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Baltic Sea & Scandinavia Cruises

A Scandinavia cruise delivers romantic scenery and a kaleidoscope of cultures. Experience more with our thoughtfully crafted Scandinavia & Baltic Sea cruise itineraries and overland tours. From Berlin’s monuments to Copenhagen’s castles, and every shining jewel in-between, our cruises show off the best of Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea.

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Explore Baltic & Scandanavia Destinations

Breathtaking fjords, picturesque islands, and dramatic coastal cliffs –stunning landscapes await you in Norway.

Admire high-quality design and architecture and discover the boundless opportunities for aquatic adventures like fishing and birdwatching waiting for you in Denmark.

No visit to Iceland is complete without exploring its breathtaking waterfalls, tranquil hot springs, and otherworldly lava fields.

Make the Most of Your European Cruise Vacation

Peruse our convenient Europe departure ports. Whether you’re interested in a 7-day cruise or a long voyage, your dream port is where the adventure starts.

Cruises from Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Cruises from Reykjavik, Iceland

Cruises From Copenhagen, Denmark

Cruises from Rotterdam, the Netherlands

Featured scandanivia & baltic sea cruise ports.

Berlin, Germany

Take in an intriguing, vibrant city with moving memorials of its history and contemporary galleries and boutiques.

Stockholm, Sweden

Bask in midnight sunshine during summer months and discover a vibrant capital stretched across fourteen islands.

Tallinn, Estonia

Find cobbled streetscapes and medieval churches converged seamlessly with a thriving modern tech culture.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Explore Dutch Renaissance castles, colorful shops, and eateries in this lively capital and home of Hans Christian Anderson.

Helsinki, Finland

Immerse yourself in a distinct arts and music scene, sumptuous saunas, and a UNESCO fortress on a gorgeous waterfront.

Featured Baltic & Scandanavia Cruises Shore Excursions

Excursions to incredible landscapes, stunning architecture, and culture-rich museums await on your Baltic Sea & Scandinavia cruise. Cruise the majestic fjords of Scandinavia or admire the awe-inspiring beauty of North Cape bathed in the glow of the midnight sun. Take a private tour of Berlin’s famous sights. Enjoy an evening of culture with an Estonian folk-dance performance. Explore the incredible Palaces of Copenhagen. It’s all here. 

Castles of North Zealand

Old Town & City Hall

Mt Dalsnibba & The Eagle Road

Baltic sea and scandinavia travel tips.

Find out what to experience on your Baltic Sea and Scandinavia cruise. Check out insider tips and recommendations for things to see and do, and every Baltic gem in between.

Best Time To Visit Iceland

While Iceland is incredible any time of year, the best time to visit depends on what you want to experience.

Packing List for Europe

Check out our best tips when packing for a Northern European cruise so you can comfortably move through dreamscapes with ease and feel prepared for any adventure.

Best Fjords in Norway

Discover our top 5 picks for the best fjords in Norway—and what makes each one unique.

Europe Cruise Onboard Experience

Travel to Europe’s most fascinating destinations on perfectly sized cruise ships offering unmatched service and an award-winning onboard experience. Enjoy entertainment for every preference and the best live music at sea. 

Onboard Entertainment

Dining Experiences

Onboard activities, northern europe vacation packages and add-ons.

Add flights and hotels before or after your cruise (or both!). Arrange ground transportation to create a custom cruise package.

Find Flights To Europe

Book flights that depart and arrive in time for your Europe cruise with Holland America Line Flight Ease®. Find low prices, loads of options, and enjoy flexibility and support should plans change.

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Extend your trip by a few days. Add a hotel package to your Europe cruise and indulge in a comfortable, convenient overnight before or after your cruise.

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We make it easy to schedule transfers between the airport and cruise ship. Arrange ground transportation ahead of time and breeze to and from your cruise.

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Royal palaces, colossal cathedrals, lavish historic centres: the major cities around the Baltic Sea showcase the region's rich past, during which empires and royalty demonstrated their power. They remain fantastic landmarks thanks to their huge size and stunning decor, co-existing alongside calm modern life in urban centres - which makes for lovely walks. 

All about cruises Baltic Sea Our other destinations

Ocean Voyage: Bergen-Helsinki

• Last staterooms

Scandinavian Wonderland & Christmas Markets

Christmas Magic with Renaud Capuçon

Musical New Year in the Gulf of Bothnia

Historic Cities of the Baltic Sea

Cultural treasures and Scandinavian panoramas

Islands and cities, from the North Sea to the Baltic

A World Affairs Cruise in the Baltic

The Baltic Sea in partnership with the Paris Opera Ballet

Cruising the Historic Cities of the Baltic Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys

Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.

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Must-Sees - Baltic Sea

A Baltic Sea cruise taking in Russia, the Baltic states and Scandinavia provides an opportunity to go back in time to a Europe where royal and imperial families reigned over regions brimming with culture. This historical heritage can still be seen in all the area's major cities.

The Essentials - Baltic Sea

Before setting off on a Baltic Sea cruise , discover some of the cultural traits of this region, with its blend of both Nordic and Slavic influences. Historic city centres and modern architecture, peaceful countryside and an ultra-connected society: tradition and modernity standing side-by-side.

Explore Baltic Sea

Walk around Stockholm's old town - Sweden

Located on Gamla Stan island by the water, Stockholm's old town is made up of typical narrow paved alleyways and buildings. This is the place people come to gauge the pulse of a stunning city as well as to visit its oldest cathedral and, of course, the royal palace . Although you can't go into all the 608 rooms this impressive building contains, you will still be charmed by the royal apartments in Baroque and Rococo style. Nearby, City Hall watches over the Swedish capital like a lighthouse. Each year, it hosts the banquet put on for the Nobel Prize ceremony.

Take in Tallinn's medieval ambiance - Estonia

The Estonian capital is a lovely size and has managed to preserve its remarkable medieval centre . The upper town is also nice to visit with its watchtowers, squares and paved alleyways with old arches and its superb Russian Orthodox church dating from 1900. To continue enjoying your immersion in Tallinn 's past, there's nothing better than an Estonian folk performance.

