Excursions On A Baltic Cruise Are A Necessity?

The Baltic region offers a variety of attractions and stunning beauty, making it an ideal destination for cruise travelers. Some of the top Baltic shore excursions include visiting Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark, exploring Helsinki, Finland, and kayaking the Finnish Archipelago. Other popular options include Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, P and O, Marella, and MSC.

To fully experience the Baltic region, consider taking a leisurely sightseeing boat or high-speed RIB (inflatable boat) tour. In Tallinn, Estonia, explore the medieval Old Town and catch seals at play. If visiting Berlin, consider an excursion with the ship or one of the big operators. MaxiBaltTours has prepared a selection of best Baltic shore excursions for cruise travelers, offering both private and small group tours.

Tallinn, Estonia, is a popular destination for Baltic cruises, with attractions such as the Alexander Nevsky Russian Orthodox Cathedral and the Amber Museum. The region is a wonderland that blends the Old World and the modern, making it an ideal destination for exploring the region.

In conclusion, the Baltic region offers a unique blend of Old World and modern attractions, making it an ideal destination for cruise travelers.

What is the most expensive country in the Baltics?

Latvian families spend the most on food, with €320 a month, compared to €311 in Estonia and €310 in Lithuania. In Tallinn, 15 of household income is spent on food, while Riga and Vilnius have 22 and 24 percent respectively. Housing costs in Riga make up 12 of household income, with rent accounting for 36 and 27 percent respectively. Riga has the highest cost of public transportation, with a family spending €100 or 7 percent of their income on it, compared to Vilnius’ figures of €64 or 5.

Do you tip on cruise excursions?

Cruise passengers are expected to tip tour guides and bus drivers on shore excursions, with a suggested starting price of $5 per person for a half-day tour and $10 per person for a full-day tour for the guide and $2 for the bus driver. The tip can be increased based on the experience, such as bonding with a snorkel guide. Porters who collect bags at the pier are expected to tip around $1 to $2 per bag.

If a cruise includes a hotel night, consider leaving a gratuity for the housekeeping staff at the hotel. However, tipping everyone on a cruise is generally considered bad form, as it is generally considered bad form to tip the captain, officers, and management team.

What to expect on a Baltic cruise?

Baltic cruises are typically port-intensive, with short seven- and eight-night cruises being the exception. Most are one-way between Stockholm and Copenhagen, with Helsinki and Tallinn as ports of call.

What do you wear on a Baltic cruise?

In Scandinavia and Northern Europe, layers are essential, along with rain gear, sunglasses, walking shoes, tennis shoes, and swimsuits for outdoor activities. The Baltics use multiple currencies, so a credit card without international fees is the best choice.

Which cruise line is best for Baltic?

For 2024 and 2025, the best small ship cruises to the Baltic are Ponant, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Silversea, Crystal, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Viking Ocean Cruises. These cruises offer a fascinating experience with art, architecture, history, clear air, light-filled nights, lush forests, long sandy beaches, picturesque islands, great food and drink, hiking and cycling opportunities, and magical music. To make the most of the trip, it is recommended to cruise on a small ship with no more than 1, 000 guests.

This allows for visits to smaller ports that larger ships cannot reach, and offers extra space and enhanced service on board. For those who prefer the intimacy of a ship with fewer than 500 guests, there are key Baltic bonuses, such as being closer to the action and requiring less traveling time for city excursions.

Are cruise ship excursions worth the money?

Shore excursions are a great way to make the most of your time in port, but a mix of guided tours and independent exploration can be the most value. Choose the best option based on your budget and interests, and consider both ship-sponsored and independent tour and activity options. If you want to stay on board while your ship is docked in a port that doesn’t interest you, that’s okay. There are several guides to choosing a cruise line, including the 5 most desirable cabin locations, the 8 worst cabin locations, the ultimate guide to packing, the most popular cruise lines, 21 tips and tricks, top ways cruisers waste money, and the ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin.

Can you see the northern lights on a Baltic cruise?

The Arctic viewing season for the Northern Lights on a Baltic cruise is from late September to late March or early April, with December through March being the best months to view the lights due to the darker winter days and higher chances of clear skies. While it is possible to catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis in southern Finland, a cruise farther north into Scandinavia offers a better chance. The Baltic Sea experiences significant seasonality, with winters being long, cold, and dark, and summers being short and relatively warm.

What is the best currency to take on a Baltic cruise?

The Euro is the official currency of Finland, Holland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, and is often accepted in other Baltic region countries. However, credit and debit cards are widely accepted, making it the best currency for Baltic cruises. As with all cruises, there are many moving variables when it comes to cruise holiday prices. As long as you have yours, the Euro is the go-to Baltic cruise currency.

Is it worth getting a balcony on a cruise ship?

Balcony cabins are a popular choice for those who prefer a private outdoor space during vacations. They can provide a peaceful escape from the crowds of crowded ships, allowing passengers to watch the world with minimal distractions. These cabins can be more expensive than ocean-view or windowless “inside” cabins, but they can be worth the investment for those who enjoy a private outdoor space. The guide also includes tips on making your cruise go smoothly, 15 ways cruisers waste money, and what to pack for your first cruise.

Why are cruise lines cancelling Baltic cruises?

Major cruise lines are adapting to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, adjusting or canceling cruises to Russia and the Baltic area due to security concerns and opposition. They are planning changes for their summer 2022 itineraries and evaluating the situation for 2023 alterations.

Can you drink water from the Baltic Sea?

The Baltic Sea’s low salinity makes it suitable for drinking, but boiling it is recommended, especially from coastal areas near Tallinn or other cities.