A dip into the Baltic

We spotlight one of our favourite European cruise destinations offered from the port of Southampton

When it comes to choosing a cruise destination, the typical image is of a huge liner sweeping past a Caribbean beach, or perhaps gently meandering in the shadow of the Pyramids, navigating the River Nile.

However, the cruise industry has a whole lot more to offer than straight beach holidays and sun-spots. And today we’re going to be previewing one of our favourite modern cruise options that provides a beautiful alternative to the sizzling beaches and island destinations that glitter on the other side of the Atlantic.

Today, it’s time for a focus on some extraordinary jewels much closer to home: the Baltic Sea and its surrounding cities and states. Whilst Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania officially make up the Baltic States, these tiny, flat countries are connected by the Sea of the same name to several other Scandinavian and Slavic countries – mainly Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Russia.

Some of the world’s major cruise operators, such as Royal Caribbean and P&O, offer a Baltic cruise as one of the jewels in their crown. With the popularity of Scandinavian dramas like The Killing and The Bridge, northern Europe is enjoying a greater prominence in the UK cultural consciousness – so now is a good time to explore.

A Baltic cruise takes in some of the loveliest port towns north and east of Britain. It combines some of the most amazing natural wonders, such as the fjords, with bustling cities and trendy shopping opportunities (Stockholm, Helsinki).

Bergen is often one of the first stops for the Baltic cruise liners – the ‘gateway to the fjords’ – a green, charming town whose traditional wooden exteriors and steep hills have seen it a tourist destination for centuries – and now on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

If you fancy seeing the fjords but don’t want to make it the sole feature of your cruise, then opting for a Baltic cruise that takes in this stunning little city and its spiked green slopes is a smart option, leaving you with plenty more days to see the rest of the Baltic.

Other top stops are the cities and capitals that this trip encompasses: beautiful Tallinn, former European capital of culture, imperious St Petersburg, and glacial, friendly Helsinki.

Destination lowdown: Baltic

Good for

- Views

- History

- Architecture

- An alternative to summer holidays

- Hidden treasures and stunning cities

Getting there: Southampton

One of the busiest ports in the UK, and a top departure spot for the majority of large cruise operators. How can you make it a little easier to get there?

• Drive rather than take the train

• Book an early morning cruise and take advantage of Park, Stay and Go and Southampton Holiday Inn (providing a night’s sleep and parking for your trip)

• Book early to avoid disappointment and secure the best times for departure for you and your companions

• Leave yourself plenty of time to get out of the both the port and the city when driving back