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Selene Nelson April 21, 2026

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Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

There’s something magical about discovering the world by sea. From the dramatic Norwegian fjords to the remote islands of the Azores, some of the planet’s most dazzling natural wonders are best seen from the water. Yet, cruising isn’t only about admiring scenery; it’s also a wonderful way to explore some of the world’s most vibrant and iconic cities.

Waking up each morning to a new horizon and a fresh city skyline brings the promise of new adventures every day. And while many great coastal cities are accessible to large ships, one of the best things about smaller ships is that they can reach historic harbours and hidden gems that bigger vessels simply can’t.

This is just one of the advantages of an ocean voyage with Fred.Olsen, one of the world’s most exclusive cruise lines. Their sleek, smaller ships offer a more personal and immersive way to explore, allowing you to connect more deeply to your surroundings. With hand-crafted itineraries that are as imaginative as they are diverse, every journey is unforgettable.

If you’ve always dreamed of setting sail, why not make 2027 the year those dreams come to life? Fred.Olsen’s 2027 programme features 70 exceptional cruises, ranging from three to 98 nights, and taking you from the pristine, glimmering waters of the Arctic to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to discover some of the world’s most exciting cities.

So, to get you inspired, here are 10 incredible cities you can explore on a Fred.Olsen cruise, each offering its own rhythm, character, and allure.

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1. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, Portugal

Surrounded by seven cinematic hills and overlooking the glimmering River Tagus, Lisbon blends history, scenery, and atmosphere. Sailing beneath the 25 de Abril Bridge to arrive in the Portuguese capital is an experience in itself, but the city itself is equally impressive. With the cruise port in the heart of the city, you can be exploring cobbled alleys, ancient ruins, and white-domed cathedrals within minutes.

The labyrinthine streets of historic Alfama are made for strolling, and though the city is steep, the iconic yellow trams swiftly scale its hills. The local cuisine is also delicious; tuck into grilled sardines, salted cod, and freshly baked pastéis de nata (custard tarts), perhaps paired with a glass of Vinho Verde. Rooftop bars offer stunning views over terracotta tiles and pastel façades, and watching the sun sink into the Atlantic is nothing short of magical.

2. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is another capital that impresses before you’ve even docked. As you cruise along the glassy waters of Oslofjord, passing shady forests and scenic islets, a panorama of canals, colourful buildings, and bustling waterfronts unfolds. Copenhagen is one of the world’s most cycle-friendly cities, and renting a bike allows you to explore like a local while seeing much more than you would on foot.

Must-see sights include the Little Mermaid statue, Tivoli Gardens, Amalienborg Palace, and Nyhavn, the 17th-century harbour, while history buffs can uncover Copenhagen’s Viking heritage in museums. Foodies can also enjoy sampling traditional smørrebrød (open sandwiches) and fresh seafood in sleek Nordic restaurants – but no visit is complete without indulging in a flaky Danish pastry at a cosy waterfront café.

3. Cádiz, Spain

Cádiz, Spain

With a history stretching back over 3,000 years, Cádiz is one of Europe’s oldest cities. Every turn along its winding, cobbled streets reveals its Roman and Moorish heritage, and with the cruise terminal just steps from the old town, you can hop right off your ship into the heart of history. Thanks to the city’s compact layout, you can see the main sights in a day, from grand baroque churches to ancient fortifications.

Cádiz hums with life, and its bustling plazas, lively markets, and sun-drenched cafés are perfect for people-watching over a plate of tapas. It’s also a gateway to the heart of Andalusia, so why not visit Seville to catch a flamenco show, or head to Jerez de la Frontera to sip sherry in its place of origin? Or, if you prefer a slower pace, Cádiz’s beautiful golden beaches are ideal for swimming and sunbathing, or simply strolling in the sun.

Cádiz, Spain

4. Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn, Estonia

Known for its medieval heritage and fairytale charm, Tallinn is one of Northern Europe’s most enchanting cities. Compact yet full of character, it’s easy to explore, and with the cruise terminal just minutes from the UNESCO-listed Old Town, you can see its highlights in a day. The turrets, stone walls, and colourful merchants’ houses seem lifted from a storybook, and wandering the winding lanes feels like stepping back in time.

Despite its historic roots, Tallinn brims with youthful energy, and the Rotermann Quarter is home to trendy bars, chic boutiques, and unique restaurants. The local food scene blends Nordic and Eastern European influences, offering everything from hearty dishes like elk stew, sausage, and rye bread to cutting-edge cuisine. The city’s museums bring Tallinn’s Hanseatic history to life, while its modern galleries will delight art enthusiasts.

5. Funchal, Madeira

From the moment you first set eyes on Funchal, Madeira’s historic capital, it’s easy to fall under its spell. Tucked into a stunning bay framed by lush mountains and terraced hillsides, the approach is unforgettable, yet Funchal itself hides more natural beauty. Fragrant botanical gardens overflow with exotic blooms, palm-lined promenades line the harbour, and scenic coastal views are never far away.

