When it comes to cruising, the Caribbean and the Med used to be the first destinations on everyone’s lips, but these days Baltic cruises are fast catching up with the traditional favourites. Think stunning scenery, island settings, fairytale castles and Viking history and you’ve got just a fraction of what this fascinating region has to offer. Stops in countries like Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Russia, Germany and Norway put you right on the doorstop of some of the world’s richest culture and history.
Take a voyage of discovery to cities built on clusters of islands and harbours lined with fishing boats. The Baltic’s strong maritime traditions make a cruise the best way to explore. With departures from UK ports and the friendly, accessible Baltic countries just a short flight away, there’s no excuse for missing out. These are just some of the special places a Baltic cruise might take you:
Copenhagen
Copenhagen is something of a design mecca, with its stylish bars and restaurants, interiors shops and designer boutiques. Stroll beside canals and through medieval streets, ride the rollercoasters at the magical Tivoli theme park, gaze out to sea beside the statue of Hans Christian Andersen’s Little Mermaid and stand in the courtyard of Amalienborg’s four royal palaces.
Oslo
At the tip of a spectacular fjord, it’s no wonder the best way to arrive in the Norwegian capital is by cruise. With its green hills and medieval fortress, Oslo has natural splendour and historic charm by the bucket load. See the longboats and skeletons of the Viking Ship Museum, soak up the history of the 13th century Akershus castle and learn about the Peace Prize winners at the Nobel Peace Centre.
Stockholm
Spread across 14 islands and connected by countless bridges, Stockholm is a staggeringly beautiful city. Wander through Gamla Stan, the city’s 13th century old town, explore everything from Bronze age treasures to modern art in the many excellent museums, and take a boat tour through Stockholm’s canals, under its bridges or round the thousands of surrounding islands and islets.
Tallinn
For a taste of old Europe, medieval Tallinn simply can’t be beaten. The Estonian capital might have seen its share of 21st century modernisation, but the aged charm remains in the cobbled streets of its chocolate box old town. Fall for its rustic buildings, onion-domed cathedral, exquisite castle and city walls, with their turreted guard towers, surrounded by greenery and oozing with atmosphere.
Hamburg
Cool and cosmopolitan, Germany’s second city is a watery metropolis, with its river, lakes and many canals. On the banks of the Elbe River, Hamburg is a major port, home to one of the world’s busiest harbours. Take a stroll in the city’s many parks, gaze at the scenic Alster lake, go designer shopping and discover striking architecture old and new.
St Petersburg
The Russian capital up until the revolution, St Petersburg was built to impress. This grand home of the tsars is packed with magnificent palaces, churches and cathedrals. Explore the city’s islands and canals, then discover Russia’s finest art collection at the Hermitage, home to works by Rembrandt, Leonardo da Vinci and many other illustrious names.
Helsinki
Rebuilt by the Tsars of Russia in the early 19th century, Helsinki’s Soviet influence blends with its small-town friendliness and quirky cool. Summer’s the best time to visit, when the city’s full of happy Finns enjoying bars and cafes in the sunshine. There are plenty of watery wonders, like the busy central harbour, the great sea fortress Suomenlinna, and many charming little islands.
Other popular Baltic ports of call include Riga in Latvia, Gdansk in Poland, Gothenberg and Visby in Sweden, Danish ports such as Aarhus, and German ports like Bremerhaven, close to the city of Bremen. So why not save the Med for another year and try a Baltic cruise this summer?
With cruise lines like Holland America cruises, NCL cruises, Princess cruises and Royal Caribbean cruises, check out the best Baltic cruises at Cruises.co.uk
Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Cruises Articles Via RSS!
