As you sail on our Baltic cruises, you’ll find there is something quite enthralling about the scenery in this part of the world. Gilded cities that cut majestic silhouettes across the sky. Forests that give way to cascading waterfalls. The Baltic landscape has been carved by the ocean and there really is no better way to visit this region than on a cruise.
The Baltic opens up an ancient world. Harking back to their Viking ancestry, the residents of the Baltic thrive on ocean life. Fresh fish abounds in local restaurants. Fishing vessels line the shore. Yachts moor in the marinas. Away from the coast, more delights can be found on Norway cruises and Russia cruises. The imposing towers and medieval streets of Gdansk. Heyerdahl’s Kon-Tiki raft in Oslo and, perhaps one of the most inspiring sights of the Baltic, the extravagant collection of art found within the walls of the Hermitage in St. Petersburg.
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| AarhusShow more | Denmark |    |
About Aarhus Aarhus cruises bring you into a lively city boasting many cultural attractions and a welcoming atmosphere. First inhabited by the Vikings over a thousand years ago, today its growing population makes it Denmark's second largest city. Embark on one of our cruises to Aarhus and take a stroll through the old narrow lanes to discover traditional half-timbered houses, many of which have been converted into art shops, pottery workshops, galleries and cafe's. For those Aarhus cruise passengers who want to experience the local cuisine there are plenty of restaurants where you can sample traditional Danish cuisine, or venture further afield to visit the famous 'Legoland'.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| BornholmShow more | Denmark |   |
 About Bornholm The 587 square kilometre Danish island of Bornholm lies in the middle of the Baltic Sea. Its geologically diverse landscape combines features found on close neighbours Sweden, Finland and Denmark. Embark on one of our cruises to Bornholm and you can explore craggy bedrocks in the north, white sand beaches and sand dunes in the south. Amongst farms and forests, fortresses and fishing villages sit Bornholm’s four ‘round churches’, which are an integral part of the island’s image. Another highlight of all Bornholm cruises is the 13th century fortress Hammershus, largest medieval castle ruins in northern Europe which stands on the northwestern tip. Numerous bronze-age monoliths and rock carvings and the castle-like tower of A-Kirke church also hold historic interest. On a Bornholm cruise you can also visit the small but lively capital of Ronne for its many shops and several interesting museums, and be charmed by the many small fishing villages, famous for their fresh-smoked herring, that slumber peacefully for most of the year, but come alive during the summer months with live music and entertainment.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| CopenhagenShow more | Denmark |  |
 About Copenhagen Wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen was the adopted home of Hans Christian Andersen - commemorated in the waterfront sculpture of his Little Mermaid. And, true to the spirit of its most famous resident, Copenhagen has a fairytale magic all of its own. Discover the beauty of the Copenhagen cruises while visiting the delightful Tivoli Gardens, where you can soar above the city in a hot air balloon suspended from a Ferris Wheel. Stroll down leafy byways as dusk falls and hundreds of lights twinkle through the trees or in the shops and cafés of Stroget, Europes longest pedestrianised shopping street. With a variety of destinations to explore, cruises to Copenhagen have plenty to offer. Enjoy another stroll along the Nyhavn Canal, browsing the market stalls and looking at the fine old sailing ships moored near its banks. You will find more history at the magnificent Christiansborg Palace, the National Museum - home to fascinating Viking relics – and at Kronberg Castle – the former Elsinore of Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| TallinnShow more | Estonia |  |
 About Tallinn Estonia’s cruise port Tallinn is also a fascinating medieval capital. This multi-faceted jewel of a city and its architecture – a legacy of Teutonic, Polish and Russian rule – will have your eyes on stalks. From the spectacular onion domes of the Nevski Russian Orthodox Cathedral to the Baroque Toompea Castle (home of the Estonian Parliament) and the elaborate Gothic façade of the 13th century Raekoda, Europe’s oldest town hall, all can be explored from our Talinn cruises. Another highlight of a Talinn cruise is the magnificent St Mary’s Cathedral, with its display of more than 100 coats of arms – but do take time out just to stroll the winding streets and cobbled squares of the city’s atmospheric old town, where you will find exquisite amber jewellery, fine lacework and gorgeous woollen jackets at bargain prices. Visit the workshops in Catherine’s Passage to watch artisans creating leatherwork, jewellery and ceramics, or simply retire to a pavement café and relax while enjoying alfresco performances from brass bands, string quartets and strolling players.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| HelsinkiShow more | Finland | |
 About Helsinki Surrounded by the sea and its own archipelago, Helsinki, the Finnish capital, retains its nautical feel with many sailing events during the summer. Exploring the fascinating sights of Helsinki, cruise passengers will discover the city is also the country’s main cultural focus, offering dance, ballet, opera, and other festivals.
