8 Night Northern City Escapes Cruise

The 8 Night Northern City Escapes Cruise is a 8-night Northern Europe cruise aboard Freedom of the Seas, operated by Royal Caribbean. Departing Southampton on August 22, 2027, the voyage visits 5 ports. Fares start from $1,679 per person.

Length: 8 nights
Departs: Aug 22, 2027
Returns: Aug 30, 2027
Ports of call: 5
Days at sea: 3

from $1,679

$209 / night per person, incl. taxes & fees

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Itinerary

Day 1 Aug 22, 2027 Southampton Departs 17:00 Cruises from Southampton are part of a storied maritime heritage. Famous ships have sailed from Southampton port and, before commercial air travel, it was the gateway to the world with Hollywood celebrities like Bette Davis and Elizabeth Taylor passing through to board a Southampton cruise. In its atmospheric Old Town, 12th-century churches, cobbled streets, and timber-framed houses like the impressive Tudor House & Garden sit side-by-side, surrounded by one of the most complete Medieval city walls in the UK where the Bargate – the ancient entrance – still stands intact. There are bustling marina-side bars, shiny shopping districts and a vibrant cultural quarter where the Mayflower Theatre puts on West End musicals and the SeaCity Museum catalogues Southampton’s seafaring past. Some of England’s most impressive landmarks are an easy drive away, including the Neolithic wonder Stonehenge, the picturesque spa city Bath or Buckingham Palace, Tate Modern and Tower Bridge in the bustling capital of London. Discover 5,000 years of history and more on a Southampton cruise. Southampton port guide Search cruises visiting Southampton

Day 2 Aug 23, 2027 Rotterdam 10:30 – 20:30 10.0 hrs ashore Your MSC cruise will lay anchor in the largest port in the world, Rotterdam, is a no-nonsense working-class city lying at the heart of a maze of rivers and artificial waterways that together form the outlet of the rivers Rijn (Rhine) and Maas (Meuse). After devastating damage during World War II, Rotterdam has grown into a vibrant, forceful city dotted with first division cultural attractions. Your MSC cruise of Northern Europe will give you the opportunity to see that the immense land reclamation work hasn’t obliterated its earthy character though: its tough grittiness is part of its appeal, as are its boisterous bars and clubs. Amongst the most interesting attractions to enjoy during your vacation in Holland, is Rotterdam’s Kunsthal, the museum of contemporary art, and the Boijmans van Beuningen Museum, which has an outstanding art collection including representative works from almost all the most important Dutch painters: both are in the city’s designated culture zone, the Museumpark. Other interesting sites to visit on an MSC excursion are the Oude Haven, the city’s oldest harbour, ravaged during World War II but sympathetically redeveloped, and Delfs haven, an antique harbour that managed to survive the bombs pretty much intact. Rotterdam also boasts a string of first-rate festivals, including the much-lauded North Sea Jazz Festival and the colourful Summer Carnival. The postwar period saw the rapid reconstruction of the docks and, when huge container ships and oil tankers made the existing port facilities obsolete, Rotterdammers promptly built an entirely new deep-sea port, the Europoort, jutting out into the North Sea some 25 km to the west of the old town. Completed in 1968, the Europoort is able to welcome the largest ships in the world, amongst which also the MSC cruise ships. Rotterdam port guide Search cruises visiting Rotterdam

Rotterdam photo — Day 2 Aug 23, 2027 Rotterdam 10:30 – 20:30 10.0 hrs ashore Your MSC cruise will lay anchor in the largest port in the world, Rotterdam, is a no-nonsense working-class city lying at the heart of a maze of rivers and artificial waterways that together form the outlet of the rivers Rijn (Rhine) and Maas (Meuse). After devastating damage during World War II, Rotterdam has grown into a vibrant, forceful city dotted with first division cultural attractions. Your MSC cruise of Northern Europe will give you the opportunity to see that the immense land reclamation work hasn’t obliterated its earthy character though: its tough grittiness is part of its appeal, as are its boisterous bars and clubs. Amongst the most interesting attractions to enjoy during your vacation in Holland, is Rotterdam’s Kunsthal, the museum of contemporary art, and the Boijmans van Beuningen Museum, which has an outstanding art collection including representative works from almost all the most important Dutch painters: both are in the city’s designated culture zone, the Museumpark. Other interesting sites to visit on an MSC excursion are the Oude Haven, the city’s oldest harbour, ravaged during World War II but sympathetically redeveloped, and Delfs haven, an antique harbour that managed to survive the bombs pretty much intact. Rotterdam also boasts a string of first-rate festivals, including the much-lauded North Sea Jazz Festival and the colourful Summer Carnival. The postwar period saw the rapid reconstruction of the docks and, when huge container ships and oil tankers made the existing port facilities obsolete, Rotterdammers promptly built an entirely new deep-sea port, the Europoort, jutting out into the North Sea some 25 km to the west of the old town. Completed in 1968, the Europoort is able to welcome the largest ships in the world, amongst which also the MSC cruise ships. Rotterdam port guide Search cruises visiting Rotterdam

