baltic cruise from newcastle

Norwegian Fjords Cruises

See Baltic, Scandinavia and Norways breathtaking scenery and natural wonders

Cruises from Newcastle

Newcastle cruise schedule – norwegian fjords, baltic & scandinavia.

Take a memorable cruise adventure from Newcastle to Baltic Sea, Scandinavia & Norwegian Fjords. Cruises from Newcastle include destination like Oslo , Olden ,  Trondheim , Leknes , Vik , Nordfjord , The Stavanger region , The Sognefjord area , Romsdalsfjord , Lofoten Islands , The Hardangerfjord region , The Geirangerfjord , Nærøyfjord , Flåm ,  Bergen , Ålesund …

Norway’s vast coastline has an uncountable number of fjords , carved out by the ice during the Scandinavian Ice age. The main Norwegian fjords are located at the Western coast of Norway in the Fjord Norway area, cutting their way towards the inland of Norway.

Find and plan your next cruise to the Norwegian Fjords from Newcastle, UK

Easily find and compare Norway Fjords, Baltic Sea & Scandinavia cruises from Newcastle cruise port. The Port of Tyne (Newcastle International Cruise Terminal) offers passengers from the north of England a great alternative to the southern UK ports of Dover Harwich & Southampton. It has a self service restaurant and small shop selling publications and essential travel items. Nearby there is also a ‘Factory Outlet’ type shopping centre with a hotel and eateries including a Premier Inn and Brewers Fayre restaurant.

Ship schedule from Newcastle, UK includes Norway and Norwegian Fjords, Scandinavia, Baltic Sea and the Arctic cruises. Find out what to do near the port of Newcastle, UK and get other tips.

Newcastle Cruise Port, UK

Newcastle upon Tyne tourist attractions. Newcastle was founded around 2,000 years ago as a Roman fort called Pons Aelius along Hadrian’s Wall, a ruin of which still exists at Segedunum, a short walk from Wallsend Metro station. Newcastle has plenty[…]

Newcastle International Cruise Terminal, UK

The port of Tyne – Newcastle International Cruise Terminal As the North East’s regional gateway, there are over 625,000 cruise and passengers passing through the Port of Tyne every year. The Port of Tyne (Newcastle International Cruise Terminal) offers passengers from[…]

Newcastle Port Parking

Newcastle Car parking If you are going to get to the Port of Tyne’ International Passenger Terminal by road, follow the A1 towards Morpeth from Newcastle City Center, then the A19 towards the Tyne Tunnel. On approach to the tunnel,[…]

Baltic Cruises

Visit the beautiful and historic capitals of Northern Europe on an exciting voyage through the Baltic Sea.

The easy way to see these exotic capital cities is on a leisurely cruise. Most itineraries will call at Copenhagen in Denmark, Stockholm in Sweden, Tallinn in Estonia, and reach St Petersburg, Russia's second city. Other ports of call may include fascinating Warnemunde in eastern Germany, Visby island in Sweden or perhaps Oslo in Norway.

• Cruise Collection

About Baltic Sea Cruises

Baltic sea highlights, cruise collection 2024/ 2025/ 2026.

• 14 matching cruises
• Order By... Price: Low to High Price: High to Low Duration: Low to High Duration: High to Low Date: Soonest to Latest Date: Latest to Soonest

Starting points for these superb Baltic voyages include Stockholm, Sweden and Amsterdam, Holland as well as no-fly options from a wide variety of UK ports including, Tilbury, Portsmouth, Leith, Newcastle and Hull.

The voyages into and out of Sweden's capital, Stockholm, are through a maze of islands with channels barely wider than the ship. Mooring near the centre, the Royal Palace and the Old Town are within walking distance. Don't miss the Vasa Museum, where the well preserved royal warship Vasa gives an authentic view of life on board ship 400 years ago.

Denmark's capital, Copenhagen’s main attractions include Tivoli Gardens, the Royal Palace and the 'Little Mermaid'.

Tallinn, Estonia's capital, has a fascinating old town with a central market place, city walls, and an ancient cathedral.

