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
448 ports
Gdansk, Poland
Northern Europe & Baltic
With its origins going back to the 10th century, prewar Gdansk - or Danzig as it was known then - was forged by years of Prussian and Hanseatic domination. The battles to liberate the city in 1945 resulted in almost total destruction. Gdansk's historic center was rebuilt with great reverence; today it represents one of the richest and most lavish complexes of architectural relics in Poland. Entering the historic quarter is like walking straight into a Hansa merchants' settlement. Huge stone gateways guard both entrances to the main thoroughfare. The well-proportioned tower of the town hall makes a powerful impact and the main square is surrounded by stately mansions. One of the most prominent buildings is Artus Court, formerly the residence of Gdansk's rulers. Gigantic St. Mary's Church reputedly is the largest brick church in the world, able to accommodate 25,000 people. Dominating the waterside is the seven-story Great Mill, once the largest mill in medieval Europe.
214 cruises
Invergordon
UK · Northern Europe & Baltic
The Highlands in the northern part of Scotland are known for their magnificent scenery, boasting a landscape of dramatic mountains and forested hills. This region also is of historic importance and full of legends including the fabled Loch Ness monster. For centuries, Scotland was England's principal enemy. Then in 1603, James VI of Scotland became James I of England, thus establishing the first political union between the two countries. Despite these ties, Scottish nationalism persisted.The resistance came to an end in 1746 when Bonnie Prince Charlie, in a sad but heroic attempt to reclaim the throne, was defeated in the Battle of Culloden. It changed the social structure of the Highlands forever. Powerful clans were disarmed; for many years wearing kilts was prohibited because the kilt was seen as a symbol of Scottish pride. Scotland ultimately was ruled from London. Invergordon is the port for Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands and junction of many routes. Over the centuries, Inverness was often the focal point of clashes between Highland chiefs, and the Crown. Today the town is a popular tourist attraction as well as a gathering place for the clans of the surrounding area. Many of the traditional Scottish events take place here each summer, including the Highland Games and the Sheep Dog Trials. Invergordon is also a good starting point for excursions to many of the area's attractions, including the Battlefield of Culloden, Loch Ness, the villages of Tain and Cromarty, historic castles and old whisky distilleries. The local economy relies heavily on tourism, in addition to fishing and agriculture. Enjoy the picture-perfect scenery and perhaps an opportunity to chat with a Highlander eager to introduce you to his fabled land and its rich heritage.
213 cruises
Dresden
Northern Europe & Baltic
Dresden, capital of the eastern German state of Saxony, is distinguished by the celebrated art museums and classic architecture of its reconstructed old town. Completed in 1743 and rebuilt after WWII, the baroque church Frauenkirche is famed for its grand dome. The Versailles-inspired Zwinger palace houses museums including Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, exhibiting masterpieces of art like Raphael’s “Sistine Madonna.”
210 cruises
Boppard
Northern Europe & Baltic
The town of Boppard is located in the Middle Rhine Valley and has many small shops, a beautiful old town and a medieval tower. A castle rises majestically high above the small town on the Rhine, as there are numerous in the Middle Rhine Valley. You feel as if you have been transported back in the Middle Ages. There is a campsite on the Rhine. Boppard is connected to the Rhine cities in Hesse by a small ferry. There are no bridges between Mainz and Koblenz, as the Middle Rhine Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
208 cruises
Meissen
Northern Europe & Baltic
Meissen is a town of approximately 30,000 about 25 km northwest of Dresden on both banks of the Elbe river in the Free State of Saxony, in eastern Germany. Meissen is the home of Meissen porcelain, the Albrechtsburg castle, the Gothic Meissen Cathedral and the Meissen Frauenkirche.
