Sweden Cruises

Explore the Beauty of Sweden with Cruise1st

Sweden is a stunning Scandinavian country known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. With its charming cities, expansive forests, and picturesque archipelagos, Sweden offers an incredible backdrop for your cruise adventure. A fun fact: Sweden boasts more than 97,500 lakes and 221,800 islands—making it a paradise for nature lovers! Taking a cruise to Sweden allows you to explore its enchanting coastal cities and hidden gems while enjoying the comforts of ship life, making it a top choice for cruisers seeking to experience this captivating country in one seamless journey.

Major Cruise Lines Offering Sweden Itineraries

• MSC Cruises: With a fleet of 23, MSC has one ship—MSC Poesia—offering an itinerary that includes stops in Sweden. MSC is known for its family-friendly cruises, featuring onboard entertainment and a variety of dining options. Cruises usually depart from key ports such as Copenhagen or Warnemünde, providing easy access to Sweden’s beautiful coastlines.
• Princess Cruises: This line has a fleet of 17 ships, including 4 that visit Sweden—Sky Princess and Sapphire Princess being the top contenders. Renowned for their exceptional service and onboard activities, these ships offer guests a mix of relaxation and cultural adventures. Departures are frequently from domestic ports in Australia, as well as international ports like Southampton or Copenhagen, giving flexible options for cruisers.
• Holland America Line: Comprising 11 ships, Holland America has 2 that set sail for Sweden: Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam. Passengers appreciate the line's culinary experiences and enrichment programs that highlight local culture. Common departure ports include Rotterdam and Dover, making it easy to find your ideal journey to Sweden.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: With a fleet of 20, Norwegian has 4 ships sailing to Sweden, such as Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Sun. Known for their lively atmosphere and extensive dining options, these ships provide a relaxed cruising experience. Most sailings depart from international ports like Helsinki or Copenhagen, setting the stage for your adventure in Sweden.
• Celebrity Cruises: This line features 16 ships, and among them, 2 ships—Celebrity Eclipse and Celebrity Apex—offer itineraries to Sweden. Known for their sophisticated atmosphere and excellent cuisine, Celebrity ships provide a luxurious cruising experience. Departures are typically from Amsterdam or Southampton, allowing for a graceful start to your journey.

Luxury and Small Ship Cruises to Sweden

• Oceania Cruises: With a fleet of 8, Oceania has 2 ships—Sirena and Vista—offering itineraries that include Sweden. Oceania is celebrated for its gastronomical excellence, ensuring a delightful dining experience at sea. Most cruises depart from ports like Copenhagen or Stockholm, making it an excellent choice for a luxurious adventure.
• Azamara Cruises: Comprised of 4 ships, Azamara has 1 vessel—Azamara Journey—visiting Sweden. Known for their immersive destination experiences, Azamara cruising focuses on enriching the guests' travel experiences. Departures usually occur from Copenhagen or Lisbon, providing a fantastic entry into Swedish culture.
• Silversea: With a total fleet size of 12, Silversea offers 3 ships—Silver Spirit, Silver Shadow, and others—operating itineraries in Sweden. Renowned for their intimate luxury experience and all-inclusive services, Silversea connects guests with the local culture at each port. Departures are often from Copenhagen or Belfast, delivering a sophisticated cruising experience.

Top Swedish Harbours to Explore

• Stockholm: Sweden’s capital is a must-visit, famous for its stunning archipelago composed of 14 islands. Cruisers can spend their time exploring charming neighborhoods like Gamla Stan (the old town), visit the impressive Royal Palace, or take a boat tour to witness the majestic scenery. Don't forget to indulge in the local culinary delights at a waterfront café!
• Visby: Known for its medieval architecture and cobblestone streets, Visby is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can explore the ancient city walls, visit historical museums, or relax on the beaches nearby. During your visit, make sure to sample local delicacies at one of the local eateries—the visby saffransbullar (saffron buns) are a must-try!
• Gothenburg: As Sweden's second-largest city, Gothenburg is filled with parks, canals, and cultural attractions. Cruise visitors can explore Liseberg amusement park for family-friendly fun or stroll along the scenic Avenyn Boulevard for shopping and dining. The city's seafood market at Feskekörka is an absolute delicacy—perfect for those with a taste for fresh, local fare!
• Nynäshamn: Located just outside Stockholm, Nynäshamn offers a charming port experience with beautiful surroundings. Passengers can explore the quaint town centre, visit local art galleries, or venture out to the nearby coastal nature reserves for hiking and birdwatching. The picturesque waterfront is ideal for a relaxing stroll.
• Karlskrona: This coastal town is known for its well-preserved naval architecture and picturesque archipelago. Cruise guests can visit the historic naval museum, explore the charming cobbled streets, or take a boat tour to discover the nearby islands. The town's open-air market is a lovely spot to find local crafts and tasty treats!