Marvel at Saint Petersburg, "the Venice of the North" - Russia

Saint Petersburg is nicknamed the " Venice of the North " thanks to its many canals. One of the best ways to see the city's numerous palaces and castles (Stroganov, Anitchkov, etc.) that showcase its prosperity in past centuries is to go for a panoramic boat ride. Once back on land, the magic continues with visits to various unmissable landmarks like the splendid Yusupov Palace , St Isaac's Cathedral and the iconic Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood .

Wander around the galleries at the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg - Russia

The architecture of the Hermitage building — one of the biggest museums in the world — is itself exceptional. From the outside, the green, white and gold facade, the columns and the huge pediments set the tone. Enter the buildings (Hermitage Theatre, Small Hermitage, Large Hermitage, New Hermitage, Winter Palace and General Staff Building) to find yourself in the lap of luxury, surrounded by magnificent decor. With huge staircases, colonnades, floors decked out in marble or sumptuous parquet, walls decorated with mouldings, gilding, mosaics, bas-reliefs, other paintings and more, almost 1,000 rooms are open to the public covering 66,000 square metres and showcasing over 60,000 works selected from the museum's 3-million-strong collection.

Treat yourself to a tour through Finland's rural past

Although the Finnish capital offers plenty of charms, you can also take a more unusual trip to Seurasaari Island a few kilometres from the city centre. The ethnologist Axel Olai Heikel chose this green area as the site for no fewer than 85 buildings (houses, farms, windmill, cafe and shop). Gathered from all over the country, put back up on the island and authentically decorated, these buildings provide an insight into everyday Finnish life between the 12th century and the start of the 20th century.

Explore Riga on land and on the canals - Latvia

Take a guided boat tour on the Daugava River snaking through Riga to get an initial impression of the city, its tower-filled historic centre, its castle, its landmarks and its parks. If you want more from your visit to the Latvian capital, there's nothing better than walking around the city centre next. Riga Cathedral is worth a detour with its impressive 6,700-pipe organ. In Town Hall Square, St Peter's Church with its bell tower and the House of the Blackheads are worth a visit.

Wander round Copenhagen - Denmark

The best-known thing about Copenhagen tends to be its iconic little mermaid statue. Yet, the Danish capital often surprises visitors. There are lovely walks to be had through the pedestrian city-centre streets with their designer boutiques, art galleries, cafes and tea rooms. The solemn royal Amalienborg Palace , the jubilant Tivoli Gardens and the quiet Nyhavn waterfront confirm that Copenhagen is a multi-faceted and lively city that makes a great stopover destination.

Dos. In the Baltic countries, whether it's Estonia, Lithuania or Latvia, people represent numbers using only the fingers and not the thumb. "One" is indicated with the index finger, "two" with the middle finger, etc. Don'ts. In Russia and the Baltic countries, shaking hands with one person on one side of a porch and the other person on the other side is said to bring bad luck, as does the act of remaining standing in a doorway. Both parties must be on the same side of the entrance when greeting each other. In Finland, people never interrupt each other: each person speaks in turn.

Unique features

Along the Baltic coast, whether in Russia, Finland or the Baltic countries, ice bathing is a strongly anchored tradition. Hailed for its beneficial effects on blood circulation and in strengthening the immune system, it's an activity that has to be prepared for properly. In Russia, those who take part in the practice are nicknamed morji (walruses).

Essential phrases

Inhabitants of the Nordic countries, from Canada to Finland, are particularly fond of a small berry that grows in peat bogs close to marshes, especially in Lapland: the cloudberry , or lakka . These small yellow fruits picked in summer and rich in vitamin C are preserved for winter and used to make delicious tarts, jams, cordials and liqueurs.

Myths & legends

Amber , treasure of the Baltic Sea, has inspired many legends. According to traditional stories and tales, these translucent pearls of pine resin symbolise the tears of Jūratė, goddess of the mermaids and fiancée of Potrimpo, god of the sea, and the shards of her underwater amber palace. The goddess incurred the wrath of the gods by falling for the charms of the brave fisherman Kastytis, and to punish her, Perkūnas, the god of thunder and the sky, killed her lover and struck down her palace and Potrimpo chained her to the ruins forever.

In the spotlight

Estonia is one of the most digitally cutting edge countries in the world and also the birthplace of Skype. It even sometimes referred to as E-stonia , which is the nickname that's been given to this little nation that has become a paradise for startups . Having e-resident status in Estonia allows digital entrepreneurs from anywhere in the world to domicile their companies in the country and enjoy the benefits of both an advantageous tax system and access to the European market, all managed remotely. With the exception of marriages, divorces and property purchases, all administrative processes in the country are carried out online and more than 90 percent of the population have electronic ID cards.

Books. In The Man Who Spoke Snakish (Grove Press Atlantic, 2015), winner of the French prix de l'imaginaire 2014 in the foreign novel category, the Estonian author Andrus Kivirähk evokes the world of the ancestors and casts a discerning eye over the present by immersing the reader in a phantasmagorical universe populated with mythical creatures and featuring dialogues between humans and animals.

Music. The kantele , a kind of traditional five-stringed zither and a national symbol in Finland, though it's also found in Russia and the Baltic countries too, was once used to accompany both the songs of bards and poets and traditional folk dancing. The delicate sounds of this sacred instrument served to intensify the romanticism of the national narrative in the 19th century and at the beginning of the 20th century. The repertoire associated with it has broadened and expanded since its introduction into the school and conservatory curriculums in the 1970s and 80s.

Film. Actor, director and producer Aki Kaurismäki is one of the iconic figures of European arthouse cinema. Influenced by the French New Wave and cinema burlesque, this Finnish artist uses depictions of marginalised or quirky and off-the-wall characters in his films to paint a poetic and melancholic picture of fragile societies. He has shot several films in France, including La Vie de Bohème (1992) and Le Havre (2011). The Man Without a Past (2002) and The Other Side of Hope (2017) were respectively awarded a Grand Prix at Cannes and a Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival.