196 cruises
Wittenburg
Northern Europe & Baltic
The city of Wittenberge on the Elbe is located in the northwest of Brandenburg and has a population of just under 17,000. The history of the city goes back to the 13th century and so the Steintorturm as the oldest building is already over 720 years old. Other sights of Wittenberge are the rocking ship of the journey through time, the Catholic Church, the water tower, a culture and festival hall, the town hall and the clock tower of the sewing machine factory. This is the largest free-standing tower clock in Germany and on mainland Europe. In addition, the city has several parks and natural monuments such as the hanging beech, which is located on the eastern part of Elmshorner Platz.
196 cruises
Alta, Norway
Northern Europe & Baltic
Think glorious white nights, expansive Scandinavian landscape and an extraordinary sense of adventure and you have Alta. This pretty town 375 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle is everything you expect from Norway. Despite Alta being located in Finnmark, Norway’s most northern region, the summer climate is very mild. This is largely thanks to its location on the inner part of the Alta fjord and the Gulf Stream. The fjord itself stretches for 38 kilometres in total and splits into two before pouring into the Norwegian Sea. Alta is truly the epitome of Norway – forests, mountains and traditional red wooden huts to one side, fjords, coastal landscapes and abundant marine life to the other. However, there is more to Alta than just meets the eye. The village is home to some 6,000 plus year old rock carvings. These exceptional examples of rock art prove the existence of humans in the far north in the prehistoric era. The carvings are so important that they were granted in 1985, and remain the only prehistoric monument in the whole of Norway. Other sights in the village are the striking Northern Lights Cathedral, and the Alta Museum (and why not enjoy a deliciously fresh crab salad in the café while you are there, as the view is one of the most spectacular you are ever likely to see). The indigenous Sami people still thrive in the region, and a chance to spend the day trying traditional food and activities such as dog sledging will be a blessing those who like to immerse themselves in local cultures.
187 cruises
Narvik
Norway · Northern Europe & Baltic
Slap bang in the middle of Norway’s fjords, islands and northern wonders, Narvik, is an ideal base from which to explore this magical region. A city since 1902, it sits on the coast of Ofotfjorden inside the Arctic circle. This northerly latitude means Narvik bathes in the midnight sun during summer's months and is witness to the dazzling displays of the northern lights, which enchant as they spill across the stars. View less Crisp, clear skies make Narvik a prime destination for northern lights viewing, and the natural setting of spiky mountains and soaring fjords generates a truly glorious spectacle amid incredible staging. Gondolas sway up to the slopes of Narvikfjellet ski resort, which can tempt with fantastic skiing, but also provides a prime spot for views of the lights flashing above. Look out over the vast panorama of the town curving along the fjord's banks, the Fagernesfjellet mountain, and - hopefully - the emerald spread of the natural light display. Polar Park Arctic Wildlife Centre grants Norway’s wildest animals - including wolves, bears and lynx - with a protected haven. Elsewhere, a vast railway, which once transported iron ore to the Swedish border, now provides a dramatic rumble through the best of Norway’s mountain scenery and is one of the country’s most mesmerising rail journeys. Narvik was heavily affected by the Second World War, and the city's museum explains north Norway's strategic importance and explores the German occupation here, as well as the decisive battle for the city's liberation.
186 cruises
Geirangerfjord
Northern Europe & Baltic
Witness Norway at its awe-inspiring best, while exploring one of the world's most beautiful fjords. Geiranger nestles at the end of the majestic Geiranger fjord, itself a branch of the Storfjorden, the Great Fjord. While only 300 hardy souls live in the village when winter is biting, Geiranger's population swells exponentially in the summertime, when the village becomes one of Norway's most visited locations - providing a welcoming base for visitors coming to revel in the fantasy fjord's glory. View less Sweeping horseshoe bends unveil the full majesty of Geiranger fjord, one of two Norwegian fjords singled out for UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Soak it all in, as you sail the ten-mile stretch of glorious scenery, decorated with cascading flows of water. The Seven Sisters is perhaps the most celebrated - sprawling down 250 metres like a flowing head of silvery hair. Look out across from these seven flows to the bottle-shaped waterfall known as The Suitor - legend says he tries eternally, to win the affections of the Seven Sisters opposite. Sail onwards, and you can feel the fresh spray on your face, up close and personal to another spectacular flow - Bridal Veil Waterfall. Geiranger's fjord's banks are decorated with abandoned farms, including Knivsflå, and Skageflå. Or you can experience life on a working cheese farm at Herdalssetra. Winding hairpin mountain roads offer some of Europe's highest fjord views, while the Dalsnibba mountain - which stands close to the fjord - offers spine-tingling views from an epic 1,500-metre high pedestal. Get as close to the edge as you dare, and let this one-of-a-kind landscape of snow-capped mountain peaks and wide fjords utterly overwhelm you.
