Port guides
Filter 2,700 cruise ports by region or search by name — each links to its guide and the cruises calling there.
Ports in Northern Europe & Baltic
536 ports
Prague
Czech Republic · Northern Europe & Baltic
Prague, capital city of the Czech Republic, is bisected by the Vltava River. Nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires,” it's known for its Old Town Square, the heart of its historic core, with colorful baroque buildings, Gothic churches and the medieval Astronomical Clock, which gives an animated hourly show. Completed in 1402, pedestrian Charles Bridge is lined with statues of Catholic saints.
721 cruises
Trier
Germany · Northern Europe & Baltic
Trier was founded in 16 BCE by the Roman Emperor Augustus. The city can lay claim to the title of Germany’s oldest city, and it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Romans left a lasting mark on Trier, with historical buildings from that era still shaping the city’s appearance today: the amphitheatre, the Römerbrücke bridge, the Igeler Säule (Igel column), the Barbarathermen and Kaiserthermen baths, the Konstantinbasilika (Basilica of Constantine) and – of course – the city’s most famous symbol, the Porta Nigra. The name of this impressive former city gate is believed to be a reference to its weathered sandstone.
719 cruises
Vilshofen
Northern Europe & Baltic
Vilshofen an der Donau is a town in the German district of Passau.
709 cruises
Hamburg, Germany
Northern Europe & Baltic
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.
682 cruises
Wachau Valley
Austria · Northern Europe & Baltic
Around 80 kilometres west of Vienna is the Wachau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This valley is lined with steep slopes on which some of Europe’s best grape varieties grow. In the midst of all this, you’ll keep spotting castles, palaces and Romantic ruins on the hills, which bear witness to a distant past. With such an enchanted landscape, it’s not surprising that there are many legends about the Wachau, dealing with both mythical phenomena and real-life events, including the Napoleonic Wars. Authors such as Josef Wichner and Hans Plöckinger published collections of these legends – the ideal thing to read while you are visiting the area.
669 cruises
Rotterdam
Netherlands · Northern Europe & Baltic
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.
651 cruises
Le Havre
(Paris) · Northern Europe & Baltic
As you sail on your MSC cruise to France, you’ll come to Le Havre, the country’s second-largest port, which takes up half the Seine estuary. However, the town itself, home to almost 200,000 people, is a place of pilgrimage for fans of contemporary architecture. Le Havre – “The Harbour” – is the principal trading post of northern France and a port of call of our MSC Northern Europe cruises. Following its near-destruction during World War II, Le Havre was rebuilt by a single architect, Auguste Perret, between 1946 and 1964. The sheer sense of space can be exhilarating: the showpiece monuments have a winning self-confidence, and the few surviving relics of the old city have been sensitively integrated into the whole. While the endless mundane residential blocks can be dispiriting, even those visitors who fail to agree with Perret’s famous dictum that “concrete is beautiful” may enjoy a stroll around his city. A shore excursion on your MSC Northern Europe cruise can also be the opportunity to discover Rouen, the capital of Upper Normandy, one of France’s most ancient cities. Standing on the site of Rotomagus, built by the Romans at the lowest point where they could bridge the Seine, it was laid out by Rollo, the first duke of Normandy, in 911. Captured by the English in 1419, it became the stage in 1431 for the trial and execution of Joan of Arc, before returning to French control in 1449. Rouen today can be very seductive, its lively and bustling centre well equipped with impressive churches and museums. North of the Seine at any rate, it’s a real pleasure to explore. As well as some great sights – Cathédrale de Notre-Dame, all the delightful twisting streets of timbered houses – there’s history aplenty too, most notably the links with Joan of Arc.
642 cruises
Miltenberg
Germany · Northern Europe & Baltic
The lovely town of Miltenberg entered history as early as 1237 and soon achieved considerable prosperity. On the Main loop, the small town enchants with the most beautiful half-timbered houses, the famous gate tower "Schnatterloch" and with what is probably Germany's oldest inn. Wallenstein was already staying here. Stately half-timbered gables form the unmistakable backdrop of the medieval market square. The Mildenburg towers above the idyllic town on the mountain. Up to this point the Romans had advanced to the Main and secured the strategically important place with a fort.