Facts and figures

The 24th of June (Saint John's Day) is a special date in the calendar in all the Nordic countries. It is a date on which people celebrate the return of the sun, which stays shining in the sky till midnight at this time of year. It's also an occasion for lighting bonfires and partying long into the night. The shortest nights of the year occur between the 11th June and the beginning of July.

More destinations in Northern Europe & Scandinavia

Norwegian fjords, ireland, scotland and england.

• Aalborg (Denmark)
• Aberdeen, Scotland (United Kingdom)
• Arendal (Norway)
• At sea aboard Le Commandant Charcot
• Bergen (Norway)
• Copenhagen (Denmark)
• Egersund (Norway)
• Fredrikstad (Norway)
• Gdansk (Poland)
• Gudhjem, Bornholm (Denmark)
• Göteborg (Gothenburg) (Sweden)
• Helsingborg (Sweden)
• Helsinki (Finland)
• Kalmar (Sweden)
• Karlskrona (Sweden)
• Kemi (Finland)
• Kirkwall, Orkney (United Kingdom)
• Klaipeda (Lithuania)
• Lulea (Sweden)
• Marstrand (Sweden)
• Oslo (Norway)
• Oulu (Finland)
• Rauma (Finland)
• Riga (Latvia)
• Rosyth (Edinburgh), Scotland (United Kingdom)
• Saaremaa (Estonia)
• Stockholm (Sweden)
• Tallinn (Estonia)
• Visby, Gotland (Sweden)

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Baltic Sea Luxury Cruises

Stockholm. copenhagen. helsinki. tallinn … these fab five trip off the tongue like a who’s who of baltic beauty..

Think cobbled streets filled with jumbles of bicycles, ornate palaces that date back centuries and untamed beauty as far as the eye can see. Think long white nights that spill into languid summer days. Think melting pot: equal parts language, gastronomy, tradition and diversity. But more than anything, think of a region where the countries may be close but the cultures a miles apart. Whether you want cathedrals or countryside, our Baltic sea cruises will captivate you.

DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS

Why Silversea?

Intimate Ships

We proudly sail against the tide. While other companies are building bigger and bigger cruise ships, we keep our ships small. Why? So that when you travel on your luxury Baltic sea cruise, you can reach the tiny, off-the-beaten-track ports that larger ships cannot reach. So that when you are on board, you can mingle with like-minded guests and so that new faces become old friends. So that when you travel with us, you feel part of our family. That’s why.

Luxury Oceanview Suites

A Baltic sea luxury cruise is a chance to indulge yourself. And our ocean view suites do just that! A spacious veranda for al fresco dining, a huge interactive media library, different mattress and pillow options, choice of bath products … the list goes on and on (it’s a very long list!). From the urban hub of Copenhagen to the pretty port of Tallinn, wake up to splendid ocean view, ready for your next day’s adventure.

Personalised Service

Every Silversea suite comes with a personal butler to make your Baltic sea cruise with us effortless. To serve you an alfresco dinner on your private veranda as you gaze at Tallinn’s receding shores. To ensure that your suite is immaculate, to pack (and unpack) your luggage

All-Inclusive Cruises

Our intimate ships offer the best onboard experience there is, with nothing to add at the end of the journey. Yes, that’s right, no gratuities, no drinks bill, no transportation into town costs, no gym class extras … coupled with our perfect personal service, there is literally no better way to sail.

Gourmet Cuisine

Every country has its own cuisine and what better way to experience the diversity of a region often overlook in gastronomy terms than to taste it! In a region that is so incredibly eclectic, a Baltic sea cruise is the perfect opportunity for you to discover the soft cheeses flavoured with caraway seeds of Estonia, the locally brewed beers of Denmark. Wash it all down with a glass of vodka and your immersion into the culture is complete.

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Do you want to get to know as many European countries as possible and discover Scandinavian cultures? Then a Baltic Sea cruise is for you! Start your cruise from Kiel, Warnemünde or Copenhagen and discover by ship the beautiful Baltic destinations of Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn and St. Petersburg. Follow in the footsteps of history in the Baltic Sea and discover the pearls of the Baltic Sea along with its historic old towns during an exciting Baltic Sea cruise.

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Itinerary: Copenhagen, Oslo, Warnemünde, Gdynia, Klaipeda, Riga, Tallinn, Helsinki, Stockholm

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Baltic Sea Cruise: St. Petersburg & Baltic States 

The arrival in the Danish city of Copenhagen shows just how special the city is. Built on two islands, Copenhagen houses the popular Rococo district Frederiksstaden . Here you can also visit Amalienborg Palace, the seat of the Danish royal family. Close to the main train station you can reach the Tivoli, a recreational and amusement park with colourful flower beds and fountains. --> Copenhagen cruises

In Stockholm you’ll find the Royal Castle Drottningholm , where the royal family resides. Just outside the city, on picturesque Lake Mälaren, is Gripsholm Castle, which was once the home of Kurt Tucholsky in one of his stories. If you want to give your children an encounter with the heroes of their childhood, visit Junibacken, the Astrid Lindgren Museum, where Pippi Longstocking is located. --> Stockholm cruises

Finland's capital Helsinki lies on the Gulf of Finland. Upstream are more than 80 islands and small islets, which provide a unique atmosphere at the harbour entrance. As you walk through the neighbourhoods, you can see that each district has its own charm. Do not miss the Suomenlinna Fortress , perched on the coast and accessible by ferry. More than 80 hectares is the Gibraltar of the North , as the fortress is also called. In the Visitor Centre you will find details about the construction and use of more than 200 buildings. With a kayak you can head to the offshore islands for peace and quiet. --> Helsinki cruises

Not far from the Finnish capital you can reach Eastern European waters as your ship arrives in Tallinn . The capital of Estonia is also the cultural centre of the country. Stroll through the thick city walls to the cobblestone old town with its shops and cafes. Here you can also climb the defense tower Kiek in de Kök , which was preserved from the 15th century.

