When is the best time for a cruise to the Baltics and Scandinavia?
The best time to get the most out of both Scandinavian cruises and Baltic cruises is undoubtedly from the months of May to September. During these summer, late spring and early autumn periods, weather will be at its warmest and daylight will be at its longest, meaning you can fully absorb the beauty of these unique regions.
In fact, Nordic countries are famous for their sun-filled summers, and a June day in Helsinki can boast an impressive 19 hours of sunlight. As you'd imagine, residents of these northern cities take full advantage of the sunshine while it lasts, with Stockholmers settling into the city's green garden cafes for a fika - a coffee and cake break - or an outdoor lunch.
Or take the active approach and embark on a hike. Lithuania, for example, is a fantastic location for trekking thanks to its various national parks, such as the vast, sprawling Aukštaitija - teeming with lakes, forests and rural villages - or Trakai, a smaller site but much-loved for its fairytale-like island castle.
Meanwhile, early autumn in Riga is a feast for the eyes, with the trees lining the central Riga City Canal starting to develop their golden hues by September. In May, Copenhagen's cherry blossoms are still putting on a gorgeous show, from the King's Garden at Rosenborg Castle to Bispebjerg Kirkegård, a cemetery whose avenues are lined with cherry trees.
What is the weather like in the Baltics and Scandinavia?
The weather in Scandinavia and the Baltics varies widely depending on the time of year you visit. Should your holidays to Scandinavia bring you to Sweden in summer, you'll encounter bright, blue skies and warm temperatures, with an average of about 64°F (18°C) in July. Finnish weather is milder than you might expect, given its northern location, with surprisingly warm or hot summers, especially to the south and east. Compounded with long days of sunshine and barely
any night darkness in June or July, Swedish summers are particularly popular for a Scandinavian cruise.
Autumn in Scandinavia begins in temperate fashion, with September almost prettier than summer. Autumn in the Baltics is similarly warm, dry and sunny at the outset, growing cooler and snowier by December.
In winter, grab a comfy jumper to shield against the invigorating, crisp temperatures as you venture into one of the most magical seasons in Scandinavia and the Baltics. Long Polar Nights subsume Scandinavia in long periods of darkness, and snow falls throughout the region - often from December to April. The further north you go, the more potential you have to see the Northern Lights.
Beginning in March, Sweden's countryside is in full bloom after a long winter, and June can be one of the loveliest times to visit. Spring in the Baltics is similarly a time of renewal and rebirth, with May bringing blue skies and lush green gardens after a long winter.
Which ports do MSC Cruises visit in the Baltics and Scandinavia?
Ports served on a Scandinavian cruise with MSC Cruises may include Copenhagen, whose harbour and Michelin-star restaurants are major draws alongside Tivoli Gardens, an amusement park.
A Baltic Sea cruise may also stop in Warnemünde, a German seaside resort not far from Berlin. The town's white sand beaches and 17th-century Baroque-Rococo Charlottenburg Palace are big draws. Polish Gdynia is known for modernist buildings and ORP Błyskawica, a former World War II destroyer transformed into a museum ship. Gdynia also provides access to Gdańsk, housing one of the world's oldest brick churches, St Mary's, and a picturesque old town. Or there's Klaipėda, a historic Lithuanian port city where you can tour one of the country's oldest breweries, Švyturys, or visit an amber museum in nearby Palanga.
The Swedish capital of Stockholm and Finnish capital of Helsinki provide inroads to discover these Nordic countries. Karlskrona, Sweden's Baroque city, is known for its Naval Museum and the headquarters of the Swedish Coast Guard. Visby, on the island of Gotland, holds a medieval fortifying wall.
See more of Finland with a stop at Kotka, a maritime town that allows for exploration of the surrounding archipelago's islands on a traditional-style 'tall ship', or a Finnish sauna session.
In the Baltics, a cruise may stop in Riga, the Latvian capital boasting beautiful Art Nouveau architecture, or in Tallinn, Estonia, whose red-roof houses and ancient centre lend the city endless appeal.
How much is a cruise to the Baltics and Scandinavia?
A Scandinavian cruise with MSC Cruises is available at a range of price points, so no matter your budget, you're sure to find the cruise for you. Cruises vary in price depending on the length of the itinerary, with week-long cruises departing and returning to Warnemünde proving the most accessible in terms of price.
If cost is a concern when exploring a Baltic cruise package, look out for our many special deals, as you may well find there are even greater savings to be had.
What to pack for a cruise to the Baltics and Scandinavia?
When preparing for your Baltic holidays, you'll want to be sure to pack the appropriate clothing for the various activities you'll be embarking on during your cruise.
In daytime, comfortable, casual wear is recommended, whether you're on the ship or on a shore excursion. Be sure to bring light layers for colder evenings. Bear in mind that winters in Scandinavia and the Baltics can get quite cold: A good coat, gloves and a hat are essential for touring in comfort, and cosy jumpers are perfect for indulging in what the Danes dub hygge.
