Man in red jacket walks grassy bluff high above the ocean, overlooking a Normandy, France medieval city on North Sea Cruises.
Canal with calm dark water lined by old-world-style brick buildings & wispy trees on a partly cloudy day in Bruges, Belgium.
London symbols with Big Ben, red double-decker buses driving over an iconic bridge and red phone booth on a sunny day in England.
Mint green statue & stone fountains encircled by multi-story, old-world, colorful stone & brick buildings in European city square.
European church with green steeple surrounded by low brick buildings beside calm canal on a sunny day, seen on North Sea cruises.
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Europe Northern Europe Cruise

North Sea Voyage: Northern Europe & The Normandy Beaches

Voyage along the North Sea, from Norway or Copenhagen, to London for fascinating history, culture, flora and fauna. On these North Sea cruises, enjoy a mix of coastal trails and charming cities, rich history, unique geology and diverse cultures.

Cruise from Copenhagen to London along canals and coastline, exploring beautiful coastal cities as well as the crucial and storied role the region has played in history. Stroll through charming, canal-side towns that sprang up along Old World trade routes. Marvel at the elaborate architecture of medieval ruling capitals and reflect at the sites of battles that helped determine the outcome of World War II. Take time to indulge personal interests, and consider exploring each site with the naturalist or historian whose background and personality matches your own.

Meet the lively characters who make up the contemporary scene in towns along the way, with 148-guest National Geographic Explorer as your home base as you experience Europe from a unique vantage point—the sea. Equipped with National Geographic guides, historians, photographers and expert leaders, and built as a polar expedition vessel, the Nat Geo Explorer slices through the North Sea waters with speed, stability and grace.

Read on for details about these North Sea cruises, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Northern Europe cruises and Northern Europe trips.



Itinerary

North Sea Voyage: Northern Europe & The Normandy Beaches Itinerary

The main North Sea voyage embarks in Copenhagen, Denmark and disembarks in London, England.

Route map of North Sea Voyage: Northern Europe & The Normandy Beaches cruise from Copenhagen, Denmark, to London, England, with visits to France, Belgium, the Netherlands & Germany.
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Days 1 - 2
Fly to Copenhagen, Denmark & Embark

Depart on an overnight flight to Copenhagen, where you’ll explore Nyhavn, the city’s 17th-century waterfront neighborhood, on a private canal boat tour before embarking the ship.

Accommodations

n/a (day 1); National Geographic Explorer (day 2)

Meals

n/a (day 1); lunch and dinner (day 2)

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Day 3
Lubeck, Germany

Cruise up the river Trave to the beautiful medieval city of Lübeck. Once the Queen City of the Hanseatic League, Lübeck boasts beautiful brick architecture, much of which was rebuilt after WWII. Taste locally produced marzipan, and visit the incredible Holsten Gate and Hospital of the Holy Spirit—two of the many fascinating buildings to grace this lovely, picturesque town.

Accommodations

National Geographic Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 4
At Sea

Overnight and into the morning, transit the Kiel Canal, a 61-mile waterway connecting the North Sea with the Baltic. During and after breakfast, take in the beautiful views of the Schleswig-Holstein region from the ship until she reaches the Brunsbüttel Lock and exits out into the North Sea to sail along the coast of mainland Europe. Unwind, head to the spa, browse the library and hear talks from the onboard staff.

Accommodations

National Geographic Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
Amsterdam, Netherlands

Cluttered with bicycles, bursting with flowers and carved by canals, Amsterdam is a vibrant city with an arts scene that has flourished since the Middle Ages. Take in the unique character of the canal-lined streets by boat or on foot and experience the spectacular Rijksmuseum. On a guided tour, get an insider’s view of the world’s largest collection of Dutch masters with works by Vermeer, Rembrandt and more.

Accommodations

National Geographic Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 6 - 7
Antwerp & Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with Gothic architecture and serene waterways. Walk through the bustling and colorful Markt Square, and listen as the bells of the medieval bell tower toll the hour. After a walking excursion, board small boats and glide down swan-dotted canals to experience the gemlike old town from another perspective. The port city of Antwerp dates from the Middle Ages. Stroll the centuries-old diamond district, visit the Rubens House to view works by Baroque master Peter Paul Rubens and admire the Renaissance architecture in Grote Markt.

Accommodations

National Geographic Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 8 - 9
Beaches & Historical Battlefields of Operation Overlord

Turn your focus toward one of the most important historical events of the 20th century while retracing the events of D-Day with a historian. Walk in the footsteps of the Allied troops at Omaha Beach and pay respects at the American Cemetery. Visit the famous Pegasus Bridge across the Caen Canal, where the British 6th Airborne Division glided in to land at the very start of the Allied invasion. See the remains of Mulberry Harbor, created from partially sunken blockships to provide a safe point of entry for supplies and equipment after the initial invasion began.

Accommodations

National Geographic Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 10
Dover, England

Sail past the Cliffs of Dover, a beacon to many WWII pilots returning home from battle on the continent. Walk the wartime tunnels deep beneath Dover Castle and immerse in the drama of the Dunkirk evacuation—“Operation Dynamo.” Visit Ramsgate, once the embarkation point for the 1940 evacuation, where 4,200 ships left the harbor to rescue men stranded on Dunkirk’s beaches. Overnight, navigate up the River Thames toward London.