Further East, on your Baltic Cruise, you will reach one of the most famous Russian cities, St. Petersburg , the former Leningrad. If you are in the city, there is no way past the world famous Hermitage and its artworks. In the Katharinenpalast, dedicated to the former Tsarina Catherine the Great, the amber room will take your breath away. But even if you just stroll through the city, you will feel the special flair of this Russian cultural capital, which owes its name to the city founder Peter the Great. Thanks to its countless bridges, St. Petersburg is also known beyond its city limits as the Venice of the North . --> St. Petersburg cruises

Popular cruise lines for Baltic Sea cruises

The following cruise lines offer the largest range of cruises in the Baltic Sea:

• MSC cruises

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• River Cruises
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• Wildlife Viewing
• Archaeological Site Visits
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Scandinavian Wonderland & Christmas Markets

• Taste graavilohi, a local delight
• Warm up with hot glögg mulled wine
• Discover Visby's Viking history
• Experience Gdansk's Hanseatic charm

Cruising the Historic Cities of the Baltic Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys

• Explore Helsinki's vibrant streets
• Traverse Tallinn's UNESCO Old Town
• Discover Visby's medieval allure
• Uncover Gdansk's poignant history

Islands and Cities, from the North Sea to the Baltic

• Visit the National Gallery in Oslo
• Visit canal networks and palaces
• See the architecture of Tallinn
• Visit the Royal Palace in Stockholm

From Berlin to Copenhagen: The Baltic Sea and the Oder and Havel Rivers

• Visit the monastery of Chorin
• Explore the Island of Usedom
• Cruise to the medieval Stralsund
• Discover rivers of northern Europe

Ancient Traditions & Norwegian Fjords

• Encounter Sami people
• Explore the Lofoten archipelago
• Visit Geiranger
• Traverse the Eagle Road

Top Baltic Sea Travel Destinations

Top experiences in baltic sea.

• Baltic Sea Cruises (10)
• Baltic Sea Cultural (7)
• Baltic Sea Small Ship Cruises (6)

Baltic Sea Trips by Activity

• Baltic Sea village visits (6)
• Baltic Sea local market visits (5)
• Baltic Sea archaeological site visits (4)

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Shore Excursions

Amsterdam, netherlands.

The Dutch capital is one of Europe’s best-preserved cities – with 60 miles of canals and nearly 7,000 buildings dating from the 18th century or earlier. A good way to see the narrow shop houses is on a canal cruise. Consider a canal tour that includes the poignant Anne Frank House on the Prinsengracht Canal. Amsterdam is an art lover’s city with over 70 museums, the best known being the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, considered a national treasure for its collection of masterworks by Rembrandt, Vermeer and others. Don’t miss a trip to Zaanse Schans, a picturesque village of windmills, factories and workshops giving a glimpse of what it was like to live in the Netherlands in the 18th and 19th centuries.  

4 matching cruises

Baltic vs. Mediterranean cruises: Which European itinerary should you choose?

Europe has so much to offer by cruise ship that it can be a challenge to decide where to start. Should you choose a Baltic cruise versus a Mediterranean cruise for your sailing abroad? How do you decide?

A Mediterranean cruise is often the first dip into European waters many travelers take. It's an easy choice because there are many options, including cruises to France, Spain and Italy on familiar big-ship cruise lines with reasonable prices and relatively easy flights. Mix ancient sightseeing and culinary sampling with a dash of beach time, all while surrounded by stunning blue seas, and you've got the essence of a summer cruise in the Med.

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Baltic cruises are not about beach time, and most of the historical sights are anything but ancient. What you'll find instead is incredible architecture, garden tours and deep dives into modern European history, as well as access to everything offered in some of Europe's most vibrant cities in Germany, Sweden, Finland and Denmark. As with the Mediterranean, the region is rich with foods and beverages to taste. Think Danish pastries, German beer and Swedish meatballs.

Let's look at what each of these two distinct European cruise choices offers to help you decide which one you'd like more.

Mediterranean vs. Baltic on the map

The Mediterranean Sea lies south of Europe, and though it's connected to the Atlantic Ocean, it is almost entirely enclosed by the European, African and Asian continents. It comprises 11 smaller seas, which can confuse things when you shop for cruises; itineraries are sometimes labeled according to the smaller sea. In general, though, any ocean cruise with ports in Spain, France, Italy, Monaco, Greece or Turkey are Mediterranean cruises.

Eight northern European Union countries and Russia surround the Baltic Sea. It connects to the Atlantic via the North Sea at Denmark. Baltic cruises, particularly the longest itineraries, may begin or end outside the Baltic Sea itself, adding bonus countries to the itinerary. Countries most Baltic cruises visit include Denmark, Germany, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, plus Sweden and Finland. Longer cruises might also include Norway and United Kingdom countries outside the Baltic Sea.

Cruise itineraries

Mediterranean cruise itineraries generally are seven nights or longer. Peak season is summer, but it's possible to find Mediterranean cruises during every month of the year. Summer daytime temperatures average around 80 degrees Fahrenheit but can spike well into the 90s in July and August in some locations. Spring and fall cruises in the Med have more moderate weather.

You'll find a wide range of choices of departure ports and countries your ship will visit. The most flexible departure ports in terms of what direction the cruise will take you are Barcelona, Rome (Civitavecchia) and Athens (Piraeus) — all of which serve as departure or return ports for cruises in all directions across the Mediterranean.

Depart from Venice (Ravenna or Trieste) to sail to destinations along the Adriatic; in addition to Italy, your itinerary may include Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro and Greece.

Because there are so many ports in the Mediterranean, sea days are generally limited to one per weeklong sailing, and many itineraries lack sea days entirely.

Related: Best Mediterranean cruises for every type of traveler

One-way itineraries that depart from one port and end in another are common in the Mediterranean, allowing your cruise to visit more ports in more countries than you might on a round-trip route. This can, however, complicate flight plans and may make flights more expensive than round-trip fares — something to pay attention to as you shop for your cruise.

The bonus of these one-way routes is that they are easily combined into longer cruises. A cruise that starts in Barcelona and ends in Athens can be combined with a second cruise from Athens to Istanbul or back to Barcelona. Some lines — such as Viking , Holland America , Princess , Windstar and Oceania — pre-package multiple one-way cruises to make the planning easy. On other lines, like Azamara , Royal Caribbean and Norwegian , you can book two (or more) cruises back-to-back to create your own extended voyage.

