Cruises to and from Copenhagen, Denmark
Unlock Scandinavia with Copenhagen Cruises
A Copenhagen cruise entices everyone, from history-lovers wanting to marvel at mesmeric Baroque palaces to gourmands eager to enjoy the Michelin-starred dining scene.
On a cruise to Copenhagen, even just exploring the city’s tantalising central trio of addresses (Christiansborg Palace – seat of the Danish Parliament – Rosenborg Castle – home to the Danish crown jewels – and Amalienborg Palace – where the Danish Royal Family reside) could waylay you for days.
Then there are the esoteric elements to a Copenhagen cruise which must be experienced: pavement cafe chatter in the canal-side Nyhavn district or the giddy thrill of a ride in the historic Tivoli Gardens amusement park.
Best Copenhagen cruises
Copenhagen cruises can include visits to Baltic ports like Hamburg, Riga or Helsinki.
Or visit Copenhagen as part of an adventure up to the Norwegian Fjords or on an epic MSC Grand Voyages cruise to South America.
Cruises from Copenhagen in 2024
Since at least the Viking era, Denmark has been looking out to sea for adventure. On the cusp between the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, Copenhagen cruise port is perfectly poised to launch idyllic cruises from Copenhagen, sailing to beautiful Baltic ports such as Hamburg, Gdansk, Riga, Tallinn, Helsinki and Stockholm, as well as routes up along the North Sea to Oslo and on to the fabled Norwegian Fjords.
Great things are possible on cruises from Copenhagen 2024-2025. Embark on a trip to southern Europe or go further – across the Atlantic to Brazil, via Oslo, Zeebrugge, Le Havre and Southampton. On route, stop at Lisbon in Portugal and Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands. In Brazil, the Afro-Brazilian culture of Salvador de Bahia, the pristine sandy coastline of Ilhéus and Rio de Janeiro’s mountainous backdrop can all be part of a cruise from Copenhagen.
Copenhagen cruise deals
Start your next adventure at Copenhagen port, gateway to the Baltic and Nordic coasts. From here, amazing Copenhagen cruise deals transport you across Scandinavia and beyond.
Cruises to copenhagen in 2024
From the Copenhagen cruise terminal, the Danish capital (known as the ‘City of Spires’ due to its medieval and Renaissance architecture) is yours to unwrap. Use a cruise to Copenhagen to visit Slotsholmen, the canal-wrapped island containing Christiansborg Palace, a neo-Baroque complex and seat of the Danish Parliament. North-east is royal residence Amalienborg Palace, while north is Rosenborg Castle, housing Denmark’s Crown Jewels.
Don’t miss Tivoli Gardens (one of the world’s oldest amusement parks), alternative neighbourhood Freetown Christiania and trips outside the city to places like ancient seafaring settlement Dragør. Keep energy levels up with Danish dishes, such as a rød pølse (the sausage used in Denmark’s ubiquitous hot dogs) or smørrebrød (the famous open-faced sandwiches).
Take a Copenhagen cruise further to Hamburg, with its striking Elbphilharmonie concert hall and the world’s largest miniature railway, Miniatur Wunderland, or up to the awe-inspiring Norwegian fjords.
Get to know the city like a local on Copenhagen excursions
MSC Cruises offers a range of inspiring Copenhagen shore excursions.
Copenhagen tours can include blockbuster historic attractions like Christiansborg Palace, iconic sights such as the famous Little Mermaid statue, the pleasure gardens and amusement park at Tivoli Gardens, a canal boat trip, vibrant neighbourhoods like Nyhavn with its candy-coloured houses,
or even a day trip a visit to picturesque seaside town Dragør.
Book your Copenhagen excursions prior to departure and secure a discount of up to 20% on the onboard price.
How to reach Copenhagen cruise terminal
Where do MSC Cruises’ ships dock in Copenhagen?
MSC Cruises’ ships dock at Cruise Terminal Oceankaj: Oceankaj, 2150 København, Denmark. The terminal is located northeast of the city centre and is known as Ocean Quay in English.
