Nine Nations of Northern Europe Cruise

Day 1 - Newcastle, UK

Arrive: Tue 30 May 2028 at 05:30 / Depart: Tue 30 May 2028 at 06:00

The cruise terminal in Newcastle offers fast and efficient check-in areas, a spacious departure lounge with seating areas, a café-bar and smart washrooms all resulting in a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. If you wish to travel by car and park for the duration of your cruise, no pre-booking is required.

Day 2 - Lysefjord

Arrive: Wed 31 May 2028 at 16:30 / Depart: Wed 31 May 2028 at 16:30

The Lysefjord is a stunning example of the Norwegian fjords' spectacular natural beauty. Carved into the landscape by glacier movement in the Ice Age approximately 10,000 years ago, Lysefjord is lined by magnificent mountains and dramatic cliff faces – some soaring over 1,000 metres high into the unpolluted skies above. In some sections of the fjord the water is as deep as the mountains are high, however at the shallowest point the water depth drops to just 13 metres. This means only small ships such as those in the Fred. Olsen fleet can cruise the Lysefjord. Sailing along the glassy waters on board a smaller cruise ship is without doubt the best way to take in the fjord's eclectic sights. Lookout for tumbling waterfalls, wonderful wildlife and pretty settlements dotted along the shores; and marvel at the sight of the impressive Lysefjordbrua suspension bridge as so you sail into the fjord. On a clear day it is possible to see the famous Preikestolen – a huge 604 metre-high flat mountain plateau – and Kjeragbolten, a large rock wedged in one of Mount Kjerag’s crevices. If you’re very lucky you may hear the gunshot-like bang of Kjeragsmellet – an unexplained natural phenomenon that’s particularly prominent in the winter months.

Day 3 - At Sea

Day 4 - Ronne

Arrive: Fri 02 June 2028 at 08:30 / Depart: Fri 02 June 2028 at 09:00

Rønne is the largest town on the small rocky island of Bornholm. The Danish town offers an historical charm with its cobblestoned streets and cross-timbered houses. With its harbour, Rønne is Bornholm's centre of trade and culture, and home to the fortress ruins of Hammerhus and the island’s distinctive round churches. Although large amounts of the town were destroyed during the war, it was rebuilt during the post war years, and many buildings look older than they actually are. Hjorths Fabrik, the town’s ceramics museum, features a working studio and master artisans who turn clay into beautiful works of art. Bornholm’s Museum exhibits prehistoric finds including weapons, tools and jewellery. Both are fascinating highlights. During the summer months Rønne’s vast stretches of sand to the south and north of the town, are popular destinations.

Day 5 - Gdansk, Poland

Arrive: Sat 03 June 2028 at 08:30 / Depart: Sat 03 June 2028 at 09:00

Gda?sk (Danzig in German) is a port city on the Baltic coast of Poland. At the center of its Main Town, reconstructed after WWII, are the colorful facades of Long Market, now home to shops and restaurants. Nearby is Neptune Fountain, a 17th-century symbol of the city topped by a bronze statue of the sea god.

Day 6 - Klaipeda, Lithuania

Arrive: Sun 04 June 2028 at 08:30 / Depart: Sun 04 June 2028 at 09:00

Klaip?da is a port city in Lithuania, where the Baltic Sea meets the Dan? River. The old town features German-style, 18th-century wood-framed buildings. Theater Square, the city’s main gathering spot, is home to the neoclassical Drama Theater.

Day 7 - Ventspils

Arrive: Mon 05 June 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Mon 05 June 2028 at 07:30

Day 8 - Helsinki, Finland

Arrive: Tue 06 June 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 06 June 2028 at 08:30

Finland's capital since 1812, built on a peninsula amid a cluster of islands, stately Helsinki is The Daughter of the Baltic.This striking seaside port is surrounded by uplifting natural landscapes that are easily accessible from each area of the city. The opportunities to get out and about includes boating around the archipelago islands, hiking Helsinki’s forests or strolling its beaches, smart parks and gardens. The port also boasts a UNESCO-listed sea fortress just a short distance from the shore, which is worth the short ferry journey to explore its historic walls and gates. Senate Square, one of Finland’s most photographed places, is home to fine examples of neoclassical architecture, including unique designs from renowned architect, Carl Ludvig Engel. Other architectural delights include the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, the imposing concert hall, Musiikkitalo, and the Temppeliaukio, an astonishing rock-carved church. Helsinki's stunning train station built in 1919, also demands discovery. Finnish cuisine can be found across the city, from the historic kauppahalli (covered market) to popular, creative bistros. Locally-sourced reindeer, elk, bear, Arctic char and snow grouse, often find their way onto the menu.

Day 9 - Tallinn, Estonia

Arrive: Wed 07 June 2028 at 06:30 / Depart: Wed 07 June 2028 at 07:00

Tallinn, Estonia’s capital on the Baltic Sea, is unquestionably one of Europe's most magical capitals. This ancient Hanseatic city is justifiably proud of its beautiful churches, solid limestone houses and well-preserved cobbled streets. Toompea Hill, with its medieval houses and alleyways, is the oldest part, and at its foot substantial remains of the city wall can still be seen, surrounded by well-maintained parks. The medieval town hall is one of the best preserved in northern Europe, and the weathercock, Gamle Toomas, is an enduring symbol of Tallinn. The astonishing, ornate, 19th century Alexander Nevskij Cathedral was built when Estonia was part of Tsarist Russia. Kadriorg’s Castle was built by an earlier Tsar, Peter the Great, and now houses part of the Estonian Museum of Art. The “Peek into the Kitchen” tower has an exhibition of Tallinn’s military history.

Day 10 - At Sea

Day 11 - Warnemünde

Day 12 - Lysekil

Arrive: Sat 10 June 2028 at 08:30 / Depart: Sat 10 June 2028 at 09:00

With quaint red and orange buildings scattered along its picturesque harbour, Lysekil has a distinctly ‘homely’ feel from the moment you call into the town. Although small, Lysekil still has a number of attractions which are well worth a visit, such as the charming church from 1901, the Havets Hus aquarium and the Vikarvets Museum which delves into the history of the town’s stonemasonry and fishing industries. Lysekil did in fact begin as a tiny fishing village, and today delicious, locally caught seafood such as crabs and mackerel can still be enjoyed in many fantastic restaurants. Situated at the mouth of the beautiful Gullmarn Fjord, Lysekil is also a popular with keen kayakers and scuba divers, as the waters here are clear and still. Why not have a go yourself, or perhaps take a boat tour to appreciate the fjord’s scenery.

Day 13 - At Sea

Day 14 - Newcastle, UK

Arrive: Mon 12 June 2028 at 06:30 / Depart: Mon 12 June 2028 at 07:00

The cruise terminal in Newcastle offers fast and efficient check-in areas, a spacious departure lounge with seating areas, a café-bar and smart washrooms all resulting in a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. If you wish to travel by car and park for the duration of your cruise, no pre-booking is required.