Scandinavian Charm

(Stockholm water front)

Scandinavia City Cruises (often 2 week cruises)

My Favourite part of the world from a cruising perspective. This is because of the ease of access to the center of these great citites. The destinations are great for just getting off the ship, taking a taxi down town,and walking around. The cities are stunning and so is the sail into them. By Scandinavia, I am referring to,

Stockholm Simply stunning

Helsinki 3d video view

Oslo, Awsome and expensive

Talin, Old meets new

St. Petersburg, Mother Russia at her best

Copenhagen Great Danes

(Denmark harbour)

These great cities should be on everybody's 'things to see before I die' list.The cruise duration is normally 2 weeks, often embarking from the UK, and is usually most expensive of all cruise destinations. Shore side purchases here are also pricey, especially if you are going to eat out. I remember buying in the streets of Chili a bottle of Casillo del diablo wine for 3 dollars and 2 weeks later finding myself in Helsinki's hardrock cafe with a friend, purchasing the same wine for 40 Euros..Ignoring the prices though,not only do these cities have an incredible character buildings,concerts, museums, gardens and high quality life styles, but the sail-in to them is stunning, Stockholm being my favourite and most dramatic. A sail in here can last all morning before arriving in its jewel of a harbour. Eating breakfast whilst waving at the locals as you sail by there holiday house en route is spectacular.All of the afore mentioned cities, accept St Petes, are great if you want to do your own thing. NOTE In St Petersburg, you will need a Russian Visa which you will be notified about when booking that particular cruise, and to get off the ship,you will have to get a tour and stay with the pack.

Norwegian fjords (10 days-2 weeks cruises)

(typical scenery in the fjords)

Much different from that of the Scandinavian cruises, not many cities on route, although Oslo and Bergen should be on the itinerary. The Norwegian Cruise will take you up and into the Fjords of Norway leaving the big cities of mainland Europe far behind. Dramatic scenery left from when the ice retracted 20000 years ago and calved up the landscape, leaving the most beautiful and stunning views of Glaciers and waterfalls you can imagine. Hardly touched with only a few hardened locals living up here. It is certainly a place for the explorer who likes to gasp in awe and take pics as you sail in and out of these great natural gauges. Not a place if you like entertainment, buzz and shopping though for lovers of peace and quiet and natural beauty. (Take a thick jumper and wind proof jacket)

(train rides in Bergen Norway)