Port guides
Filter 2,775 cruise ports by region or search by name — each links to its guide and the cruises calling there.
Ports in Northern Europe & Baltic
483 ports
Edinburgh, UK
Northern Europe & Baltic
Two miles distant from its ancient seaport of Leith lies Edinburgh, Scotland's national capital. The Scottish capital since the 15th century, Edinburgh is comprised of two distinct areas - the Old Town, dominated by a medieval fortress, and the neoclassical New Town, whose development from the 18th century onwards had a far-reaching influence on European urban planning. The harmonious juxtaposition of these two contrasting historic areas, each with many important buildings, is what gives the city its unique character. Always favored by geography, Edinburgh is ideally situated on the Firth of Forth, an inlet from the North Sea, and built on extinct volcanoes surrounded by woods, rolling hills and lakes. On a clear day, there are glorious vistas from each of these hilltops. Looming above the city is the striking fairy tale castle built on the site of a 7th-century fortress. Towards the Middle Ages life within the fortress spilled onto the long ridge running to the foot of Arthur's Seat, which crowns Holyrood Park. The city's most legendary citizens are the arch Presbyterian John Knox and Mary Queen of Scots, who dominated the Edinburgh of the late 16th century. Edinburgh's delightful city center is a joy to explore on foot. Every alley reveals impressive steeples, jagged, chimney-potted skylines, or lovely rotund domes.
194 cruises
London (Tilbury)
England · Northern Europe & Baltic
London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, is a 21st-century city with history stretching back to Roman times. At its centre stand the imposing Houses of Parliament, the iconic ‘Big Ben’ clock tower and Westminster Abbey, site of British monarch coronations. Across the Thames River, the London Eye observation wheel provides panoramic views of the South Bank cultural complex, and the entire city.
194 cruises
Hellesylt
Norway · Northern Europe & Baltic
Landing with your MSC cruise of Northern Europe to Hellesylt, the cosy little town on the shores of the Geiranger fjord, will make it appear like a natural extension of the mountains behind. There are plenty of opportunities to admire the fjord and the town from above during your vacation in Norway. Along the steep Eagle Route (Ørnevegen) you find two perfect observation posts – Dalsnibba, 1500 metres above, and Flydalsjuvet with terraces that open onto the ice valley – surrounded by impressive peaks. If you continue along the Ørnesvingen, as well as Geiranger and the fjord, you will come to the Seven Sisters Waterfalls (De syv søstrene) that offers a magnificent spectacle. If you want to know more about what it means to live on the shores of a Norwegian fjord, visit the Geiranger centre, about a kilometre from the town centre. If you enjoy hikes on foot but you don’t want to exhaust yourself, take the fjord’s southern coast route to Homlong, where you will find a small bar selling excellent, freshly made snacks. But to get a real taste of local cuisine during your MSC cruise of Northern Europe you should not miss a visit to one of the mountain farms where delicious local specialties are prepared. The Herald Summer Farm, for example, has been operating since the 18th century and still produces delicious foods and offers a pleasant experience also for the younger visitors. You can also visit one of the strangest glaciers in Europe, the Briksdal glacier (Briksdalsbreen)Northern Europe introduction, which often baffles experts because of its unconventional “behaviour” in expansion and erosion, often contrary to that of other glaciers at these latitudes. Part of the Jostedalsbreen glacier national park, the Briksdalsbreen ends with a delightful glacier lake, the Briksdalsbrevatnet, that appears and disappears according to the movement of the glacier front.
192 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.
191 cruises
Utrecht
Northern Europe & Baltic
Utrecht is a city in the Netherlands, known for its medieval center. It has tree-lined canals, Christian monuments and a venerable university. The iconic Domtoren, a 14th-century bell tower with city views, stands opposite the Gothic Cathedral of St. Martin on central Domplein square. The Museum Catharijneconvent shows religious art and artifacts in a former monastery.
