A Scandinavian Christmas
Spirit of Discovery departing Portsmouth
-
No fly
-
Chauffeur service
Experience Scandinavia’s festive cheer
Discover the yuletide traditions and folklore of Northern Europe on this all inclusive Christmas cruise to Scandinavia in 2023. Soak up Oslo’s festive atmosphere and enjoy a stroll through Vigeland Sculpture Park during an extended visit on Christmas Eve. Admire the art and architecture of cosmopolitan Gothenburg and explore the rich maritime history of Rostock and Kiel. While Aarhus, founded by Vikings, has transformed from a centre of trade into a celebrated cultural hub with numerous art galleries and museums. Your 14-night cruise to Northern Europe concludes with an overnight visit to Copenhagen on New Year’s Eve, where the celebrations promise to go with a bang.
Your three included panoramic excursions will be in
- Warnemünde (Rostock)
- Gothenburg, Sweden
- Copenhagen, Denmark
Joining you on board
Inspirational speaker and North Sea diver Chris Lemons

Chris has been a commercial diver for over 16 years, specialising in deep sea Saturation diving. In September 2012 Chris cheated death after a catastrophic computer failure saw his boat drift away and his oxygen supply completely cut off. He will share his inspirational stories during two on-board talks.
Itinerary

Portsmouth
Embark Spirit of Discovery.
Depart 1800.

Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
Oslo, Norway
Arrive 0800 on December 24. Depart 1200 on December 25.
Oslo’s roots reach back to the Viking era when Harald Hardrada, in 1040, established a trading place at the head of the Oslofjord. It is a compact city packed with sights, including theatres, art galleries and museums. The festive atmosphere will fill the air at this time of year, the streets will be decorated with twinkling lights and there will be a variety of Christmas markets selling seasonal treats. Vigeland Sculpture Park has 200 pieces made by the artist after which it is named. Landmark sights the Opera, Nobel Peace Centre and City Hall can be seen from the waterfront.

Gothenburg, Sweden
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Step ashore in southern Sweden and the cosmopolitan city of Gothenburg. With its canals, fascinating architecture, trams and art, this is one of Sweden’s trendiest cities. Join an included panoramic excursion, then soak up the Scandi atmosphere as you stroll along the waterfront or through the ‘Haga’ – the city’s old quarter.
Included excursion
See the city sights on an included panoramic excursion.

Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
Rostock, Germany
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Straddling the Warnow River on Germany’s north coast, Rostock was part of the Hanseatic League during the 13th century. At the heart of the city is the pedestrianised New Market Square, home to Renaissance merchants’ houses, the 15th-century Town Hall with an 18th-century Baroque façade, the Cultural History Museum, and 14th-century St Mary’s Church, with its famous Astronomical Clock.

Kiel, Germany
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Set at the entrance to the Baltic and the Kiel canal, the 60-mile waterway that links the North Sea to the Baltic, the city of Kiel has a rich maritime history and shipbuilding tradition. Its most popular attractions include Kiel Botanical Gardens, 13th-century St Nicholas’ Church and a Maritime Museum displaying model ships and nautical instruments in a former fish auction hall. The Hindenburg Embankment alongside the waterfront is another popular spot. From Kiel, you can visit medieval Lübeck, famed for its marzipan.

Aarhus, Denmark
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Established in Viking times, Aarhus has a strategic position on the Jutland peninsula and has long been an important centre for trade with Germany and the Baltic countries. Today, the city is celebrated for its thriving culture scene, having previously been recognised as a European Capital of Culture. Aarhus has an array of art galleries and museums, such as the ARoS Art Museum and underground Viking Museum where you can learn more about the local history.

Copenhagen, Denmark
Arrive 0800 on December 31. Depart 1700 on January 1.
The cosmopolitan Danish capital is an eclectic mix of architectural styles which attest to its long history. Once a small village, it was fortified when Bishop Absalon of Roskilde built a castle here in 1167. Attractions include Tivoli Gardens, characterful Nyhavn Canal graced with 17th-century houses, the Baroque-inspired Christiansborg Palace and Rococo Amalienborg Palace, residence of the Danish Royal Family. The Little Mermaid Statue, which has been plucked straight from Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy-tale of the same name, graces the waterfront.
Included excursion
A panoramic excursion is a great way to see some of the city’s attractions.
Optional excursions
Visit Tivoli Gardens to browse the festive stalls of the Christmas markets and enjoy the vintage fun fair.

Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
Spend the day at sea.
See what we have to offer at sea.
Portsmouth
Arrive 0700.
Disembark Spirit of Discovery after breakfast.
)