumn turns it into an orange world, and winter is magical, cozy and atmospheric. Cruise ships mainly sail along and to the Fjords of Norway during the months of April through September.
+ Baltic Sea & Baltic States: The coastal areas of the Baltic Sea & Baltic States have a Temperate Maritime Climate with relatively mild winters and pleasant summers. The best cruise period, when cruise ships pass through this destination, is mainly between April and September. Perfect for a city trip.
The cities of the North
With a cruise vacation to Northern Europe, you sail past the most important capitals and port cities. Reykjavik in Iceland is a trendy city and lends itself to walking past (and over) popular landmarks. Visit the Hallgrímskirkja church, shop on the Laugavegur and walk across the rainbow.
Stop by the cat cafe for a hot chocolate or your favorite coffee. The less familiar cities of Tallinn and Riga will surprise you with historic centers, beautiful architectural castles and interesting destination museums. Nuuk is the capital of Greenland and has the atmosphere of a cozy village. The colored houses and small church are a special sight. Snow on the roofs in particular provides a unique contrast. Are you aboard a cruise ship that docks in Southampton? Then you'll soon be walking down Oxford Street for brunch at DOC Coffee 
, getting the tastiest handmade chocolates at Fredericks Chocolates and visiting the Solent Sky Museum for all things aviation.
Wanna make a snowman?
Northern Europe has extraordinary destinations for winter fun. Take your friends and family to Iceland, Greenland or Norway and build the newest family member together: Olaf. 80% of Greenland is covered by ice, including part of the largest national park in the world. This is home to polar bears, arctic foxes, musk oxen and arctic hares. Iceland is the land of fire and ice!
Take a canoe across glacial lakes, then warm yourself in geothermal pools before hiking through a glacial cave. Magic really does exist! This feeling also flows through your body when you stand on deck and pass by the Norwegian fjords. Put on a warm coat, hat on your head and breathe in the fresh air. Something you've been dreaming about for months…
On an adventure during popular cruise itineraries
Cruises to Northern Europe are popular among many cruise travelers. Who wouldn’t want to explore these amazing destinations? In May, June and July, you are most likely to have nice sunshine.
Board the MSC Virtuosa, for example, and go on a family cruise to discover breathtaking nature with the kids.
A mini-cruise is ideal for when you want to get away from it all, or just go on a longer cruise to see even more. For example, learn more about life in England by docking in Falmouth, Liverpool and Bristol, or head into the Scottish Highlands during a stop in Aberdeen and Inverness. Want to see how you look in a kilt?
Sail with Holland America Line or MSC Cruises and discover it all for yourself!
Something that most likely has a place on your bucket list. 