Welcome to Scandinavia‘s “White City of the North,” a city defined more by its people and Art Nouveau architecture than its chilly climate (from October to April). Helsinki is a classic sea-city, with a dramatic coastline coloured by bays and inlets. The city keeps its historical roots intact. Explore more of Helsinki on a European cruise!

The capital of Estonia impresses cruise guests with its mix of medieval houses and very modern boutiques and café culture. Journey inside the ancient walls of Old Town to explore stunning Medieval landmarks like Toompea Castle and a 15th Century apothecary shop. Move up a couple centuries to experience Tsar Peter I‘s Kadriorg Palace, filled with art and surrounded by sculpted gardens and peaceful woodlands.

Laced by an ingenious network of waterways and bridges strung between a freshwater lake and the sea, Stockholm is easily seen on foot or by waterway cruise. Its gabled old townhouses peer over cobblestone streets, while its magnificent 17th-century palace sits watching over the harbour. Explore more of Stockholm on a European cruise!

Lithuania‘s third largest city, Klaipeda has been in and out of the hands of the Russians, Swedes and Germans. Marvel at the impressive, and verbosely christened, St. Mergelės Marijos Taikos Karalienės Church tower and walk through Anika Square. Head to the pristine Baltic waters lapping at the broad sands of Smiltynė Beach. Or duck into the Clock Museum or Castle Museum.

Stroll the beautiful waterfront of Gdynia before heading to nearby Gdansk, the largest city in northern Poland. For a taste of local life, walk along bustling Long Market lined with delicious cafes and unique boutiques. Explore the sites of historic Old Town, which was restored after being destroyed in World War II. Tour St. Mary’s Church – one of the world’s largest brick cathedrals – or visit the Maritime Museum for a glimpse into the past of this ancient port city. Explore more of Gdynia on a European cruise!

It‘s been more than two decades since the walls came down and Berlin became unified in many ways, including the pursuit of joy. Germany‘s capital city is a city that balances cosmopolitan chic with a liberal undercurrent of creativity and cool. Famous landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag fascinate. The elegant Bavarian Quarter amazes.

Nestled along the beautiful Elbe River lies exquisite Hamburg, the second largest city in Germany. You can barely tell that this illuminated metropolis traces its history to the year 831. And while there are plenty of modern buildings to see, like the highly anticipated Elbphilharmonie along the water, it‘s Hamburg‘s older culture that can be most exciting. Try a visit to the Fish Auction Hall and Market, an open-air market that‘s been hawking local wares since 1703. Your visit promises authentic local culture, because it‘s not just a market. It‘s a neighbourhood scene, a great place to absorb local colours. And that means you might be lucky enough to catch the occasional rock band playing there in the morning, alongside locals selecting their evening meals from the catches of the day. Model enthusiasts shouldn‘t miss the spectacular Miniatur Wunderland, a massive model exhibit that leaves visitors speechless with its detail and realism. Of course, there‘s historic architecture all around and a lovely botanical garden at Park Planten un Blomen. With something for everyone, there‘s no question you‘ll have a guten tag in Hamburg!

The capital of Denmark, Copenhagen, is filled with canals, cobbled squares and copper spires. But don‘t let the historic appearance fool you. This is also Scandinavia‘s most cosmopolitan city. Certainly you can relive medieval times in The Latin Quarter, but you can also enjoy some of Europe‘s finest shopping, museums, cafes and nightlife prior to your cruise around the Baltics. Explore more of Copenhagen on a European cruise!