624 cruises
Rhine Gorge
Northern Europe & Baltic
Sankt Goarshausen is a town located in the Rhein-Lahn-Kreis in Nassau on the eastern shore of the Rhine, in the section known as the Rhine Gorge, directly across the river from Sankt Goar, in the German state Rhineland-Palatinate.
592 cruises
Bernkastel
Northern Europe & Baltic
Numerous half-timbered houses adorn the town of Bernkastel directly on the Moselle. Above there is a castle with a restaurant and in the old town there are numerous small boutiques and shops. The Moselle invites you to an unforgettable boat trip, but also to go kayaking or canoeing. Bernkastel is known for its ideal location on the Moselle and for the quaint old town. Together with Kues it forms a twin town, left and right of the banks of the Moselle, with numerous restaurants and bars.
590 cruises
Stavanger, Norway
Northern Europe & Baltic
Attractive and friendly, Stavanger offers visitors arriving on an MSC cruise a variety of activities. Starting from a visit to the town itself, that has a centre full of shops, narrow streets climbing up the hill and an attractive cathedral. You should walk around the old part of town facing the sea where your cruise ship will be anchored. In Stavanger you can enjoy visiting museums. Amongst the most interesting area the oil museum, the canning museum, the Rogaland art museum or the children’s museum. Take a stroll in the environs of Stavanger instead to explore the 23 iron figures that form the “Broken Column” a sculpture by Antony Gormley. In Hafrsfjord look for the three swords in the rock, a monument celebrating the Vikings’ battle of 872 A.D. led by King Harald I. Nearby is the Jærmuseet science centre, elected the “best museum in Norway” in 2009. But the region of Stavanger is known especially for its fjords and in particular the Lysefjord. The mountain walls drop almost a thousand metres vertically along the 42 kilometres of coast, for that is the depth of the sea in this narrow passage. An excursion on the waters is an experience you won’t forget. Also because from here one can admire one of the most famous attractions in Norway, the Preikestolen (the Pulpit), a rocky outcrop soaring 600 metres above the fjord. With an hour and half’s walk from the driveway you can reach this exceptional work of nature . Another tourist attraction is Kjerag, a peak rising 1100 metres above sea level that dominates the Lysefjord, with its northern face plummeting into the sea. But it’s a little lower down, at about 980 metres that you find a natural masterpiece generated by the elements: the Kjeragbolten, a massive rock jammed between two rock faces. The excursion takes up most of the day, but the awesome spectacle is worth the effort.
583 cruises
Warnemunde
Germany · Northern Europe & Baltic
The Warnemünde quarter in Rostock is a famous German seaside resort that you can visit when you reach the German coasts on your MSC cruise of northern Europe. At the mouth of the river Warnow, in the Baltic Sea, Warnemünde will surprise you with its villas, hotels and the large white and silver beach. Its heart is Am Strom, next to the port, where the homes of old captains and fishermen have been turned into coffee shops and boutiques. With an excursion during the cruise, you can continue towards Schwerin. Surrounded by lakes and with a fairytale Schloss that tickles the imagination, the town represents a pleasant surprise, given by the architecture and spirit of a historic capital. Continuing the excursion you can admire Lubeck, one of the few cities along Europe's northern coasts that preserves the glory of medieval times. For more than two centuries the standard bearer of the Hanseatic League, this was one of the wealthiest and most powerful of European cities, the Venice of the Baltic. The commercial opulence is best expressed in its architecture: from the oldest Rathaus in Germany to the churches with the tallest bell-towers to the merchants’ mansions. Lubecca is the first city in Northern Europe to be included in the list of UNESCO world heritage sites in 1987. Finally, you should not leave out a visit to the cosmopolitan Berlin, the largest and liveliest city in Germany. Amongst the monuments to visit are the Brandebourgh Gate. Situated close to the Reichstag, the seat of the German parliament, the monument, designed on the model of Athens’ Acropolis, was built as the city’s arch of triumph in 1791 and soon became the symbol of unified Germany. The Brandenburg Gate looms over the ornamental gardens in Pariser Platz which extends eastwards towards the wide, tree-lined Unter den Linden avenue, that means “Beneath the linden trees”, flanked by shops and cafés.