The striking onion-shaped cupolas of the Uspensky Cathedral (modelled on the one in Odessa) are just one example of the Soviet influence on a country which achieved independence less than 100 years ago. Highlights of cruises to Helsinki also include some of the traditional Finnish building in the Senate Square and the North Harbour.
Helsinki is a compact city - ‘a pocket-sized metropolis’, as it was once described – so it is easy to get around, especially in the historical centre. Or you can take the touring ‘pub tram’ and drink in the views, including the colourful flower market near the harbourfront.
After months of dark, cold winter, it is hardly surprising that the Finns pull out all the stops to celebrate the genuine warmth of their summers with outdoor events all around the city such as the Coming of Spring, Midsummer, the Helsinki Festival, and the Annual Night of the Arts.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| BremehavenShow more | Germany | |
About Bremerhaven Bremerhaven began life in 1827 and is now a busy international port, which also boasts a ‘zoo by the sea’, museums and an art gallery. It’s also the gateway to nearby Bremen, a city with over 1,200 years of history. From Bremerhaven, your cruise tour leads you to Bremen. The city has at its heart the Market Square, with its attractive backdrop of Baroque and Renaissance architecture. It’s here that you’ll find many of the city’s most prominent buildings. Much of its history can be seen in the picturesque old quarter called ‘Schnoor’. The once narrow street called Böttcherstrasse, where artisans plied their trade, is now the city’s centre for art and culture. But if you want to spend time simply soaking up the atmosphere of this lively city, with Bremerhaven cruises there are over 1,000 pubs, cafés and restaurants from which to choose.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| HamburgShow more | Germany | |
About Hamburg On the banks of the Elbe River, 70 miles inland from Travemünde, lies the city of Hamburg. This cruise destination was once a one-time Hanseatic League port, which was founded over 1,000 years ago. Emerging from superb post-war restoration it became a prosperous celebration of a proud civic spirit, of striking architecture both modern and ancient, of an epic history and splendid art, of cosmopolitan shopping, dining and nightlife. Cruises to Hamburg have plenty to offer. The city’s two Alster lakes, hundreds of canals and spacious parks, the grandeur of its church steeples and great City Hall belfry, its sense of energy and confidence – all contribute to the subtle appeal of the imposing city.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| TravemundeShow more | Germany | |
 About Travemunde Cruises to Travemunde bring you into an attractive beach resort set against a backdrop of dense pine forests, also your gateway to one of the country’s most fascinating cities, Hamburg. On the banks of the Elbe River, the once-Hanseatic League Hamburg is intriguing because of the contrast between its legendary louche nightlife centred around the notorious Reeperbahn and its more sober side reflected in the impressive array of historical buildings and cultural centres. The 19th century neo-Renaissance-style Rathaus (town hall) with its tall clock tower, the Bismarck monument, 12th century St Petri Church and 17th century Lutheran St Michaelis are among many sights worth seeking when you embark on one of our cruises to Travemunde. A suitably ultra-modern building houses the contemporary art wing of one of the world’s finest art museums, the Kunsthalle. And for those Travemunde cruise passengers who want to spend time simply soaking up the atmosphere, some of the best bars and restaurants are around the port area.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| WarnemundeShow more | Germany | |
 About Warnemunde The popular German seaside resort of Warnemunde is your gateway to all things Hanseatic, which means that many of the most popular excursions offered from Warnemunde cruises provide a fascinating tour through living medieval history. Nearby Rostock still emanates some of its former glories as a major Hanseatic city. Its pedestrianised old town is full of narrow atmospheric streets, cutting between impressive centuries-old buildings. City Hall, in the New Market Place, is particularly impressive, but the 15th century St. Marien Church, with its astronomical clock, is Rostocks true focal point. From Warnemunde-Rostock, your cruise tour takes you to the magnificent 700-year-old brick cathedral of Bad Doberan is only 10 miles away. Railway buffs will love the antique railway that runs from there to the beach resort of Heiligendamm, which is 30 minutes steaming away – through landscapes of charming villages, coastal scenes and the beautiful Doberan Linden Alley. View typical shore excursions for this port |
