Travelling Through Europe’s Wonders by Sea

Cruise holidays are more popular than ever and this has resulted in a huge variety of destinations throughout the world. Cruising around Finland and Scandinavia are one of the less heard of options in spite of being one of the most fascinating and beautiful cruise deals you can experience. Come in the long days of the northern latitude summer with Cunard cruises and explore the countless pristine lakes and ponds that make Finland so idyllic. Wildlife and wildflowers dot the bucolic landscape that typifies the Finnish countryside. Wander through the streets of Helsinki and take in the mix of historic and cutting edge architecture and get to know the genuine and polite Finns. Sample Finland’s hearty comfort food fare and check out the nightlife for spirit-fuelled revelry. Or learn about the arts and crafts of Finland with a shore excursion to see the world famous Viking inspired jewellery at the Kalevala jewellery factory offered on itineraries with Princess Cruises. Or come on cruise deals in the winter to Finland and fulfil your dream of witnessing the indescribable beauty of the Aurora Borealis in person. You can take advantage of the multitude of winter sports that offer unparalleled winter scenery and some of the crispest cleanest air ever. After you can warm up by lounging in of one of Finland’s famous steamy saunas for a Scandinavian experience that you will never forget. From the abundant pristine nature to the modern and progressive cities, Finland cruises are an excellent way to spend your next holiday.

NCL’s Grand Pacific dining room

“Fantastic! What can I say – we have just returned from a week on the Island Star. We read the reviews – 95% said great holiday.Congratulations Island Cruises – We will back!” – Johnson, Grimsby on 11th Aug 2007 (Island Cruises)

Finding Tourist Delights through a Sea Holiday

A popular option for making your way to the country of Finland is with trips that feature itineraries that visit multiple ports in the Baltic region. There is no better way to fully understand the unique country of Finland than to experience the neighbouring nations that have influenced its culture, people, cuisine, language, and history. For example: NCL Cruises offer an excellent 12-day itinerary that makes stops in the major capitol cities of the Baltic region. This ideal itinerary departs and returns to the UK and includes stops at Copenhagen, Berlin, Tallinn, St. Petersburg, Helsinki, and Stockholm. Cruise deals to the Baltic are a great way to round out a grand tour of Europe. With Most voyages departing and ending in the UK, makes these trips ideal for transferring to a Mediterranean cruise with MSC Cruises and are very convenient for those who want to see all that Europe has to offer. But while you’re in Northern Europe you may want to see the western side of Scandinavia with cruises that take you to the not-so-icy wonderland of Iceland and the majestic fjords of Norway. European cruises offer more unique countries than any other cruising region. Nearly all major luxury and budget cruise operators offer tours of Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea as destinations. Most offer varying itineraries with a multitude of fascinating shore excursions for every activity level and budget. The hardest part will be narrowing down all of the choices.

P&O’s Arcadia

“Overall we had a wonderful cruise. This is our second time with Pricess, and we would definitely cruise with them again.” – McLong, Warrington on 23rd Sep 2007 (Princess Cruises)

Finland’s Attractions

Caribbean cruises feature tropical beaches and rainforests, but cruise deals to Finland offer something a little different. Finland is a nature-lover’s paradise. Almost 200,000 pristine lakes dot the idyllic landscape and the water is as clean and pure as it gets. Due to its high latitude, the Finnish summer is splendidly mild and the long summer days make getting out into the countryside an absolute must on cruise deals to this country. If you’ve never seen moose, reindeer or bears, Finland is a wonderful place to view them in their natural habitat. A great way to get out of the city and into the heart of Finland is by taking a land excursion that takes you to the Lapland region of Finland. Fred Olsen Cruises offers a superb excursion to Lapland where you will meet reindeer up close and personal at a reindeer farm and then continue on to cross the Arctic Circle. Upon crossing the Arctic Circle, you will be presented with a certificate and the rights to boasting at home after your cruises holiday. While you’re there you may as well meet Santa Claus in person at his village in the Arctic Circle. This is a very popular itinerary with limited space so be sure you register early as these cruises and excursions are often fully booked. For those looking for something more low key, P&O Cruises has introduced a new shore excursion where you can enjoy a traditional Finnish sauna experience in the land that invented them.

Quiet Pool on board the Liberty of the Seas

“The ship itself was stunning and for me, pure luxury. Food was varied plentiful and fresh. hygiene levels throuhout were exceptional.” – Mchenry, Nottingham on 21st Sep 2007 (Princess Cruises)

Finland’s Culture

Finland is a proud and progressive nation. Discovering this culture is a highlight on cruises to this lovely nation. The Finns are proud of their identity as reflected in their national culture. While Finland has its own native language, the prevalence of Swedish in certain areas makes this a bilingual nation. This can be confusing as many things and places will have two names. But the Finns are a polite and helpful people and will usually do their best to help you along your way. Taking a guided tour is a great way to experience the culture. Royal Caribbean Cruises offers a notably diverse selection of guided shore excursions for getting to know Helsinki and the surrounding countryside. While on cruises to Finland don’t miss out on native cuisine and spirits. Traditional Finnish food is very hearty and filling. There is a heavy emphasis on potatoes, dairy and seafood. Make sure you try the salmon and Karelian stews that feature beef and pork and root vegetables. And the more adventurous will savour the rich flavour of tasty reindeer meat dishes. Helsinki’s Arctic Ice Bar is the best place to experience Finland’s famous vodka. Celebrity cruises offers cruise deals that includes this highlight where you can sample ice-cold spirits from within a bar constructed of ice blocks. They will provide you with a warm cape and gloves but you might want to bring a hat! While you might get chilly in Finland, you won’t be bored on Finnish cruise deals.

Relaxing night on the cruise

“I really enjoyed eating when I liked and Sitting where I wanted.The staff were all really helpfull and the waiters rushed around everywhere so it was really quick and easy to get a drink.” – Fookes, Bournemouth on 21st Sep 2007 (Ocean Village Cruises)