Baltic Bliss: Baltic Sea Cruises | Travel Research Online

Image
Image

Baltic Bliss: Baltic Sea Cruises

Baltic Sea cruises are among my favorite. From the opulent palaces of the Tsars in St. Petersburg to Stockholm’s breathtaking harbor and Copenhagen’s spectacular Tivoli Gardens, few cruising regions offer such diverse treasures as the Baltic. Best of all, most ships dock in the center of the cities and towns, allowing you to hop off and explore on your own.

You’ll find short descriptions below of the major ports of call on Baltic cruises. You’ll find much more, however, as you drill down. If you are cruising from Copenhagen or Stockholm, be sure to see Two Perfect Days for advice on how to get the most of  your stay for a couple of days before or after your cruise.

Interested in Baltic Sea Cruises? Begin Your Trip Here

 

St. Petersburg, Russia

Founded in 1703 by Peter the Great, St. Petersburg is among the most beautiful cities on earth. The baroque Winter Palace known as the Hermitage boasts more than 1,000 rooms and 8,000 paintings.

Stockholm, Sweden

The “City That Floats On Water,” Stockholm sits on 14 islands, with meandering shop-lined streets, palaces, and parks. Don’t miss the Vasa Museum, housing a royal flagship raised from the harbor more than 300 years after she sank in 1628.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is chock full of attractions, including Stroget, Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping street and the dazzling display of the Danish crown jewels at Rosenborg Castle.

Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki’s marketplace, next to the ship terminal, is a colorful introduction to this city. Attractions are a short ferry ride away, including the “Gibraltar of the North,” Suomenlinna Fortress, which has guarded the entrance to the city for 200 years.

These are just a few of the attractions that you won’t want to miss on Baltic cruises. From fjords to majestic cities, Baltic cruising offers an immensely satisfying cruise experience.

Baltic Cruises FAQ

Where In The World?

baltic

Take your desktop globe for a spin or pull out your atlas and cast your eyes on Europe. Look north, not south, to find the cruising region known as the Baltic. Even experienced travelers sometimes confuse the Baltic with the Balkans. The two regions could not be more different.

The Balkans are comprised of countries (such as Yugoslavia, Greece, and Turkey) on the Balkan Peninsula. The Baltic cruising region refers to the Baltic Sea, which stretches from southern Denmark to near the Arctic Circle and covers about 149,000 square miles.

Along its shores are some of the world’s most fabled cities – Copenhagen, StockholmHelsinki, St. Petersburg, to name a few. Safe, stable, clean and with friendly folks who typically speak English, the Baltic is one of the world’s most popular cruising regions.

What’s the weather like?

Since most Baltic cruises sail between the months of May and September, you’ll experience Northern Europe’s mild, pleasant weather, endless summer days (thanks to the northerly latitude), white nights and the phenomenon of the Midnight Sun.

Where can I stay before or after my cruise?

Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital and largest city, and Stockholm, Sweden’s capital and largest city, are the Baltic’s busiest home ports. Many of the cruise ships offering itineraries in the Baltic either begin or end their cruises in one of these two cosmopolitan cities.

sunset

If you’re fortunate enough to begin or end your cruise in Copenhagen or Stockholm, tack on at least two additional days (three or four is optimal) to the beginning or end of your cruise. There’s a lot to explore in these Scandinavian capitals, and if you’re making the haul across the Atlantic, then why not make the most of it?

What should I expect on a Baltic cruise?

A leisurely sail through regions of breathtaking natural beauty to ports rich with history. A chance to visit renowned museums, castles, and cultural sites. Spectacular arts, tempting cuisine, and fascinating people. A truly original and memorable cruise experience.


An avid traveler and an award-winning journalist, Ralph Grizzle produces articles, video and photos that are inspiring and informative, personal and passionate. A journalism graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Ralph has specialized in travel writing for more than two decades. To read more cruise and port reviews by Ralph Grizzle, visit his website at www.avidcruiser.com.

Share your thoughts on “Baltic Bliss: Baltic Sea Cruises”

You must be a registered user and be logged in to post a comment.