Founded in the 15th century, Funchal blends Portuguese colonial heritage with laid-back island charm, and the cobbled lanes of the Old Town are perfect for soaking up the atmosphere. If you’d like to sample Madeira’s famous fortified wine, the city’s historic wine lodges offer tastings and tours, while waterfront restaurants serve fresh Atlantic seafood. Try not to leave without sampling bolo de mel, a traditional 15th-century Madeiran cake.

6. Split, Croatia

Sun-kissed Split has long been a popular holiday destination, but you don’t need days to experience its highlights. The city is easily accessible from the port, and with most attractions within a short walking distance, you can see a lot in just a day. Split is built around the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace, a Roman wonder that transports you nearly two millennia back in time as you wander its streets, courtyards, and ancient cellars.

Yet there’s more to Split than history. Immerse yourself in Dalmatian culture and cuisine by sampling fresh seafood, local pastries, and Croatian wines at bustling markets, or enjoy a leisurely meal on the Riva promenade, where the turquoise Adriatic Sea glimmers just feet away. If you have the time, Split is also an ideal base for day trips to nearby gems such as Trogir, Hvar, or the stunning Krka National Park.

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7. Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux is a city bursting with history, style, and culinary sophistication. Docking in the city centre aboard the Balmoral, you’ll be perfectly placed to explore at your own pace. With roots stretching back to Roman and medieval times, Bordeaux is filled with architectural gems, and landmarks like Porte Cailhau, Basilique Saint-Michel, and Grosse Cloche, one of France’s oldest belfries, shouldn’t be missed.

As one of the world’s top wine regions, exploring Bordeaux’s winemaking heritage is also a must. The city boasts countless tasting tours and stylish wine bars, while a short drive away are some of the country’s most prestigious châteaux. Bordeaux’s restaurants serve seafood from nearby Arcachon Bay and classic French cuisine – and if you’ve indulged a little too much, a stroll along the river is the perfect way to walk it off.

8. Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm, Sweden

You’ll first glimpse the Swedish capital as you cruise along the Stockholm Archipelago, a stunning network of around 30,000 islets fringed by forests. Spread across 14 islands, Stockholm is surprisingly easy to explore, with most of its main sights clustered around Gamla Stan, the atmospheric Old Town. One of Europe’s best-preserved medieval centres, Gamla Stan is a delight to explore, with cobbled alleys, cosy cafés, and colourful buildings.

Steeped in history yet also effortlessly modern, Stockholm bursts with cultural treasures. The Skansen open-air museum provides fascinating insight into Swedish traditions, while the city’s chic galleries and quirky boutiques are perfect for browsing. When you’re hungry, why not stop for a traditional fika (coffee and pastry) overlooking the harbour, or try classic Swedish dishes like meatballs and herring at a scenic waterfront restaurant?

Balmoral in Stockholm, Sweden

9. Porto, Portugal

Porto, Portugal

Bursting with history, character, and colour, Porto is one of Europe’s most mesmerising cities. It’s also one of the most scenic, with the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge and Clérigos Tower dominating the skyline, and the colourful riverside buildings gleaming in the sun. The UNESCO-listed old town is a maze of narrow lanes, tiled façades, and baroque churches, where every street corner tells a story, and every café or bar tempts you to stop.

As the birthplace of port, a visit to the wine cellars across the Douro River in Gaia is a must. Tour the lodges, discover the winemaking process, and savour a few glasses while taking in stunning river views. Porto is also a paradise for food lovers, and sampling the famous francesinha sandwich is practically a rite of passage. For a different perspective on the city – and unbeatable views – why not glide above the terracotta rooftops in a cable car?

Final thoughts…

From the sun-drenched plazas of Cádiz to the storybook streets of Tallinn, these nine incredible cities are just a glimpse of the wonders you can explore by sea. Each destination has its own unique character and charm, and once you’ve cruised into the port, you can discover it at your own pace.

With Fred.Olsen’s carefully crafted itineraries, every stop becomes a more personal and meaningful experience, allowing you to connect with each place in a deeper, richer way. Whether wandering the cobbled lanes of Lisbon or taking in the shimmering waters of Stockholm, your journey will be as memorable as the destinations themselves.

So, why wait to explore the world by sea? Set sail with Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines and discover places that will stay with you long after you return home.

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Selene Nelson

Selene Nelson is an author, freelance journalist, and lifestyle writer for Rest Less. After graduating from the University of Sussex with a degree in English Literature, Selene began contributing to many major newspapers and websites, and has written for the BBC, The Sunday Times, The Independent, Town & Country, and HuffPost. Her specialist subjects include food, travel, and health, though she enjoys writing about a wide range of topics (e.g. her two books are about veganism and psychopathy, respectively!). She enjoys cooking (particularly pasta and Asian noodle soups), reading, travelling, hiking, attempting to keep fit, and watching animal videos on YouTube.

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