Baltic Bliss

One of the most popular itinerary options in Europe, a Northern Europe cruise presents passengers with cultural diversity, historical attractions, and magnificent scenery. Cruises in Northern Europe typically combine visits to Copenhagen and other Scandinavian capitals and overnights (on the ship) in St. Petersburg.

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Countries bordering the Baltic Sea Region offer varied shopping venues. Many of the town and city shopping areas, for example, are for pedestrians only, and shoppers may browse at their leisure while strolling along wide streets free of traffic. Other cities offer shopping within well-preserved medieval walls and along charming cobblestone streets in the old sections of town. Continue Reading »

Shop without having to worry about getting mowed down by passing vehicles on pedestrian shopping streets that are closed to vehicular traffic. Continue Reading »

Kalmar is well known for Swedish crystal, handmade in one of the 15 glassworks in the Kingdom of Crystal, among which Orrefors and Kosta Boda are the most prominent. In Orrefors factory shop, purchase (tax free) firsts and seconds from the Orrefors collection and watch master craftsmen in action as they create crystal masterpieces right in front of you.

Poland also offers crystal. Cruise passengers will want to make for Swietojanska Street, Gdnyia’s main shopping street, for a selection of crystal in shops and galleries.

A visitor’s first view of Copenhagen will likely be not from the sea but from the air. That’s because Copenhagen is where most Baltic cruises begin. Founded in 1167 as a fortress to protect the important herring trade, Copenhagen features two main cruise terminals, Langelinie Pier, situated within walking distance of the city center, and Freeport Terminal.

Approaching (or leaving) either of the terminals through Kronloebet channel, cruise ship passengers are able to admire Copenhagen’s low skyline. The presence of only a few high-rise buildings allow Copenhagen’s copper covered church spires and towers of historic buildings dominate the skyline.

Only steps away from the ship, Copenhagen’s Langelinie Pier (pictured) offers shops and tourist facilities for cruise passengers.

Spend a leisurely morning strolling the markets in many Baltic Sea destinations. Cruise passengers can hardly miss Helsinki’s famous Kauppatori, the Market Square, selling almost everything from fresh fish to handicrafts. The Old Market Hall next to the Market Square is worth a visit as well. The Old Market Hall offers historic charm and a wide assortment of fresh fish and special foods, including canned bear meat! Continue Reading »

Deeply rooted in regional folklore and tradition, amber is mined in Lithuania. Only ten minutes by foot from where cruise ships dock along the Danes river brings cruise passengers to the heart of Klaipeda’s Old Town, where visitors will find a great variety of amber jewelry.

Also, in neighboring Latvia, look for amber in Riga, where Amber Gallery offers exclusive amber jewelry, set in silver and gold in multiple locations throughout the city.

Helsingor (also known as Elsinore) is the Danish town that is home to Hamlet’s castle. Elsinore was founded during the reign of King Erik of Pomerania (1382-1459).

Cruise ships moor at Kings Quay at the beginning of the one of Denmark’s oldest pedestrian streets. Within walking distance are exquisite old churches, a medieval cloister and the charming half-timbered shop houses that stretch to the harbor.

Cruising into Elsinore offers spectacular views of Kronborg Castle, made famous by Shakespeare as the backdrop to Hamlet.

Founded in 1680 as Sweden’s primary naval base, Karlskrona is surrounded by islands. Ships transit a beautiful archipelago and a series of fortresses en route to the Karlskrona’s harbor.

Ships that dock at the city center put passengers within a five-minute walk of attractions. Most ships, however, must anchor, and cruise passengers enjoy a short tender past forts to a landing at the Naval Museum, a five-minute walk from the city center.

Many of the port destinations in the Baltic Cruising region are walkable cities. Pedestrian streets and parks allow visitors to escape traffic. Continue Reading »