Accommodations

National Geographic Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 11
Disembark London, England

Disembark in London and transfer to Heathrow Airport for flights home.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Accommodations; meals indicated; excursions; services of expedition leader, naturalist staff and expert guides; use of kayaks; entrance fees; all port charges and service taxes. Gratuities for all departures of National Geographic Explorer, Orion, Endurance, Resolution, Sea Cloud, Jahan and Lord of the Glens. Complimentary beer & wine on National Geographic Venture, National Geographic Quest, National Geographic Sea Lion, National Geographic Sea Bird, with a complimentary full bar on all other ships.

Exclusions

Immigration fees; air transportation; extensions; meals not indicated; reserve wines & premium spirits; gratuities for all departures of Delfin II, Endeavour II, Islander II, Venture, Quest, Sea Bird and Sea Lion; personal items such as emails, laundry, voyage DVD, etc.; and insurance of any kind.

Payment & Cancellation

For expeditions departing prior to April 1, 2024:
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $1,000 is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
180 or more days – $750*
179 to 120 days – 100% of deposit
119 to 90 days – 25% of total trip cost
89 to 60 days – 50% of total trip cost
59 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

*$750 USD will be credited in the form of a Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate, valid for 12 months from the date of cancellation, and which only may be applied towards final payment on any future booking.

For expeditions departing April 1, 2024 onward:
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 15% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special payment terms apply for groups of 8 or more; inquire for details. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
120 or more days – 100% of deposit**
119 to 90 days – 50% of total trip cost
89 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

**Advance payments will be credited in the form of a Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate, valid for 12 months from the date of cancellation, and which may only be applied towards final payment on any future booking.

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Vaccination Requirement
To join this trip, all guests 5 years and older must provide proof of being fully vaccinated (at least 14 days after your final COVID-19 vaccine shot). There may also be COVID-19 testing or other requirements to participate; your Adventure Specialist will provide details of current policies upon booking.

Arrival & Departure

The North Sea Voyage: Northern Europe & The Normandy Beaches cruise begins in Copenhagen, Denmark (CPH), and ends in London, England (LHR). Group flights are recommended for this cruise and your AdventureSmith Specialist can assist with group flight details. General recommendations are to arrive to Copenhagen anytime on Day 2 of the itinerary. Disembarkation is after breakfast on the final day of the itinerary. Plan to depart London on the final day of the cruise no earlier than 2:00pm. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include walking, hiking, inflatable boat/skiff excursions, photography and morning yoga and stretching.

Room Configuration

In addition to listed Solo cabin rates, select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. If you would like to share accommodations with another guest of the same gender, we will be happy to try to accommodate you in select cabin categories. This program allows you to pay the per person double-occupancy rate whether or not a roommate is found. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and availability.

Families & Children

Children under the age of 18 are eligible for $500 off the double occupancy rate. Skilled staff members trained with National Geographic Education organize activities that inspire curiosity in young people of all ages. Programming for kids may include activities like photo workshops, journaling, scavenger hunts, Zodiac-driving lessons, hands-on nature and science programming and kid-friendly menu options.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Rates are variable per remaining availability and are subject to change.

Jun 06 - Jun 16, 2023
National Geographic Explorer • 11 days
From $10050USD
Per Person
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Accommodation

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary 

Expedition Ship
National Geographic Explorer

The National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship accommodating 148 guests in 81 outside cabins. She is fully stabilized, enabling her to navigate polar passages while providing comfort.

Deals

Current Deals on This Trip

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Offer expires April 30th, 2023
No Single Supplement On Select 2023 Northern Europe Departures

Solo travelers! Pay no single supplement fee when you book your select 2023 departure from an array of Arctic expedition cruises.

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Offer expires April 30th, 2023
Save 20% On Select 2023 Northern Europe Departures

Book your select 2023 departure sailing in Northern Europe and receive 20% off.

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Offer expires April 30th, 2023
Save 10% On Two Consecutive National Geographic Expeditions

Save 10% when you book two consecutive cruises aboard a National Geographic expedition ship.

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Offer expires April 30th, 2023
Groups Save 5% On National Geographic Expeditions

Save 5% when traveling as a group of 8 or more on National Geographic expeditions in this special deal.

Book with the confidence that comes from experience.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Extend Your Trip

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise

In conjunction with this cruise, the following post-cruise option is available for a seamless land-and-sea group travel experience with National Geographic guides and fellow passengers. Contact AdventureSmith Explorations for pricing and further details.

The London Post-Voyage Extension is a 4-day guided tour of the city’s most iconic sites, from St Paul’s Cathedral and Big Ben to the Houses of Parliament and the Churchill War Rooms, with a private, after-hours tour of the Household Calvary Museum and Horse Guards Gin & Tonic tasting—crafted with the regiment’s very own gin.

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15 - 16 Day Cruise
Circumnavigating the Baltic Sea Cruise

Sail aboard the 148-guest National Geographic Explorer to six different countries that dot the shores of the Baltic Sea, for a whirlwind exploratory cruise through the history and cultures of these varied places.

Special Offer
From $19090USD
May Jun Jul
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15 - 16 Day Cruise
Ancient Isles: England, Ireland & Scotland

Meander through English gardens, steep in Irish folklore and visit sacred islands, ancient abbeys and UNESCO World Heritage sites during this comprehensive England, Ireland and Scotland cruise aboard 148-guest National Geographic Explorer.

Special Offer
From $17770USD
Jun Jul Aug
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8 - 9 Day Cruise
Scotland's Highlands & Islands

This cruise highlights seldom-seen Scottish landscapes and top historical sights throughout the interior and along the coast. On the purpose-built Lord of the Glens ship, navigate through the canals that lead through the heart of the Scottish countryside.

Special Offer
From $9250USD
May Jun Jul Aug Sep
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North Sea Voyage: Northern Europe & The Normandy Beaches

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