I Can’t Believe I’m Already Planning My Next Summer Vacation—And It’s a Cruise
Apparently, I’m a cruise person. Who knew? After just coming off one adventure, I’m already plotting the next—this time a 7-night Norway cruise aboard MSC Euribia in summer 2026.
I never imagined I’d be the kind of person who books a cruise, but when you look at the benefits for families, it starts to make sense. My mom, my 12-year-old son, my sister and her husband, and their two kids (6 and 9) are all coming along. We needed a vacation that:
Keeps the kids constantly entertained
Gives adults a little space to relax
Has comfortable family accommodations
Visits ports that aren’t sweltering or overcrowded
MSC Euribia ticks all of those boxes.
Why Northern Europe Makes Sense for Families
Western Europe in July/August? Hot, humid, and crowded. Northern Europe, on the other hand, promises:
Cooler, more manageable weather
Stunning fjord scenery
Family-friendly ports
Less tourist congestion
Our itinerary visits some of Norway’s most iconic fjords while including Germany and Denmark, making it a perfect mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation.
Turning Travel Into Adventure: The 72-Hour Iceland Layover
We’re flying Icelandair, which offers long layovers. This means 72 hours in Reykjavik, letting us:
Explore geysers, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes
Visit the Blue Lagoon or family-friendly geothermal spas
Walk through Reykjavik’s colorful streets, kid-friendly museums, and local markets
Acclimate to the time change before the cruise
It’s essentially a mini-vacation within a vacation—kids love it, and adults get a taste of Icelandic adventure.
Why MSC Euribia Works for Families
I’ll admit—I wasn’t a cruise person, but MSC Euribia might have changed my mind.
Family-friendly highlights:
Water parks and twisting slides – endless fun for all ages
Supervised kids’ clubs – age-specific programs for ages 1–17
Teen lounges and gaming zones – tweens and teens have their own space
LEGO® and Chicco play areas – hands-on fun and creative learning
Family shows, workshops, and themed nights – so everyone can participate
Family-friendly cabins – bunk beds, interconnecting rooms, and suites
Adult perks: Stylish lounges, European-inspired design, diverse dining, and spa treatments. Parents can relax while kids are safely entertained.
Our MSC Euribia 7-Night Baltic/Norway Itinerary
Roundtrip from Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen, Denmark – Tivoli Gardens, bike-friendly streets, and kid-friendly activities
Hellesylt, Norway – Fjord views, waterfalls, and outdoor exploration
Geiranger, Norway – Geirangerfjord and the Seven Sisters waterfalls; epic photo ops
Ålesund, Norway – Art Nouveau architecture, charming harbor walks
Flåm, Norway – Flåm Railway, fjord trails, and adventure for the whole family
Kiel, Germany – Markets, museums, and waterfront strolls
Back to Copenhagen – Wrap up the trip with one last canal tour or pastry stop
Even the Norwegian stops, which sound “boring” on paper, are full of natural beauty and kid-friendly activities. From waterfalls to hikes to scenic train rides, there’s plenty to explore without feeling rushed.
Making the Most of West Coast Travel
Our travel plan:
San Diego → New York → Reykjavik → Copenhagen
By building in long layovers, we reduce travel stress and turn flights into mini-adventures. Kids can stretch their legs, explore, and burn off energy before boarding MSC Euribia.
Booking Early: How to Get the Best Family Experience
Booking a summer 2026 cruise now may feel crazy, but it’s smart. Cruise lines know that families want:
The best cabins
Onboard perks and credits
Time to coordinate flights, excursions, and travel logistics
Fun fact:
“40–60% of cruise passengers book their next cruise while still on their current one.”
Early booking ensures you get priority cabins, better rates, and more planning flexibility—especially important for multi-generational trips.
Tips for Multi-Generational Family Travel
Prioritize kid-focused ships – MSC excels here
Book early – especially for peak summer itineraries
Break up long flights – layovers can be mini-adventures
Balance needs – kids entertained, adults relaxed
Use layovers as excursions – like Reykjavik for a 72-hour Iceland adventure
FAQs
Why MSC over Royal Caribbean?
MSC offered the Northern Europe itinerary we wanted plus excellent kid-focused programming.
Do I really need to book a year ahead?
For peak summer and family-friendly cabins, yes.
How family-friendly is MSC?
Kids’ clubs cover ages 1–17. Water parks, teen lounges, and family shows ensure no one is bored.
Why not Western Europe?
Too hot, humid, and crowded in July/August. Northern Europe is cooler and more relaxed.
Is Norway boring?
Not at all. Fjords, waterfalls, scenic trains, and outdoor adventures make it exciting for kids and adults alike.
Takeaways
72-hour Iceland layover turns long flights into adventure
MSC Euribia is a family paradise – slides, clubs, and teen zones
Early booking is key – secure cabins, rates, and perks
Northern Europe offers cooler, less crowded ports