Sarah Bretz, ContributorLuxury cruise line Seabourn is highlighting its summer 2025 northern Europe season, which will include visits to 40 destinations across 12 countries.
From May to August, guests aboard Seabourn Sojourn will set sail on nine itineraries in northern Europe, ranging from seven to 24 days long. Homeports will be Dover (London), England; Reykjavik, Iceland; and Greenock (Glasgow), Scotland, with sailings focusing on the British Isles, Norwegian fjords, and coast of Iceland.
The season will be capped with the 24-day “Route of The Vikings” itinerary, which will follow the historic seafarers’ route from Dover to Montreal, Quebec.
“Our Northern Europe itineraries bring history and culture to life and provide ample opportunities for guests to explore charming British, Icelandic and Norwegian villages, visit the historic castles of South Wales, and discover the region’s stunning fjords and ancient lochs,” said Mark Tamis, president of Seabourn. “Guests can connect with the charm, heritage, and hospitality of Northern Europe, while enjoying the ultra-luxury travel experience that we are known for.”
British Isles
Seabourn Sojourn will take guests on a historic journey through the British Isles, exploring cities and villages steeped in centuries of captivating stories. Featured ports include:
Fishguard, Wales
A haven for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike, this small town boasts a rich history and charming architecture that offer a glimpse into Wales’ cultural heritage. Its stunning coastal beauty and breathtaking landscapes instantly capture the essence of life in this quaint harbor. For those seeking to explore some of the largest and best-preserved castles in South Wales, this port is an ideal destination.
Oban, Scotland
The quiet, rural feel of Oban is responsible for the abundance of wildlife within the town boundaries. Here grey seals can be spotted swimming in the harbor or resting along the shore. A featured shore excursion is Scotland’s Mountains & Gondola Ride that travels along Scotland’s beautiful coastlines and windswept, heather-covered hills to view stunning scenery including Loch Linnhe, Glen Nevis.
Saint Helier, Jersey
Discover this jewel in the British Isles, neither part of the European Union nor the United Kingdom. Wineries such as La Mare take advantage of the pleasant climate, as does the 32-acre Durrell Wildlife Park, founded by author and naturalist Gerald Durrell. Visitors are welcome to see and learn about the over 130 species they maintain, including a famous family of lowland gorillas.
Norway and Iceland
Guests can get a taste of Viking culture with small gothic villages, warm Norwegian hospitality, and the unique natural wonders that inspired Viking and Nordic folklore. Featured ports include:
Reykjavik, Iceland
The capital of Iceland is the location of the country’s first permanent settlement. Its name translates to ‘smoky bay,’ due to the geothermal nature of the surrounding area. Now known for its bustling city scene and highlights such as the famed Blue Lagoon, it is a must-see for all visitors to the country.
Brønnøysund, Norway
Brønnøysund boasts quirky treasures, surrounded by waterways dotted with a maze of small scenic islands. In this fairytale setting, picturesque, colorful houses are set amidst lush thick greenery, turquoise blue water and shallow bays. Towering above the town like a giant troll’s hat is the massive granitic monolith of Torghatten Mountain.
Tromsø, Norway
Situated 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is within the land of the midnight sun during summer months and the elusive northern lights in winter.
Featured Shore Excursions
The royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo | Leith (Edinburgh), Scotland
Available only on Seabourn Sojourn’s “7-Day Castles, Lochs & Scottish Highlands” cruise departing August 2, 2025, guests can transfer into the city of Edinburgh and watch the Scottish Edinburgh Tattoo. Synonymous with summertime in the city, the Scottish Edinburgh Tattoo is an evening show held high above the city on the sweeping Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle and includes bagpipers, drummers, marchers, Highland dancers, and a host of other spectacles.
Scotland’s Mountains & Gondola Ride | Oban, Scotland
Travel along Scotland’s beautiful coastlines and windswept, heather-covered hills to view stunning scenery including Loch Linnhe, Glen Nevis — indisputably one of the Highland’s most impressive glens. And Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest peak, rising steeply to the north, this valley has provided the dramatic backdrop to world blockbuster films, such as Braveheart and Harry Potter.
2026 Northern Europe Sailings
Between May and August 2026, Seabourn Ovation will visit over 60 destinations in 16 countries. Nine itineraries will be available, ranging from seven to 22 days long.
The ship will operate two 14-day departures through fjords to the northernmost tip of Europe — the North Cape — departing May 16th and June 13th. The June 13th departure coincides with Midsummer, celebrating the summer solstice and offering the ideal opportunity to experience the midnight sun.
Seabourn Ovation will also sail on a 14-day West Ireland Gems & Solar Eclipse voyage, departing on August 8, 2026, from Dover (London), England, to Reykjavik, Iceland. The ship will visit unique ports in western Ireland, including Galway and Killybegs, and position itself off the coast of Ireland in the Atlantic Ocean to view the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. The voyage will also feature a special Seabourn Conversations program with Jane A Green, Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, to educate guests about the solar eclipse.
Rounding out Seabourn Ovation‘s Northern Europe deployment from Dover, are several departures of the 14-day Jewels of the British Isles voyages, which blend top destinations such as Belfast and Edinburgh with smaller gems like Oban, Scotland and Fishguard, Wales.
Seabourn Ovation will end the season with the special 22-Day Fire & Ice Passage where she crosses from Iceland via Greenland and Atlantic Canada to reach New York City in time for the fall colors.
Comments
Have you ever taken a cruise in northern Europe and if so, what line did you sail? Which region of northern Europe most interests you to visit? Drop us an anchor below and let us know!
