What if you could visit multiple European countries but only unpack your suitcase once? What if you didn’t have to sit in traffic or on public transit? The best Northern Europe tours are actually by small ship, and here’s why.
But first, what is a small ship cruise? By our our definition, which prioritizes off-ship adventure, it’s an average 100 guests aboard small ship cruises in Northern Europe. We offer a wide range though, with ships that hold as few as 8 guests or up to just over 250 passengers. Aboard ships of this intimate of a size, so much more than the average travel experience is possible. Think:
Off Ship Adventure, Nature & Culture Come First
- Each day, actively explore away from the boat in the company of guides and historians.
- Take naturalist-led shore hikes, go sea kayaking and visit scenic landscapes and top historical sites.
- Return to the ship each evening for a glass of wine, a delicious meal, an informative lecture and a restful sleep.
- Kayaks, paddleboards & even bikes sail on the ship along with you to be at the ready when active opportunity strikes.
- Local experts and artisans come aboard to showcase local cuisine and music, or explore local towns on your own.
- On some Northern Europe river cruises, you can bike or walk along the towpath to meet the ship at its next stop.
Steer Clear of Crowds & Travel Efficiently
- Eschew the busiest ports and cities with unique access to smaller ports the big ships can’t reach.
- Explore small canals and locks in the most intimate of towns aboard ships with uniquely shallow drafts.
- Time is on your side with this efficient mode of travel. Often you’ll tour by day, then sail by night.
- Have the ability to tour multiple European countries within one trip.
- Sail at off-peak times and enjoy the wilderness in less-visited reaches. Dayboats only reach the most popular and populated fjords.
- It’s the ultimate solitude: spend some nights at remote anchorages in coves and quiet harbors.
Unique Perspectives & New Likeminded Friends
- See Norway’s colorful towns and Scotland’s lush hamlets from the seaside and riverside looking in. The perspective is unmatched.
- Your fellow tour mates are likeminded travelers who value efficiency, comradery and educational experiences. Read some of our traveler testimonials.
- Onboard chefs utilize local fare and get to know your preferences over the duration of the trip.
- Visits to wineries, distilleries and local artisans are typically arranged in route.
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Freedom from Decision Fatigue – A Truly Relaxing Northern Europe Trip
- Enjoy the freedom of letting your captain and guide set the pace.
- Unpack once but stay in a new port or anchorage nearly every night.
- No need for your wallet. Activities, meals and add-ons are included, or able to be settled at the end of the voyage.
- Family-friendly options with scalable activity choices allow you bringing multiple generations in one trip.
Convinced yet? Our Northern Europe travel options aboard small ships include a range of itineraries with a variety of focal points, from the sweeping green hills of Scotland to the icy fjords of Norway. Learn more about our small ship cruises in Northern Europe or focus in on Iceland cruises, Svalbard cruises or Arctic cruises in the northern latitudes.
GET ABOARD
See the full list of our Northern Europe tours by small ship.
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