Scandinavia Small Ship Luxury Cruises
Travel made your way ™
| Trip Name | From | Days | Next Departure | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-Depth Exploration in the Land of the Polar Bear | $11,995 | 14 | Jul 14, 2026 | Embark on a 14-day expedition cruise aboard the Sea Spirit, starting in Longyearbyen and exploring the stunning landscapes of Northwest Spitsbergen National Park and Kvitoya, home to polar bears. Experience the wildlife of Isfjorden, witness the impressive ice cliffs of Austfonna, and conclude your adventure along Spitsbergen’s west coast. |
| The Coastal Express – North | $1,605 | 7 | Jul 06, 2025 | Sail the coast of Norway and navigate stunning fjords, visit local villages, and cross the Arctic Circle on this 7-day expedition cruise aboard the MS Nordlys. Begin your adventure in Bergen and sail north until you reach the northernmost tip of the European continent around the North Cape and Kirkenes. |
| The Coastal Express – South | $1,156 | 6 | Jul 12, 2025 | The 6-day Voyage South (Kirkenes – Bergen) aboard the MS Nordlys is great for those in search of incredible scenery, as it includes a daylight sailing through the idyllic, mountainous Vesterålen and Lofoten Islands, and past the Seven Sisters mountains & Torghatten. You'll also take a step back in time at the ancient Hammerfest & Nidaros Cathedral. |
| Around Spitsbergen, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice | $5,650 | 10 | Jul 10, 2025 | Embark on a 10-day roundtrip cruise from Longyearbyen aboard the MV Plancius. Sail through Spitsbergen's icy North Atlantic, with opportunities to spot whales, reindeer, Arctic foxes, walruses, seals, and the magnificent polar bear. |
| Northern Lights Explorer | $21,595 | 18 | Sep 02, 2026 | Embark on an 18-day cruise from Tromso to Reykjavik aboard the Sylvia Earle, exploring remote islands and villages along Norway, Iceland, and Greenland’s coastlines. Witness the northern lights and enjoy highlights like hiking the Westfjords, the Dynjandi waterfall, and exploring Scoresbysund’s vast fjord system. |
| Ultimate Arctic Voyage: From Svalbard to Jan Mayen to Iceland | $10,795 | 13 | Jul 07, 2025 | Embark on a 13-day expedition cruise from Helsinki to Reykjavik aboard the Ultramarine, visiting Spitsbergen and Jan Mayen. Encounter diverse wildlife, towering icebergs, and experience Icelandic culture under the midnight sun in Reykjavik. |
| Jewels of the Arctic | $22,295 | 15 | Jul 10, 2026 | Join a 15-day expedition cruise aboard the Greg Mortimer from Reykjavik to Oslo. Explore Svalbard's endless daylight, meet polar bears and sea ice walruses, and hear guillemot calls. Venture through East Greenland's Scoresbysund, visit remote Ittoqqortoormiit and glide amidst stunning icebergs. |
| Spitsbergen: Realm of the Ice Bear | $13,895 | 8 | Jun 11, 2026 | Embark on an 8-day expedition aboard the Greg Mortimer. Discover the thrill of seeing walruses, seals, whales, reindeer, arctic foxes, guillemots, and puffins. Cruise past blue glacier fronts and picturesque fjords, and relish tundra hikes in breathtaking landscapes. |
| Svalbard in Depth | $21,695 | 15 | Jul 04, 2025 | Cruise to the island of Svalbard, which is known for its rugged, remote terrain of glaciers and frozen tundra sheltering polar bears, Svalbard reindeer, and Arctic foxes. Sylvia Earle explores Svalbard on a 15-day cruise. |
| Jewels of the Arctic | $17,095 | 13 | Jul 17, 2025 | Experience the beauty of Svalbard and East Greenland on this 13-day expedition cruise aboard the Sylvia Earle. See polar bears, walruses, and guillemots in their natural habitats. Explore the world's largest fjord, Scoresbysund, and visit the remote Inuit settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit. |
Scandinavia traditionally includes three countries: Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Sometimes, Finland and Iceland are also considered part of the broader Nordic region.
The best time to visit depends on your interests. For warm weather and outdoor activities, visit between June and August. For winter sports and to experience the Northern Lights, plan your trip between December and March.
If you are from an EU/EEA country, you do not need a visa. Citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can visit visa-free for up to 90 days. Always check the specific visa requirements based on your nationality before traveling.
Denmark uses the Danish Krone (DKK), Norway uses the Norwegian Krone (NOK), and Sweden uses the Swedish Krona (SEK). The official currency of Iceland is the Icelandic Króna (ISK), while the currency used in Finland is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it’s good to have some local currency for smaller establishments.
Yes, English is widely spoken and understood in all Scandinavian countries. Most people, especially in urban areas and in the service industry, speak English fluently.
Scandinavia has an excellent public transportation system. Trains, buses, and ferries connect major cities and towns, providing reliable and efficient travel options. Domestic flights are also available for faster travel between distant locations. Renting a car is a good option for exploring remote areas and enjoying scenic drives at your own pace. However, cruises may be one of the best ways to explore multiple countries and gain direct access to more remote towns and natural sites. Scandinavian cruises often include stops in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, and sometimes extend to Finland and Iceland. They offer the opportunity to see stunning fjords, picturesque coastal villages, and historic cities, all while enjoying the comfort and convenience of a floating hotel.
Pack layers to accommodate changing weather. Even in summer, evenings can be cool. If visiting in winter, bring thermal clothing, a warm coat, hat, gloves, and waterproof boots. Don't forget a good pair of walking shoes for exploring cities and nature.
Many natural attractions are accessible year-round, but some may be best visited in specific seasons. For example, hiking and fjord tours are popular in summer, while winter sports and Northern Lights viewing are winter highlights.
Must-see attractions include Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, and The Little Mermaid statue in Denmark. Norway’s fjords, Bergen, and the Northern Lights in Tromsø. Or Stockholm’s Gamla Stan, the Vasa Museum, and the Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi, all located in Sweden.
Scandinavia is known for its high cost of living. Accommodation, dining, and activities can be pricey. To save money, consider staying in budget accommodations, eating at local markets or self-catering, and taking advantage of free or low-cost attractions.
Yes, mobile phone coverage is excellent. If you have an EU SIM card, you can use it without additional roaming charges. Otherwise, consider buying a local SIM card or checking with your provider about international plans.
Scandinavia has high healthcare standards. No special vaccinations are required. It’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses. EU/EEA citizens should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
The general emergency number for all official Scandinavian countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden) is 112.
Scandinavians value punctuality and privacy. It’s polite to remove your shoes when entering someone’s home. Tipping is not obligatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip for good service is appreciated.
Scandinavia uses Type C and F electrical plugs with a standard voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. Make sure to bring a suitable adapter if your devices use a different plug type.
