Baltic Cruises

Embark on a Baltic Sea Adventure with Cruise1st

The Baltic Sea is a stunning region brimming with opportunities for discovery, adventure, and exploration. Famous for its picturesque landscapes, charming cities, and rich history, this unique area offers a delightful mix of culture and natural beauty. Fun fact: The Baltic Sea is an inland sea, bordered by nine countries, including Sweden, Finland, and Estonia, which creates a fascinating blend of influences and attractions! A cruise to the Baltic Sea provides the chance to immerse yourself in a variety of vibrant cultures while enjoying the comforts of a floating hotel—ideal for those seeking an unforgettable travel experience!

Major Cruise Lines Visiting the Baltic Sea

• MSC Cruises: With a fleet of 23 ships, MSC has 3 that sail to the Baltic Sea, notably the MSC Poesia and MSC Euribia. These ships offer a family-friendly atmosphere and fantastic onboard amenities such as pools, shows, and diverse dining options. Most cruises depart from major international ports like Copenhagen or Warnemünde, making for easy access for cruisers eager to explore the enchanting Baltic region.
• Princess Cruises: This cruise line features 17 ships, 5 of which explore the Baltic Sea, including the Sky Princess and Sapphire Princess. Known for their superior service and entertaining onboard experiences, these ships provide excellent culinary options and activities for all ages. With departures found at either domestic ports in Sydney or Brisbane, or internationally from Southampton or Copenhagen, cruisers have the flexibility to choose their preferred setting.
• Holland America Line: With 11 ships in their fleet, Holland America sails 3 vessels to the Baltic Sea, particularly the Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam. These ships are lauded for their enrichment programs and high-quality dining experiences that reflect the cultures of the ports they visit. Most cruises depart from Sydney for domestic cruisers or internationally from key ports like Rotterdam or Dover.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: Sporting a fleet of 20, Norwegian has 5 ships exploring the Baltic Sea, including Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Sun. Guests can enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with onboard entertainment and flexible dining options. The majority of cruises depart from convenient ports like Copenhagen or Helsinki, ensuring easy access to the stunning scenery of the Baltic.
• P&O Cruises: Comprising 7 ships, P&O operates 3 vessels that travel to the Baltic Sea, including Arcadia and Britannia. The emphasis here is on a relaxed onboard experience paired with great dining options. Most cruises depart from Southampton, setting the stage for an exciting venture into the Baltic region.

Luxury and Small Ship Cruises to the Baltic Sea

• Oceania Cruises: With a fleet size of 8, Oceania has 2 ships sailing to the Baltic Sea—Sirena and Vista. They are celebrated for their focus on fine dining and immersive itineraries, allowing guests to experience local cuisine and culture at each port of call. The majority of voyages depart from ports like Southampton or Copenhagen, connecting cruisers to enchanting destinations.
• Silversea: Featuring a fleet of 12 ships, Silversea takes 3 to the Baltic Sea, notably the Silver Dawn and Silver Spirit. This cruise line prides itself on providing all-inclusive luxury experiences that cater to discerning travelers. Departures are often from Copenhagen or New York, offering a cultured journey through this fascinating region.
• Azamara Cruises: With a fleet of 4 ships, Azamara has 1—a firm favourite, the Azamara Journey—visiting the Baltic Sea. With an emphasis on destination immersion, guests can explore each port in depth. Most sailings begin in Copenhagen or Lisbon, making for an easy entry into the beautiful Baltic landscape.

Top Ports to Visit in the Baltic Sea

• Copenhagen, Denmark: A vibrant city known for its canals, cobblestone streets, and the iconic Little Mermaid statue. Cruise passengers can explore the historic Nyhavn district or indulge in a bike tour through the lush parks and landmarks. Be sure to visit Tivoli Gardens for an enchanting experience with rides, shows, and gorgeous gardens!
• Warnemünde, Germany: This charming seaside resort is a gateway to Berlin. While docked, cruise visitors can stroll along the sandy beach, visit the charming lighthouse, or take a day trip to explore the historic sites of Berlin. Don’t miss the opportunity to try freshly caught fish at local waterfront restaurants!
• Stockholm, Sweden: Spread over 14 islands, Stockholm is a captivating city. Visitors can explore the Royal Palace, wander through the picturesque Gamla Stan (Old Town), or take a scenic boat ride through the archipelago. For a unique experience, check out the Vasa Museum, which houses a well-preserved 17th-century warship!
• Tallinn, Estonia: Known for its beautifully preserved medieval Old Town, Tallin boasts stunning architecture and rich history. While ashore, visitors can climb Toompea Hill for sweeping views or explore the lively markets for local crafts. Be sure to sample traditional Estonian pastries and dishes at one of the charming cafés.
• Helsinki, Finland: This modern city offers a captivating mix of history and culture. Cruise passengers can visit the iconic Helsinki Cathedral and explore the bustling market square filled with local products. A must-see is the Fortress of Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage site accessible by a short ferry ride—perfect for an afternoon adventure!

Ideal Times to Cruise the Baltic Sea

A Baltic Sea cruise is a delight in various seasons! Late spring to early summer, from May to June, offers mild temperatures ranging from 10-22°C, perfect for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery. From July to August, temperatures can rise a bit more, reaching around 15-25°C, making it ideal for exploring the beautiful outdoor attractions and coastal cities. Autumn, from September to October, provides cooler temps of around 5-15°C, along with stunning fall views, perfect for those looking to escape the summer crowds.

Cost Overview for Baltic Sea Cruises

A week-long cruise to the Baltic Sea typically ranges from $1,500 to $2,500 AUD, while two-week cruises can go from $3,000 to $5,500 AUD. If you're interested in a luxury experience, expect to pay around $4,500 AUD for a week cruise and up to $10,000 AUD for two weeks. Meals are often covered while onboard, but if you're dining out at local restaurants, plan to spend about $20-50 AUD per meal—deliciously affordable for the quality you get!

Alternative Regions Worth Considering

If you're considering a cruise to the Baltic Sea, why not explore these fascinating alternatives?

• Norwegian Fjords: Renowned for their breathtaking natural beauty, the fjords provide stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures, perfect for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
• Adriatic Sea: Offering an exciting mix of historic destinations and sun-soaked beaches, the Adriatic Coast is ideal for those looking to discover charming cities like Dubrovnik and Venice.
• British Isles: A journey through the British Isles gives you a taste of diverse cultures, history, and spectacular coastlines, making it an extremely rich travel experience.
• Eastern Mediterranean: Known for its incredible islands and rich history, the Eastern Mediterranean offers captivating experiences amidst beautiful landscapes and delicious cuisine.
• Germany: For culture enthusiasts, a cruise to Germany opens doors to vibrant cities, fairytale castles, and lush countryside—an enchanting mix of history and tradition.

Ready to set sail on an exciting journey through the breathtaking Baltic Sea? With Cruise1st, adventure is just a booking away. Discover captivating cultures, breathtaking sceneries, and culinary delights that will create lasting memories!