Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Northern Europe! Our recent 11-day Scandinavian cruise with Princess Cruises offered an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the world’s most charming and vibrant cities. From ancient medieval towns to modern design hubs, this adventure provided a rich tapestry of cultural experiences and breathtaking sights. Join us as we recount the highlights, share our favorite moments, and offer insights for those dreaming of their own Baltic Sea escapade.
A few months ago, my partner Zan and I embarked on an eagerly anticipated Scandinavian and Baltic Sea cruise with Princess Cruises. The itinerary promised a dazzling array of stops in countries and cities we had always yearned to visit, making the prospect of this trip incredibly exciting. We were particularly thrilled to share this 11-day journey with a wonderful group of friends, with whom we’ve had the pleasure of cruising multiple times before. There’s something truly special about exploring new destinations alongside cherished companions, creating memories that last a lifetime.
One of the most intriguing aspects of our itinerary was the chance to visit several nations consistently ranked among the world’s happiest. This added an extra layer of excitement, sparking our curiosity to experience firsthand what makes these cultures so content and to uncover the secrets behind their celebrated quality of life. Below, we’ve compiled a selection of our most cherished moments and favorite stops, hoping to inspire anyone contemplating a similar voyage with Princess Cruises. Having now enjoyed three fantastic cruises with them, we can confidently say they offer an incredible way to see the world!
Beginning Our Journey: A Glimpse of Oslo, Norway
Our grand adventure was originally scheduled to commence in Copenhagen, Denmark, the designated departure port for our cruise. However, unforeseen travel disruptions and flight issues led to a change in plans, and we ultimately met the ship in the vibrant capital of Norway, Oslo. While it was a slight deviation from our initial itinerary, the warm welcome we received from our friends and the brief moments we spent in Oslo quickly turned any travel stress into excitement for the journey ahead.
Although our time in Oslo was unfortunately limited due to our delayed arrival, we made the most of it. The priority was catching up with our friends, sharing stories, and settling into the cruise atmosphere. We enjoyed a delightful quick dinner together, followed by a scoop of delicious ice cream as we strolled through the city center. Even in our brief exploration, Oslo’s captivating beauty shone through, as evidenced by a truly stunning picture Zan captured, showcasing the city’s unique charm and the natural splendor surrounding it. It left us longing for a return visit to properly explore its museums, Viking history, and modern architectural marvels.
An Excursion to Berlin, Germany: A City of Layers
From our port of call (likely Warnemünde or Rostock), we embarked on a rather lengthy but ultimately rewarding three-hour train ride into the historical heart of Berlin. Despite the considerable travel time, we were determined to immerse ourselves in as much of this iconic city’s rich history and vibrant contemporary culture as possible. Berlin, a city that has witnessed pivotal moments in global history, offers an incredible blend of poignant memorials, world-class museums, and a thriving arts scene.
One particular highlight that pleasantly surprised us was Bikini Berlin. Far from a typical shopping mall, this innovative concept space seamlessly integrates retail, hospitality, and cultural experiences. We loved its unique design, diverse boutiques, and the relaxed atmosphere. It’s an excellent example of Berlin’s knack for reinvention and blending functionality with stylish aesthetics. Exploring Bikini Berlin provided a refreshing glimpse into the city’s modern, creative pulse, contrasting beautifully with its more somber historical sites.
Discovering the Enchantment of Tallinn, Estonia
Estonia was a true revelation on our itinerary, a country I had heard little about but which utterly charmed us. Our day in Tallinn, its capital, felt like stepping back in time into a meticulously preserved medieval fairytale. The city was absolutely bursting with character, from its cobblestone streets to its impressive city walls and turrets. It was an incredibly special experience, exploring genuine medieval castles and wandering through an Old Town that felt like a living museum.
It’s remarkable to consider the scale of Estonia, with its entire population of approximately 1.4 million people – a stark contrast to New York City’s 8.5 million! This smaller scale contributes to its intimate, welcoming atmosphere. We were captivated by the quaintness of Tallinn, and particularly by the harmonious blend of colorful modern architecture nestled alongside ancient, historic buildings. This unique juxtaposition creates a captivating visual landscape that is both historic and refreshingly contemporary.