| RigaShow more | Latvia | |
 About Riga Latvia’s capital and cruise port Riga dates back to the 1100’s, and its long-suffering inhabitants have endured long periods of occupation ever since, controlled by the Swedes, the Poles and most recently the Russians. Now they have regained independence, they are embracing western culture with enthusiasm and cruise visitors to Riga will find the city full of excellent restaurants, lively bars and Internet cafés, while its historic heart has remained unchanged for centuries. When taking one of our Riga cruises, a stroll through the narrow streets of its walled Old City is a must; take time to view the magnificent organ and medieval wall mountings of the Dome Cathedral. Shop for fabulous amber jewellery, fine linen and beautifully made wooden toys at the shops and street markets and look out for the city’s Freedom Monument, which depicts Milda, the spirit of Riga, reaching for the stars. Riga cruise highlights also include the War Museum, housed in a well-preserved 18th century defence tower, where you can learn more about the country’s troubled past at.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| KristiansandShow more | Norway | |
About Kristiansand Norways most southerly city and cruise port Kristiansand is also its sunniest. Kristiansand cruises offer beaches, superb scenery, fascinating history and range of attractions, all which makes Kristiansand cruises a big hit as well as being the most popular holiday spot for Norwegians. Cruises to Kristiansand bring visitors into a renaissance city founded in 1641, with the history laid out in one of Norways largest open-air museums - Vest Agder. It is also apparent in the 17th century Christiansholm Fortress and the rows of attractive old wooden houses in the city centre. After visiting Kristiansand, your cruise tour will take you just outside the city to explore the 960-year-old Oddernes Church and the Kristiansand Cannon Museum, with the world’s second largest gun. Other tours take in a recreated Bronze Age settlement with its own fertility maze and the Setesdalsbanen Vintage Steam Railway.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| OsloShow more | Norway | |
 About Oslo Ships sail along the tranquil Nordfjord to reach the Norwegian cruise port and capital Oslo; a spectacular city surrounded by snow-capped mountains and rolling green hills, it was founded in 1050 and has been Norway’s capital since the end of the 11th century. The modern city, an eclectic mix of ancient castles, frescoed 18th century houses, vast parks and glittering lakes, is a delight. Oslo cruise must-sees include the Viking House Museum with its display of 9th century longboats, the Munch-museet, which houses works by Edvard Munch, and the medieval Akershus Castle - a warren of secret passages, crypts, dungeons and magnificent halls. Cruises to Oslo will also give you the opportunity to enjoy the traditional Norwegian cuisine. Near the castle, in Aker Brygge, you will find some of Norway’s best restaurants serving classic dishes like fiskesuppe (fish soup), fenalar (cured leg of mutton) and multer med krem (cloudberries with cream). With such a variety of activities available for Oslo cruises make some time too for a stroll through verdant Frogner Park, home to more than 190 masterpieces by the famous sculptor Gustav Vigeland.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| GdanskShow more | Poland | |
 About Gdansk The Polish city and increasingly popular Baltic cruise port Gdynia is only 80 years old but some of its churches and palaces date back as far as the 13th Century. The main Kocluszki Square is the hub, with many open-air concerts, festivals and other events taking place there during the summer. Gdansk cruises most popular shore excursion takes you to majestic Malbork, Europe’s largest Gothic fortress and the former seat of the Order of the Teutonic Knights. But the jewel in this regions crown is undoubtedly the former Hanseatic city of Gdansk (once Danzig). This cruise destination also found more recent fame as the birthplace of the Polish freedom movement, Solidarity. For those Gdansk cruise passengers who want to spend a few hours ashore, the pedestrianised Old Town centre is a wonderful place to wander, shop or enjoy a coffee before exploring its many historic sights, of which the 13th Century Gothic Oliwa Cathedral with its fabulous rococco organs is probably the pick.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| St PetersburgShow more | Russia | |