184 cruises
Normandy
Northern Europe & Baltic
Normandy is a region of northern France. Its varied coastline includes white-chalk cliffs and WWII beachheads, including Omaha Beach, site of the famous D-Day landing. Just off the coast, the rocky island of Mont-Saint-Michel is topped by a soaring Gothic abbey. The city of Rouen, dominated by Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, is where military leader and Catholic saint Joan of Arc was executed in 1431.
180 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.
168 cruises
Gothenburg
Sweden · Northern Europe & Baltic
Situated on Sweden’s west coast, the laid-back seaport of Gothenburg has considerable appeal for any visitor. Known as one of the friendliest cities in Europe, Gothenburg – Sweden’s second largest city – offers a vibrancy and fascination through its galleries, museums, boutiques, street cafes and Scandinavia’s largest and most popular amusement park, Lisberg, which has themed rides, performance venues and a landscaped sculpture garden. With spacious streets, leafy boulevards, and 17th century Dutch-designed canals at its heart, Gothenburg is a compact, accessible city. The harbour’s stylish buildings and bustling fish market are a must-see before heading to the enthralling districts of the city centre. Neoclassical architecture lines Gothenburg’s tram-rattled streets, and the city’s prominent trading past is emphasised by buildings like Skansen Kronan, a 17th century fortress sat proudly atop Risåsberget Hill. The city’s museums include the recently opened Museum of World Culture, the Gothenburg Museum of Art, the aeronautic Aeroseum, and, naturally, the Volvo Museum. The world famous Trädgårdsföreningen – the Garden Society of Gothenburg - is one of the city’s must-visit sites. It features gorgeous lawns, woodlands and stunning flower beds filled with thousands of rose species, and remains one of Europe's best-kept 19th century parks.
165 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.
161 cruises
Aberdeen, UK
Northern Europe & Baltic
The Granite City sparkles like silver in the Scottish sunshine, and there is over 8,000 years’ worth of history to dig into in this pretty city of cobbled streets and hunched cottages. Located far to the north of the British Isles, Aberdeen is third only to Edinburgh and Glasgow in terms of size. Shaped by its maritime location, granite foundations and offshore oil industry, today’s Aberdeen is a prosperous powerhouse, alive with arts and culture. Surrounded by the Cairngorms Mountains’ sepia-hues – and the North Sea’s windswept coastline - Aberdeen was forged by the granite quarried from its earth. Local stone is everywhere from the Houses of Parliament to Waterloo Bridge – but arguably the finest examples of the material’s beauty are in the city itself. The barnacled spikes of Marischal College - the world's second largest granite building – and the grand turreted masonry of the Town House leave a lasting impression. Johnston Gardens add some colour to the city’s canvas, and you'll often spot wedding dresses floating among the blooming rhododendrons and ornate bridges. Aberdeen Maritime Museum takes visitors on a voyage through the region’s seafaring heritage, and North Sea oil exploration. Stop for a coffee and watch fishing vessels and trawlers toing and froing from the harbour, surreally mingling with city centre buildings in the unusually central harbour. Old Aberdeen is a fairy-tale walk of cobbled streets and eccentric stone houses where no stone is the same, while the Footdee fishing village, or 'fittie' as the locals pronounce it, consists of historic leaning cottages and ramshackle huts for the city's fishing community.
159 cruises
Greenock (Glasgow)
Scotland · Northern Europe & Baltic
At your MSC cruise port of call in Greenock, Scotland, you’ll be just a short trip away from Glasgow. Glasgow is a sprawling post-industrial metropolis on the banks of the River Clyde. An upbeat cruise destination, it boasts great bars, clubs and restaurants. Its museums and galleries are some of the best in Britain, while the city’s impressive architecture reflects the wealth of its eighteenth- and nineteenth-century heyday. Set on the banks of the mighty River Clyde, Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, has not traditionally enjoyed the best of reputations. However, the cityscape has been spruced up, and many visitors are knocked out by the architecture, from long rows of sandstone terraces to the fantastical spires of the Kelvingrove Museum. Glasgow has some of the best-financed and most imaginative museums and galleries in Britain – among them the showcase Burrell Collection and the palatial Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum – nearly all of which are free. Glasgow’s architecture is some of the most striking in the UK, from the restored eighteenth-century warehouses of the Merchant City to the hulking Victorian prosperity of George Square. Most distinctive of all is the work of local luminary Charles Rennie Mackintosh, whose elegantly Art Nouveau designs appear all over the city, reaching their apotheosis in the stunning School of Art. MSC Northern Europe cruises also offer excursions to Stirling. Straddling the River Forth a few miles upstream from the estuary at Kincardine, Stirling appears, at first glance, like a smaller version of Edinburgh. With its crag-top castle, steep, cobbled streets and mixed community of locals, students and tourists, it’s an appealing place. Stirling was the scene of some of the most significant developments in the evolution of the Scottish nation as commemorated by the lofty Wallace Monument high on Abbey Craig to the north-east.