Lines that primarily offer round-trip cruises in the Mediterranean include Virgin Voyages , Celebrity and Carnival . Disney Cruise Line also offers round-trip itineraries, including some of the shortest cruises in the Med, with four- and five-night sailings during the line's brief season there each summer.

Cruisers who count continents can check off three big ones with a carefully planned extended cruise in the region. One way to add Asia to your list is to spend time in Istanbul on both sides of the Bosphorus River, as it's the dividing line between the continents. Alternatively, the Turkish ports of Kusadasi, Bodrum and Izmir are among those commonly visited in Asia.

Finding a Mediterranean itinerary that visits Africa can be a bit more challenging, but the ports to look for include Alexandria, Egypt; Casablanca, Morocco; and Tunis, Tunisia. If you want to hit three continents in one voyage, look for 10- to 14-night itineraries on lines such as Norwegian, Celebrity and Holland America.

Baltic cruise itineraries are also mostly seven nights or longer. Because the Baltic countries are farther north, chilly weather is possible even in mid-summer in the Baltic. Average high temperatures in Copenhagen, for example, are barely 70 degrees Fahrenheit during June, July and August. Helsinki is a degree or two cooler. Because of the climate, cruise ships only sail these waters from April through September.

Related: The best time to go on a cruise

Departure ports may be cities located on the Baltic, like Copenhagen, Stockholm or Warnemunde, Germany, or outside the Baltic, as in Southampton, England, or Amsterdam and Rotterdam in The Netherlands. As with Mediterranean cruises, you'll find a mix of round-trip cruises beginning and ending in the same port city and one-way itineraries -- many of which begin outside the Baltic Sea and end at a Baltic port.

The opportunity to create longer journeys by connecting multiple cruises is available in the Baltic. Those usually include Northern European or United Kingdom add-ons before or after your Baltic cruise. Think Stockholm to Edinburgh, Scotland. After a thorough cruise of the Baltic Sea, the itinerary might include multiple stops in the fjords of Norway before ending in the U.K. Baltic cruises that begin or end outside the confines of the Baltic Sea often have at least one day at sea, sometimes more.

Country counters rejoice! A solid itinerary within the Baltic can add eight countries to your list; add-ons in the North Sea will get you another handful if you plan carefully.

Prior to March 2022, Baltic cruises often included a stop in the Russian port of St. Petersburg. Currently, no cruise lines catering to Westerners call on Russian ports.

Ports of call

The list of ports of call in the Mediterranean is lengthy, ranging from European mainland ports like Dubrovnik, Zadar, Naples, Nice and Istanbul to popular ports on the islands of Sardinia, Corfu, Crete, Mykonos and Santorini, all of which can accommodate ships of all sizes.

Smaller cruise ships have an even greater range of options. Ports you may never have heard of — such as Durres, Albania or Bonifacio, France, on the island of Corsica — are listed in the itineraries of small-ship lines like Emerald and Ponant. Ports you've only dreamt of visiting, like Capri, Amalfi or Jerusalem, are surprisingly accessible on several cruise lines sailing the Mediterranean, including Windstar, Azamara and Celebrity.

Ports of call in the Baltic include recognizable city names like Copenhagen, Helsinki, Gdansk and Stockholm, along with cities you may be less familiar with — Visby, Tallinn and Riga, in Sweden, Estonia and Latvia, respectively.

Copenhagen is rich in architecture and seaside charm. Warnemunde, Germany, is the gateway port to Berlin. Cruise lines often schedule overnight stays there to allow ample time to explore the city, a train ride away from the port. Stockholm is another Baltic port where some ships overnight, allowing passengers to enjoy the city's nightlife.

Shore excursions and activities

The range of shore activities in the Mediterranean is vast. In Rome, Naples, Athens, Nafplion, Crete, Corinth, Olympia, Santorini and Kusadasi, you can explore ancient Greek and Roman historical sites. In Istanbul, Barcelona, Dubrovnik, Corfu, Florence and Venice, tours focus on more recent art, architecture and history.

You'll find vineyard and winery tours from almost every port in Italy and along the French Riviera (like Marseilles). Olive farm tours are popular from most ports of call in Greece but don't rule out Greek wineries if your cruise itinerary takes you there.

Foodie tours are available in almost every port in the Mediterranean. The best include food-themed walking tours in Athens, truffle hunting tours from Livorno, Italy, and tapas tours in Barcelona. Or, you can do what I do and make it a point to sample local fare like pizza and gelato in every port.

Active tours in the Mediterranean include abundant choices for hiking and biking. If you're itching to dip your toes into the blue Mediterranean waters, you'll find beaches on almost all the Greek islands. Not every ship offers beachy shore excursions, so you may be on your own getting to them.

The easiest beach excursions are on Santorini, Crete and Mykonos. The most stunning beach I've ever seen is Myrtos Beach on the Greek island of Kefalonia. It's not near the cruise port, but half-day excursions are available to take you there.

And let's not forget the beaches of the French Riviera or Barcelona's beautiful stretches of sand.

The most surprising beaches in the Mediterranean include those along the crystal-clear waters of the upper Adriatic. Trieste (where some ships dock for Venice), Koper in Slovenia and Zadar in Croatia all have beaches (some pebble rather than sand) accessible from the cruise ports. If more active water sports are your thing, boating, snorkeling and even scuba diving are easily arranged on Santorini, Crete and Kefalonia and in Zadar.

Related: Avoid these 10 mistakes when booking cruise shore excursions

Baltic destinations also offer beaches and watersports, but you're more likely to find a scenic boat ride than jetskiing, and beaches are more likely to be enjoyed through windy walks along the shore than sunbathing and swimming. If the weather is suitable, the best beaches are in Copenhagen, Warnemunde and Stockholm. Boat rides, both slow scenic cruises and thrilling speed boat rides are popular throughout the Baltic. Boats are the ideal way to experience Copenhagen.

Land-based activities in the Baltic lean toward city tours, either via hop-on-hop-off buses or sometimes walking tours. Expect landmarks and museums of all sorts, many focusing on local events or areas of importance. Riga, Lithuania, and Tallinn, Estonia, both have museums focused on the Soviet occupation of those countries, for example.

