When one hears the term “Northern Europe”, in terms of cruising, most people think of the Baltic cruises.  Varied Baltic (Viking) cruises are a large part of the puzzle, but also included are cruise itineraries around the British Isles and Norway. 
The most popular Baltic cruise departs from England, Copenhagen or Amsterdam.  It includes ports in Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Russia, and Estonia.  In past years most cruise itineraries include an overnight, or sometimes 2 nights,  in St. Petersburg, Russia.  Cruisers found that there was not enough time to explore St. Petersburg and cities beyond in one day, so the cruise lines responded with over night stays in Russia. 
St. Petersburg is usually one of the main highlights of a Baltic cruise.  Most cruisers will visit Russia one time in their life and seeing the history and treasures of St. Petersburg is a “looked forward to” event.  One must visit the Hermitage with its artworks and treasures.  the onion-domed churches, the mosaics of the Church of Our Saviour on Spilled Blood (built on the spot where Alexander II was assassinated, opera at the Yuspov Palace, St. Nicholas Catherdral, the palaces of Pushkin and Peterhof are some of the many sights to see.  Some cruise lines even feature a tour that takes you to Moscow for a visit.  Be aware that you MUST travel on ship shore excursions while in Russia unless you have obtained an independent visa.
The other Northern royal cities of Stockholm, Helsinki and Copenhagen are delightful cities.  Clean and “very much” Scandavanian in their character.  Modern design is very evident in spite of the many historical structures.  Nature is evident everywhere in the many bays and wildlife of the area.  Fresh cold water fish and fish markets are very much a part of the culture of the area.
Stockholm’s 50 bridges connecting its 14 islands makes this city a delightful day of strolling adventure.  It’s old town area, Galma Stan, is packed with historic buildings, shops and cafes.  Be sure to visit the castle for the changing of the guard.  Take the Lake Malaren cruise.  Enjoy the weather and the tree lined streets of the fascinating town.
Helsinki has the Church of the Rock and the Cathedral on the Hill.  The fish market at the docks is a return to yesterday.  Stoll it broad tree lined streets to the neo-classically designed architecture in Senate Square.  Delight in the modern designed products in the many stores on its avenues.
Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, with its many canals and gardens can be another “strolling town” for your days visit. The famous Tivoli Gardens and the Amalienborg are sights know the world over.  The Kronborg castle, the famous “Hamlet” castle is a great destination for some ship’s shore excursions. 
 If your are forunate to be in St. Petersburg (and the rest of the Baltic) in June, you will experience the “White Nights” where the night sky is almost never dark.  Enjoy the LONG days in the Baltic are.
Many cruise itineraries now feature JUST Norway, however some itineraries include Oslo or Bergen in the longer Northern Europe itineraries.
The exclusive Norway itineraries follow the coastline up the Norwegian coast to large and small towns.  Adventures into the interior provide adventure and scenery filled land days for the Norway cruiser.  Beautiful fjords, mountains, and jagged coastline are a highlight of the trip for those who love nature.  You may even travel to the very northern Artic Circle with its reindeer and glaciers. 
The Netherlands, Amsterdam, Belgium, and German ports are often included in Baltic cruises.  It is a wonderland of culinary and historical delights for those cruisers who have family ties to this area of the globe.
Some cruise itineraries concentrate on the British Isles.  Leaving English ports, the ships travel to Scotland, Ireland, and the islands in the English Channel.  Some itineraries even visit ports in France. 
Edinburgh, Dublin, Belfast and Cork are some of the delightful cities you will visit.  The Shetland Islands and ports in Norway are sometimes included in these cruise itineraries.  If you have the chance to travel to St. Andrews for the day, it is a wonderful visit and a must for the golfers in your group.
Transatlantic and cruises from Southern Europe often visit LeHavre, from which you can visit Paris for the day.
If you are thinking of a trip to this part of the globe, let us make some suggestions for your pre or post land visits.  One MUST visit London for a few days, if you are departing from a port in England.  From London one can travel by the Eurotrain to Paris in less that 3 hours and see the sights of this beautiful city.  It is well worth the effort.  Make plenty of time to visit the Louvre , Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower.

Call us at 800/829-9271 for specific advice on this and other adventures in Northern Europe.  We have specialized agents who know this part of the world and they will help you make this an adventure of a lifetime.  E Mail us at axatravel@aol.com, with specific questions and we will provide the information that you need for land or sea travel.  It may be a “once in a lifetime” trip and we want to help you make it the BEST!