Nativity of Christ Cathedral, Riga
29 Jul 2025 | Read time 4 MINS
Wonders of the Baltic Sea
WORDS by Megan Arkinstall
Spectacular coastlines, majestic gorges, medieval history and rich cultures await you  on a Baltic Sea cruise.

Highlights

In the northern reaches of Europe, the near-Arctic Baltic Sea is the youngest and one of the smallest seas on the planet. Connected to the Atlantic Ocean via the Danish Straits, this almost enclosed body of water is bordered by nine countries from Denmark to Russia.

A Scenic Eclipse Signature Yacht Cruise will you among the Baltic’s thousands of inhabited islands and rich tapestry of cultures, landscapes and history in truly all-inclusive ultra-luxury. These carefully curated journeys are designed to immerse you in the heart of your destination, offering enriching cultural and historical experiences guided by local experts.

Discover Stockholm's vibrant city Discover Stockholm's vibrant city
Discover Stockholm's vibrant city

Explore this fascinating pocket of Northern Europe with three remarkable itineraries. The 12-day Signature Yacht Cruise loops around the sea from Stockholm to Copenhagen, stopping at ports in Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Germany. While the 13-day Journey through the Baltic begins in London and stops in the Netherlands before cruising Germany’s famed Kiel Canal and visiting Denmark, Poland, Finland and Sweden. To explore further into Scandinavia, the 12 day Treasures of the Baltics ocean cruise takes in Norway’s fjords, Sweden’s islands and Denmark’s royal history.

Here’s a closer look at some of the wonders you can encounter in 2026 or 2027.

Spread across 14 islands connected by 57 bridges, Stockholm is a fascinating modern city and your gateway to the north on the Baltic Splendor voyage. Before boarding, explore the charming old town of cobbled laneways that dates to the Middle Ages. Relax in your spacious suite as Scenic Eclipse cruises through the breathtaking Stockholm Archipelago – made up of more than 30,000 islands and islets – and enjoy the captivating view from your private verandah, perhaps with a coffee delivered by your butler. The World Heritage-listed Visby on the island of Gotland will be a highlight for its fascinating Viking history and is the best-preserved fortified trading town in Northern Europe. Royalists will enjoy exploring the picturesque landscapes of Öland Island, the summer retreat of the Swedish Royal Family.
Step into history at Kalmar Castle, set against Sweden’s Baltic coast Step into history at Kalmar Castle, set against Sweden’s Baltic coast
Step into history at Kalmar Castle, set against Sweden’s Baltic coast
The Danish capital Copenhagen is known for its sustainable living, cutting-edge design and the iconic Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest theme parks in the world. Step back in time in medieval Nyborg, one of Denmark’s oldest towns and where the first constitution was signed. Literary lovers will love Odense, birthplace of legendary author Hans Christian Andersen and now an immersive and interactive museum. While those seeking relaxation will enjoy exploring laidback Bornholm Island, famous for its glass blowers, beaches and the pretty town of Rønne and its half-timbered 16th-century houses.
Take in the charm of Copenhagen’s colourful canals Take in the charm of Copenhagen’s colourful canals
Take in the charm of Copenhagen’s colourful canals
Cross over the Baltic Sea to the 700-year-old Estonian capital, Tallinn, a beautifully preserved medieval town, with the imposing Toompea Castle at its centre. Spend a day exploring Tallinn’s World Heritage-listed old town, which is packed with grand public buildings and churches, and learn about the city’s military history at Kiek in de Kök tower. It’s an enriching stop before you head across the Gulf of Finland onward to Helsinki. 
Gaze out across the charming rooftops of Tallinn, Estonia Gaze out across the charming rooftops of Tallinn, Estonia
Gaze out across the charming rooftops of Tallinn, Estonia
Visit the ‘happiest country in the world’, exploring its capital Helsinki. It’s a city of Neoclassical and Art Nouveau architecture and features a unique public sauna culture, plentiful green spaces, as well as smaller charming villages. For another side of Finland, Scenic Eclipse takes you to Åland, an autonomous territory of the country. Åland’s capital Mariehamn is a colourful treat, with a picturesque waterfront full of historic ships and an excellent maritime museum.
Visit Finland’s Mariehamn Open-Air Museum and its heritage-rich past Visit Finland’s Mariehamn Open-Air Museum and its heritage-rich past
Visit Finland’s Mariehamn Open-Air Museum and its heritage-rich past
After a serene day at sea indulging in your Discovery Yacht’s state-of-the-art Senses Spa# and temperature controlled Vitality pools, you’ll arrive in ‘the heart of the Baltics’. The Latvian capital Riga is a modern European metropolis with a thriving food scene and a passion for art. Scenic Eclipse will dock overnight, giving you time to sip wine at one of the stylish bars that line the waterfront and admire Baroque and Rococo art at Rundale Palace. For local delicacies, visit Riga Central Market, one of the largest and oldest in Europe.
Explore the charming waterways of Riga, Latvia Explore the charming waterways of Riga, Latvia
Explore the charming waterways of Riga, Latvia
The crossroads of cultures trading across the Baltic Sea, Gdańsk dates to the 10th century. It was mostly destroyed during WWII but the intricate buildings were painstakingly restored and rebuilt, such as The Church of Saint-Mary, the largest brick Gothic church in the world, and Artus Court, an historical meeting place for merchants. Gdańsk is a fascinating port that provides a compelling historical context for the Baltic region.
Uncover the colourful Old Town of Gdansk, Poland Uncover the colourful Old Town of Gdansk, Poland
Uncover the colourful Old Town of Gdansk, Poland

Maritime history runs deep in Hamburg, which is centred around its harbour that bustles with cafes and markets. Or spend time in the lesser-known German Riviera at Warnemunde, a popular seaside resort lined with white sand beaches and historic spa hotels. Sip champagne on the Sky Deck as Scenic Eclipse cruises the famed Kiel Canal, a 98-kilometre marvel of engineering that connects the North Sea and the Baltic Sea.

Stroll through 12th century Gamburg Castle, Germany Stroll through 12th century Gamburg Castle, Germany
Stroll through 12th century Gamburg Castle, Germany

With relaxing days at sea to indulge in the ultra-luxury experiences on your Discovery Yacht and overnight stays that fully immerse you in this breathtaking region, the Baltic Sea is a sublime cruising experience on board Scenic Eclipse. Book now for 2026 or 2027 and delve into these northern wonders.

Featured Itineraries

Explore our itineraries below and discover the remarkable destinations that await you.
London to Stockholm

13 Days

SEASON: 2026

London to Stockholm: A journey through the Baltic

Northern wonders along the Baltic Sea

From
NZD
$23,845*
Bergen to Stockholm

13 Days

SEASON: 2027

Treasures of the Baltics: Norway to Stockholm

Fjords, Fairytales and Historic Harbours

From
NZD
$21,845*
Stockholm to Copenhagen

12 Days

SEASON: 2026

Baltic Splendor: Stockholm to Copenhagen

A luxurious loop around the Baltic Sea

From
NZD
$27,320*
Stockholm to Copenhagen

12 Days

SEASON: 2027

Baltic Splendor: Stockholm to Copenhagen

A luxurious loop around the Baltic Sea

From
NZD
$21,295*
#Spa treatments at additional cost.