Baltic Cruises
Baltic cruises offer a fantastic variety of experiences, with historic city tours, unique cuisines, and rich cultures available in abundance alongside stunning scenery and architecture. With Baltic cruises from Southampton and other UK ports also available, enjoying a Scandinavian countries cruise has never been easier!
Baltic Cruise Deals
Cruise lines Sailing to Baltic
Embarking on cruises to Scandinavia and Baltic Sea cruises, you’ll find yourself with an impressive variety of experiences available, thanks to the wide range of cruise lines sailing to this remarkable region. From budget-friendly options and cruise lines that focus on family-friendly experiences available alongside adult-only cruise lines and luxury sailings, you’re certain to find an itinerary to suit your preferences and needs.
Cruise ships sailing to Baltic
With such a rich selection of cruise lines sailing to Scandinavia and offering exciting Baltic cruises, you’ll find an equally-impressive selection of cruise ships to choose from when it comes to booking your adventure. Whether you’re hoping to sail on a larger cruise ship with an abundance of eateries and entertainment options onboard, or a smaller luxury vessel with a more sophisticated atmosphere, you’ll have a wonderful wealth of options to choose from when it comes to booking a Nordic cruise.
Types of cruises to Baltic
Baltic cruises, from the UK and fly cruises, are a popular option among holidaymakers, and the many cruise lines offering cruises to the Baltic have made sure that you’ll find a variety of cruise types to choose from. So, when it comes to booking a cruise to Scandinavia, you’ll find budget-friendly and family-friendly options alongside short breaks, all-inclusives, and luxury sailings. Whatever you’re after, everyone has the chance to find the perfect cruise package for them.
Famed for offering stunning architecture, enriching medieval museums and art galleries, sensational cuisine, and so much more, a Baltic cruise is a fantastic way to visit this striking region of the world – and, it’s often overlooked when it comes to choosing destinations for a European holiday.
With sailings from the UK making this a fantastic stress-free cruise option, you’ll find the itineraries available also offer you the opportunity to cruise through the Norwegian fjords – an equally fantastic destination when it comes to breathtaking natural scenery and unique cultural experiences.
When to go on a Baltic Cruise
While the summer months are the prime time to cruise the Baltics, the season runs from late April to mid-September. Although it's likely to be chillier if you choose to cruise early or late in the season, you are more likely to find cheap fares and be able to escape the crowds (and don’t forget to look for last-minute deals!).
For more guidance on sailing the Baltic, check out our blog on packing for different climates here.
Baltic Food and Drink
There's no better way to taste just what the Baltics have to offer in terms of eating and drinking than during your Baltic sea cruise. Visiting a variety of destinations, you'll get to sample some of the specialties which come from this part of the world.
Taking inspiration from Slavic cuisine, many of the dishes you try will include lots of delicious cuts of meat, accompanied by creamy dairy products to make your mouth water. Delicacies in these regions include blood sausage, sauerkraut, fried herring and all the rye bread you could ask for.
If your cruise takes you towards Scandinavia, you can expect meals that include lots of fresh fish and seafood caught locally and cooked almost immediately. In addition, those with a sweet tooth will be delighted by the array of pastries, jams and desserts that form part of the national diet.
What to do on a Baltic Cruise
During your Baltic cruises, you'll be able to take in the best of Scandinavia and the countries surrounding the Baltic sea, visiting the fascinating cities of Copenhagen, Oslo, Helsinki, Tallinn and Stockholm. In each of these ports of call you'll have the opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of each country. Whether this involves taking part in a guided tour of the old town, visiting local markets or getting stuck into the regional delicacies, on a Baltic cruise you'll experience the Baltics like never before!
Top Baltic Cruise Destinations and Shore Excursions
A Baltic capital cruise is the best way to see many of Europe's most celebrated cities such as Copenhagen, Stockholm, Tallinn and Riga all in one trip.
Baltic cruises to Estonia
Enjoy a fascinating insight into this historic country by taking a shore excursion in Estonia. Legend has it that the capital city of Tallinn was founded by an exiled Danish princess who successfully defended the city against all who tried to overthrow her. Nowadays visitors to the city can marvel at the magnificent domed Russian Orthodox Cathedral, the fascinating Kiek in de Kok watchtower, so called for having a sneaky view into peoples homes, and the fabulously bustling cafe-lined Town Hall Square.
Baltic cruises to Sweden
Dock in Sweden's delightful city of Stockholm and wander around the maze of islands, exploring the stunning architecture and the fashionable cafes and shops. Alternatively, stop off in Gothenburg, to the West of Sweden, and visit its quieter streets for a truly "Swedish" experience against the delightful backdrop of canals and parks.
Baltic cruises to Finland
Helsinki stands proudly against its seascape positioning and is one of the most interesting stop offs on your journey. This cosmopolitan capital city plays host to many lively bistros and trendy eateries, and has more more historic culture than you'll have time to take in. Before you leave, be sure to visit the Russian-influenced Cathedral on Senate Square, as well as the fortress of Suomenlinna.
Baltic cruises to Denmark
Visit the beautiful city of Copenhagen as you stop off in Denmark and see the statue of the "Little Mermaid", glimmering on her rock, a tribute to Hans Christian Andersen's popular fairytale. This fabulous, lively city is an absolute must while on your Baltic cruise. The restaurant and bar-lined streets are simply oozing with personality and just waiting to be uncovered, while the colourful harbour lined with quirky buildings is the perfect photo opportunity!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to visit the Baltics now?
Yes. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania remain safe, popular destinations with no current FCDO advisory against travel, though it's worth checking the latest guidance given their border with Russia.
What Baltic cruises are available from the UK?
Fly-cruise itineraries from Copenhagen or Stockholm are the most common way to book a Baltic cruise from the UK, with a small number of direct Southampton departures also available.
Are there great white sharks in the Baltic sea?
No. The Baltic Sea is too cold and low in salinity for great white sharks, which are not found there.
What are the best Baltic cruise ports?
Copenhagen, Stockholm, Tallinn and Helsinki are consistently rated the best ports of call on a Baltic cruise.
Which cruise lines offer no-fly Baltic cruises from the UK?
Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises and Silversea all run no-fly Baltic round trips from Southampton or Dover.
Is the Baltic sea ever warm?
It stays cool even in summer, with sea temperatures rarely rising above the high teens Celsius. Coastal cities still get pleasantly warm air temperatures.
What is the average cost of a Baltic cruise?
A 9 to 14-night Baltic cruise starts from around £1,300 to £2,200 per person, rising well beyond that for luxury small-ship sailings.
What currency do you need for a Baltic cruise?
You'll cross several currency zones, including euros, Danish kroner and Swedish krona. Cards are widely accepted, even for small purchases.
How long is a typical Baltic cruise?
9 to 14 nights for a mainstream round trip, with longer luxury itineraries running 24 nights or more.
Which cruise line is best for Baltic?
Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and Holland America Line all run well-established Baltic itineraries, alongside luxury lines such as Oceania and Silversea.
What is the best time to cruise the Baltic?
June to August, for the warmest weather and longest daylight hours across Scandinavia and the Baltic states.
Why are cruise lines cancelling Baltic cruises?
Cruise lines dropped St Petersburg, Russia, from Baltic itineraries following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and it hasn't returned since. Baltic cruises themselves continue to run normally, just without that stop.
Is the Baltic sea rough for cruising?
Generally calm, as it's a sheltered, relatively shallow sea. Conditions can be choppier in early spring or late autumn.
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