St Petersburg in Russia was founded by Peter the Great and has superb buildings, notably the Winter Palace housing the world famous Hermitage Museum with its extensive collections of art and artefacts. Outside the city on the Baltic coast is Peterhof Palace with its amazing water features. Inland is the Empress Catherine's Palace with its interesting gardens and sculptures. Most itineraries include an overnight stay to give time to enjoy St Petersburg's attractions.

The centre of Finland's capital, Helsinki, is very compact and easy to stroll. In its central port area are fish sellers and markets with Finnish food such as reindeer. Nearby is the Presidential residence and the cathedral.

Many voyages call at Warnemunde for the excursion to Germany's capital Berlin. This bustling port has a superb sandy beach, and fishing and yacht harbours to enjoy as an alternative the full-day Berlin trip. Other itineraries may call at ancient Visby, in Sweden's Gothland. Smaller ships may visit ports on the Lithuanian or Latvian coast. Alternative itineraries may visit Norway's capital, Oslo.

Despite its northern location, the climate in the Baltic summer can be very sunny and warm!

The second-largest city in Denmark, Aarhus port is a 15-minute walk from the city centre. The Old Town area of Den Gamle By is an open-air museum of old buildings and townspeople dressed in period costume, whilst the modern city has some fine modern architecture, including a Town Hall designed by Arne Jacobsen. In Silkleborg Museum is the famous 2350-year-old 'Bog Man', whose body was excavated from a peat bog.

Berlin is served by the port of Warnemunde which is one hour away by train. Berlin's landmarks include the Brandenburg Gate which was once part of the Berlin Wall, and the avenue of Unter den Linden which formed part of old Berlin's aristocratic quarter. Potsdamer Platz is an area of theatres and restaurants popular with locals, and the Reichstag's new glass dome was designed by Sir Norman Foster. Berlin's TV Tower has a rotating Telecafe for birds-eye views of the city.

Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark, and its port is within walking distance of the famous statue of the Little Mermaid. Copenhagen is a picturesque city which combines traditional Danish copper-roofed buildings with cutting-edge modern architecture. Tivoli Gardens are one of the capitals highlights, along with Kronburg Castle which was the model for Shakespeare's Elsinore, the Carlsberg Brewery, the alternative cultural community of Christiana and the royal palace of Amalienborg.

The port of Gdansk is in the area of Gdynia a short distance away from Gdansk city. A walk down Ulica Dluga will bring you to the shops, cafes, pubs and historical buildings of the Old Town which include the Prison Tower, Golden Gate, and the historic church of St Mary which has 50 chapels. There is also an interesting Amber Museum spread over six floors of the city's Barbican Tower.

There are attractions in Gothenburg to suit most tastes. Visitors can tour a submarine in the harbour at Maritiman, see the Barken Viking ship at Bommen or take the historic Ringlinjen tram to Liseberg Amusement Park and its Balder rollercoaster. The cobbled streets of old Haga have craft shops and caf's and at the time of writing, Gothenburg has four Michelin-star restaurants.

The old Hanseatic port of Hamburg is a major centre of trade for northern Germany and is situated on the River Elbe. One of its key features is Alster Lake, edged with parkland and buildings painted white and copper-roofed to retain the area's beauty. The Jungfernstieg is an elegant shopping street beside the Inner Alster, and one of the city's many imposing buildings is the City Hall, an impressive Renaissance-style building fronted by a large market square.

Helsinki port is approximately one mile from the city, which is Finland's capital. Suomenlinna Fortress is one of the largest sea fortresses in the world, built in 1748 and now a residential are with cafes and restaurants. The city is compact and easy to explore on foot, where the sights include the grand Neo-Classical architecture of Senate Squar and the Design Museum which showcases Finnish art and design.

Kiel is a wealthy Baltic town, and an important shipbuilding centre and port situated just south of the Kiel Canal which is a short-cut for vessels travelling between the Baltic and the North Sea. The town has a large shopping mall, the Holstenstrasse, and an elegant town square bordered by Schreven Lake and the rathaus. Kiel Strande beach is popular in summer, and entrance to the mature grounds of the Old Botanical Gardens is free.