Adding to our fascination, a quick fun fact we learned is truly impressive: according to PISA studies, Estonian children and teenagers consistently rank among the strongest globally in education, earning a top-rated spot in Europe. What an incredible achievement for such a compact nation, highlighting its forward-thinking approach to societal development.
One memorable moment involved the most adventurous walk I’ve ever undertaken just to get a coffee and pastry! It required navigating countless tall, steep, and incredibly narrow steps before we finally arrived at the smallest, most adorable cafe imaginable. It was an experience filled with whimsical charm and a delightful little adventure that perfectly encapsulated Tallinn’s unique character.
Tallinn is truly a photographer’s dream, renowned for its collection of unique and stunning doors. Each one tells a story, featuring a myriad of colors, sizes, shapes, and intricate designs. This particular pink one stood out as my absolute favorite, adding a vibrant splash to the historic streetscape.
The visual harmony of Tallinn is truly remarkable; in almost every street, you can observe the beautiful interplay of vibrant, modern architecture seamlessly integrated with more traditional medieval styles. This dynamic fusion defines the entire town, creating an aesthetic that is both distinctive and wonderfully cool, making every turn a discovery.
A panoramic view of Tallinn from above is simply breathtaking. The sea of terracotta red roofs stretching across the cityscape, interspersed with ancient spires and green spaces, creates an iconic and picturesque scene that we absolutely adored. It’s a view that truly captures the essence of this enchanting Baltic gem.
Helsinki, Finland: Our Favorite Scandinavian City
Without a doubt, Helsinki, Finland, emerged as our absolute favorite city on this entire cruise! Our day there was nothing short of memorable, a perfect blend of retail therapy, culinary delights, and captivating sightseeing. A visit to the iconic Marimekko store was an absolute must for us, where we indulged in their vibrant prints and timeless Finnish design. The city itself exuded an effortlessly chic and friendly atmosphere that instantly drew us in.
Adding a touch of pure magic to our day, it actually began to snow while we were comfortably tucked away inside a tiny, incredibly cozy cafe called Juuri. The sight of delicate snowflakes drifting outside as we sipped our warm drinks created an unforgettable moment. It solidified a dream for us: to return to Helsinki one day with our children, particularly during Christmas time. I can only imagine how utterly magical and breathtakingly beautiful Helsinki must be when adorned with festive decorations and covered in a blanket of snow during the holidays.
A visit to the historic Old Market Hall is an absolute must when in Helsinki. This vibrant marketplace is a feast for the senses, offering an incredible array of local delicacies, fresh produce, and artisanal crafts. We had an exceptional breakfast at a charming cafe inside called Story, which quickly became a favorite. We also loved browsing the various little shops, discovering unique Finnish souvenirs and delicious treats. It’s truly a fantastic spot to grab a bite, experience local culture, and find some lovely gifts to bring back home.
Our lunch at Juuri was truly a highlight, solidifying its place as our favorite meal of the trip. This restaurant, known for its quaint and cozy ambiance, served up incredibly amazing food that showcased the best of Finnish cuisine. It’s no surprise that Juuri is rated in the prestigious Michelin Guide; every dish was a testament to quality and creativity. We savored Lingonberry Aperol Spritzes, a unique and refreshing twist on a classic, as the snow continued to fall softly outside – a truly dreamy experience. This magical moment inspired me to recreate my own version of the Lingonberry Aperol Spritz, which you can find here! They are absolutely heavenly.
Stockholm, Sweden: The “Venice of the North”
Our visit to Stockholm, often dubbed the “Venice of the North” due to its stunning archipelago and waterways, was another remarkable stop on our Scandinavian journey. The absolute highlight for us was exploring Rosendals Trädgård, a biodynamic garden and farm that proved to be incredibly inspiring. I even dedicated a separate blog post to how much this place captivated me and the myriad of ideas it sparked for my own projects at Sugar and Charm. The serene beauty and innovative approach to sustainable gardening left a lasting impression, fueling my dream of one day adding a glass greenhouse to my property. I simply couldn’t get enough of this enchanting place!