Lighthouses and castles are some landmarks you can visit in the Baltic. Look for castles and fortresses in Gdansk, Copenhagen and Helsinki. Lighthouse excursions are possible in Kiel and Warnemunde, Germany. You can visit a medieval village in Old Town in Tallinn and a Viking village near Copenhagen.

Active tours on Baltic cruises include hiking and biking, available in almost every port. Kayaking is often easy to arrange if the weather turns out nice.

Winery visits are possible from ports in Germany, Denmark, Latvia, Estonia and Poland but may not be offered by your cruise ship. You may have to seek them out and arrange your own tour guide or transportation. Brewery tours are considerably easier to arrange throughout the Baltic. Foodie tours include those that focus on cheese, pastries, meats and seafood. Walking food tours are possible in the larger cities, and farm visits with lunch are a popular way to experience the region's cuisine.

Bottom line: Baltic vs. Mediterranean cruises

What you want to experience on a European cruise can help determine whether you'd enjoy a Mediterranean or a Baltic cruise more. Both regions are loaded with visits to stunning European ports where you can experience the food, history and culture through tours and by simply walking the streets mingling with locals.

On a Mediterranean cruise, you gain the ability to add one or even two continents to your list of places traveled to, but if you're trying to push your country count higher, a Baltic cruise can help you out based on the sheer number of countries it's possible to visit on a single cruise.

Weather in the Med is more likely to be warm and sunny, allowing for more time enjoying water sports or lounging on a beach. But if escaping blistering summer heat at home is your chief objective, the crisp air in the Baltic may be what you need to reset on vacation.

Both regions have dozens of cruise lines to choose from, starting with mainstream lines you may already know but also including premium and luxury lines you may be longing to try. Transportation to and from Europe can be slightly easier and cheaper to Mediterranean departure ports when compared to some Baltic ports, but there are options for round-trip Baltic cruises from London that serve as a workaround.

The bottom line, then, is that it comes down to personal preferences. Ancient history or something more recent? Beach time or intensive sightseeing? Sample some of the world's best wines or the world's best beers? Either way you go, you can expect the cruise adventure of a lifetime.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Yachting Monthly

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Sailing the Baltic Sea: where to go

• Rachael Sprot
• October 13, 2022

Is the Baltic the new Mediterranean? Rachael Sprot takes a closer look at this underrated cruising ground

Knowing how to tie up to a rock is a vital skill when sailing the Baltic Sea. Credit: Martin Leisborn Credit: Martin Leisborn

Sailing the Baltic Sea: where to go & the skills you need

‘Showers are destroyed,’ pronounced a workman, gesturing towards the dilapidated marina building at the Riga Yacht Club. I had no Latvian and he spoke very little English but valiantly explained the futility of my search.

We’d arrived in Riga at 0500. It was the end of April and according to the pilot charts the ice in the Gulf of Riga may have only just receded.

The generator, our main source of hot water, had packed up somewhere off Gdansk. So we were all a little crestfallen at the news. ‘WiFi?’ asked a crew member before hurriedly retracting it with, ‘just joking!’ as I glowered at him.

But I remember it now because it was the low point in an otherwise magical tour of the Baltic that inspired me to return and sail there again and again.

Sailing the Baltic Sea: Culture, history, wilderness

History and geography make the Baltic a rich and rewarding place to sail.

Hanseatic trade routes once crisscrossed the sea and a group of states grew around these maritime connections. As such it is uniquely suited to exploration by water.

Sunset at a bustling eatery on Bohuslän. Credit: Frank Chmura/Alamy Stock Photo

The concentration of beautiful cities, many of them capitals, which you can sail right into is unrivalled.

It also played a pivotal role in some of the defining events of the 21st century: the first battle of the Second World War and the fall of the USSR began on its shores. But there’s wilderness too.

Sail out of Stockholm, Helsinki, Oslo or Gothenburg and you are soon surrounded by nature in tranquil archipelagos.

At its widest point it measures 150 miles across – far more compact the Mediterranean and a summer cruise could be done entirely day-sailing, especially since the days are so long.

At the height of the season there’s a festival atmosphere as everyone heads to the coast, but before July or by late August you’ll have it largely to yourself.

How to get to the Baltic Sea

The main challenge in sailing the Baltic Sea is getting there in the first place.

It’s 350 miles from Dover to Brunsbüttel, the start of the Kiel canal. There’s an Inshore Traffic Zone along the Dutch and German coasts keeping yachts clear of the busy shipping routes, but it’s a busy stretch of water and you’ll need to keep a careful lookout.

Sailing boats on the Kiel Canal, Baltic coast, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. Credit: Alamy Stock Photo

The Friesian islands make for lovely places to stop along the way, Vlieland has a good marina, easy access and picturesque scenery.

The duty-free island of Helgoland in the German Bight is also worth paying a visit if you need to top up on ‘essential’ supplies of the alcoholic kind.

The 53 miles of the Kiel or Nord-Ostsee canal is an event in itself. Sharing the narrow waterway with large ships is intimidating.

Yachts must keep clear by staying well to starboard and following instructions and light signals. Navigable during daylight hours only, the transit can be completed in a long summer day.

Riga, the capital of Latvia. Credit: Alamy Stock Photo

Alternatively spend a night in the marina at Rendsburg or one of several anchorages along the way and take a break from ship dodging.

Exiting the locks at Holtenau, you enter the large waterway of Kieler Förder, with excellent facilities and several good marinas.

From the north it’s just under 440 miles from Hartlepool to Skagen on the tip of Denmark. This route has different challenges.

Dense concentrations of shipping isn’t one of them, but there are wind farms to negotiate and oil rigs breathing fire into the night.

It can feel as though you’re crossing a construction site at times. Most rigs have a 500m exclusion zone and a patrol boat on standby.

Check the North Sea navigation warnings before departure and keep a listening watch on Channel 16.

For those with time, there are two alternatives to the Kiel canal: the Limfjord which cuts through the north of Denmark; and the much smaller Eider canal which runs north of the Kiel canal before joining it towards the end.

