Baltic Cruises

Explore the Enchanting Baltic Sea

The Baltic Sea is a stunning region rich in history, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant cultures. It is framed by an array of countries, including Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Germany, and Denmark. Cruising the Baltic Sea gives you a remarkable opportunity to explore charming cities, scenic coastlines, and picturesque islands, all while enjoying the comforts of modern cruise ships. Fun fact: the Baltic Sea is one of the largest brackish water bodies in the world! Whether you’re wandering through the medieval streets of Tallinn or soaking in the architectural beauty of Stockholm, a cruise to this mesmerizing part of the world promises unforgettable moments.

Top Major Cruise Lines to the Baltic Sea

• MSC Cruises: With a fleet of 24 ships, MSC Cruises has four vessels offering itineraries to the Baltic Sea. The MSC Virtuosa and MSC Grandiosa are known for their luxurious design and family-friendly amenities. Passengers can enjoy stunning entertainment options, diverse dining choices, and spacious cabins. Most departures occur from key international ports such as Hamburg and Copenhagen, making it convenient for those eager to explore the Baltic region.
• Princess Cruises: Operating a fleet of 17 ships, Princess Cruises features five vessels that visit the Baltic Sea. The Crown Princess and Regal Princess stand out for their exceptional service and onboard activities. Guests can engage in everything from culinary classes to fascinating educational talks and cultural experiences. Departures typically happen from major international ports such as Copenhagen and Stockholm, ensuring easy access to the Baltic gems.
• Holland America Line: This line has a fleet of 11 ships, with two vessels—Eurodam and Nieuw Statendam—offering content-rich itineraries to the Baltic Sea. Holland America is renowned for its culinary excellence and cultural enrichment programs, allowing travelers to enhance their knowledge of the destinations they visit. Departures generally occur from international ports like Amsterdam and Copenhagen, giving travelers multiple access points.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian, boasting a fleet of 21 ships, features four vessels—including the Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Getaway—that cruise the Baltic Sea. With its Freestyle Cruising concept, Norwegian offers passengers the flexibility to choose their dining and entertainment experiences without rigid schedules. Departures commonly occur from ports in Amsterdam and Copenhagen, creating convenient options for enjoying the Baltic Sea.
• P&O Cruises: Operating a fleet of 7 ships, P&O Cruises features three vessels that visit the Baltic Sea, including Ventura and Britannia. Renowned for its British charm, P&O emphasizes engaging onboard experiences and delightful dining options. Many departures occur from coastal ports such as Southampton, making it easy for travelers to set sail on their Baltic adventure.

Luxury and Small Ship Cruising Opportunities

• Viking Ocean Cruises: With a fleet of 11 ships, Viking has six vessels offering itineraries to the Baltic Sea. The Viking Star and Viking Sea are known for their Scandinavian-inspired design and all-inclusive luxury experience. Guests can enjoy enriching shore excursions, intimate onboard experiences, and exceptional service. Departures commonly take place from nautical hubs like Stockholm and Bergen, ensuring easy embarkation.
• Silversea: This luxury cruise line operates a fleet of 12 ships, three of which—Silver Spirit, Silver Shadow, and Silver Nova—visit the Baltic Sea. Silversea prides itself on offering personalized service and exquisite comfort, creating unforgettable experiences crafted for discerning travelers. Departures generally take place from international ports like Southampton and Copenhagen, ensuring seamless access to this stunning region.
• Oceania Cruises: Oceania maintains a fleet of eight ships, with four vessels—Riviera, Marina, Insignia, and Sirena—providing itineraries to the Baltic Sea. Guests can enjoy some of the finest culinary offerings at sea and spacious accommodations throughout their journey. Departures usually occur from international ports like Copenhagen and Southampton, allowing convenient access to the Baltic horizons.
• Azamara Cruises: This line operates a fleet of four ships, with two—Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest—that cruise the Baltic Sea. Known for their immersive travel experiences, Azamara offers longer stays in port, allowing guests to explore cultural highlights more intimately. Departures typically occur from ports like Copenhagen and Lisbon, making embarkation smooth and convenient.
• Viking River Cruises: With a significant fleet of 66 ships, Viking River Cruises offers three vessels that travel to the Baltic Sea, including Viking Eir and Viking Alruna. Known for their focus on cultural immersion, Viking River provides exceptional experiences to learn about local destinations, dining, and history. Most departures occur from major international ports, commonly starting in Basel, ensuring seamless access for travelers.