Rosendals Trädgård isn’t just a garden; it’s a holistic experience, featuring orchards, vineyards, a plant shop, a bakery, and a renowned cafe that serves delicious, freshly prepared meals using ingredients grown right on site. It embodies a philosophy of connecting people with nature and sustainable food production, which resonated deeply with us. The tranquility and beauty of the surroundings provided a perfect escape from the bustling city, showcasing a different, more pastoral side of Stockholm.
The Grandeur of St. Petersburg, Russia
Our journey continued to the majestic city of St. Petersburg, Russia, a destination that requires a special travel visa for independent visitors. Fortunately, cruising with Princess made this accessible, as organized shore excursions typically cover the necessary group visas. This allowed us to experience the grandeur of this imperial city without the complexities of individual visa applications. We opted for the “Best of Saint Petersburg” excursion with Princess, which offered a comprehensive overview of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
One of the most extraordinary and unexpected highlights of our entire trip was witnessing the Russian military preparing for a parade right in the heart of the city. Streets were filled with soldiers, tanks, and military vehicles, creating a truly once-in-a-lifetime spectacle. The sheer scale and precision of the preparations were astounding, offering a unique glimpse into a significant cultural event that felt both powerful and surreal. It was an unforgettable moment that truly underscored the historical and cultural significance of St. Petersburg.
Another memorable experience in Russia was our boat tour along the city’s numerous canals and rivers. Despite the chilly weather, the Princess Cruises team ensured our comfort with plenty of warm blankets and celebratory champagne, creating a cozy and delightful atmosphere. This serene boat trip offered the perfect, most relaxing vantage point from which to admire the stunning, opulent architecture that defines St. Petersburg. The city truly comes alive from the water, revealing intricate facades and grand palaces that line its picturesque waterways.
The tour took an unexpectedly humorous turn when our actual guide stepped away to secure tickets for an old church, leaving my husband a chance to spontaneously play tour guide. His impromptu American comedy routine kept things wonderfully light and entertaining, adding a personal and amusing touch to our cultural exploration. It was a testament to the fun and flexibility of cruising with friends!
Throughout our visit, we also had the opportunity to tour many of St. Petersburg’s breathtaking palaces and world-renowned museums, each one more magnificent than the last. The sheer artistry and historical significance of places like the Hermitage Museum and the various imperial residences were awe-inspiring. Overall, this cruise provided an incredible cultural immersion and was definitely worth every moment, offering us a chance to witness the unparalleled beauty and rich history of these amazing countries.
Reflections and Future Adventures
Our Scandinavian and Baltic Sea cruise with Princess Cruises was an experience of a lifetime, offering a truly diverse and enriching journey through Northern Europe. It provided a perfect blend of history, culture, culinary delights, and breathtaking natural beauty. For anyone considering such a trip, my best advice would be to resist the urge to cram a million activities into every single stop. Instead, select just a couple of key sights or experiences that genuinely interest you, allowing yourself the time to truly relax, absorb the atmosphere, and enjoy each destination without feeling rushed.
One of the greatest benefits of a cruise like this is that it offers a delightful “taste” of each city and country. This allows you to identify which places truly resonate with you and which ones you’d love to return to for a more in-depth exploration. For us, Finland, particularly Helsinki, is unequivocally at the top of our list for a future, longer visit. The magic we experienced there left an indelible mark, and we dream of returning to delve deeper into its unique charm.
If you have any questions at all about this specific cruise, the destinations we visited, or cruising in general, please don’t hesitate to reach out! I am more than happy to share further insights and answer anything you’d like to know. Happy travels and may your next adventure be as memorable as ours!
A heartfelt thank you to Princess Cruises for sponsoring our incredible journey and making this unforgettable Scandinavian adventure possible!