From Hamburg to the lands of ice and fire: exploring Northern Europe’s wilderness with MSC Preziosa

In summer 2026, lovers of the north will be spoiled for choice: MSC Preziosa, the “Precious One”, will set sail from Hamburg on 17 departures. Among them are two 14-night voyages through Norway’s famous fjords to Svalbard, and two 11-night cruises to the North Cape – the very edge of Europe. Those wishing to explore Iceland’s untouched volcanic landscapes can choose from five 11-night itineraries, calling not only at Reykjavik but also at Ísafjörður, Akureyri, the Orkney Islands and Scotland. On three 10-night cruises, the ship will visit Ireland and Scotland, where dramatic coastlines, gentle meadows and the untamed Highlands await. New in 2026 are two 7-night itineraries, one to Norway’s fjords and one to Scandinavia’s vibrant capitals – Oslo, Kristiansand, Copenhagen and Stavanger.

 

Encounters with polar bears, arctic foxes and reindeer – and a voyage into the midnight sun

From Hamburg, MSC Preziosa sets course for Scandinavia in June and August on 14-night cruises. The first stop is Molde on the Romsdalsfjord, famed for the spectacular “Atlantic Road” and “Trollstigen” mountain pass – two of Norway’s most scenic routes. On the way to Tromsø, home to the striking Arctic Cathedral, the ship passes the Vesterålen archipelago, one of Norway’s best whale-watching regions. Balcony views are well worth it here, as the chances of spotting whales and orcas are high in summer. Tromsø is the last port before reaching Svalbard.

North of the Arctic Circle, where the sun never sets in summer, lies the Svalbard archipelago. Rugged islands and fjords here are 60 per cent glacier-covered. For just six weeks each summer, the tundra is snow-free and the fjords ice-free, creating the brief season when reindeer, arctic foxes, seals, whales – and the famous polar bears – roam a truly unique wilderness. From Longyearbyen, the journey continues south to the North Cape. Europe’s northernmost accessible point rises 300 metres above the Arctic Ocean, with a sweeping view from its stark plateau.

The route then leads into the 116-kilometre Nordfjord and its picturesque arm, the Faleidfjord, to reach Olden, framed by towering peaks. To the southeast, Jotunheimen – Norway’s highest mountain massif – dominates the skyline. The final stop before returning to Hamburg is Stavanger, with its quaint white houses and medieval cathedral in “Gamle Stavanger”. Nearby lies the Lysefjord, home to one of Norway’s most iconic sights: the Preikestolen, or “Pulpit Rock”, a sheer cliff with breathtaking views across the fjord.

MSC Preziosa sails these North Sea voyages twice around the midsummer solstice, departing Hamburg on 26 June and 9 August. Prices start at €2,269 per person in a Bella interior cabin, including full board and hotel service charge.

 

Rugged Highlands, rolling meadows, ruined castles: touring Ireland and Scotland

The landscapes of Britain and Ireland are on show in three MSC Preziosa sailings from Hamburg on 20 May, 13 September and 4 October. The voyage begins in Cork on Ireland’s south coast, known for its coastal walks, lush countryside and historic castles. Next is Dún Laoghaire, the gateway to Dublin, with its charming quarters and major sights such as St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Castle and the magnificent Trinity College Library.

In Belfast, the narrow alleys of the “Belfast Entries” are filled with shops and old pubs, while the grand Victorian City Hall and bustling St George’s Market recall the city’s industrial heyday. The ship then calls at Greenock in western Scotland, close to the enchanting Loch Lomond and within easy reach of both Edinburgh and Glasgow. Edinburgh captivates with winding lanes, castles and historic landmarks, while Glasgow impresses with Victorian grandeur, from the People’s Palace and Winter Gardens to vibrant street art and world-class museums.

The journey continues to the Orkney Islands, with wild beaches, windswept cliffs, ancient stone circles and lush fields in one of Scotland’s most remote landscapes. Before returning to Hamburg, MSC Preziosa calls at Invergordon, gateway to the Highlands, where peat bogs, castle ruins and, of course, Loch Ness await.

The October sailing follows a slightly different route, swapping Cork, Dún Laoghaire and Invergordon for South Queensferry near Edinburgh, Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides, and Liverpool. Fares start from €1,369 per person in a Bella interior cabin, including full board and hotel service charge.