The majestic, ice-covered tundra of Scandinavia proudly crowns the globe. Unlike tropical cruises where snorkeling & tanning are the highlights, here you'll need to bundle up as you get acquainted with the fascinating and unique sites of the Arctic Circle. 

• Norway: Witness the incredible biodiversity of the Sea of Okhotsk, where polar bears & seals tread through the waters; Get to know the Spitsbergen archipelago, home to Svalbard & Longyearbyen.
   
• Iceland: Immerse yourself in Norse folklore as you follow in the steps of the Vikings. Explore the West Coast & Ísafjördur, considered by many to be one of the most magnificent fjords in the Arctic. In Reykjavik, museums and buildings preserve ancient artifacts and architecture.

No matter which cruise you choose, you are sure to see the marvelous Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). Some crusies even offer exclusive expeditions to the North Pole. 

 

Getting to Scandinavia
Scandinavia comprises the whole northern region of Europe, including Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark. So depending on where you are traveling from and where you are traveling to, there are a number of options:

From Europe by bus or train: Europe's intricate and consistent bus and train network makes it easy to get a train to most major cities in Scandinavia (other than those in Iceland, of course). Since some destinations require overnight commutes, trains typically provide cabin cars to sleep in.

From Europe by plane: If you are traveling from other parts of Europe that are too far to go by train or bus, then it's easy to find a flight that connects to the major cities in all Scandinavian countries. This is also the only way to get to Iceland.

From the United States, Asia, & Australia: There are many direct flights from both coasts of the United States and throughout Asia. From Australia & New Zealand, you will have to connect via Europe or Asia.

Getting around Scandinavia
If you are already in Scandinavia, a good alternative to land or air transportation is taking a ferry or speedboat. These will take you to most of the major port cities from which the cruises depart.
 

Fun Facts About Scandinavia

• Land of the Midnight Sun: Scandinavia, encompassing Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland, experiences the phenomenon of the Midnight Sun during summer. In the Arctic Circle, the sun remains visible for 24 hours, providing an enchanting natural light show.
• Fjords of Norway: Norway boasts some of the world's most breathtaking fjords, including the iconic Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord. These glacially-carved, steep-sided inlets offer stunning landscapes and are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Viking Heritage: Scandinavia is synonymous with Viking history. The Vikings, skilled seafarers and warriors, originated from this region around the eighth to eleventh centuries, leaving an indelible mark on European history and beyond.
• Sauna Culture in Finland: Finland, renowned for its thousands of lakes, is equally famous for its sauna culture. With over two million saunas in the country (almost one per household), Finns have elevated sauna bathing to a national ritual.
• Danish Happiness: Denmark consistently ranks high on global happiness indices. The concept of "hygge," a Danish cultural phenomenon centered around coziness and well-being, is credited for contributing to the nation's overall contentment.
• Lapland's Northern Lights: Lapland, stretching across parts of Norway, Sweden, and Finland, is a prime location for witnessing the mesmerizing Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). The region's vast, dark skies provide a canvas for this celestial light display.
• Allemansrätten in Sweden: "Allemansrätten," meaning the Right of Public Access, grants everyone the freedom to roam in nature. This unique concept allows people to explore and camp on most uncultivated land, fostering a deep connection to the outdoors.
• Green Energy Leadership: Scandinavia is at the forefront of sustainable energy. Norway relies on hydropower, Sweden on a mix of renewable sources, and Denmark is a wind power pioneer, consistently ranking among the world leaders in wind energy production.
• The Sami People: Indigenous to the Arctic region, the Sami people have a rich cultural heritage spanning Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. Their traditional semi-nomadic lifestyle revolves around reindeer herding, and they have a distinct language and vibrant folk traditions.
• World's Oldest Parliament in Iceland: Iceland is home to the world's oldest parliament, the Alþingi, established in 930 AD. Meeting at Þingvellir National Park, it exemplifies Iceland's historical commitment to democratic governance.
• Noma - Culinary Excellence in Denmark: Renowned restaurant Noma in Copenhagen, Denmark, has been repeatedly ranked as one of the best in the world. Chef René Redzepi's innovative approach incorporates local Nordic ingredients, showcasing the region's culinary prowess.