Top 5 Harbours to Explore in the Baltic Sea

• Copenhagen, Denmark: As the capital city of Denmark, Copenhagen is known for its charming canals and colourful Nyhavn waterfront. Cruise passengers can explore historical sites such as the Christiansborg Palace or take a stroll through the Tivoli Gardens for enchanting atmosphere and entertainment. Don't miss a chance to taste traditional Danish pastries or enjoy a meal in one of the city’s many delightful cafés.
• Warnemünde, Germany: Located along the coast of the Baltic Sea, Warnemünde is known for its stunning lighthouse and beautiful sandy beaches. Visitors can take a scenic walk along the promenade, visit the charming fishing village or take a short train ride to nearby Rostock to explore its medieval architecture. If time allows, enjoy fresh seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants.
• Stockholm, Sweden: The stunning capital city of Sweden is built across 14 islands. While in port, explore Gamla Stan, the historic old town, and visit famous sites such as the Royal Palace and Vasa Museum. A boat tour through the archipelago offers breathtaking views of the surrounding waters and islands, making Stockholm an unforgettable destination. Try some Swedish meatballs at a local restaurant, too!
• Tallinn, Estonia: Tallinn enchants visitors with its medieval charm and well-preserved architecture. When your cruise docks here, be sure to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, featuring cobblestone streets, towers, and historic buildings. Don't miss the chance to sample traditional Estonian pastries or visit local art galleries to experience its vibrant culture.
• Helsinki, Finland: As the capital of Finland, Helsinki offers a blend of modern design and beautiful natural landscapes. Cruise passengers can visit the iconic Helsinki Cathedral, explore the vibrant Market Square, and enjoy a leisurely walk around the beautiful Esplanadi Park. Be sure to check out the unique architecture of the Temppeliaukio Church, carved directly into rock!

Best Times to Cruise the Baltic Sea

The cruising season for the Baltic Sea generally runs from May to September, when temperatures typically range from 15°C to 25°C. These months boast pleasant weather, long daylight hours, and numerous cultural events across the region, making it a perfect time for exploration. Though the October to April period experiences cooler temperatures (averaging around 0°C to 10°C), this time also presents a unique experience when the cities are less crowded, and winter festivities can offer a different charm.

Costs of Cruising to the Baltic Sea

A typical one-week cruise to the Baltic Sea generally costs around $1200, and you can expect a two-week journey to start from approximately $2200. Luxury cruise options typically start at around $4000 for a week. Dining costs in the Baltic region can vary, with average meals priced between $15 to $30 and beverages generally ranging from $3 to $8. This allows you to experience the delicious local cuisine without overspending!

Alternative Regions Worth Considering for Your Next Cruise

If the Baltic Sea has captured your interest, consider these alternative regions for your next cruise:

• Norwegian Fjords: Known for their stunning natural beauty, the fjords offer breathtaking landscapes, charming villages, and plenty of outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking.
• Scandinavia: Experience the unique cultures and histories of Scandinavian countries, including Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, which provide a rich mix of urban and natural beauty.
• British Isles: A diverse region filled with charming villages, historic landmarks, and stunning countryside, cruises around the British Isles offer countless opportunities for exploration.
• Western Europe: This region provides a captivating mix of culture, architecture, and spectacular scenery, making it a great option for exploring historic towns and vibrant cities.
• Northern Europe: From the serene landscapes of Denmark to the rugged coastlines of Finland, a cruise through Northern Europe offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences.

Ready to explore the captivating Baltic Sea? Book your cruise with Cruise1st today, and immerse yourself in the unique experiences and stunning sights of this incredible region!