Both are lovely diversions if you have time.

Navigating the Baltic Sea

The Baltic Sea’s cruising grounds. Credit: Maxine Heath

The Baltic is a straightforward cruising ground compared with British waters.

There’s no tide as the body of water is too small to generate the oscillations which fringe the major oceans.

Instead, there’s a steady outpouring of water through the Kattegat, powered by the net input of freshwater from rivers.

Streams can reach a couple of knots in pinch points such as the Øresund between Copenhagen and Malmö.

In other areas, there are noticeable wind-driven currents. These are most pronounced after prolonged periods of the strong wind from the same direction, and they have the effect of changing the water levels too.

An open pulpit, and bow ladder, will make Baltic mooring easier, whether in a marina or to a rock. Credit: Martin Leisborn

Consistent NE winds can cause a SW setting current which ‘drains’ the Gulf of Bothnia and Gulf of Finland, reducing depths by more than 1m in extreme scenarios.

Further south a combination of high pressure and wind-driven currents causes fluctuations of 0.1 – 0.3m.

For shallow passages you’ll need to take account of recent weather patterns and ask for local advice before committing.

Weather conditions are generally more benign than on our tempestuous Atlantic shores. In many areas there’s little fetch for a seastate to develop, although when it does it can be short and sharp.

The climate feels more continental than maritime, with colder winters and slightly warmer summers than the UK.

At the height of the season temperatures often reach 30°, and sea temperatures can be 20° in the archipelagos.

You might be pleasantly surprised by the cost of sailing the Baltic Sea. Although alcohol is considerably more expensive in the Nordic countries, you can stock up in Germany and Poland en route.

Berthing fees are generally fairly modest: even in Scandinavia they tend to be cheaper than those charged in the south coast of the UK, so the increased cost of other things tends to even itself out.

Berthing is often paid on an app and reserved in advance, which is a good idea in the height of season (July – mid-August).

It’s rare to see the harbour master doing rounds: they tend to rely on an honesty system. Many of the marinas are on a much smaller scale than the UK.

Facilities are admittedly much simpler but spotlessly clean.

It’s a breath of fresh air compared to more commercialised cruising grounds that are so popular elsewhere.

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Southern Denmark, Copenhagen and SW Sweden

Credit: Maxine Heath

Denmark and southern Sweden are easy to access and make an excellent introduction to Baltic cruising.

Many people pass through quickly on the way to the archipelagos further north, but gentle landscapes and pretty towns reward those hopping along the coast.

Copenhagen is the jewel in the crown of the southern Baltic. Tie up in the bustling old Nyhavn and be part of the action or one of the large marinas further north for a quiet night.

Though Danish, the island of Bornholm actually lies closer to Sweden. It’s known for its picturesque harbours, pristine beaches, round churches and traditional smokehouses.

Colourful Copenhagen as seen from the Nyhavn Canal. Credit: Kim Petersen/Alamy Stock Photo

But it’s the tiny, fortified island of Christiansø, just east of Bornholm, which is a truly special spot.

The harbour feels as though it’s barely changed since the 1600s. The Swedish coast is low-lying here, with long stretches of beach flanked by some of the country’s best farmland.

There are few anchorages until you reach the SE corner, but the gorgeous town of Ystad, with its medieval timber houses, and Karlskrona, the UNESCO listed naval port, more than make up for it.

The ultimate stopping off point when heading to or from the east coast is Utklippen, a tiny fishing station formed by blasting a gap between two rocky islets.

North Denmark, Bohuslän Coast and Southern Norway

The fjords of southern Norway, such as here in Berefjord, are smaller than those further north, but are still dramatic places to explore

Heading north from Copenhagen into the Kattegat, most yachts have their eyes on Sweden’s Bohuslän coast.

The Skärgård, a tapestry of pink granite islands, fringes the mainland coast from Gothenburg up to the Norwegian border creating an inexhaustible cruising ground.

It’s a place where the locals moor alongside the rocks and cook crayfish on the BBQ.

There are lots of natural harbours, many of them former fishing stations, with timber huts painted in distinctive rust-red paint.

Navigation is intricate and challenging, but you’ll be rewarded with exhilarating passages in flat water.

A natural harbour at Bogen Island, Bohuslän, west coast of Sweden. Credit: Alamy Stock Photo

Keep heading north and you’ll cross the border into Norway and eventually arrive in Oslo.

The skärgård continues but there’s added interest as we enter the land of the fjords. Although less dramatic than the deep fjords of the west coast, Oslofjord has lots of good cruising and it’s a great introduction to a country with the most spectacular coastline in Europe .

The topography of the Danish side means that harbours tend to be man-made, with sleepy fishing ports and rural landscapes.

The islands of Anholt and Læsø are both worth a stop for their beautiful beaches and Læsø’s seaweed-roofed huts.

The windswept dunes of Skagen form the northern tip of the country. It has a strong artistic heritage and is a busy holiday destination for the Danes, who often gather on the sandy strip where land turns imperceptibly to sea.

The coastline may not hold the same intrigue as the Swedish and Norwegian side, but you might find the elusive quality of hygge and decide to stay put instead, which would certainly save a few miles on the summer cruise!

Eastern Sweden and Finland

For me, the big decision is whether to aim for the east or west coast of Sweden. Both routes have beautiful archipelagos, lots of interest en route and wonderful cities.

If there were no real-life variables, Stockholm and the coastline south of it would clinch it for me. Stockholm is a waterside city in the truest sense.

The perfectly preserved wreck of the Vasa , a 17th-century warship which sank in the harbour on its maiden voyage, is now a museum on one of the city’s many islands.

The incredible story of how it was painstakingly raised and preserved is as astounding as the ship itself.

The surrounding archipelago is equally gorgeous and unlike the west coast the islands are clad in pine trees whose scent wafts out to sea.

Islands of the Stockholm archipelago in autumn. Credit: Alamy Stock Photo

The large offshore islands of Gotland and Oland are fascinating places to stop en route. Both feature on the UNESCO list, Oland for its ancient agricultural landscape and Gotland for Visby, the hub of the Hanseatic League in medieval times and its 13th-century walled town.