180 cruises
Eidfjord, Norway
Northern Europe & Baltic
In the shadow of snowy peaks and near stunning blue-green fjords, Eidfjord is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful villages in Norway. Even though it has a population of less than 1,000, scores of visitors come here each year to bask in the area's natural splendor. Hardangervidda, near Eidfjord, is Europe's largest mountain plateau as well as Norway's largest national park. Interestingly, the legendary polar explorer Roald Amundsen, who led the first expedition to reach the South Pole, and Fridtjof Nansen, who made the first successful crossing of the Greenland interior, both used Hardangervidda to prepare for their expeditions. Walking, hiking, cycling and cross-country skiing are popular, and the area is home to Europe's largest population of wild reindeer. Numerous canyons, including the famous Måbødalen Valley, lead south from the Hardangervidda plateau to the fjords along the coast, and about 16 kilometers (10 miles) south of Eidfjord, visitors can see the dramatic 182-meter-tall (597-foot-tall) Vøringfossen waterfall. In the center of Eidfjord stands the 14th-century stone Eidfjord Kirke, while outside town the famous Kjeåsen Mountain Farm sits on a ledge some 600 meters (1,968 feet) above the Simadalsfjord.
176 cruises
Skjolden, Norway
Northern Europe & Baltic
Skjolden, Norway- Skjolden is the innermost port of Norway, located at the head of the longest navigable fjord in the world, Sognefjord. The village population may average 200, but its terrain is far from quaint. Experience the grand and pristine beauty of the north on your Skjolden cruise. The Breheimen National Park, home to three majestic glaciers and Feigumfossen Waterfall in an idyllic setting on the southern side of the Lusterfjord are only a few of the scenic attractions you’ll find here. Take the short walk into the falls or admire the view from the National Tourist Route on the northern side of the fjord. For the outdoors-y type that wants to take in a great hike, take the Rv55, one of Norway's most scenic roadways, to the pristine fishing waters of Eidsvatnet lake. For more breathtaking scenery, head just a bit north to the Mørkridsdalen Valley where verdant mountains surround fields of colorful wildflowers and rushing streams.
170 cruises
Spitz
Austria · Northern Europe & Baltic
The Port of Spitz is a very small port in Austria. See below for a live map of ship positions in Spitz, schedules for vessels arriving (port calls), the list of ships currently in port, a company register and a local weather forecast.
168 cruises
Ghent
Belgium · Northern Europe & Baltic
This old university town buzzes with energy. Rich in cultural attractions, it also boasts a varied nightlife, with imposing architectural monuments serving as a backdrop. During the ‘Gentse Feesten’ – a ten-day festival of street performance, music and culture that takes place in the city centre every July – these magnificent buildings really come into their own, illuminated by light installations It is a truly spectacular sight.