Lubeck is visited from the port of Travemunde. This Hanseatic city has many medieval buildings and its old town is a World Heritage Site, surrounded by water and crossed by picturesque narrow alleys. Highlights include Lubeck's most famous landmark, the 15th-century turreted Holsten Gate, the convent of Burgkloster and 13th-century Castle Monastery. The city has some interesting, specialist shops and the childhood homes of Thomas Mann and Gunter Grass are open to visitors.

Riga is a Free Port and the capital of Latvia, considered one of the most beautiful of the Baltic's capitals. The outstanding Art Nouveau buildings in the old town have earned it World Heritage status, and some of the best are found on Alberta and Elizabetes Streets. The vast cathedral has a 6718-pipe organ, and there are markets in the city's old Zeppelin sheds. A pleasant canal runs through the old town and there are sandy beaches at nearby Jurmala.

Most cruise ships berth within a 20-minute walk of Stockholm's old town, Gamla Stan, giving easy access to the museums, galleries, shops and restaurants of Sweden's capital. Spread across 14 islands connected by 50 bridges, its sights include the Royal Palace of Drottningholm which can be reached by steamer boat from the City Hall, the Wasa Museum which holds an ancient ship, and the futuristic Ericcson Globe where you can take a SkyView Gondola outside its huge dome.

Tallinn is the capital of Estonia. This well-preserved medieval city is surrounded by defensive walls marked at intervals by fairytale pepper-pot towers. From the cruise port there are is a shuttle service into the old town where highlights include the cobbled artisans' area of St Catherine's Passage, Kadriorg Palace built by Peter the Great and the renovated factory quarter of Rotermann which gives a flavour of contemporary Tallinn.

Turku is probably the oldest city in Finland and an important business centre, situated alongside the mouth of the Aura River with a pleasant waterfront. Attractions include the white-painted Turku Castle; the 'Village of Living History', a 1950s farmstead; the three-masted museum ship, Swan of Finland and several spas. In the Old Great Square is the imposing cathedral, rebuilt after a fire in the 19th-century. There are plenty of shopping centres and specialist shops selling antiques.

Visby sits on the Swedish island of Gotland and is a well-preserved, medieval town and World Heritage Site with 13th-century walls known as the Visby Ringwall. The oldest structure is the powder tower of Kruttornet, one of several red-roofed towers along the walls. Modern Visby has good restaurants serving traditional Gotland lamb and asparagus dishes, and shops on Wisbystrovet and St Hans sell locally-produced ceramics and glass

Opening Hours

• Monday - Friday: 9am to 5pm
• Saturday: 10am to 4pm
• Phone: 01756 706500
• Email: [email protected]
• Our brochures
• Our newsletter
• Customer Comments
• Jobs and careers
• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy

Social Media

• Blue Water Blog

Call us on 01756 706500 now!

Guest Services

0808 303 4631

Closes at 17:00 today View opening hours

Reservations

0808 303 2573

Or Prefer Us To Give You A Callback?

Request Callback

Cruises from Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Autumn Fjordland

Hidden Gems of France & Spain

Treasures of Denmark & Sweden

River Seine Experience & Antwerp

Treasures of Norway & Denmark

Norway's Land of the Northern Lights

Cruise & Groove: Newcastle to London

Normandy and the British Isles

Norway's Fjords Multi-Generational Adventure

Norwegian Fjord Expedition

France & Northern Spain Adventure

Mysteries of the Northern Isles

Where can i cruise to from newcastle.

Unlock the beauty of the British Isles from Newcastle with ease, as you coast around the UK’s shores taking in locations like the Scottish Highlands and Isles, Northern Ireland and the Isles of Scilly. A cruise around the UK can reveal some of the most breathtaking parts of Britain and is the ultimate experience for those who want to fall more in love with their home country.

Another place of beauty and one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world are the Norwegian Fjords . Only a short trip across the North Sea when you depart from Newcastle, weave between towering mountains through silent waterways and discover Viking heritage, unique culture and the true beauty of Mother Nature.

