Stockholm, Sweden - There’s just something about Stockholm, Sweden’s capital and beating heart. It’s an intellectual city like Berlin and brimming with cultural artifacts like Rome. On a Scandinavia cruise, Stockholm is a bit of a wildcard. It’s a leader in the design space that put Scandinavian minimalism on the map. The city is home to an array of museums, historic buildings, and genuinely delicious eats scattered across the 14 connected islands that comprise it. Stockholm is also a pioneer in the foodie scene, where expensive delicacies and down-to-earth street foods collide.

For a city that has been around since the 13th century, Stockholm balances hundreds of years of history with a sleek, modern energy. On your Stockholm cruise, don’t miss a walking tour through the cobblestoned streets of Gamla Stan, the Old Town. Spend an afternoon at the Nationalmuseum or the Vasa Museum, and you’ll leave with more knowledge about Vikings and Swedish art than you ever thought possible. Because Stockholm is a set of islands connected by bridges, there’s often a light breeze and plenty of opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and water sports during the summer months. Stockholm is the perfect introduction to the finer things in life in Scandinavia.

Helsinki, Finland - Shaped by its bays and isles, it's one of Europe's most scenic capitals. Hear a Sibelius concert, tour across the Arctic Circle to Lapland, land of Santa Claus, reindeer and the Midnight Sun. Buy a birchbark basket.

St. Petersburg, Russia - Since its founding by Peter the Great in 1703, St. Petersburg has been one of the most impressive cities in Russia, Europe and the world. Marvel at the Baroque and neoclassical architecture on display within its UNESCO World Heritage historical center. Enjoy the relaxing charm of the Baltic Sea as you stroll along it. Cruise to St. Petersburg and hop on a boat and see the colorful variety of the city's sights and architecture on a canal tour. Or spend the day meandering the action-packed 3.5-mile stretch of Nevsky Prospect, where you'll find the can't-miss Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan and plenty of cafes where you can fuel up on cured sausage and thick rye bread.

*Visas are included with most shore excursions. If you wish to explore St. Petersburg on your own, however, a visa will be required; obtaining one can take some time, so please begin the visa process immediately.

Tallinn, Estonia - Tallinn offers the perfect introduction to Estonia. After decades of occupation by the Soviet Union in the late 20th century, Tallinn is a little like a teenager in rebellion. The thriving nightlife and dance hall scene breathe life into the city, while colorful new districts like Creative City give residents and visitors alike a contemporary perspective of Tallinn. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Town is a visitor favorite, with its quaintly cobblestoned streets teeming with history.

Tallinn is a laidback city with an adventurous heart. You’ll be surprised by the versatile, chameleon nature of the city, whether you’re strolling the grounds at Kadriorg Park or capturing that ideal Instagrammable shot from the lookout point at Kohtuotsa. Preserved towers and baroque churches offer a visual mix of cultures and aesthetics. Animal lovers will find plenty to see at the Tallinn Zoo, and art enthusiasts will enjoy an afternoon at the Kumu Art Museum.

Riga, Latvia - Latvia's historical capital is an architecture buff's dream come true. The Gothic structures in the Old Town and the Art Nouveau buildings scattered around the city meld together to create a modern-day fairy tale. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets, and step back into the 14th century. Stroll into the bustling Riga Central Market and sample the bright, colorful produce and local products like hemp butter and amber jewelry. Or wander through the street stalls to taste some traditional Latvian cuisine — fried lampreys, a prehistoric jawless fish that's flavor is less scary than it looks. Cruise to Riga and don't miss the city's iconic site, the House of the Blackheads, the former home of a merchant's guild and expression of Riga's medieval roots.

At Sea - Cruising - Cruising