Baltic Sea Cruises

History & culture

Celebration is at the heart of Baltic Sea culture. Whether it’s in the lyrics of the local folk songs or steps of dances that date back centuries, there’s a real joy in seeing these cultural traditions passed through the generations. Music and dance festivals pepper the calendar - meaning you could get the chance to pick up a dance step or two on your Baltic Sea cruise.

Food & drink

A Baltic Sea cruise puts exciting flavours on the menu in every port. Expect the Baltic staples - berries, game, rye breads and robust cheeses to sit alongside the temptingly tasty smoked sausages and meats in many dishes. Pair your meal with a Baltic beer to taste light, dark or amber ales - brewed from ancient recipes or newly created in microbreweries. Don’t miss a glass of kvass either, this Baltic sparkling summer brew has zero alcohol but a distinct malt taste. Discover how to make the most of your visit with our Baltic Sea guide!

Estonia

Spending a day in the coastal capital of Tallinn immerses you in Estonian culture and Baltic Sea views. The cobbled streets of the old town charm all who visit. 15th century architecture sits alongside bustling local cafes and shops, making it all too easy to stay in this walled part of Tallinn. Don’t miss the Gothic halls, towering steeples and a lush green park outside the walls that provide an eclectic mix of scenery for budding photographers to snap.

Lithuania

You can happily stroll around the harbour in the port of Klaipėda. Here, it’s easy to soak up the summer sun, explore the historic centre and meander through the castle and its museum. though it’s far more likely that you’ll swap one ship for another and hop on the ferry to see the towering dunes of the Curonian Spit. Hop ashore to search for amber in the sands.

Dlugi Targ - Gdansk 

Poland’s Dlugi Targ is often compared to Las Ramblas in Barcelona. Also known as the ‘Long Market’, Dlugi Targ combines history, period architecture, restaurants and street performances making it an ideal spot to experience a slice of Gdansk while you’re docked.

Rock Church - Helsinki

Architectural wonders aren’t in short supply on a Baltic Sea cruise. But none can quite match the striking interior of Helsinki’s Rock Church. Hewn from one huge block of granite in a residential part of the city, the church - and its copper roof, look like no other. 

The Hermitage - St Petersburg 

This expansive museum in Russia’s grand capital offers far more than artefacts and oil paintings. While those alone are enough to keep you captivated for hours, the calendar of concerts, ballet and opera performances make the Hermitage a must on your Baltic itinerary.

Currency considerations

There are many potential currencies you might need on your Baltic cruise. So it’s best to be prepared. Speak to your Visa or Mastercard provider about any overseas transaction fees. Order and buy currencies in advance for your port itinerary to save on fees.

Customs & traditions

Your itinerary could see you visiting a different country on every day of your cruise. It pays to do a small amount of research on each stop before you go ashore - particularly if you may visit important cultural sights, such as churches. For example, in Russia, it’s customary for men to take off hats, and women to use a head covering in Orthodox churches.

Making the most use of short durations in port

With only one day in each port, be sure to have a short list of attractions you want to see. Do you want to join the crowds and tick off the ‘must-sees’ or spend a day seeing an alternative side to the city? Choosing your experience beforehand is best.

• All destinations. 

We have put together the following FAQs. We hope that you will be able to find an answer to your question below, but if you require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service team. 

What do you wear on a Baltic Sea cruise?

• Choosing what you wear on a Baltic Sea cruise is determined by the season - and the ports on your cruise. In summer, temperatures, and rainfall, can vary greatly. Pack cool layers for flexibility, a waterproof jacket for rain showers and good walking shoes to explore in comfort. In autumn and winter, thicker layers - topped up with a hat, scarf and thermals will keep you warm as you see the sights.

How many stops are usually on a Baltic Sea cruise?

• The number of stops on a Baltic Sea cruise vary depending on the cruise company - and the length of your cruise. Some itineraries include a port stop on almost every day of the cruise, while others mix in some relaxing sea days between ports. Expect to see between 7-10 ports on a 14 day cruise.

How many guests are on a typical Baltic Sea cruise?

• Generally, the number of guests on a typical Baltic Sea cruise can be as low as 300- 600 on Silversea and Seabourn ships. Oceania and Regent Seven Seas cruises sail with slightly higher passenger numbers totalling approximately 700-750 guests. Cruise lines with mid-sized ships (carrying 1,000 - 2,000 passengers) include Holland America, Princess and Royal Caribbean.