Popular Harbours Typically Visited Before or After Sweden

• Athens, Greece: This iconic city is rich with history, from the majestic Acropolis to the picturesque Plaka district. Cruise passengers can explore ancient ruins, tour historical sites, or enjoy traditional Greek cuisine at local tavernas. A guided tour can take you to must-see spots while providing fascinating insights into the city’s vibrant past.
• Dubrovnik, Croatia: Often called the "Pearl of the Adriatic," Dubrovnik enchants visitors with its blend of historical and natural beauty. Here, you can walk the ancient city walls, visit the famous old town, and relax at one of the stunning beaches. Make sure to sample local seafood dishes while you’re there!
• Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy: Serving as a gateway to Rome, mini-breaks here allow cruisers to visit the iconic Colosseum, Vatican City, and Trevi Fountain. Guided tours are readily available to help you catch all the highlights in just a day!
• Istanbul, Turkey: A vibrant city where East meets West, Istanbul is famous for its stunning mosques and historic bazaars. While visiting, navigate through the bustling markets, explore the Hagia Sophia, or cruise along the Bosphorus for breathtaking views of the city skyline.
• Kotor, Montenegro: Nestled in a beautiful bay, Kotor is renowned for its medieval landscapes. Visitors can hike up to the fortress for amazing views, visit the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, and enjoy a leisurely walk around the charming town filled with souvenir shops and local eateries.

Best Times to Cruise to Sweden

Exploring Sweden by cruise provides flexibility in terms of weather and experiences. From May to June, temperatures hover around 10-20°C, creating an ideal environment for sightseeing and outdoor activities. July to August sees warmer temperatures between 20-30°C, perfect for enjoying the gorgeous scenic coasts and lush landscapes. September to October offers cooler temperatures around 5-15°C, making for a picturesque autumn experience with vibrant colours and fewer crowds.

Cost Overview for Cruises to Sweden

A week-long cruise to Sweden typically costs around $1,500 to $2,500 AUD, while two-week adventures can range from $3,000 to $5,000 AUD. For a more luxurious experience, expect prices to start around $6,000 AUD for one week and upwards of $12,000 AUD for two weeks. Meals are generally included on cruises, but if you choose to dine out, expect to spend about $20-40 AUD for a meal, while drinks might run around $10-15 AUD.

Alternative Regions to Consider

If you’re looking at a cruise to Sweden, here are a few other regions that may pique your interest:

• Baltic Sea: Renowned for its stunning coastal cities and charming islands, this region is perfect for cruisers interested in history and nature, including visits to countries like Estonia, Finland, and Latvia.
• Norwegian Fjords: Incredible natural landscapes combined with adventure activities make this destination irresistible for those looking for outdoor fun and stunning scenery.
• Scandinavia: A blend of culture and nature awaits in the Scandinavian countries, with fascinating cities like Oslo and Copenhagen, as well as breathtaking fjords and coastal landscapes.
• Adriatic Sea: Known for its picturesque coastlines and vibrant historic towns, this region is perfect for those looking for sun, sand, and cultural immersion.
• British Isles: With a rich tapestry of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, exploring the British Isles is an excellent alternative for those interested in a varied cruising itinerary.

Ready to embark on a striking Swedish adventure? With Cruise1st, we’ll help you navigate through all your cruising options and facilitate a unique experience you won't forget!