Europe: Germany, Norway, Sweden & Poland

Norwegians head to Kristiansand during the summer for the agreeable weather, plenty of attractions and a popular city beach. Stroll through the Posebyen old quarter and its grid pattern of historic streets, looking out for a former post office dating back to 1695. Don’t miss the Kristiansand Zoo, featuring moose, wolves, lynx, wolverines and so much more. And be sure to visit the Agder Museum of Natural History and Botanical Gardens, with its 19th-century rose garden and extensive collection of succulents.

First settled by the Vikings in the 8th century, Aarhus is ideally situated where its namesake river flows into the sea. Today the city is the second largest in Denmark but is called the “World’s Smallest Big City.” It only takes a short amount of time to discover why this is true. While Aarhus is a vibrant port city with numerous attractions, the laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals give it a small-town feel. From the intriguing Viking Museum to the enchanting Marselisborg Castle and colorful buildings hugging cobblestone streets, there is much to explore in Aarhus.

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!

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.

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!

Visby will amaze you with its architecture and Northern European charm as you explore the island of Gotland. The Town Wall is the best-preserved medieval fortification in Scandinavia and was built between the 13th and 14th centuries. Stop by the Botanical Gardens to see one of the reasons why Visby is nicknamed “City of Roses.” The beautiful Almedalen park is a relaxing place to spend some time before heading over to the city’s main square, Stora Torget, where cafes and cobblestone streets will give you a taste of the local life.

As the largest city in the Baltic and the capital of Latvia, Rīga offers something for everyone. From its fanciful cobblestone streets and Art Nouveau architecture to dozens of museums and a picturesque white-sand beach in nearby Jūrmala, there’s much to experience in this vibrant cosmopolitan city. Come explore what has been called the “Paris of the Baltics.”

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 colored 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 harbor. Explore more of Stockholm on a European cruise!