In the evening, we recommend a more polished look, especially when dining in the main dining rooms. Collared shirts, tailored trousers, skirts and dresses are suggested. You'll want to break out your best outfits for Gala Night, whether that's a tuxedo or a suit, an evening gown or a cocktail dress. And for themed parties, consider packing something white for the White Party and some colourful clothes for the Sunshine Party.
Whether embarking on outdoor excursions on your Scandinavian cruise or taking advantage of onboard fitness facilities, you'll want to pack comfortable workout attire and good walking shoes.
What is the currency in the Baltics and Scandinavian countries?
A number of different currencies are in use in Scandinavia and the Baltics. In Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Germany, the currency used is the euro, while in Sweden, the official currency is the Swedish krona.
In Denmark, the Danish krone is the official currency. While many venues around the country also accept euros and even Norwegian or Swedish krona, there might be an unfavourable exchange rate when using these other currencies, meaning it's often advisable to use Danish krone whenever possible.
What is the time zone in the Baltics and Scandinavian countries?
Baltic holidays with MSC Cruises may stop in Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania or Poland - and no matter which port you're visiting, you'll be on the same time zone. All of these countries are on Central European Time (CET) in winter and Central European Summer Time (CEST) in summer, putting them one hour ahead of the UK.
What countries are included in a cruise to the Baltics and Scandinavia?
Onboard a Scandinavian cruise with MSC Cruises, prepare to journey to a variety of different countries throughout the region.
In Scandinavia, cruises often stop not just in Sweden but also in Denmark. While not located on the Scandinavian peninsula, Denmark's history and culture means it's considered part of the region. Cruises may also stop in Finland, which is not technically part of Scandinavia but well worth a visit for its dense forests, bucolic vistas and unique cuisine.
A Baltic cruise may stop in Estonia, Latvia or Lithuania, all of which are located on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. Their shared history saw these countries gain their independence from the former Russian Empire following World War I, only to be occupied by the Soviet Union from the end of World War II until 1991. As a result, they boast many cultural similarities, though they also each have unique traditions of their own. Above all, these countries are known for their beautiful cities and towns with unique architectural styles - from Art Nouveau in Latvia's Riga to the pretty red-top houses of Estonia's medieval Tallinn.
A Baltic cruise may also stop over in Germany's Warnemünde, or indeed in Poland, where the port city of Gdynia's modernist buildings and waterfront overlook the Baltic Sea.
Where do crusies to the Baltics and Scandinavia depart from?
There are several main departure points for a Scandinavian or Baltic cruise with MSC Cruises, depending on the itinerary you choose. Many begin and end in the Danish capital of Copenhagen, a beautiful port city boasting a picturesque harbour lined. Copenhagen is known for its world-class dining, walkable canal district and 19th-century Tivoli Gardens amusement park, complete with an antique rollercoaster. One of its most famous residents is the Little Mermaid statue, erected in honour of native son Hans Christian Andersen's beloved protagonist.
Scandinavian cruises may also embark in Warnemünde, a German seaside resort on the Baltic Sea. A former fishing village, Warnemünde's beautiful old town still bears the imprint of its past, with picturesque old houses and a fish market. The city is now known for its lighthouse, dating to 1897, which is still in use today. In summer, visitors can climb to the top for gorgeous views over the Baltic Sea below. Warnemünde also offers easy access to Berlin.
What are the best things to do in the Baltics and Scandinavia?
Copenhagen is the main port of call for many Scandinavian cruise options with MSC Cruises, and is home to the stunning canal district in Nyhavn, a district dotted with cafes and bright, 17th-century buildings. You'll also encounter imposing landmarks, such as Amalienborg Palace, the official winter residence of the Danish Royal Family. Don't miss a trip to the Tivoli Gardens amusement park, complete with an antique rollercoaster, and be sure to snap a photo of the statue of Hans Christian Andersen's mermaid.
The nearby town of Dragør is well worth a visit on holidays to Scandinavia. Just a 40-minute drive from Copenhagen, Dragør is known for its well-preserved old town, a veritable maze of picturesque alleys. Be sure to sample a typical Danish pastry at one of the many local bakeries.
A short drive from Copenhagen, you'll encounter Voergaard Castle, dating back to 1481. The beautiful Renaissance castle is renowned not just for its collection of French art - the largest outside of France - but also for reputed hauntings, adding an enchantingly mysterious element to any visit here. And don't miss Bangsbo, a medieval manor house known for its English-inspired gardens.
Skagen is also worth seeking out on your Baltic Sea cruise, home to a vast Dutch art collection in the Skagens Museum. Nearby Grenen is a sandbar spit reaching out from the top of Denmark, and the Sandworm - a tractor-pulled bus - brings visitors to the point at which the Skagerrak and Kattegat seas meet.