 About St. Petersburg On cruises to St. Petersburg you will usually stay here overnight; after all the jewel in the Baltic’s crown deserves no less, for here – on the broad banks of the River Neva and in the magnificent palaces and churches which characterise the city’s skyline - you will find Russia at its most dramatic, flamboyant and captivating. Put the Hermitage Museum right at the top of your St. Petersburg cruise sightseeing list; its magnificent buildings and palaces contain the world’s most comprehensive collection of art and sculpture, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Gaugin, Rembrandt and Matisse. Other highlights of all St. Petersburg cruises include the Yusupov Palace (where ‘the mad monk’ Gregori Rasputin was dramatically murdered in 1916); Catherine the Great’s palace (with its breathtaking 978-foot white, gold and blue façade); St Isaac’s Cathedral (which has marble walls studded with semi-precious stones); the onion-spired Church of Spilled Blood and the battleship Aurora, whose guns signalled the start of the Russian Revolution.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| GothenburgShow more | Sweden | |
 About Gothenburg The approach to Gothenburg’s cruise port is the perfect introduction to this large, bustling, but very friendly Swedish city. Embark on a cruise to Gothenburg and you will sail through a beautiful archipelago of small islands and past sleepy old fishing villages along the mainland coast. Your first impression of the city will be that it is so very green - there are parks and gardens galore including some extraordinarily colourful botanical ones full of rare orchids, roses and butterflies. While enjoying your Gothenburg cruise take the opportunity to visit the Liseborg Amusement Park which has some eye-popping theme park rides but it is also beautifully landscaped with flowers and plants. For shopping enthusiasts, Gothenburg cruises offer a diverse collection of retails stores and venues to enhance their shopping experience. In the city centre, there are all the latest designer stores and an array of cafés and restaurants in or around the main street: the Avenue. Elsewhere in the city, Nordstan is Scandinavias largest shopping centre. And don’t forget to also look out for the impressive Opera House and Maritime Centre. View typical shore excursions for this port |
| StockholmShow more | Sweden | |
 About Stockholm One of the most beautiful cities in Scandinavia, Sweden’s capital and cruise port Stockholm – where the Baltic meets lovely Lake Malaren - is approached through a necklace of 14 islands and myriad small islets set in sparkling seas, as you will discover on our Stockholm cruises. The heart of this famous city is its medieval quarter, Gamla Stan, which dates from the 13th Century. Here you can stroll through narrow cobbled streets lined with quirky shops and atmospheric cafés. Embark on one of our cruises to Stockholm for the opportunity to explore the spooky Gothic cathedral of Storkyran, discover the elaborate 17th Century Nessin Palace and visit Sweden’s oldest museum, the Livrustkammaren – home to five centuries’ worth of royal carriages, clothes and weaponry (its most unusual exhibit is Streiff - the stuffed stallion which once carried King Gustav II into battle). With the variety of attractions Stockholm cruise tours take in, don’t dally too long, though - make time to explore the city’s many waterways in a glass-topped sightseeing boat, which will give you the best views of Stockholm’s dazzling architecture and some of the 40 elaborate bridges which link its islands.View typical shore excursions for this port |
| VisbyShow more | Sweden | |
 About Visby A small but perfectly formed Hanseatic town, no wonder Visby is described as the ‘Pearl of the Baltic’ or, even more evocatively, as the ‘town of roses and ruins’. This popular Swedish cruise port on the west coast of the Baltics largest island, Gotland, was once a Viking trading post but it later developed into the Baltics main Hanseatic centre between the 12th and 14th centuries. Embark on one of our cruises to Visby and you will discover more than 200 warehouses and wealthy merchants stone dwellings from that time remain within its two-mile long medieval walls, making it the best-preserved fortified commercial settlement in northern Europe and earning it World Heritage site status. From here, your Visby cruise tour will take you on a stroll through rose-scented alleyways to the lovely Botanical Gardens. Visby bring cruises here a mixture of ancient and modern, with plenty of lively cafés and interesting shops to go with the living history and fascinating selection of museums.View typical shore excursions for this port |