- Tivoli Gardens’ illuminations, Copenhagen
Experience the festive traditions of Copenhagen.

Saga Cruises from
£4,180 per person
14 nights 21st December 2023 Including optional travel insurance or a price reduction of £75 if not required
A Scandinavian Christmas
Spirit of Discovery departing Portsmouth
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New holiday
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No fly
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Chauffeur service
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All Inclusive
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 sightseeing excursions will be in
- Oslo, Norway
- Gothenburg, Sweden
- Copenhagen, Denmark
View Full Itinerary
A Scandinavian Christmas
21/12/2023 Portsmouth
Portsmouth
Embark Spirit of Discovery.
Depart 1800.

22/12/2023 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
23/12/2023 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
24/12/2023 Oslo, Norway
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.
Included excursion
Oslo’s green spaces, historic buildings and modern architecture will be revealed on an included sightseeing excursion that includes a walk in Vigeland Sculpture Park.

26/12/2023 Gothenburg, Sweden
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 sightseeing tour, 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 sightseeing tour.

27/12/2023 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
28/12/2023 Rostock, Germany
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.

29/12/2023 Kiel, Germany
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.

30/12/2023 Aarhus, Denmark
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.

31/12/2023 Copenhagen, Denmark
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 sightseeing tour 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.

02/01/2024 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
03/01/2024 At Sea
Spend the day at sea.
04/01/2024 Portsmouth
Portsmouth
Arrive 0700.
Disembark Spirit of Discovery after breakfast.
Please note: Some of the highlights detailed may only be seen on optional excursions or by exploring independently.
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21st December
Portsmouth
1Portsmouth
Embark Spirit of Discovery.
Depart 1800.
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22nd December
At Sea
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23rd December
At Sea
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24th December
Oslo, Norway
4Oslo, 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.
Included excursion
Oslo’s green spaces, historic buildings and modern architecture will be revealed on an included sightseeing excursion that includes a walk in Vigeland Sculpture Park.
-
26th December
Gothenburg, Sweden
6Gothenburg, 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 sightseeing tour, 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 sightseeing tour.
-
27th December
At Sea
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28th December
Rostock, Germany
8Rostock, 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.
-
29th December
Kiel, Germany
9Kiel, 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.
-
30th December
Aarhus, Denmark
10Aarhus, 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.
-
31st December
Copenhagen, Denmark
11Copenhagen, 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 sightseeing tour 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.
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2nd January
At Sea
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3rd January
At Sea
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4th January
Portsmouth
15Portsmouth
Arrive 0700.
Disembark Spirit of Discovery after breakfast.
Please note: Some of the highlights detailed may only be seen on optional excursions or by exploring independently.
Itinerary map for A Scandinavian Christmas
Spirit of Discovery
Inspired by the world's finest boutique hotels

Learn more about Spirit of Discovery

Chauffeur service up to 250 miles
Chauffeur service up to 250 miles
This service is a private chauffeur for distances up to 75 miles each way, and a shared chauffeur service from 76-250 miles each way.
Don't want to chauffeur? No problem. We'll also be happy to arrange complimentary car parking near the port, or can provide included rail/coach tickets, or even free flights from your local airport, subject to availability.

Travel insurance
Travel insurance
Optional comprehensive travel insurance, underwritten by Astrenska Insurance Limited, and additional cancellation rights. If you have your own insurance, we will offer you the holiday at a lower price.

All meals
All meals
All meals and snacks on board.

Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea
Daily afternoon tea.

A Choice of wines
A Choice of wines
A choice of wines at lunch and dinner.

All Inclusive
All Inclusive
Includes selected wines at lunch and dinner, Saga house-branded spirits, cocktails containing house-branded spirits, draught beer and lager, non-alcoholic cocktails, all mixers and soft drinks.

Gratuities
Gratuities
All on-board 'tips' and bar service charges.

Entertainment and Activities
Entertainment and Activities
A full programme of live music, entertainment and talks.

Gym, sauna & exercise classes
Gym, sauna & exercise classes
Gym, sauna and exercise classes.

24-hour room service
24-hour room service
24-hour room service is available at no extra charge.

Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi

Welcome cocktail party
Welcome cocktail party
Welcome cocktail party and Captain’s dinner.

Porterage of luggage
Porterage of luggage
When you arrive at the port in Dover or Southampton we’ll even carry the bags, with included porterage right to your cabin.

Shuttle bus
Shuttle bus
Free shuttle bus at most ports wherever possible, and when the ship is berthed at least 500 yards away from the nearest town centre.

Sightseeing Tours
Sightseeing Tours
Three included sightseeing excursions
Oslo, Norway
Gothenburg, Sweden
Copenhagen, Denmark
- Britannia Lounge
Relax in comfort with a drink, and admire the spectacular panoramic views.
- Enjoy fine dining
Enjoy world-class cuisine at no extra cost in a choice of four restaurants.
- Spa
Indulge yourself with a spa treatment in one of our six treatment rooms.
- The Library
A booklover’s paradise combined with an artisanal coffee-shop, it's the perfect spot to research your next port of call.
- Time for you
Take advantage of tailored exercise regimes and bespoke one-to-one fitness sessions with our health and wellbeing expert.
- Daily afternoon tea
Indulge with a sumptuous selection of sweet treats at the daily afternoon tea.
- The Terrace
This elegant ‘secret’ garden area is the perfect setting to enjoy the fresh air any time of the day.
Spirit of Discovery departing Portsmouth
£4,180 per person
2 passengers
14 nights 21st December 2023 Including optional travel insurance or a price reduction of £75 if not required