158 cruises
Grundafjordur
Northern Europe & Baltic
As double acts go, Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall and Kirkjufell Mountain are hard to beat. Said to be Iceland's most photographed spot, the perfectly symmetrical mountain taper of Kirkjufell complements the roaring waterfall, and is said to be the most photographed spot in Iceland. That's a bold claim, considering the country's abundance of natural assets, but this natural duo is an undeniably unique and mesmerising sight. Occasionally, as the sun fades away, a stunning trio is formed, with the northern lights dancing overhead, casting its ethereal green haze over the scene below. View less Reach the stirring views with a short walk from Grundarfjorudur town, or head out into the wilderness on horseback, along well-trampled bridleways. The mountain is known as Church Mountain, due to its isolated peak, which pierces the sky like a spire. You might recognise it as a 'mountain shaped like an arrowhead', however, which is how it was described during its Game of Thrones cameo. In Grundarfjorudur itself, fishing boats gently bob amid the dramatic, snow-flecked mountain scenery. With whales cruising the fjords and eagles diving overhead, you're also at the centre of some of Iceland's most spectacular and atmospheric wildlife. As a highlight of Iceland's glorious, cinematic scenery, Grundarfjorudur is sure to whet your appetite for Iceland's immense natural beauty – discover more with a read of our blog.
158 cruises
Beaune
Northern Europe & Baltic
Beaune is a walled town at the center of the Burgundy winemaking region in France. Surrounded by the Côte d'Or vineyards, the cobbled town is renowned for an annual wine auction held at the Hôtel-Dieu (Hospices de Beaune). Recognized by its colorful, geometric-patterned tile roof, this 15th-century former hospital is now the Hôtel-Dieu Museum, showcasing works like "The Last Judgement" altarpiece by Van der Weyden.
152 cruises
Gdynia
Poland · Northern Europe & Baltic
Gdynia is your gateway port to Poland's fabled city of Gdansk. The city is over a millennium old - the first mention of Gdansk in history occurs in the year 997 A.D. A member of the Hanseatic League, Gdansk was the richest port on the Baltic and a cultural center that drew artists and intellectuals from across Europe. That heritage was imperiled, however, on September 1, 1939, when a German warship opened fire on a garrison north of the city, heralding World War II. By the war's end, Gdansk was in ruins and proud Poland lay in the grip of Russian occupation. The city proved indomitable as residents set about rebuilding the old city. In 1980, the spirit of Gdansk's people proved even stronger than the iron grip of communism: a food riot led to the birth of Solidarity, the trade-labor movement that played a pivotal role in bringing down the Iron Curtain. Gdansk is one of the amber centers of the world. This petrified tree resin has been revered for both jewelry and as a source of folk remedies for centuries. Gdansk's Old Town is a superb place to browse for amber jewelry and goods.
152 cruises
Mantes la Jolie
Northern Europe & Baltic
Mantes-la-Jolie is a commune in the Yvelines department in the Île-de-France region of north-central France. It is located to the west of Paris, 48.4 km from the centre of the capital. Mantes-la-Jolie is a subprefecture; in 2016, it had a population of 44,231.
149 cruises
Brussels
Belgium · Northern Europe & Baltic
The Belgian capital offers its visitors a wealth of contrasts. That’s partly due to it having long been a city of immigrants – from other EU countries as well as from Morocco, Turkey and central Africa. Over the years, these newcomers have all brought their ideas and customs with them, creating a real melting pot of cultures. But the city itself is also full of contrasts: splendid historical buildings stand alongside new constructions, the traditional lower town differs from the elegant upper town, and great museums meet experimental crossover projects at abandoned factory premises. Cities don’t get much more exciting than this.
148 cruises
Arnhem
Holland · Northern Europe & Baltic
Arnhem is a city and municipality situated in the eastern part of the Netherlands. It is the capital of the province of Gelderland and located on both banks of the rivers Nederrijn and Sint-Jansbeek, which was the source of the city's development.