Prefer something a little warmer for your no-fly cruise holiday ? Traverse the English Channel to access cruises to France and Spain for some Mediterranean warmth. Perfect for culture-seekers; travel to famous wine-making regions, art galleries & museums and destinations oozing with romance.

HOW TO GET TO NEWCASTLE CRUISE TERMINAL

Port of Tyne International Passenger Terminal, Cobledene, North Shields, Tyne and Wear, NE29 6EE.

The Port of Tyne is easy to get to for anyone departing from Newcastle on a cruise. Newcastle is also a fully accessible terminal so disabled guests and wheelchair users can have peace of mind there will be no challenges when arriving. If you have questions about accessibility, learn more about our partnership with Mobility at Sea .

If you plan to arrive by rail, Percy Main is the closest Metro Station to the terminal (at a 20-minute walk) and there is a bus connection available from here to the Royal Quays Shopping Outlet which sits right next to the cruise terminal. Alternatively, if you are arriving by national rail, you can expect a taxi ride of approximately 20 minutes from Newcastle Railway Station in the city centre.

Planning on arriving by car? The port has direct links to the national motorway network and is easy to access from all parts of the UK. Once you arrive, there is secure parking only a few minutes from the International Passenger Terminal. Please note: this parking must be pre-booked, and you’ll receive a ticket upon entry which you should keep on your person, not in your car.

SAILING WITH AMBASSADOR

As the first British cruise line to launch in over a decade, we pride ourselves on creating an unforgettable experience for all who sail with us. Expect everything you already love about traditional cruising with a modern twist, and, with a high guest-to-space ratio, you’ll always feel relaxed and carefree. Plus, exceptional service and facilities onboard both of our cruise ships allow you to enjoy every moment of travel.

Copyright 2024 Ambassador Cruise Line is a trading name of Ambassador Cruise Holidays Limited.

Ambassador Cruise Holidays Limited is a company registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 13299365

• 00800 0310 21 21 1-855-577-9489 1-877-288-3037 1-877-288-3037 1-877-474-2969
• | NCL Travel Blog">11-Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
• | Norwegian Cruise Line">14-Day Authentic Alaska - Northbound Cruise Tour | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line">14-Day Authentic Alaska - Southbound Cruise Tour | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | Norwegian Cruise Line">20-Day Transpacific from Tokyo (Yokohama) & Alaska | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | NCL Travel Blog">11 Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
• View All Results
• Preferences
• Latitudes Rewards
• Special Offers
• Personalised Recommendations
• Make reservations before you cruise
• 1 (current)

* Terms & Conditions Package not available on sailings less than 5 days or charter sailings.

2025 Northern Europe Cruises: Discover Iceland, Norway & Belgium

There's no better way to travel the world than aboard a Norwegian Cruise Line ship. If you're interested in seeing the sights of northern Europe, you won't want to miss the opportunity to cruise with Norwegian - which consistently wins the award for Europe's top cruise line from World Travel Awards year after year. With multiple departure ports of call, you can start your cruise from your city of choice before traveling on a voyage you won't forget.

Here, we'll take a closer look at Norwegian's 2025 Northern Europe cruises , highlighting some of the most notable ports of call and helping you plan your cruise.

Ready to start planning? Explore all Northern European cruises .

2025 Northern Europe Departure Ports

If you'd like to explore Northern Europe from the sea, you'll have 10 potential ports of departure from which you can start your journey. You can begin your cruise in northern Europe or from locations further south or west if that's more convenient for you. When cruising to the north of Europe in 2025, these are the cities from which you can depart:

• Copenhagen, Denmark.
• Lisbon, Portugal.
• London (Southampton), United Kingdom.
• New York City, United States.
• Oslo, Norway.
• Paris (Le Havre), France.
• Reykjavik, Iceland.
• San Juan, Puerto Rico.
• Stockholm, Sweden.
• Tromsø, Norway.

So, get ready to pack your bags and head to the departure port that best suits your travel plans in 2025.