562 cruises
Reykjavik, Iceland
Northern Europe & Baltic
Reykjavík is mirrored in the waters of its bay, as you can see when your cruise ship sets anchor in the port. The quays along the seafront host a variety of shops, live music clubs and cafés. Take a stroll down Frakkastigur up to Lækjartorg, to admire the Sólfar, also known as the Sun Voyager, a large modern steelsculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason, that represents a Viking vessel, with the bow pointing towards the north. Go back in history as you reach the historic centre, in the districts of Aðalstræti and Suðurgata, where you can still see the remains of some primitive Icelandic dwellings. Also the church of Hallgrímur, probably the most important architectural monument in Reykjavik, is worth a visit. As you will discover during your MSC cruise of Northern Europe, geothermal energy positively conditions the life of the entire country and there is an abundance of spas. Don’t miss an excursion to the Þingvellir national park, in the south west region of the island, a UNESCO world heritage site since 2004. On the northern shores of the Þingvallavatn, the largest Icelandic lake, the Öxará river forms the Öxaráfoss waterfall in the vicinity of Almannagjá, the largest cleft in this land. If you like waterfalls, you should not miss a visit to Gullfoss, in the south east of the island: the river Hvítá here drops down 11 and then 21 metres forming the queen of all Icelandic waterfalls and then continues along a narrow gorge in the plateau. In this area we also find the Strokkur, the only geyser that regularly erupts every 4-8 minutes. Then proceed to Geysir, in the Haukadalur valley, the oldest known geyser, from which the term originates. Its eruptions spray boiling water up to 60 metres into the air, but often reach higher than 100 metres: it is the tallest of the active geysers.
559 cruises
Reims
France · Northern Europe & Baltic
Reims is a city in northeastern France's Grand Est region. It's the unofficial capital of the Champagne wine-growing region, and many of the champagne houses headquartered there offer tastings and cellar tours. For more than 1,000 years, French kings were crowned at its Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims. This grand cathedral is known for its stained-glass windows and Gothic carved portals, including the Smiling Angel.
550 cruises
Oslo
Norway · Northern Europe & Baltic
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.
548 cruises
Stockholm
Sweden · Northern Europe & Baltic
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.
525 cruises
Wertheim, Germany
Northern Europe & Baltic
The small town of Wertheim is located where the Tauber River meets the Main. Magnificent half-timbered buildings shape the marketplace. The parish church, which dates from the Gothic era, is one of the sights of the village. The Counts of Wertheim, who ruled here from the 15th to the 18th century, found their final resting place in the interior. Other tourist attractions include the glass museum and a stately castle that sits enthroned on a mountain high above the city.
508 cruises
Ludwigsburg, Germany
Northern Europe & Baltic
Ludwigshafen am Rhein is a city in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, on the river Rhine, opposite Mannheim. With Mannheim, Heidelberg, and the surrounding region, it forms the Rhine Neckar Area. Known primarily as an industrial city, Ludwigshafen is the home of chemical giant BASF and other companies.
