Cruising the Baltic Sea

Celebrating 60 years of Princess Cruises – 1965 – 2026: Making the most of your Baltic Sea Cruise

There will be many people considering a Baltic cruise, who would like to know what it is like to visit several ports of call, spending as little as a day in each! I visited eight different countries in twelve days, aboard the Princess Cruises cruise ship, the Sapphire Princess. How should you plan your day to make the most of your time at each of the ports of call, returning to your ship, having gained a flavour of the country, but still feeling relaxed? Planning is essential! Will you book one of the ships own excursions or will you want to plan your own day? How much can you plan to see in a day? You may be surprised, but with a little planning, you can see quite a lot during your time ashore.

What could visitors to each of locations for example, hope to see in a single day?

The cruise was my first visit to the Baltic Sea, so I was very keen to see as much of the ports of call as possible, during my time ashore. Some cruise ship passengers will choose to take advantage of the organised ship excursions, but others may prefer to organise an independent day for themselves and explore a little on their own. Most cruise passengers are in their later years, so would not be looking to zip line through a forest or go bungee jumping. What they would be looking for are places to visit which would be suitable for a more mature age group, during their time on land? From my experience, a serious consideration is always, how much walking are you able to do or want to do?

Remember you are on holiday!

Port of Call One: Visby – Sweden

Our first port of call, having left Copenhagen in Denmark, was Visby, one of the Baltic Sea`s most beautiful medieval towns and a treasured location on the island of Gotland. The 13^th century stone walls which circle the town are well preserved, one of the continents most intact medieval defensive walls, enveloping the beautiful old town and providing the perfect photo opportunity. If you are able, take some time to wander through its cobblestoned lanes, church ruins, and ivy-covered cottages. It is a real delight.

Visby is known as the town of, Roses and Ruins`, reflecting its rich legacy of towers, merchant houses and an abundance of sweet smelling roses spilling over the walls of enchanting cottages, during the summer months. As well as attractive medieval lanes, dramatic sea cliffs and sandy beaches, visitors also can take in the natural beauty of Gotland, from the decks of the ship as it cruises in and out of port. I would always try and be on my balcony or out on the decks, when approaching a new port of call, because there is always so much more to see.

Visby is one of Scandinavia’s most beautiful and picturesque locations and a favourite port of call, with all cruise visitors to the island. Make sure you visit the 12^th century Visby Cathedral and Stora Target or Main Square, where visitors can sit and stop off for a coffee, check out the market stalls and do a little peoplewatching, in this delightful square, surrounded by historic warehouses, cafes and market stalls. Visby is easily explored by foot, from the ship, ensuring a stress free start to your Baltic cruise. My wife and I loved, the great market square. Sitting in one of the small cafes with a cold beer and coffee, made for a delightful moment and memory of this beautiful location.