2025 Northern Europe Cruise Ports

With a staggering list of port cities in 2025, the most challenging part of planning your trip will be deciding which cities to visit during your northern European cruise vacation. Perhaps you want to take a northern lights tour in Reykjavik, or maybe you can't wait to visit the Tower of London. Whatever your dreams are for your 2025 cruise, Norwegian has a port city that will leave you breathless. Here are some highlights of what could be on your agenda in 2025.

Reykjavik, Iceland

With its rugged natural beauty and vibrant towns filled with rich cultural experiences, a visit to Iceland won't disappoint. There are few places with the diverse topography and landscape found in Reykjavik , where you can see flowing lava, hot springs, impressive waterfalls, and rocky mountains waiting for you to snag the perfect photo to document your cruise. While the natural setting is enough to fill your senses, don't miss out on the top-tier dining experiences that you'll find in the quaint villages.

London (Southampton), England

London (Southampton) serves as a starting point for several of our cruises around northern Europe, which comes as no surprise given the vast number of activities you can participate in before starting your cruise vacation. Visit with royalty at Buckingham Palace, see London from a bird's eye view aboard the London Eye, or even take in a Broadway-style show in the West End. Sip some tea and munch some scones as you dream about the adventures awaiting you along your voyage.

RELATED CRUISES: 12-Day Baltic from Stockholm to Paris: England, Germany & Belgium 12-Day British Isles Round-Trip London: Ireland & Scotland 14-Day Northern Europe from New York to Reykjavik: Iceland, Greenland & Canada

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam is a city built upon a series of canals that make for the perfect morning or afternoon stroll. Take in the city's scenic beauty and marvel at the stunning architectural design of the buildings that border the canals. Consider renting a bike and traveling around the city like many of the locals. If you prefer to relax, a canal cruise might be more your speed. Don't miss the opportunity to see some of the most astounding museums in the world, including the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum.

Galway, Ireland

This port city on Ireland's picturesque west coast has a rich history that dates back to the thirteenth century. Explore a traditional Irish farm, search abandoned castles, or tour remarkable cathedrals during your stop in Galway. If you're up for an adventure, explore Aillwee Cave, an underground sanctuary carved from melting water during the Ice Age, where you can see interestingly shaped stalactite and stalagmite formations and catch a glimpse of the bones of an extinct species of bear. Before you leave, no trip to an Irish village would be complete without some music and ale at the local pub.

Helsinki, Finland

Known as Scandinavia's "White City of the North," Helsinki has a fascinating architectural style featuring buildings erected using local light-colored granite. Tour the National Museum of Finland to learn more about the cultural history of the Finnish people and view artifacts dating back to the Stone Age. Visit one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites, the Suomenlinna fortress, a fort located on a quiet island where you can find a bit of solitude. Or take a walk through the central Market Square, where you can sample local produce, taste local food, and shop for souvenirs in the comfort of heated tents.

• Opening Hours:

Mon-Fri 8.30am - 6pm

Saturday 9am - 5pm

Sunday 10am - 4pm

• Toggle Navigation Menu

Cruise Search

Cruises on Balmoral

Departing from Newcastle, Southampton, and Rosyth, Balmoral will guide you on unforgettable journeys along size-restricted rivers, including the Kiel Canal, narrow Norwegian fjords and scenic Scottish coastlines. As part of our Signature Experiences, join us for "An Audience with..." as you learn how your Captain and his team navigate these scenic routes, and what it takes to run a cruise ship.[ReadMoreMob]

Balmoral will take you closer to tumbling waterfalls, little coastal villages and will dock in the heart of many of the cities you'll visit, so you can simply step ashore and be ready to explore. As you will have friendly and knowledgeable speakers on board with you, you'll have a deeper understanding of the culture and history of each fascinating destination before you arrive. You'll also discover breathtaking scenery and wildlife, and can enjoy seeing the world from the unique perspective of your smaller-sized cruise ship.

In 2025, you can join Balmoral on a selection of Mediterranean fly cruises, offering you the chance to explore the sunshine coastlines of Amalfi and Dalmatia and the scenic islands of Greece. Choose to cruise from the UK or fly from London Stansted or Manchester to the heart of iconic Mediterranean destinations, ready to start exploring right away.