496 cruises
Zeebrugge
Bruges · Northern Europe & Baltic
The ultimate fairytale city, Bruges is a snowglobe medieval town brought to life and lovingly preserved. The medieval majesty rises just inland from Zeebruge's busy port and sandy beaches, and the two are linked by the short stretch of the Baudouin Canal. Arrive in Bruges to discover a dreamlike place where time has stood still. Explore the Unesco World Heritage Site centre to wander at leisure among some of the world's most atmospheric streets. View less Laced with pretty canals, winding paths of cobbled stones, and glorious squares surrounded by soaring church spires, Bruges is an irresistible journey back through time. A city for the seasons, see the towering cups of tulips glowing, or snowy layers adding a cosy blanket during winter. The climb is not to be underestimated, but there are few better places to start a visit to Bruges than the ascent up to the 83-metre lookout of the Belfry of Bruges, which rockets up from the city's primary market square. Discover the city's pretty canals, and admire the colour-splashed facades - tangled with ivy - that line up appealingly on their banks. With plenty of museums and galleries among the incredible architecture, Bruges is a city that effortlessly lives up to its heavy hyping, and there are countless cultural attractions to immerse yourself in. Indulge a sweet tooth at the chocolate museum - or sample the wares of countless artisan chocolate shops - to leave this Zeebrugge's port with the most satisfying of tastes lingering.
480 cruises
Le Pecq
Northern Europe & Baltic
Le Pecq is a commune in the Yvelines department in the Île-de-France region in north-central France. It is located in the western suburbs of Paris, 18.4 km from the center of Paris
479 cruises
Zurich
Northern Europe & Baltic
The city of Zurich, a global center for banking and finance, lies at the north end of Lake Zurich in northern Switzerland. The picturesque lanes of the central Altstadt (Old Town), on either side of the Limmat River, reflect its pre-medieval history. Waterfront promenades like the Limmatquai follow the river toward the 17th-century Rathaus (town hall).
471 cruises
Maloy
Norway · Northern Europe & Baltic
Situated on the southeastern coast of the island of Vågsøy, Måløy is a fetching coastal village graced by silvery beaches, lighthouses and a long history in fishing. A major port for exporting Norway’s prized seafood, Måløy is an ideal place to sample the local cod and chips, fish soup, crab-stuffed sandwiches and other fruits of the sea. History buffs will enjoy the Måløy Raid Center, which focuses on an allied full-scale operation that went on to become an important and strategic victory for the Allies during World War II. Also of note is the 10-foot-tall Kannesteinen rock, which has been carved by the sea over thousands of years and now resembles the tail of a whale.
462 cruises
Caudebec En Caux
Northern Europe & Baltic
There was once a time when the Seine’s tidal bore, or mascaret, could get up to seven metres high. However, when the river was dredged and made navigable for ships, this natural spectacle ceased. Today, visitors to this small town are enchanted by the restaurants and cafes on the river’s promenade, from where you can watch the comings and goings on the Seine. There are plenty of interesting excursion options here. Honfleur, an idyllic fishing town, has gorgeous little lanes and a picturesque old port quarter that has hardly changed since the 17th century. Another tour option takes you to the region’s venerable monasteries. Some of these are still inhabited, while others – such as Jumièges Abbey – survive as spectacular ruins.
455 cruises
Harstad, Norway
Northern Europe & Baltic
The port of Harstad is situated on Norways largest coastal island, Hinnøya. The diverse region around Harstad offers stunning coastal mountains, sublime fjords, and the northernmost strawberry farming on the planet. Hiking, fishing and kayaking are all popular local pastimes and the port is a great place to witness both the midnight sun and the Northern Lights.There are historical and military secrets to be found in Hardstad. The 12th century Trondenes Church plus the awesome, German-built Adolfkanonen at Trondenes – one of the largest battleship cannons on land in Europe during WW2 – are both worth uncovering. The port is also the gateway to the Lofoten and Vesterålen Islands. The 70-mile-long mountainous archipelago of the Lofoten island chain is made up of some of the world's oldest rocks. Divided by fjords created during the Ice Age, its sheer cliffs rise from the sea to over 3,000 feet in some places.
454 cruises
Page 3 of 23
Regions are derived from each port’s coordinates. Sailing counts reflect active upcoming departures, refreshed through our scheduled feed.
