Cruises – Finland’s Finest
Crossing the World in Luxury
When most folks think of cruise deals, they often think of Caribbean cruises that thread through palm-fringed tropical islands. Whether you’re a first time cruiser fulfilling your desire to visit Finland, or an experienced cruise aficionado looking for a new holiday destination that rounds out your world tour, Finland cruises have something to offer. Finland is blessed with a rich cultural heritage, bucolic rural farmlands, stunning crystal clear lakes, and abundant wildlife. Witness the ancient practices of reindeer husbandry or the indescribable beauty of the Aurora Borealis in winter. Or you can indulge in the therapeutic steam of traditional saunas in the very land that invented them. Epicureans will enjoy Finland’s rich and simple native dishes that epitomize the idea of comfort food. Sample smoked salmon, hearty Karelian stew, reindeer meat, local cheeses and the ubiquitous breads all grace the typical Finnish meal. You can sample locally made vodkas with the locals or wander cobblestone streets below a medley of neo-classical and modern designed architecture. The cities are clean and safe, and the people are genuine and friendly making this amazing country a joy to explore. And what other cruise destination offers you the chance to cross the Arctic Circle and meet Santa? Finland and Baltic cruise deals are becoming so popular that even the tropically named Royal Caribbean Cruises is offering a wide selection of itineraries to this amazing region and around Scandinavia. And each one is bound to be the experience of a lifetime.
MSC Poesia
“A friend and myself did the Celebrity Mercury cruise deal to Alaska in May of 2007. The cruise itself was fantastic.Best was dog sledding in Skagway.” – Hemming, Studley on 19th Sep 2007 (Celebrity Cruises)
Travel Deals that Meets Your Needs
The countries that surround Finland heavily influence its history and culture. To gain a deeper insight into this fascinating nation, consider deals that include stops in Russia and Sweden. Most major cruise operators offer itineraries that allow you to discover the rich heritage of the countries that surround the Baltic Sea in addition to Finland. Princess Cruises offers some of the most affordable and inclusive packages that include Finland as a destination. Their cruises depart from Denmark and call into ports in the countries of Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Poland, and Germany. They have the added advantage of departing from Copenhagen, Denmark and allow you to visit more countries, as there is less transit required than cruises that leave from ports in England. Cruise deals are the best way to see more countries in this region at an affordable price. There are no worries about finding accommodation or arranging costly transportation, as all of your explorations will be based from the safety and comfort of your cruise ship. Having the same accommodations each night saves you a lot of hassle on your holiday, as you only have to unpack once. And since Scandinavia and the Baltic are becoming more and more popular, your choices in accommodation and cruise line will be quite varied. You can explore the Baltic on cruise deals that feature an opulent luxury experience, or something a little more casual like NCL Cruises , which offers “Freestyle” cruising without the fussiness.
Opal Theatre
“Our Cabin was lovely, clean and suprisingly spacious.had the teeth whitening treatment done at spa, amazing! ” – Kerry, Walsall on 18th Sep 2007 (Ocean Village Cruises)
Helsinki Attractions
Just about all cruises that includes Finland will be visiting the port and capitol city of Helsinki. Helsinki is known as the “Daughter of the Baltic” and is welcoming and a safe city to explore. Cruise deals typically offer a multitude of shore excursion options for this delightful little city, or you can choose to discover its charm on your own. In the summer, the coastal areas are a playground with many parks and museums along the shore and even a zoo that is worth the visit. A great way to check out the islands and coastal attractions is by speedboat. P&O Cruises offers this shore excursion where you take an exciting tour of Helsinki’s surrounding islands at a brisk pace. Take a quick break for some snacks and a refreshing Finnish beer on shore before being whisked off again for more high-speed adventure. No visit to Helsinki is complete without a few hours of wandering through Helsinki’s famous open-air market square. Locals gather to sell native produce and goods as well as souvenirs. Lovely little cafes line the outdoor market serving meat pastries that are to die for. And those lucky enough to book cruise deals that come to port on the first Friday of the month, automobile enthusiasts will be treated with the unexpected spectacle of classic American automobiles that are put on display. Celebrity cruises has one of the most inclusive Helsinki cruises that take you past all of the major attractions while on in port including the National Museum and Finlandia Hall.
Queen Mary 2 in miniature
“I have just come back from a cruise to alaska on the celebrity mercury the ship was good and the scenary was great.” – Roach, Witham on 18th Sep 2007 (Celebrity Cruises)
Outside Helsinki
Everything from the climate, cuisine, culture, and landscape, set Scandinavia and the Baltic apart and make cruise deals to this region a fascinating holiday destination. The region offers something out of the ordinary after you have already experienced your MSC Cruises Mediterranean or Caribbean holidays. Whether you visit in the summer or winter, there is no shortage of things to do on cruises to Finland. To get a rare glimpse into Finland’s past, a trip to the historic town of Porvoo is in order. Founded in the middle 1300’s, this town has been meticulously preserved and is a delight to explore. Cunard Cruises offers a great guided tour where you stroll down cobblestone streets to view traditional wooden homes and architecture. After taking in the sights, you travel by steam train to the town of Hinthaara to view lovely farms and idyllic rural scenes along the way. One of the most desired highlights of cruises to Finland is the opportunity to cross the Arctic Circle. Fred Olsen Cruises offers you the chance to do just that and issues you a certificate as proof of your crossing. Their Secrets of the Arctic Circle land excursion takes you north to the Lapland, where you will take a boat journey that cruises up the Kemijoki River to a reindeer farm on the Arctic Circle. Once you receive your certificate and meet the reindeer, you continue on to Santa’s Village to meet Santa Claus himself. Be sure to send a postcard home from the post office and remind everyone to be good.
Scalextric at Sea
“Wow! What a fantastic time we had on a first ever cruise. Stress free booking in at Southampton, arrive with car and the luggage just disappears on a trolley and the next time you see it is outside your cabin – how cool is that” – Gladwyn, Swindon on 17th Sep 2007 (P&O Cruises)