81 Ocean Cruises

Norwegian Fjords & Autumn Fruit Harvest • L2428

• Marvel at the nature of the Norwegian fjords as the seasons change
• Experience local fruit produce in Ulvik
• See the orchard-covered valleys of the Hardangerfjord from Balmoral

Exploring the Islands of the Mediterranean • L2429

• Uncover the scenic bays, harbours and islands of the Mediterranean
• Indulge in the region’s laid-back lifestyle and delectable cuisine
• Delve into the history of the Romans and the Knights Templar
• 1 offer available

Norwegian Fjords & Autumn Fruit Harvest • L2430

• Experience Norway as it turns from summer to autumn
• In Ulvik, sample local fruit produce, such as apple juice and cider
• Sail past Hornelen - Europe's highest sea cliff

In Search of the Northern Lights • L2431

• Search for the Northern Lights on an extended stay in Alta
• Enjoy a scenic cruise of the Seven Sisters mountain range
• Spend time with a Sámi community to learn about local traditions

In Search of the Northern Lights • L2432

• Have the opportunity to spot the elusive Northern Lights in Alta
• Meet huskies on a tour and learn about traditional dog sledding
• Capture the views from the top of Mount Storsteinen in Tromsø

In Search of the Northern Lights • L2433

• Take the opportunity to see the magical Northern Lights in Alta
• See coastal scenery as Balmoral sails past the Seven Sisters mountain range
• Visit a husky yard to learn about local cultures and traditions

In Search of the Northern Lights • L2434

• Have the chance to see the Northern Lights in Alta
• Connect with the Sámi people and learn of their cultures
• Experience a train journey through Arctic landscapes

In Search of the Northern Lights • L2435

• Have the chance to spot the Northern Lights in Alta and from Balmoral
• Experience crossing the Arctic Circle and the ceremony held on board
• Spend time with a Sámi community and learn of local traditions

European River Cities & Christmas Markets • L2436

• Browse stalls at two traditional Christmas Markets in two cities
• Sample delicious Belgian chocolates in Antwerp
• Explore the winding medieval streets of Rouen

In Search of the Northern Lights at Christmas • L2437

• Have the chance to see the Northern Lights during the festive season
• Celebrate Christmas Day on board Balmoral
• Experience the Norwegian concept of friluftsliv in winter

Showing 1 - 10 cruises

There are no cruises that match your selection. Please clear the filters and try with different or fewer options.

Unfortunately there was a problem retrieving your search results. Please check your connection or try again later.

Terms & Conditions

These Terms and Conditions are in addition to Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines (FOCL) standard Terms and Conditions, which are available here on our website and on request. Both must be read before booking. Fares are per person, based on standard occupancy of the lead-in cabin of named category, subject to availability. ‘PP’ is per person. Information shown is correct at time of display, fares are capacity controlled and may change at any time. Call for latest prices. All offers may be withdrawn or amended at any time without prior notice, cannot be combined, are subject to availability and cannot be applied retrospectively. Cruise descriptions include optional, chargeable experiences that may be enjoyed independently and/or with option Fred. Olsen Shore Tours. Shore Tours are available to book six weeks prior to departure (subject to availability and service operation). Some ports may be at anchor, intermediate sea days are at sea. We reserve the right to amend itineraries for operational reasons. E&OE.

Travel | Travel: Here’s how you can have a ball on a…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Food & Drink
• Amusement Parks
• Theater & Arts

Things To Do

Travel | travel: here’s how you can have a ball on a baltic cruise.

How different is the Baltic compared to other cruise regions? For one thing, its season runs from April to September, not year-round like the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Mexican Riviera. Also, an itinerary set in the Baltic Sea emphasizes city life over wildlife. Nature takes a backseat to culture, history, language and the arts. If you want to see Northern Europe’s flora and fauna, book a voyage to the Norwegian fjords instead. And as for wildlife of a human kind, there’s not much of that, either. It’s a Baltic cruise, not a booze cruise.

But if your idea of wild is docking on a picturesque island to enjoy a day exploring a medieval village graced by the cutest-ever restaurant with a menu that’s only in Swedish — oh, and lovingly nestled between the ruins of two 13th-century churches —then by all means go stone-cold crazy on a Baltic cruise.