145 cruises
Nordfjordeid
Norway · Northern Europe & Baltic
Nestled peacefully at the end of one of Norway’s most beautiful waterways, Nordfjordeid is a picturesque, hidden gem. Wander the old centre of town to find white-painted buildings brimming with cafés, restaurants, bakeries and shops, or discover unique architecture at the modern opera house or the 19th century Eid Church – home to spectacular carvings and intricate paintings. At the Sagastad Viking heritage centre you can interact with fascinating exhibits and step aboard the Myklebust, an authentic 100-foot-long replica ship based on the remains of one of the largest Viking ships ever unearthed. Visiting in the summer? Why not relax in the lush Saga Park which has its own beach by the fjord? Despite Nordfjordeid’s sleepy charm, this small village is big on adventure. Connect with the marine environment on a kayaking tour, go fishing for huge monkfish, wolf fish and mackerel, or ride a Fjord horse – one of the world’s oldest pure breeds. The surrounding emerald hillsides transform into towering mountains, and hikes in the immediate area reveal spellbinding views. Who knows, if you head up here you might even encounter the mythical Huldra – a seductive, sometimes dangerous forest creature who takes the form of a beautiful woman with a cow’s tail. If she doesn’t appear to mesmerise you, the spectacular vistas certainly will.
144 cruises
Stornoway (Isle of Lewis), United Kingdom
Northern Europe & Baltic
Founded by the Vikings in the early 9th century, Stornoway is located on the scenic Isle of Lewis, the most northerly of Scotland’s Hebrides islands. Visiting Lewis is like taking a step back in time, where ancient stone circles stand on the same land as modern day Stornoway, Gaelic is spoken alongside English, and during the summer months, “local people can still be seen cutting the peats, and in the winter the distinctive dry smell of the peat fires drifts in the wind.” With its spectacular cliffs, moorlands and fresh-water lochs, the region is home to a diverse wildlife habitat of eagles, deer, otters and numerous species of indigenous birds, while Lewis’ several rivers have significant runs of salmon and sea trout, which make for great fishing. There are also beautiful remote beaches like Tolsta, Bostadh and Traigh Chuil, adventure boat trips for regular sightings of seals, porpoises and dolphins, and historical attractions such as the impressive Lews Castle, the Whale Bone Arch and Latta Mill’s Stornoway.
142 cruises
South Queensferry
Northern Europe & Baltic
Eight miles north-west of Edinburgh city centre is the small town of South Queensferry, located at the southern end of the two mighty Forth Bridges. When you are cruising the North Sea with MSC Cruises, South Queensferry will be your port of call. It’s an attractive old settlement, with a narrow, cobbled High Street lined with tightly packed buildings, most of which date from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Moreover, a shore excursion on your MSC Northern Europe cruise can be the opportunity to discover the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, a far more handsome city than London; it’s famous for its magnificent setting, majestic castle and ancient royal quarter of Holyrood, not to mention an acclaimed international arts festival and some excellent museums. Edinburgh’s Old Town, although only about a mile long and 400 yards wide, represented the total extent of the twin burghs of Edinburgh and Canongate for the first 650 years of their existence, and its general appearance and character remain indubitably medieval. Containing the majority of the city’s most famous tourist sights, the Old Town is compact enough to explore in a single day, though a thorough visit requires a bit longer. The history of Edinburgh, and indeed of Scotland, is indissolubly bound up with its castle, which dominates the city from its lofty seat atop an extinct volcanic rock. The disparate styles of the fortifications reflect the change in its role from defensive citadel to national monument, and today, as well as attracting more visitors than anywhere else in the country, the castle is still a military barracks and home to Scotland’s Crown Jewels. The oldest surviving part of the complex is from the twelfth century, while the most recent additions date back to the 1920s.
138 cruises
Nijmegen
Netherlands · Northern Europe & Baltic
The fortress city of Nijmegen is located near the German border and is considered the oldest city in Holland. The historic buildings in the city center as well as the many small squares and parks, some of which go back to Roman times, are worth seeing. The "Lange Hezelstraat", the oldest shopping street in Holland, is also interesting. If you feel like visiting a museum, a visit to Het Valkhof or Afrika Museum is recommended.
136 cruises
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Regions are derived from each port’s coordinates. Sailing counts reflect active upcoming departures, refreshed through our scheduled feed.