158 cruises
Roth, Bavaria
Northern Europe & Baltic
Roth is a town in Bavaria, Germany, the capital of the district Roth. It is located about 25 km south of Nuremberg.
151 cruises
London (Greenwich), England
Northern Europe & Baltic
London is one of the great entertainment, financial and fashion centers of the world. It dates back to ancient times when the Romans made it a hub of their road system and built the first London Bridge. There are actually two separate cities - the City of London and the City of Westminster - and they function side by side. The City of London is mostly a place of business and finance, while Westminster (the West End) is the locale of the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace, as well as theaters, clubs, parks and myriad shops. *Please note that embarkation and/or disembarkation in London, United Kingdom requires the use of a tender.
147 cruises
Hoorn
Netherlands · Northern Europe & Baltic
The city of Hoorn is located in Noord-Holland, not far from the Issjelmeer. The city center with its numerous shopping opportunities and shops is located on the peninsula. There is a West Fries Museum, as well as a railway exhibition and trips in nostalgic trains. In Julianapark you can see many rare plant species. The city also has two well-known churches, the Koepelkerk and the Oosterkerk, which are right in the city center. On the Käsmarkt, the town's market square, you will find many shops and can buy the delicious Dutch cheese.
144 cruises
Portsmouth, UK
Northern Europe & Baltic
A cruise along the English coast offers numerous sights, time-honored harbors and breathtaking landscapes. If your cruise takes you to Portsmouth in the south of Great Britain, there is a lot to discover: Lively shipping tradition in the Historic Dockyard, the interesting Royal Navy Submarine Museum or Southsea Castle with a breathtaking view of the English Channel are just a small part of it. Experience England with all of its history, unique culture and the best shopping in Portsmouth Harbor!
144 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.
144 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.
135 cruises
Killybegs
Donegal · Northern Europe & Baltic
Killybegs has offered mariners a safe haven from the churning waters of the Atlantic Ocean for centuries. Its sheltered deepwater harbor opens out into Donegal Bay and the vast northeastern Atlantic. In ancient times, the town consisted of no more than a huddle of small beehive-style huts called “Na Cealla Beaga,” a Gaelic phrase from which the town takes its current name. Fast-forward to today, and the maritime theme is just as strong. Modern-day Killybegs is a tight-knit seafaring community with Ireland’s largest fishing fleet. This part of County Donegal is also home to a number of traditional industries and artisan workshops, where craftspeople specialize in carpet-making, weaving and knitting. Killybegs is surrounded by some of the most scenic landscape Ireland has to offer. As a stop along the 2,500-kilometer-long coastal route known as the Wild Atlantic Way, there are several stunning spots you can’t miss, including the white, sandy expanse of nearby Fintra Beach and the vertigo-inducing cliffs at Slieve League. Come here to soak up the small-town atmosphere and drink in the natural beauty that abounds.
133 cruises
Maastricht
Netherlands · Northern Europe & Baltic
Maastricht, a university city on the southern tip of the Netherlands, is distinguished by its medieval-era architecture and vibrant cultural scene. In its cobbled old town, is the Gothic-style church Sint Janskerk, and the Romanesque Basilica of St. Servatius houses a significant collection of religious art. On the banks of the Maas River, bisecting the city, lies futuristic-looking Bonnefanten art museum.