Thirty-six ships representing 20 English-speaking cruise lines can take you there over six magical months next year. Not all 2025 itineraries include a stop in Visby, the well-preserved Hanseatic town and UNESCO World Heritage Site referred to above, but this is the Baltic we’re talking about — the place oozes enchantment.

Duration-wise, next year’s offerings range from four six-day sails from Oslo to Stockholm aboard MSC Cruise’s 3,223-passenger Poesia ( msccruises.com ) to an 83-day roundtripper out of New York on Silversea’s 392-capacity Silver Shadow ( silversea.com ), debarking on June 11.

Eleven nights is considered the sweet spot in the Baltic, making the sweetest sail in 2025 a Windstar Cruise ( windstarcruises.com ) for its loaded itinerary. With no sea days and a couple of overnighters between June 29 and July 10, the all-suite, 312-passenger Star Legend will visit at least one port in Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Germany and Denmark. That’s eight of the nine countries bounding the Baltic. The outlier is Russia, which hasn’t welcomed a major cruise line since the attack on Ukraine in February 2022.

The loss of culture-rich St. Petersburg on Baltic itineraries is an economic gain for Latvia’s Riga, Lithuania’s Klaipeda and other ports that were considered secondary stops before the invasion. Albeit bittersweet, veteran Baltic cruisers may appreciate taking the cobbled roads less traveled.

Exploring world capitals

With cruises strictly sailing in the Baltic Sea, Copenhagen and Stockholm are where the majority begin and end. A third world capital, Helsinki, is often nestled on the front or back end of the itinerary, while Estonia’s chief city of Tallinn usually fits somewhere near the halfway point of voyages of nine days or longer.

Worthy of a pre- or post-cruise overnight stay at minimum, Stockholm is the Swedish meatball of tourist meccas. Appetizing and authentic as a destination, hearty in its array of attractions, the city is full of flavor as well with a diverse population of nearly a million people spread across seven distinct districts. A hotel in the Slussenomradet neighborhood is a wise choice for its central location and metro station that serves as a hub of public transport for Stockholm ( visitstockholm.com ).

Slussen is also mere steps from trendy Sodermalm and Gamla Stan (Old Town), home of the must-see Royal Palace and Nobel Prize Museum, where a handwritten manuscript signed by Albert Einstein in 1922 is among the mind-blowing artifacts on display. Stromma runs a fleet of boats and busses that offer hour-long tours with English narration. If you’ve got the time, take the ferry to the island of Djurgarden. A museum dedicated to the most famous pop band ever to come out of Sweden is there — do we really have to say it’s ABBA? — along with the adrenaline-pumping Grona Lund amusement park and the less thrilling Royal National City Park.

Copenhagen ( visitcopenhagen.com ) is just as “wonderful” as the hit song from the 1952 film, “Hans Christian Andersen,” says. Bursting with unique history, architecture, food and scenery, Denmark’s capital deserves much more time than a cruise often provides. And as sure as Thumbelina is tiny, does this town love its native-son author. HCA’s influence is evident throughout the city, from the iconic harborside Little Mermaid statue, a head-scratching must-see if there ever was one, to his classic fairytales depicted on the “The Flying Trunk” ride at Tivoli Gardens ( tivoli.dk ), which, opened in 1843, is the third-oldest operating amusement park in the world. If Tivoli’s 114-year-old rollercoaster is too fast and furious for you, a touristy, but worthwhile boat ride through Nyhavn’s narrow and exciting canals will be more your speed. Central to all this is the stately Phoenix Copenhagen, and being the official hotel in town for several cruise lines, Windstar included, it’s a snap to be dropped off there with your luggage after an enjoyable three-hour post-cruise tour.