Day 4 Aug 25, 2027 Copenhagen, Denmark 07:00 – 17:00 10.0 hrs ashore Effortlessly cool and down to earth, Copenhagen is a contemporary, clean and classy highlight of Scandinavia. A city built to be liveable, Copenhagen has refused to compromise, resulting in a forward-thinking metropolis that’s green and clean. Swim in the waters of Havnebadet Islands during summer, or shelter from winter’s bite by snuggling in beside a roaring open fire during winter. You can even hop on a train to Sweden, traversing the famous span of a Nordic Noir star - the Öresund Bridge. It takes just a touch over half an hour to step off the train in Malmö. There’s only one way to truly explore Copenhagen and that’s on two wheels. Easy bike hire schemes will get you moving across this flat city, designed with bikes at the forefront of the mind. Choose a model with electronic assistance to take the strain out of any journey, giving you the freedom to whizz around and explore the modern angular architecture of the centre, and the pastoral colours of Nyhavn waterfront. Head out to the Little Mermaid statue, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale - the strikingly-restrained statue is the perfect landmark for Copenhagen; unshowy, self-assured and utterly irresistible. The Danish concept of hygge is very much alive here, and you’ll feel that warm cosy feeling as you visit cafes illuminated by the warm glow of hanging filament bulbs, and stuffed to the brim with thick, dusty books. Home to mega-brewer Carlsberg, Copenhagen is also a city for hop enthusiasts, and there is a thriving craft brewing scene to sample. Danish Smørrebrød sandwiches are a must try, or for something a little more substantial, settle in for a culinary voyage and try a taster menu – the city’s restaurants are littered with Michelin stars. Copenhagen, Denmark port guide Search cruises visiting Copenhagen, Denmark

Day 5 Aug 26, 2027 Oslo 09:00 – 20:00 11.0 hrs ashore Norway's capital lies at the head of the majestic Oslofjord, encircled by wooded hills and snowcapped peaks. Dating back to the mid-11th century, it was at one time renamed Christiania while under Danish and Swedish rule. An act of Parliament finally changed the name back to Oslo in 1925. With barely half a million inhabitants, Oslo is the smallest among the Scandinavian capitals. Yet it has much to offer - most notably its spectacular scenic beauty, as well as many of the nation's finest cultural achievements. Arriving by ship, your first sight is the imposing Akershus Fortress towering above the docks. With the city center only a few blocks from the pier, you can easily spot the handsome modern City Hall with its two block towers. Dedicated in 1950 to commemorate Oslo's 900-year anniversary, it is the city's most familiar landmark. Many of Norway's leading artists contributed to the decoration of the interior and as a result Socialist modernism in its purest form can be seen here. More extraordinary art works can be admired at Frogner Park, site of the famous Vigeland sculptures depicting a world of human beings and animals in stone. Fine examples of Scandinavian impressionists, referred to as the "Northern Light" artists, are exhibited in the National Gallery. The Munch Museum houses an enormous collection of art bequeathed to the city by Norway's leading artist Edvard Munch. Most of Oslo's historic sites are concentrated on the Bygdoe Peninsula; the Norwegian Folkmuseum, the Viking Ship Museum, the Fram, and the Kon-Tiki Museums are outstanding. Oslo port guide Search cruises visiting Oslo

Oslo photo — Day 5 Aug 26, 2027 Oslo 09:00 – 20:00 11.0 hrs ashore Norway's capital lies at the head of the majestic Oslofjord, encircled by wooded hills and snowcapped peaks. Dating back to the mid-11th century, it was at one time renamed Christiania while under Danish and Swedish rule. An act of Parliament finally changed the name back to Oslo in 1925. With barely half a million inhabitants, Oslo is the smallest among the Scandinavian capitals. Yet it has much to offer - most notably its spectacular scenic beauty, as well as many of the nation's finest cultural achievements. Arriving by ship, your first sight is the imposing Akershus Fortress towering above the docks. With the city center only a few blocks from the pier, you can easily spot the handsome modern City Hall with its two block towers. Dedicated in 1950 to commemorate Oslo's 900-year anniversary, it is the city's most familiar landmark. Many of Norway's leading artists contributed to the decoration of the interior and as a result Socialist modernism in its purest form can be seen here. More extraordinary art works can be admired at Frogner Park, site of the famous Vigeland sculptures depicting a world of human beings and animals in stone. Fine examples of Scandinavian impressionists, referred to as the "Northern Light" artists, are exhibited in the National Gallery. The Munch Museum houses an enormous collection of art bequeathed to the city by Norway's leading artist Edvard Munch. Most of Oslo's historic sites are concentrated on the Bygdoe Peninsula; the Norwegian Folkmuseum, the Viking Ship Museum, the Fram, and the Kon-Tiki Museums are outstanding. Oslo port guide Search cruises visiting Oslo

