Itinerary

Day 1 Dec 20, 2026 Hamburg, Germany Departs 18:00 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 Hamburg, Germany port guide Search cruises visiting Hamburg, Germany

Day 2 Dec 21, 2026 Kiel, Germany Arriving on your MSC Cruise of Northern Europe, you will have the chance to visit Kiel, an expanding urban centre on the shores of the Baltic Sea. Kiel became the Imperial military port of Germany in 1871 and, when its canal was opened to connect the Baltic and the North Seas in 1895, the town began to control the largest artificial waterway in the world. Kiel is the ideal location for a relaxing vacation in Germany with an MSC cruise: it is simple and quiet, even during the Kieler Woche international regatta, an event not to be missed by sailing enthusiasts. The few city museums can be visited in one morning, however, if you want to get acquainted with Kiel you cannot ignore its waterways, to which the town is indissolubly bound: they can be visited by taking the Kiellinie footpath or taking a cruise along the Kieler Förde and along the canal. A spacious promenade along the pier will give you the chance to admire a variety of vessels of all sorts, amongst which the dinghies of the sailing school and, from the wet dock in front, the best view one can get of Kiel. 6 km south-west of the centre, in Molfsee, where we find the Schleswig-Holsteinisches Freilichtmuseum. This open air museum shows about seventy traditional buildings taken from the Lande and assembled in miniature villages: the colonial houses still maintain the original furniture – outstanding beds sleeping the entire family in order to keep warm in the freezing winters. While on vacation in Kiel with your MSC Cruise, an excursion will take you to Lubecca, one of the few towns on the northern coasts of Europe that has kept its Medieval glory. For more than two centuries it has been one of the wealthiest and most powerful European cities. The wealth deriving from trade is best expressed through its architecture: from the oldest Rathaus in Germany to the churches with the tallest bell towers and the merchants’ mansions. Kiel, Germany

Day 4 Dec 23, 2026 Visby, Sweden 07:00 – 18:00 11.0 hrs ashore The island of Gotland, with its magnificent walled town of Visby, is one of Sweden's most popular summer destinations and an outstanding tourist attraction. Already settled in the Stone Age, Visby reached prominence in medieval times when it was annexed by the powerful Hanseatic League, a confederation of merchants in Northern Europe. By the 13th century, Visby was a prosperous commercial centre that minted its own coins and had a code of law. There are medieval fortifications encircling the entire settlement. The actual purpose of these massive walls, built at the end of the 13th century, was not to protect from enemy attacks, but rather to isolate the local population from the city's foreign traders. The burghers were quick to retaliate during the power struggle in 1361 between Denmark and Sweden. When the Danes took Gotland by force and advanced on Visby, the locals shut the gates and sat through the slaughter that took place outside. Inside the city, the merchants surrendered and a section of the wall was broken down to allow the Danish king to enter Visby as conqueror. Gotland is also noted for its medieval churches. In Visby alone more than ten remain; only the Church of St. Mary's, which served the German merchants during the city's commercial heyday, is still in use. The Hanseatic Harbour at Almedalen is now a public park. On the opposite side are the lush Botanical Gardens and just beyond, the Maiden's Tower. Legend has it that a goldsmith's daughter was walled up here alive, reputedly for betraying the city to the Danes. Tourism today strongly relies on the island's numerous beaches and temperate climate. The latter is responsible for roses blooming almost year-round, sometimes even as late as Christmas. This phenomenon has earned Visby the name "Town of Roses and Ruins". With the city's medieval atmosphere intact, Visby serves as an authentic backdrop for its annual Medieval Week in August. One of the peak happenings is the joust - a medieval spectacle with knights, parades and acrobats entertaining young and old. Visby, Sweden

Day 8 Dec 27, 2026 Lulea 08:00 – 18:00 10.0 hrs ashore From this genuine and well-preserved city in the Great North of Sweden, you will make your way to the medieval village of Gammelstad. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site notable for its stonebuilt church, the only surviving relic from the 15th Century giving us some idea of the region’s cultural wealth in those days. The Arctic Circle is a stone’s throw from here with its stunning landscapes and almost uninhabited territory where the indigenous nomadic Sami people still herd their reindeer. Lulea Lulea port guide Search cruises visiting Lulea

Lulea photo — Day 8 Dec 27, 2026 Lulea 08:00 – 18:00 10.0 hrs ashore From this genuine and well-preserved city in the Great North of Sweden, you will make your way to the medieval village of Gammelstad. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site notable for its stonebuilt church, the only surviving relic from the 15th Century giving us some idea of the region’s cultural wealth in those days. The Arctic Circle is a stone’s throw from here with its stunning landscapes and almost uninhabited territory where the indigenous nomadic Sami people still herd their reindeer. Lulea Lulea port guide Search cruises visiting Lulea