Visby’s ramparts and winding lanes certainly rival Tuscany for atmosphere.

Before arriving in the Stockholm archipelago , the Blå Kusten or Blue Coast could easily distract you from your target.

It’s another long skärgård with wild islands, narrow sounds and total serenity. Often overlooked, it is just as beautiful as the better-known archipelagos.

The autonomous Åland archipelago between Sweden and Finland is a hallowed cruising ground for locals and visitors alike.

Many islands in Finland are privately owned. Seek permission before mooring. Credit: Katy Stickland

However, the fringe of skerries continues right along the coast of Finland to the Russian border, with Helsinki as a useful and attractive stopping point along the way.

Most islands are privately owned, so beware of encroaching on people’s privacy. A respectful crew are normally warmly received and often invited to use the sauna.

After a few days in Finland you realise the Swedish archipelagos were merely a warm-up act.

In some areas the islands are so densely packed that there’s more land than sea. By the end of a two-week cruise you’ll have an advanced diploma in rock-dodging, and much shorter fingernails.

The Gulf of Bothnia is a rather long cul-de-sac for foreign yachts, although the Finns, Swedes and Germans head up there to get away from it all.

It’s 350 miles to the top, which is also the border between Finland and Sweden. Head up there for solitude and wilderness.

Germany & Poland

If the Scandi-chic of the northern Baltic is a bit too much, or the price of beer has begun to wear thin, don’t miss a trip to the southern Baltic.

Many of the former Hanseatic towns along this coast have been painstakingly restored after damage in the Second World War.

Lubeck, Wismar and Stralsund all have UNESCO world heritage status.

With inexpensive marinas close to the centre of town, cobbled streets and town squares, you could easily while away a fortnight on this beautiful coastline.

Inside the beech-forested island of Rügen are the intriguing waterways of the Boddensee.

The Hanseatic town of Stralsund has UNESCO world heritage status. Credit: Iurii Buriak/Alamy Stock Photo

Take a detour through the reeds to Peenemünde, the factory where the V1 and V2 rockets were developed. It’s now a museum with a poignant message about the relationship between science and war.

The Polish coast is challenging, with long sandy stretches and ports which are often inaccessible in onshore winds.

Cruising takes the shape of long passages, followed by a few days in port to explore the surrounding area, rather than the island hopping of the north.

It’s worth taking the time to explore though, whether heading inshore to the extensive national parks, or beachcombing for nuggets of amber which wash up after gales.

Although out on a limb, Gdansk is unmissable.

The chalk cliffs of Jasmund National Park on the island of Rugen make a striking backdrop. Credit: Aleksandr Ugorenkov/Alamy Stock Photo

The approach takes you past the Westerplatte, the peninsula that was attacked by the German warship Schleswig-Holstein on 1 September 1939, initiating the Second World War.

The route continues for a further 4 miles up through the shipyards, some derelict, some in use, which were the birthplace of the Solidarity Movement that was pivotal in the fall of the USSR.

In the heart of the city though, it’s the imposing medieval wooden crane which dominates the harbour.

Once the largest cargo crane in Europe, it was damaged in 1945 when 80 per cent of the city was destroyed in the final throes of the war.

Now restored, it’s a spectacular sight and a reminder that the city’s identity stretches much further than recent history.

Baltic States

A very different kind of adventure can be found on the coasts of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.

Riga and Tallinn are beautiful cities with UNESCO status and good marinas.

Cruising is cheaper here than it is in Scandinavia but English is not as widely spoken.

The lighthouse on the tip of Sorve Cape, Saaremaar, Estonia. Credit: Alamy Stock Photo

Despite this, foreign yachts are given a warm welcome and most people will generously engage in marina charades as you try to act out a washing machine.

The main cruising ground is the Estonian islands at the northern end of the Gulf of Riga. It provides plenty of opportunities for intricate pilotage and there’s often a sauna ashore for weary sailors.

Latvia has several commercial ports which are accessible to yachts, including Ventspils and Liepāja, both of which are about 90nm from Gotland.

Lithuania’s coastline is dominated by the Curonian Spit.

Stretching for over 60nm, the tree-clad sand dunes don’t offer much shelter to sailors but Klaipėda, Lithuania’s main port, is a pleasant town.

The magical approach to St Petersburg is currently a no-go. Credit: Alamy Stock Photo

There are two Russian coasts in the Baltic: the Gulf of Finland from about 27°E, and Kaliningrad between Poland and Lithuania.

Even before this year they had a strong military presence.

In happier times, St Petersburg was the adventurer’s ultimate prize. Each year a few dozen yachts would apply for visas and make the approach via the TSS to this mesmerising city.

For now it is probably best given a wide berth.

Itineraries for sailing the Baltic Sea from Kiel

Germany, Bornhom and southern Sweden

Copenhagen & western Sweden

Circumnavigate Denmark

Denmark & western Sweden, exit via the Limfjord

Germany, Gdansk, Gotland & Sweden’s Blue Coast

Circumnavigate Sweden by cutting through the Göte Kanal

Denmark > Gothenburg > Bohuslän Coast – Oslofjord – Exit via the Skagerrak

Germany > Poland > Tallinn > Helsinki > Åland archipelago > Stockholm archipelago

Charts & Pilot books for sailing the Baltic Sea

The RCCPF Baltic Sea Pilot guide is a good place to start when researching a trip. It gives a good overview of each area and is perfectly adequate if passing through. In the archipelagos though, a local pilot guide is essential.

The Swedish Hamnguiden are superb, with aerial photographs of every harbour and anchorage, showing what kind or berth or mooring is to be found, where to do a rock mooring , and where to drop the hook for a ‘normal’ anchorage.

Electronic chart coverage can be excellent, but it’s hard work passage planning on electronic charts, especially in intricate waters.

Most countries have their own leisure charts in easy-to-use format so that you can flip through as you follow a lead in the skerries.

They often have the recommended routes drawn on, including an indication of the maximum draught and are worth investing in if you’re planning to explore beyond the main ports.

German company NV produces inexpensive coverage of the southern Baltic. Chart packs are accompanied by a pilot book with harbour details.

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