Baltic - R307 Aurora departing 2 May 2023

The city center is a charming mix of old city walls and a large modern shopping centre. With multiple restaurants, museums, cinemas and theatres there is plenty to be explored. Time spent at embarkation and disembarkation ports may be limited which may restrict availability of shore excursions.

Kiel is a port city on Germany’s Baltic Sea coast. In the old town, the rebuilt, medieval St. Nikolai Church hosts classical concerts. Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse are streets lined with shops. Along the Kiel Fjord, the Maritime Museum displays model ships and nautical instruments in a former fish auction hall. Cruise ships dock at the Ostseekai Terminal in Germania Harbor.

Surrounded by the sea and its own archipelago, Helsinki, the Finnish capital, retains its nautical feel with many sailing events during the summer. Exploring the fascinating sights of Helsinki, cruise guests will discover the city is also the country’s main cultural focus, offering dance, ballet, opera, and other festivals. The striking onion-shaped cupolas of the Uspensky Cathedral (modelled on the one in Odessa) are just one example of the Soviet influence on a country which achieved independence less than 100 years ago. Highlights of cruises to Helsinki also include some of the traditional Finnish building in the Senate Square and the North Harbour. Helsinki is a compact city – ‘a pocket-sized metropolis’, as it was once described – so it is easy to get around, especially in the historical centre. Or you can take the touring ‘pub tram’ and drink in the views, including the colourful flower market near the harbourfront. After months of dark, cold winter, it is hardly surprising that the Finns pull out all the stops to celebrate the genuine warmth of their summers with outdoor events all around the city such as the Coming of Spring, Midsummer, the Helsinki Festival, and the Annual Night of the Arts.

Surrounded by the sea and its own archipelago, Helsinki, the Finnish capital, retains its nautical feel with many sailing events during the summer. Exploring the fascinating sights of Helsinki, cruise guests will discover the city is also the country’s main cultural focus, offering dance, ballet, opera, and other festivals. The striking onion-shaped cupolas of the Uspensky Cathedral (modelled on the one in Odessa) are just one example of the Soviet influence on a country which achieved independence less than 100 years ago. Highlights of cruises to Helsinki also include some of the traditional Finnish building in the Senate Square and the North Harbour. Helsinki is a compact city – ‘a pocket-sized metropolis’, as it was once described – so it is easy to get around, especially in the historical centre. Or you can take the touring ‘pub tram’ and drink in the views, including the colourful flower market near the harbourfront. After months of dark, cold winter, it is hardly surprising that the Finns pull out all the stops to celebrate the genuine warmth of their summers with outdoor events all around the city such as the Coming of Spring, Midsummer, the Helsinki Festival, and the Annual Night of the Arts.

Another medieval masterpiece, Tallinn is enjoying a renaissance now that it is free from Russian rule. The architecture of this fine city juxtaposes Russian with Polish and Teutonic leaving you wide-eyed with wonder. From the spectacular curved domes of the Nevski Russian Orthodox Cathedral to Europe’s only remaining Gothic town hall, you’ll discover some awe-inspiring sights. You’ll find bars and restaurants in abundance, and from the winding cobbled streets and squares, the sounds of open-air markets, brass bands, choirs and even string quartets ring out.

An unbelievably beautiful city, Stockholm is surrounded by clear water and unspoilt countryside that stretches deep into urban areas. The largest part of the city lies in its medieval quarter, Gamla Stan, which was built across three bridge-linked islands. In its narrow streets you’ll find countless bars, restaurants and boutiques, but if you still have time to spare, then there are over 150 museums and galleries to explore. For the ultimate experience, take a cruise past majestic buildings, tree-lined squares and spacious boulevards to capture the essence of this city of islands.

Alongside the Baltic Sea, on the beautiful west coast of Lithuania lies Klaipėda. This cruise destination is brimming with bays and beaches, an interesting array of sand dunes, shops and shipyards offering something to suit every taste. The lovingly restored old town bring cruises to Klaipėda a unique atmosphere and allure. Antique lampposts appear on every corner and half-timbered buildings stand much as they did 100-200 years ago, among stone-paved sidewalks and cosily hidden courtyards. At its heart is Teatro Square named after the ornate Neoclassical theatre building on its northern side. Embark on one of our Klaipėda cruises and treat yourself to a truly exclusive experience.

Warnemünde is your gateway to all things Hanseatic, which means that many of the most popular excursions offered from Warnemünde cruises provide a fascinating tour through living medieval history. Nearby Rostock still emanates some of its former glories as a major Hanseatic city. Its pedestrianised old town is full of narrow atmospheric streets, cutting between impressive centuries-old buildings. City Hall, in the New Market Place, is particularly impressive, but the 15th century St. Marien Church, with its astronomical clock, is Rostocks true focal point. From Warnemünde-Rostock, your cruise tour takes you to the magnificent 700-year-old brick cathedral of Bad Doberan is only 10 miles away. Railway buffs will love the antique railway that runs from there to the beach resort of Heiligendamm, which is 30 minutes steaming away – through landscapes of charming villages, coastal scenes and the beautiful Doberan Linden Alley.

Whether you’re an art buff or a fan of Mother Nature, Denmark’s second largest city Aarhus has something to offer to everyone. Much of its vibrant social scene centres on the thriving waterfront area of Vadestedet and in the city itself you’ll find pedestrianised shopping streets interwoven with narrow lanes and timbered houses and cafés. Just south of the town is Marselisborg, and here you can visit a wildlife sanctuary or head off on a walk through the stunning Scandinavian forest. Another out of town attraction, ideal for families, is one of the largest Legoland Theme Parks in Europe.

The city center is a charming mix of old city walls and a large modern shopping centre. With multiple restaurants, museums, cinemas and theatres there is plenty to be explored. Time spent at embarkation and disembarkation ports may be limited which may restrict availability of shore excursions.