The bustling city harbor of Helsinki has impressive architecture, a colorful open-air market, a couple of stunning churches, some world-class museums and history that goes back thousands of years. What it lacks is a bona fide must-see. If only there was a place that’s different and easy to get to. Cue Suomenlinna Island. Built during the Swedish era as a maritime fortress and naval base, this wonderful place appeals to lovers of culture and nature, and gives cruisers a chance to breathe, especially if there hasn’t been a sea day yet. Accessible only by ferry, the island attracts more locals than tourists, which world travelers know is a plus. Quaint museums, a supermarket and a scattering of cafes add to the experience, as does the magnificent views of Helsinki ( visitfinland.com ) at the beginning and end of each 15-minute leg.

Estonia’s capital city of Tallinn ( visittallinn.ee/eng ) has one of the best-preserved medieval town centers in Europe. So vibrant and chockablock with shops, restaurants and historical buildings, it’s not unusual for cruise passengers to spend their entire port time within this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Discovering charming ports

Turku is Finland’s No. 1 summer destination, but registers barely a blip as an international cruise port. And foreign passengers are the lesser for it. Finland’s oldest city — its founding dates back to 1229 — is a natural stop between Stockholm and Helsinki, but the former capital city doesn’t get the love it deserves. Windstar, Crystal and Regent Seven Seas have Turku ( en.visitturku.fi ) on the schedule this year and next, but a reason there aren’t more stems from the costly requirement of having pilots assist ships through the world’s largest archipelago. As local leaders work on a solution, this hamlet along the banks of the Aura River is winning visitors over with its medieval castle and cathedral (both still in use), a 157-year-old market hall (canned bear meat, anyone?), the open-air Luostarinmaki Handicrafts Museum (survivor of the Great Fire of 1827), and a foodie scene that just got more exciting with the opening of Eatery Alex 1917, Chef Richy Virahsawmy’s new gem on nearby Ruissalo Island. Michelin, take note.

When taken to a port city where World War II started and the Solidarity movement was established, setting the stage for the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe, one should expect a strong slate of shore excursions. Gdansk, Poland ( visitgdansk.com ) delivers with a tour of the city with narration focused on Solidarity history, and another to Stutthof, the last Nazi concentration camp liberated by the Allies. On the lighter side, most cruise ships offer courtesy shuttles to and from St. Mary’s Street, the city’s principal pedestrian promenade.

Wismar is a Hanseatic town rich in Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture, and Warnemunde is a lovely seaside resort town, but these ports in northern Germany are often on a Baltic itinerary to serve as gateways to Berlin ( germany.travel/en ). Germany’s exciting capital is about three hours away by rail or bus, making getting there a long trek for just a few hours of sightseeing. Still, many cruisers happily do this despite an investment of 13 total hours and hundreds of euros. But when a cruise itinerary has the ship parking overnight, spending more on a roundtrip train ticket, hotel and tours is a no-brainer, especially for first-timers.

Berlin takes a week to do right, but 24 hours can be enough time to see most of the biggies: Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, surviving sections of the Berlin Wall, the observation deck of the 1,207-foot-high TV Tower, the Reichstag Building with its glass dome, Museum Island, a boat tour with Stern + Kreis, amazing restaurants and nightlife to match. So wunderbar. So is the Hotel Amano Grand Central that’s not only clean and quiet with rooms going for as low as $80, but it’s directly opposite Berlin’s Central Station. High-fived myself with that find.

Which brings us to back to adorable and strollable Visby, a Baltic favorite on the scenic island of Gotland ( visitsweden.com ). Even when the annual medieval festival isn’t going on in August, a warm, village-like atmosphere welcomes cruisers with traditional Swedish hospitality. Walking, biking and motorcoach tours to the countryside may be prebooked through the ship, and a Hop on-Hop Off bus can be picked up dockside. Or simply explore this delightful destination on your own. Just make sure this love-at-first-sight thing doesn’t have you forgetting to make the all-aboard. Parting Visby is such sweet sorrow.

• Newsroom Guidelines
• Report an Error

More in Travel

SUBSCRIBER ONLY

Travel | travel: pocket-sized gets scaled up with polly pocket airbnb experience.

Travel | What I learned from my first EV road trip

Travel | When should you buy airline points or miles? Here are 4 times it might make sense

Environment | Deadly bacteria is a growing threat to beach vacations across the US