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Northern Europe’s island-dotted Baltic Sea, long coveted for its strategic location, has now become a popular cruising destination -- and for good reason. Among the nine countries it borders are most of Scandinavia as well as parts of Germany, Poland, and Russia.
The cities often included on Baltic itineraries include some of Europe’s most beautiful: St. Petersburg, Russia; Stockholm, Sweden; Helsinki, Finland; Copenhagen, Denmark; Oslo, Norway; and Tallinn, Estonia. Small ship cruises permit stops in smaller ports as well.
While the sunny Mediterranean still lures more visitors, the Baltic Sea – spanning much of northern Europe – is becoming increasingly popular as a cruise destination. Part of the reason, no doubt, is that many travelers have “done” the Med more than once and are looking for something new and different.
But the Baltic can hold its own against just about any competition, offering a convenient and perhaps less expensive way to tour some of Europe’s most alluring cities and smaller ports.
Historically, the Baltic has provided strategic access to the sea for the nine nations that border it: Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Germany. Now it also provides access to travelers who board small ship and other cruises to tour countries and cities that often get overlooked in the rush toward southern European favorites like Spain, France, and Italy.
While Baltic countries are generally cooler and reputedly less “passionate” than their Mediterranean cousins, they also bring world-class architecture, art, scenery, and their own brand of passion to the table.
What to Bring on a Baltic Sea Cruise
When choosing a Baltic Sea trip, it’s important to keep in mind that the weather is usually fairly cold or mild. Even in the summer, farenheit temperatures reach only into the mid 60s usually. You’ll want to bring a jacket for being outside on the cruise deck, especially because temperatures are always a bit cooler on the water.
If you’re interested in seeing the northern lights - a truly remarkable experience on a cruise - be sure to bring some cozy clothing: scarves, hats, long underwear, etc. It will be extremely chilly but you’re not going to want to miss nature’s most incredible light show! The best time for seeing the Northern Lights on a Baltic Cruise is between October and March.
For wintertime travel, you’re definitely going to encounter some snow, so be sure bring sturdy shoes, and beware of slippery icy streets on your port excursions.
The Baltic Sea actually has quite a short cruise season, which is why it’s best to book early! In the summer, the weather is mild, and the crowds - while still heavy - are nowhere near as extreme as other places in Europe. Expect the largest crowds to be present in July and August.
Summer is the most popular travel time around the world, but hefty tourist traffic in Europe tends to be more concentrated in cities not along the Baltic Sea route. And plus, if you time it right, you can experience the Midnight Sun on a Baltic Sea summer cruise!
The Baltic Sea is not navigable for cruise ships year round due to extreme winter weather. But if you’re looking to avoid the tourist crowds and willing to pack some extra clothing to keep the chill away, you could consider a cruise in the shoulder seasons: May - June in the Spring, and September for the fall.
The Baltic Sea region is home to the ancient travel routes taken by Vikings, and presents a mythological aura.
The Scandinavian countries Denmark, Sweden, and Finland all border the Baltic, while neighboring Norway is often included on Baltic itineraries. Baltic cruises tend to focus on the region’s great cities: Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, and Oslo.
In and around all these cities – some built on multiple islands -- you’ll find lively waterfront walkways, castles to tour, urban parks and offshore islands to explore, refined cuisine and outdoor cafes to enjoy, and -- always during the summer cruising season -- local people out and about, celebrating their long days of daylight.
This is when otherwise more reserved northern Europeans tend to let their hair down, so to speak; summer solstice and other seasonal festivals are great fun. Turku, Finland, which lies along the famous “King’s Road,” is a smaller port that graces some itineraries.
If you haven’t already visited St. Petersburg on a river cruise through Russia, a Baltic cruise offers a convenient way to tour this indispensable city. Home to palaces, castles, and one of the world’s great art museums -- the Hermitage -- St. Petersburg usually warrants at least two-night stops on Baltic cruises.
One of the best parts, if you’ve ever gone through the agony of applying for a Russian visa, is that cruise ship passengers can stay up to 72 hours visa free, though you have to remain with a tour guide the entire time on shore. (To wander on your own, you’ll need a visa.)
The former Soviet republics of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania – often known collectively as the “Baltic Nations” -- have been independent countries for almost three decades. Tallinn, Estonia -- closest to Finland and a walled gem of a city complete with medieval castles -- was the first capital city to be “discovered” after the Soviet era and is now a staple on most Baltic cruises.
Riga, Latvia, is an up-and-coming destination rivaling Tallinn; with its narrow cobblestoned streets and diverse architecture dating back centuries, juxtaposed with hip new outdoor cafes.
Gdansk (Danzig), Poland, is found on a number of Baltic itineraries, and has an interesting Old Town well worth exploring. Colorful Hamburg, Germany, is another potential stop. Warnemunde, Germany, is worth a wander, but is most often used as a gateway to tours of Berlin, which has blossomed into one of Europe’s most dynamic cities. You can view the Berlin Wall Memorial and the landmark Brandenburg Gate, where the wall used to run marking the border between East and West Berlin.
Great places to see, fantastic guide & overall terrific experiance
This style of travelling is not for everyone so there are some people I know who travel - but only want the VERY best of everything - especially when it comes to hot...
This trip was just what I expected of an Intrepid Original trip.
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As always for me, the trip was well organized, fascinating,...
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