There are countless reasons to venture into the Baltic. Quaint towns, thriving cities, scenic countryside, turreted castles and a colourful arts scene are certain to enrich your time here. Unlike many other cruises you will rarely be out of the sight of land. The constantly changing backdrop of the cruise is provided by one of the world's most dramatic coastlines, from the temperate climes of Bergen in the south, to the glacier-covered Svalbard Islands, on the edge of the Arctic.
A Baltic cruise is a great experience. You can expect to see a wealth of history, architecture and wildlife. The beauty of a Baltic cruise is the many magnificent views which cannot be seen from land, such as mist-shrouded fjords and spectacular waterfalls.
Choose to cruise to the northern capitals and you can visit a string of fascinating cities in just one holiday.
Helsinki, Finland
Surrounded by the sea and its own archipelago Helsinki is the sparkling capital of Finland, an elegant city of spectacular architecture, beautiful gardens, and harbour side parks. The heart of Helsinki is the bustling kauppatori or market square. Also known as the fish market, it is surrounded by graceful 19th-century buildings - some of the few remaining in the city after the devastation of WWII.
Visit Havis Amanda, the lovely mermaid statue and fountain just west of the fish market. The statue was designed in 1908 by one of Finland's most beloved artists, Ville Vallgren. Also known as Manta, it is commonly regarded as the symbol of Helsinki - if not all of Finland.
St Petersburg, Russia
St. Petersburg, the jewel in the Baltic's crown is rich in cultural heritage, and a masterpiece of architecture that embodies the soul of Imperial Russia. In 1703, Peter the Great built a fortress on the banks of the Neva River, and by 1712 a new city had emerged. Ships usually stay overnight in St. Petersburg; - on the broad banks of the River Neva with the magnificent palaces and churches which characterise the city's skyline - you will find Russia dramatic, flamboyant and captivating.
While you're in St. Petersburg put the Hermitage Museum right at the top of your sightseeing list, other treasures include the Yusupov Palace; Catherine the Great's palace; St Isaac's Cathedral; the onion-spired Church of Spilled Blood and the battleship Aurora, whose guns signalled the start of the Russian Revolution.
Tallinn, Estonia
Discover the influence of Estonia's cruise port Tallinn, a fascinating medieval capital with its narrow cobblestone alleyways. You'll find old walls, winding cobbled lanes and buildings that date back to the Middle Ages. Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is one of the oldest cities on the Baltic Sea, founded in 1154. Its Old Town has remained remarkably unchanged for the past 600 years, making it one of the most attractive cities in Europe.
Today's Tallinn is also a thoroughly modern capital filled with parks, museums, sports centres, hotels and cafés - a city certain to suit almost every traveller's tastes - a legacy of Teutonic, Polish and Russian rule - will have your eyes on stalks, from the spectacular onion domes of the Nevski Russian Orthodox Cathedral to the Baroque Toompea Castle (home of the Estonian Parliament) and the elaborate Gothic façade of the 13th century Raekoda, Europe's oldest town hall.
