Due to a cooler climate, the Baltic cruise season from Southampton runs from May through September. On Baltic cruises, you’ll experience long hours of daylight. Baltic cruises, also known as Northern Europe cruises and Scandinavia cruises, are typically 4 to 16 nights, although a few ships offer longer itineraries.
The Baltic is an area of Northern Europe that encompasses the Baltic Sea, Kattegat Bay and Skagerrak Strait, and it includes the bordering countries of Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, northeastern Germany and eastern Denmark.
The ports of call generally include Aarhus, Denmark; Amsterdam (IJmuiden), Holland; Amsterdam, Holland; Berlin (Rostock), Germany; Berlin (Warnemunde), Germany; Copenhagen, Denmark; Gdansk (Gdynia), Poland; Gothenborg, Sweden; Helsinki, Finland; Kiel, Germany; Klaipeda, Lithuania; Riga, Latvia; St. Petersburg, Russia; Stockholm, Sweden; Tallinn, Estonia; Visby, Sweden; Wismar, Germany, offering something for everyone, these ports are vibrant, historic and family friendly.
Rich in fascinating history, traditional culture, art and architectural treasures, the Baltic Sea is undoubtedly one of the most exciting cruising destinations. Once the jewel in the Tsar’s crown, St. Petersburg still sparkles as brightly as ever. Contrast Russia’s glorious imperial city with elegant, sophisticated Scandinavian capitals and atmospheric medieval cities of the Hanseatic League, and a Baltic cruise promises to be one you will always remember.
In contrast to the Caribbean and Mexico, shoppers on Baltic Sea cruises from Southampton will find that items in stores can be pricey. Hand-knit sweaters, fine crystal, antiques, silver and porcelain are among items that passengers seek in these ports.
