Cruise destinations from Cut Price Cruises

DESTINATIONS - Scandinavia & the Baltic

Why go there?

To discover tranquil fjords, spectacular scenery, deserted beaches, fascinating medieval cities, magnificent imperial palaces and some of the world’s greatest art galleries and museums.

Why cruise there?

Travelling in Scandinavia and the Baltic doesn’t come cheap; the cost of living is high and a landstay - with meals, taxis and entrance fees to consider - can quickly run up a big bill. Cruising provides all meals and entertainment and, in many ports, will take you to the heart of the action. And a cruise takes a lot of the bureaucratic hassle out of the process of visiting Russia.

When would I go, what will the weather be like and what should I pack?

In the summer months, the Baltic can be as sunny and hot as the Mediterranean, so take light clothing with something warmer for the evenings, and an umbrella just in case (as cruises visit coastal areas, which attract more rain than inland regions.

What are the options?

Many companies offer 10 to 12-day Baltic and Scandinavia sailings from the UK, out of Harwich or Dover. Others offer flycruises from popular base ports like Amsterdam or Copenhagen. As well as the Baltic and Scandinavia, you can explore the French coast or the Channel Islands on a cruise to Northern Europe - a popular option for travellers on a tight timescale, as such cruises can take as little as four days.

The important thing is to recognise the different attractions of Baltic cruising as distinct from cruising Scandinavia and specifically the Norwegian Fjords.Though often lumped together, with some itineraries covering ports in both regions, there are many aspects in which they vary.

Norwegian Fjords cruises appeal to lovers of spectacular scenery and tranquillity; they visit quiet villages and are suitable for older travellers who enjoy a gentle pace, though they also have big appeal for hikers and and those who enjoy the Great Outdoors.

Ports of call on fjord cruises include Bergen (which has a beautiful medieval quarter); Trondheirn (Norway's former Viking capital and home to the magnificent Stiftsgârden Palace); Alesund ( a lovely city of canals flanked by Art Deco buildings); Tromsø (which is surrounded by spectacular mountains) and Hammerfest, the most northerly town in the world.

Baltic itineraries visit the great northern cities and go down well with travellers interested in art, architecture and history. Baltic ports of call include Oslo (a wonderful city for museums); Copenhagen (birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen and home to the delightful Tivoli Gardens); Helsinki (city of waterways and parks); Tallinn (an architectural treasure trove of fine medieval and Gothic buildings) and Warnemunde gateway to Berlin.

Baltic itineraries also usually include a transit of the Kiel Canal. But their most famous port of call is, of course, St Petersburg, where ships generally stay at least two days to give passengers time to explore the Hermitage Museum, tour the city’s fabulous imperial palaces and visit aboard Aurora, the 19th Century battleship which fired the shot that started the Russian Revolution.

What to do ashore?

Shore excursions will show the main sights, with options including scenic drives, city fours and visits to palaces and museums (notably the world-famous Hermitage in St Petersburg). Royal Caribbean and its subsidiary Celebrity Cruises are now introducing premium priced, offbeat excursions like a visit to the Kremlin in Moscow or a personalised tour of the Hermitage with caviar lunch.

Which cruise lines go there?

Operators with programmes to the Baltic, Scandinavia and/or Northern Europe include

What type of traveller goes there?

Experienced cruisers looking for something new to try; upmarket clients keen on history, great architecture and culture; fjords cruises are ideal for older clients who enjoy a relaxed pace and exquisite scenery, and are a good option for lovers of the Great Outdoors.