The North Sea is an aptly named body of water located on the northern edge of Europe within the Atlantic Ocean. A North Sea cruise on one of our luxurious ships will have you experiencing the culture and natural beauty of the surrounding area in the utmost of comfort.
While sailing along the North Sea, you’ll have the United Kingdom to the west and the coastline of Norway and Denmark to the east. Along the southern edge of the North Sea, you’ll find Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany. To the north is the wide-open Atlantic Ocean.
A North Sea cruise takes you to remote islands, bustling cities, and fantastic natural wonders. Here are some of the top sights you won’t want to miss.
The Norwegian Fjords make for some of the most visually powerful natural scenery in the world. Formed by glaciers cutting through the earth, the fjords are characterized by massive cliffs, calm blue water, and quaint mountain towns nestled on the fjords.
While in port in Amsterdam, you can visit both the bustling city and the peaceful countryside surrounding it. The Netherland’s is known for its biking culture, pretty windmills, historically important sites like the Ann Frank House, and impressive art museums, such as the Van Gogh Museum.
In Denmark, you can visit the country’s western and northern coastline that borders the North Sea. Visit beautiful Skagen, located on the tip of the Jutland peninsula, or travel around the Bay of Aarhus to see the old Viking town of Aarhus, which is now the second-largest city in Denmark.
The North Sea is bordered by many cruise ports, and which ones you visit depends on the itinerary you choose. You can visit Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Skagen and Aarhus in Denmark; Rostock and Warnemunde in Germany, both of which are gateways to the capital city of Berlin; Bruges, Belgium; and Oslo, Stavanger, and Bergen in Norway. Once you go north past Bergen, you’ll be leaving the North Sea behind as you explore the fjords and mountains of northern Norway.
Lerwick, Scotland
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Skagen, Denmark
Aarhus, Denmark
Berlin (Rostock), Germany
Berlin (Warnemunde), Germany
Bruges, (Zeebrugge), Belgium
Oslo, Norway
Stavanger, Norway
Bergen, Norway
The shore excursions available on a North Sea cruise encompass a wide range of interests. From those focused on food and drink to ones that introduce you to the nature or city life of a destination, there is no shortage of ways to spend your day in port on a shore excursion.
Many of the countries bordering the North Sea are famous for their local brews. If you’re a beer lover, then you can’t beat a day visiting some of the best breweries in your port of call and tasting their brews, whether it’s Belgian beer in Bruges or Hefeweizen in Berlin.
If you want to learn as much as you can about the history and present-day culture of one of the cities bordering the North Sea, a city shore excursion is a great way to do so. You’ll be taken to the top sites and attractions in a comfortable vehicle or on a walking tour with a knowledgeable guide.
Learn more about World War II and its aftermath by visiting the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam and the Berlin Wall Memorial in Germany.. You can also take shore excursions to Auschwitz Concentration Camp and visit museums that focus on the second World War.
Celebrity Silhouette
Celebrity Reflection
Celebrity Apex
To maximize your time in the North Sea, book a cruise that departs from Amsterdam or ends there. Many of our cruises leave from this enthralling city, so you’ll have a chance to fly in early and explore, or book a City Stay after your cruise. Amsterdam’s international airport is a major hub in Europe and is often one of the more affordable airports to fly into from the U.S.
North Sea cruises set sail during shoulder seasons and the summer. If you’re sailing outside of the summer months, be sure to pack some layers as you might encounter some cooler weather or rain. The summer months tend to have fantastic weather with lots of sunshine.
