Baltic: Germany, Belgium & Sweden

When your cruise ship pulls into this small Swedish port, you'll be greeted by ferries transporting travellers to Gotland island. Nynashman hosts a harbour party each summer where boaters and travellers alike flock. The small and laidback town offers picture-taking opportunties from the surrounding scenic nature and of course, the Baltic Sea.

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.

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!

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.

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. Whilst 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 colourful buildings hugging cobblestone streets, there is much to explore in Aarhus.

The ultimate European city, Brussels has tonnes of museums, fountains, gardens and great shopping. Stroll the Old Town area to see St. Hubert Arcades and its shops, as well as Butchers' Street with its plethora of restaurants and cafes and the Grand Place with its Baroque guild houses.

Protected from the frequent storms of the English Channel by the Isle of Wight, Southampton has survived a turbulent history to serve as a principal port of the United Kingdom today. Pay homage to one of the most famous ships to sail these shores at the Mayflower Memorial. Visit the stoic walls of Bargate and the Tudor House Museum.