Northern Europe by Land & Sea: A Journey Through 6 Countries Aboard Celebrity Apex

London was calling, and I answered!

Our adventure started in London, where we spent four nights exploring one of the world's most iconic cities. Between a walking tour through the city's famous landmarks, a visit to the Harry Potter Studio Tour, exploring Borough Market, and enjoying time with friends, London was the perfect introduction to the trip. The city offered the ideal mix of history, culture, entertainment, and energy before we made our way to Southampton to board Celebrity Apex.

London, the London Eye, and a moment taking in the city skyline.

The ship

Once onboard, Celebrity Apex became our home for the next 13 nights as we sailed through Northern Europe. The ship itself was a highlight, offering beautiful spaces to relax, excellent entertainment, lively bars, and plenty of opportunities to meet fellow travelers. Sea days quickly became some of our favorite days, spent enjoying Café al Bacio, attending shows, playing trivia, relaxing around the ship, and simply taking in the experience of cruising through this incredible part of the world.

In port

Our first port was Copenhagen, Denmark, where we spent two days exploring the colorful city and enjoying a scenic canal cruise through its beautiful waterways. From there, we continued to Helsinki, Finland, a stop that brought a very different energy to the itinerary. Helsinki felt modern, clean, and effortlessly cool, with a unique blend of Nordic design, waterfront views, and city life that was easy to explore even in a short visit.

The King's Garden in Copenhagen

Busy streets of Copenhagen, Denmark

From there, we continued to Tallinn, Estonia, one of the most charming and picturesque destinations of the trip. Tallinn's cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and medieval atmosphere felt like stepping into a storybook. Next came Stockholm, Sweden, which quickly became one of my favorite cities of the entire journey thanks to its beautiful waterfront setting, vibrant atmosphere, and stunning Old Town.

Old Town Tallinn, Estonia

The adventure continued with a stop in Visby, Sweden, a hidden gem that completely won me over with its preserved medieval walls, charming streets, and relaxed atmosphere. We then sailed to Oslo, Norway, where a bike tour allowed us to experience the city from a unique perspective while taking in its beautiful scenery and waterfront views. Our final port of call was Kristiansand, Norway, a charming coastal city known for its colorful harbor, walkable downtown, and laid-back Norwegian charm, before we returned to England.

An old stone church in the heart of Visby, Sweden

The beautiful city center of Stockholm, Sweden

Takeaways

What I loved most about Northern Europe was how every destination felt completely different from the last. From the bustling streets of London and Copenhagen to the modern coastal vibe of Helsinki, the fairytale charm of Tallinn and Visby, and the stunning Scandinavian cities of Stockholm, Oslo, and Kristiansand, every stop offered something unique. For travelers looking for a destination that combines culture, history, beautiful scenery, and unforgettable experiences, Northern Europe delivers all of that and more. It is truly one of the most rewarding cruise itineraries I have experienced and a destination I would recommend to almost anyone.

The quaint city of Kristiansand, Norway, with our ship peeking out in the background

• Book private transport for arrival and departure transfers.

• Use an Airalo eSIM for easy and affordable mobile data.

• Download Google Translate and Google Maps offline. Download BOLT and Uber for easy access to rides around all the cities.

• Get a universal plug for your stay in London.

• Book your tours through third-party operators instead of through the cruise line.

• Use a currency converter calculator app for local shopping.

• Bring an umbrella.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Europe page.