In short
Choose the Mediterranean for sun, swimming, history and a long season from spring to late autumn. Choose Northern Europe for landscapes, fresh air, quiet towns and summer evenings that hardly get dark — the season runs mainly from May to September. From the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany you can often reach a northern cruise without flying.
The two regions side by side
| Mediterranean | Northern Europe | |
|---|---|---|
| Main season | April to November | May to September |
| Weather in summer | Warm to hot, mostly dry | Mild and changeable; rain possible any day |
| What you see | Ancient sites, old towns, islands, beaches | Fjords, waterfalls, glaciers, Nordic capitals |
| Swimming | Yes, roughly June to October | Rarely; the pool on board is your best bet |
| Clothes | Summer clothes, something for churches | Warm jumper and a waterproof jacket, even in July |
| Daylight in summer | About 14–15 hours | Up to 18–20 hours; in the far north the sun does not set |
| The sea | Usually calm in summer | Calm inside the fjords; the North Sea crossing can move more |
| Getting to the ship from the Benelux | Usually a flight; by train to Marseille or Genoa is possible | Often by car or train to Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Hamburg or Kiel |
Choose the Mediterranean if…
- You want sun and swimming on your holiday.
- History is your thing: Rome, Athens, Ephesus, Dubrovnik and many old towns within walking distance of the pier.
- You travel in spring or autumn: April–May and September–October are pleasant and less crowded.
- You love food and café life in small harbour towns.
More in our guide to Mediterranean cruises.
Choose Northern Europe if…
- Landscapes move you more than beaches: the Geirangerfjord, waterfalls and mountains straight from the deck.
- You don't like heat and prefer fresh air and long, light evenings.
- You want to avoid flying: many northern cruises start in Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Hamburg or Kiel. See cruising without flying.
- You like calm, tidy towns and capitals such as Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki and Tallinn.
More about the Norwegian fjords and the Baltic.
Month by month
| Months | Mediterranean | Northern Europe |
|---|---|---|
| April–May | Pleasant, flowers, sea still cool | Season starts; cool, snow on the mountains, fewer people |
| June–August | Hot, busy, best for swimming | Peak season, warmest and lightest, school holidays |
| September–October | Warm sea, fewer crowds — many people's favourite time | Season ends in September; autumn colours, more rain |
| November–March | Mild, fewer sailings, some windy days | Few cruises, except winter voyages along the Norwegian coast for the northern lights |
Practical differences
- Packing: for the north, plan for wind and rain whatever the forecast says; for the Mediterranean, sun protection and light clothes. See our packing list by region.
- The sea: the North Sea and the open Norwegian coast can be rougher than the summer Mediterranean. If you are sensitive, read our seasickness guide.
- Ports: in the fjords some villages are small, and some stops use tenders. In the Mediterranean, several ships in one port can make old towns busy — go early.
- Days in port: both regions usually have a port almost every day, with a sea day here and there.
Common questions
Which is better for a first cruise?
Both work well. The Mediterranean is the classic choice for sun and history; Northern Europe suits people who prefer nature and no long flight from the Benelux.
Can I swim on a Northern Europe cruise?
In the sea, rarely — the water is cold even in summer. Most people use the pool or hot tubs on board.
Is Northern Europe rainy?
Rain is possible on any day, especially on the Norwegian west coast. A waterproof jacket is the most important thing to pack.
When is the Mediterranean least crowded?
In April–May and from late September to October. In July and August ports and old towns are at their busiest.
Can I see both on one cruise?
On longer voyages in spring or autumn, ships sometimes sail between the two regions around Western Europe, with stops in Spain, Portugal, France or Britain.
How the club fits in
In the club's search you can compare Mediterranean and Northern Europe itineraries by date, length and ship before you book. Not every cruise line can be booked through the club: check the specific sailing. More about booking with points.
General information; seasons, weather and itineraries vary by year, cruise line and ship. Check the itinerary and conditions of your sailing. Reislite is an independent information site run by partners, not a website of inCruises.