Day 7 Aug 28, 2027 Hamburg, Germany 08:00 – 18:00 10.0 hrs ashore Located between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, Hamburg will fascinate you from the moment you first set eyes on its elegant and austere buildings looking onto the port, one of the largest in Europe. When you reach this destination on an MSC Cruise of Northern Europe, you can get a taste of its glorious history. Hamburg is a cosmopolitan, wealthy and fashionable city, with an aggressive economy, that still prides itself of the title “free Hanseatic city”. It has, in fact, never cut its umbilical cord with maritime trade that has its heart in the port where your cruise liner will be waiting for you. Many tourist come here to visit the Reeperbahn, the red light district, but if you want to take in the atmosphere of the city, you shouldn’t miss an excursion to Speicherstadt (Warehouse Town), where the cobbled streets, gables and turrets combine to make the area on the other side of Zollkanal (Tax Canal) a world apart from the city opposite. Another city icon, St Michaelis, at the western edge of the city centre by Ludwig-Erhard-Strasse, is Hamburg’s iconic church and no wonder. More than any other building, the “Michael” mirrors the city’s irrepressible spirit. Burned down after a lightning strike in1750, it was rebuilt in Baroque style under Ernst Georg Sonnin but it again accidently caught fire in1906. In 1945, the Allies obliterated the roof and decor of church number three. Reconstructed again to Sonnin’s plans, it is now the finest Baroque church in North Germany. Probably the most gratifying attraction during an excursion on an MSC Cruise is the scenery you can admire from one of the best views over Hamburg: the 360-degree panorama takes in Speicherstadt, the container port and shipping on the Elbe, the Alster lakes, and the five spires of the churches and Rathaus. Hamburg, Germany port guide Search cruises visiting Hamburg, Germany

Pricing

Lowest fare we've tracked over the observed 81-day span: $1,532 · range $1,532–$1,736

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

Inside

from $1,679

$209 / night

Fare rows

Interior Stateroom - Guaranteed

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,679

$209 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Interior

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,851

$231 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Interior

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,896

$237 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Promenade View Interior

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,919

$239 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Interior

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,987

$248 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Oceanview

from $2,158

$269 / night

Fare rows

Ocean View - Guaranteed

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,158

$269 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Ocean View

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,351

$293 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Ocean View

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,396

$299 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Spacious Ocean View

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,477

$309 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Spacious Panoramic Ocean View

Cabin grade

Available

from $3,238

$404 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony

from $2,660

$332 / night

Fare rows

Balcony Stateroom - Guaranteed

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,660

$332 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Ocean View Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $3,162

$395 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Spacious Ocean View Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $3,321

$415 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Spacious Ocean View Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $3,389

$423 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Oceanview Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $3,503

$437 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Suite

from $3,122

$390 / night

Fare rows

Suite - Guaranteed

Cabin grade

Available

from $3,122

$390 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Junior Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $3,722

$465 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Junior Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $4,082

$510 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Grand Suite - 1 Bedroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $5,922

$740 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Owner’s Suite - 1 Bedroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $6,812

$851 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Grand Suite - 2 Bedroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $7,993

$999 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Prices verified Jun 26, 2026

Prices come from third-party data feeds via Royal Caribbean and may differ from the cruise line's current fare. Confirm the final price before booking. How our pricing works

Show all 42 cabin grades

Cabin grades and pricing
Name	Supplier code	Type
Spacious Ocean View Balcony	1B	Balcony
Ocean View Balcony	1D	Balcony
Spacious Ocean View Balcony	2B	Balcony
Ocean View Balcony	2D	Balcony
Spacious Ocean View Balcony	3B	Balcony
Spacious Ocean View Balcony	4B	Balcony
Ocean View Balcony	4D	Balcony
Ocean View Balcony	5D	Balcony
Oceanview Balcony	CB	Balcony
Sunset Balcony	SB	Balcony
Spacious Sunset Balcony	SG	Balcony
Balcony Stateroom - Guaranteed	XB	Balcony
Ocean View Balcony Quad Guaranteed	XQ	Balcony
Spacious Promenade View interior	1Q	Inside
Spacious Interior	1R	Inside
Interior	1V	Inside
Promenade View Interior	2T	Inside
Interior	2V	Inside
Interior	3V	Inside
Interior	4V	Inside
Interior	CP	Inside
Interior Stateroom - Guaranteed	ZI	Inside
Interior Quad Guaranteed	ZQ	Inside
Ultra Spacious Ocean View	1K	Oceanview
Spacious Panoramic Ocean View	1L	Oceanview
Ocean View	1N	Oceanview
Ocean View	2N	Oceanview
Spacious Ocean View	3M	Oceanview
Ocean View	3N	Oceanview
Spacious Ocean View	4M	Oceanview
Ocean View	4N	Oceanview
Ocean View - Guaranteed	YO	Oceanview
Ocean View Quad Guaranteed	YQ	Oceanview
Grand Suite - 1 Bedroom	GS	Suite
Grand Suite - 2 Bedroom	GT	Suite
Junior Suite	J3	Suite
Junior Suite	J4	Suite
Sunset Junior Suite	JT	Suite
Owner’s Suite - 1 Bedroom	OS	Suite
Royal Suite - 1 Bedroom	RS	Suite
Ocean View Panoramic Suite (No Balcony)	VP	Suite
Suite - Guaranteed	WS	Suite