131 cruises
Ullapool
Scotland · Northern Europe & Baltic
The port of Ullapool on the shores of Loch Broom is a quaint, bustling settlement in Western Ross and one of the most alluring spots in the Scottish Highlands. A gateway to the Western Isles, the town has grown into a popular holiday centre in recent years. Founded by the British Fisheries Society in 1788, Ullapool’s row of whitewashed harbour cottages are most visitors’ first impression. The town offers fishing in the sea and the loch, deer stalking, golf, boat hire as well as an art gallery, An Talla Solais. The award-winning Ullapool Museum is in a former church: a Grade-A building designed by Thomas Telford. It was built in 1829 following a parliamentary initiative to provide places of worship throughout the Highlands, hence it was called a “Parliamentary Church” before it closed. The town clock is claimed to be the most photographed in Scotland. Each of its four cast-iron, pediment faces are decorated with crowns and the urn on top carries a weathervane. Just outside Ullapool is Rhue, a four-acre Bronze-Age settlement, with the remains of ancient roundhouses.
127 cruises
Black Forest, Germany
Northern Europe & Baltic
The Black Forest is a mountainous region in southwest Germany, bordering France. Known for its dense, evergreen forests and picturesque villages, it is often associated with the Brothers Grimm fairy tales. It's renowned for its spas and the cuckoo clocks produced in the region since the 1700s. The region’s largest town, Freiburg, is filled with Gothic buildings and surrounded by vineyards.
126 cruises
Enkhuizen, Netherlands
Northern Europe & Baltic
The idyllic small town of Enkhuizen, located in Noord-Holland, offers its visitors a large number of historical buildings and monuments. The enchanting location on the water also invites you to take a walk along the ramparts, the port or the canals. A visit to the Zuiderzee Museum is well worth it to get a glimpse into the history of what was once the wealthiest place.
123 cruises
Holyhead, UK
Northern Europe & Baltic
Today the city of Holyhead is connected to the large Welsh island of Anglesey by a causeway known locally as The Cobb, but until the mid-19th century, it was on its own separate Holy Island connected by a bridge. Its protected harbor and location adjacent to the Irish Sea made it an important port from Roman times. Its beautiful St. Cybi’s Church is in fact situated in the remains of a Roman three-walled fort, the Caer Gybi, facing the harbor. The harbor’s three-kilometer breakwater is the longest in the United Kingdom, and made the port a crucial safe haven in inclement weather for ships plying the busy routes to industrial Liverpool and Lancashire. Until the completion of the London to Liverpool railway, Holyhead held the Royal Mail contract for Dublin. Your ship docks today at a jetty that originally served a lucrative aluminum smelting operation, until the closing of a nuclear generating facility cut of the supply of inexpensive power. A waterfront Maritime Museum provides insights into Holyhead’s long history as a seaport. Visitors are welcomed at the picturesque South Stack Lighthouse, and at the adjacent RSPB nature reserve, which offers views of the sea cliffs and their abundant nesting populations of puffins, fulmars, razorbills, guillemots, gannets and other seabirds, as well as seals, dolphins and other wildlife. The Anglesey countryside also holds prehistoric dolmens including the Trefignath Burial Chamber, and a nostalgic old Welsh farmstead called Cyfellion Swtan that charmingly preserves the traditional lifestyle or rural Wales.
121 cruises
Warnemunde (For Berlin), Germany
Northern Europe & Baltic
Berlin is the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany. Due to its great historical and current importance, the city has many sights to offer. First of all, some well-known landmarks should be mentioned here: the Brandenburg Gate, the TV tower and the Victory Column. All important government buildings are also located here: For example, the Reichstag with the famous Reichstag dome is definitely worth a visit. You can also see the locations of some important historical events, such as "Checkpoint Charlie" or the "East Side Gallery", a remnant of the Berlin Wall. There is also no lack of shopping opportunities, for example the "Kurfürstendamm" is very well known.
120 cruises
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Regions are derived from each port’s coordinates. Sailing counts reflect active upcoming departures, refreshed through our scheduled feed.
