Copenhagen, Denmark - Denmark's capital is sophisticated, saucy and friendly. Stroll the fairytale world of Tivoli Gardens to take in bright lights, castles that out-Disney Disney. See the city's 200- year-old Royal Palace, the lively Old Harbor - Hans Christian Andersen lived here. Salute the Little Mermaid, symbol of this light-hearted city.

At Sea - Cruising - Cruising

Visby, Sweden - A small town on the island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea, Visby was a popular trading spot during the Viking Age. Today, it's Sweden's sunniest vacation destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the 3.5 km Ringmuren (Ring Wall), built in the 13th Century, and see its 50 towers and surrounding moats. Snap shots of the idyllic red rose-covered cottages, the ruined Gothic churches and the 13th-century Saint Maria Cathedral. If would like to know more about the island's history, don't miss the excellent Gotland Museum. Cruise to Visby and head 20 kilometers south to the Tofta Viking Village, a Viking-era settlement reconstructed around authentic ancient monuments.

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.

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.

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.

Berlin (Warnemunde), Germany - The coastal resort town of Warnemunde might not be very well known beyond the borders of Germany, but its charm and gentle spirit lure more and more people to this hidden gem. Many people stop in Warnemunde on a cruise to Berlin and take a day trip to Germany’s biggest city, but taking it easy in Warnemunde also has its benefits.

On a Scandinavian cruise, a stop in Warnemunde offers a picturesque alternative to the busy city vibes of the capital. Here, you’ll see the laidback side of the German countryside, whether you’re lounging on Warnemunde Beach or sailing the Baltic Sea. Warnemunde is rapidly growing as a foodie destination because of the sheer amount of travelers passing through. Don’t miss a chance to try the region’s famous smoked fish. Sailing and regatta are cultural touchstones that bring resort-goers back to Warnemunde every year.

Hamburg (Kiel), Germany - Located a short 90-kilometer drive or train journey from the seaside port of Kiel, Hamburg is one of Germany’s most cosmopolitan cities. The city’s character is powered by the mighty River Elbe, which passes by Hamburg’s stylish neighborhoods on its way to the North Sea. Often referred to as Germany’s “Gateway to the World” due to its position as the biggest commercial port in the country, the city is filled with an air of maritime mystique and excitement. The city has launched ships since the reign of Charlemagne, but it was also instrumental in launching the musical career of The Beatles, who played in multiple venues in the city before releasing their second single, Please Please Me, in 1962 and rising to fame.