Day 11 Dec 30, 2026 Stockholm Arrives 10:00 Without a doubt Stockholm is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and a vacation in Sweden with an MSC cruise will prove it. Built on no fewer than fourteen islands, where the fresh water of Lake Mälaren meets the brackish Baltic Sea, clean air and open space are in plentiful supply here. An MSC cruise of Northern Europe will give you the opportunity to appreciate its port front, reach the Baltic Sea and experience the atmospheres with a tour of the town where broad boulevards lined with elegant buildings are reflected in the deep blue water, and rows of painted wooden houseboats bob gently alongside the cobbled waterfront. But Stockholm is also a hi-tech metropolis, as you will find out on your excursion on land during your cruise, with futuristic skyscrapers and a bustling commercial heart. The old town, Gamla Stan, is a district with cobbled streets and narrow alleyways huddled together on a triangular-shaped island. Today the area is an atmospheric mixture of buildings surrounded on all sides by a latticework of medieval lanes and alleyways. The district of Norrmalm swaps tradition for a thoroughly contemporary feel: this is downtown Stockholm where you’ll find shopping malls, huge department stores and conspicuous, showy wealth. In the green island of Djurgården you can see an extraordinary 17th century warship, the Vasa, rescued and preserved after sinking in Stockholm harbour. Cross Norrbron or Riksbron from the Riksdagshuset and up rears the most distinctive monumental building in Stockholm, Kungliga Slottet – a low, square, yellowy-brown construction, with two arms that stretch down towards the water. It’s uniform and sombre outside, but with a magnificent Rococo interior that’s a swirl of staterooms and museums. Itssheer size is quite overwhelming: you should not miss the Royal Apartments and the Treasure Room. The former are used for royal receptions and the second keeps a collection of crowns studded with precious stones. Stockholm Stockholm port guide Search cruises visiting Stockholm

Stockholm photo — Day 11 Dec 30, 2026 Stockholm Arrives 10:00 Without a doubt Stockholm is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and a vacation in Sweden with an MSC cruise will prove it. Built on no fewer than fourteen islands, where the fresh water of Lake Mälaren meets the brackish Baltic Sea, clean air and open space are in plentiful supply here. An MSC cruise of Northern Europe will give you the opportunity to appreciate its port front, reach the Baltic Sea and experience the atmospheres with a tour of the town where broad boulevards lined with elegant buildings are reflected in the deep blue water, and rows of painted wooden houseboats bob gently alongside the cobbled waterfront. But Stockholm is also a hi-tech metropolis, as you will find out on your excursion on land during your cruise, with futuristic skyscrapers and a bustling commercial heart. The old town, Gamla Stan, is a district with cobbled streets and narrow alleyways huddled together on a triangular-shaped island. Today the area is an atmospheric mixture of buildings surrounded on all sides by a latticework of medieval lanes and alleyways. The district of Norrmalm swaps tradition for a thoroughly contemporary feel: this is downtown Stockholm where you’ll find shopping malls, huge department stores and conspicuous, showy wealth. In the green island of Djurgården you can see an extraordinary 17th century warship, the Vasa, rescued and preserved after sinking in Stockholm harbour. Cross Norrbron or Riksbron from the Riksdagshuset and up rears the most distinctive monumental building in Stockholm, Kungliga Slottet – a low, square, yellowy-brown construction, with two arms that stretch down towards the water. It’s uniform and sombre outside, but with a magnificent Rococo interior that’s a swirl of staterooms and museums. Itssheer size is quite overwhelming: you should not miss the Royal Apartments and the Treasure Room. The former are used for royal receptions and the second keeps a collection of crowns studded with precious stones. Stockholm Stockholm port guide Search cruises visiting Stockholm

Day 14 Jan 2, 2027 Karlskrona, Sweden 10:30 – 14:30 4.0 hrs ashore Explore enchanting Karlskrona with its storybook cottages, immense town square, and hundreds of small islands awaiting discovery amid the sparkling sea. Karlskrona boasts the second largest main square in all of Europe, surrounded by historic buildings, including three important churches, unique shops, restaurants and cafés. Visit The Church of Holy Trinity (Trefaldighetskyrkan) featuring an Italian inspired dome-shaped roof rarely seen in Sweden. Then go see Fredrikskyrkan, The Frederick Church from the early 1800’s with its unusual color and décor. Spend time in the Car Museum, the Porcelain Museum and the Marine Museum. Then browse through the wonderful boutiques and galleries. Take home hand-blown glass, porcelain, designer clothing and jewelry. Enjoy international cuisine or delicious Swedish favorites of fresh seafood in an idyllic setting. Karlskrona, Sweden

Day 15 Jan 3, 2027 Copenhagen, Denmark 07:00 – 23:59 17.0 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 Copenhagen, Denmark port guide Search cruises visiting Copenhagen, Denmark

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