How do I reach the car park at Copenhagen cruise port?
If you are driving from the south: when approaching the city, take Kalvebod Brygge and then Niels Juels Gade toward the centre. Continue to Kongens Nytorv, then Bredgade, and turn slightly left to Grønningen. Turn right at Folke Bernadottes Allé and continue on Kalkbrænderihavnsgade before turning right on Sundkrogsgade. Drive along Sundkrogsgade and Færgehavnsvej, then turn right on Baltikavej (which will become Oceanvej) until you reach the port terminals.
It is easy to find the terminal when arriving by car from the north. Upon reaching the city, proceed down Lyngbyvejen and turn left at Nordhavnsvej. Join Strandvænget and turn left on Sundkrogsgade. Drive along Sundkrogsgade and Færgehavnsvej. Turn right on Baltikavej (which becomes Oceanvej) until you reach the port terminals.
How do I get to the Copenhagen cruise port from the train station?
Copenhagen Central Station (København Hovedbanegård) is around eight kilometres from Cruise Terminal Oceankaj. From the station, take the Metro 4 (blue line) to Orientkaj, the final stop. The ride takes approximately 15 minutes. At Orientkaj station, walk towards Sundkrogsgade and look for the yellow and blue bus stop.
A free shuttle service runs every 30 minutes and will take you directly to Oceankaj Terminal 1. There is also a regular bus service – the 164 – that can make the journey. Taxis are also available and take approximately 20 minutes to travel to the cruise terminal.
How do I get from Copenhagen Airport to the cruise port?
Copenhagen Airport is around 13 kilometres from the cruise terminal and the journey takes approximately 30 minutes in a taxi. Travelling via public transport takes around 45-50 minutes. Take Metro 2 (yellow line) towards the city to Kogens Nytorv station. At Kogens Nytorv, follow signs to the Metro 4 (blue line) towards Orientkaj. At Orientkaj station, walk towards Sundkrogsgade and look for the yellow and blue bus stop.
This free shuttle service runs every 30 minutes and will take you directly to Oceankaj Terminal 1. You can also request an MSC transfer service by calling the MSC contact centre.
What is the weather like in Copenhagen?
Copenhagen’s four seasons are typical of the northern hemisphere, with temperatures varying significantly throughout the year. Summer is the warmest time of year, with an average temperature of 20°C in July and August. Spring can range from 9°C-16°C and autumn from 7°C-16°C. In the winter, February is usually the coldest month, when temperatures average at 2°C. It can snow from December to springtime, but it rarely lasts long.
Is there a beach in Copenhagen?
Surrounded by water, the port city of Copenhagen is peppered with beaches that are easy to reach. Amager Strandpark stands out, with a sandy beach accessible via bike and Metro 2 (yellow line) from the city centre. This large, artificial island has a lovely lagoon and is popular with windsurfers, kayakers and swimmers.
North of the cruise terminal, Svanemølle Beach has a stretch of sand that’s ideal for swimming and sunbathing. This popular urban beach boasts refreshingly cool seawater on warm summer days. Further north, fashionable Bellevue Beach has been luring Copenhagen residents since the 1930s. Look out for the quirky blue and white lifeguard towers courtesy of famous Danish designer Arne Jacobsen.
Is Copenhagen expensive?
While living in Copenhagen has a similar price point to prominent international capitals, there are free and affordable ways to experience it. The city centre is fairly small, making it walkable and bikeable. In fact, Copenhagen is one of the world’s most bike-friendly cities. When it comes to free activities, there are plenty on offer. Immerse yourself in the history of the Danish Royal Family by viewing the crown jewels at Rosenborg Castle or watch the changing of the guard at Amalienborg Palace.
Wander past colourful, 400-year-old houses in Nyhavn, the neighbourhood where Hans Christian Andersen penned some of his timeless fairytales. His most famous, The Little Mermaid, is commemorated with a statue on the Langelinie pier and is free for all to view.