Four Cruises, Three Countries and the Baltic Sea

From the east coast of Sweden, I used two different cruise lines, Viking and Tallink, to enjoy spectacular voyages across the Baltic Sea.

My first cruise was to Helsinki, Finland. After spending some days in Helsinki, I took another cruise from Helsinki to Tallinn, Estonia.

I then took two cruises to reverse the entire route, spent more time in Stockholm, and then sailed back across the sea to Riga, Latvia, before returning once again to Sweden.

Affordable Luxury at Sea

The cruises were an affordable luxury since the cost of passage was only slightly more than a decent hotel room—and the price included my own cabin.

The facilities, food choices, and entertainment options were on par with any cruises I have been on from the United States.

Many passengers seemed to be onboard merely for the tax-free shopping. They had small hand trucks which they loaded up with chocolates and perfume, but mostly with alcohol.

Life on an Overnight Cruise

During my overnight cruises, I soaked in hot tubs, sweated in saunas, tried my luck at a casino, and caught some great shows and sleep.

I also had some fantastic champagne-included breakfasts consisting of an almost impossible variety of European delicacies to sample, all while cruising past hours of beautiful views.

There was something special about waking up on a ship, enjoying a great breakfast, and looking out at the Baltic Sea as the scenery slowly passed by.