• Uneventful flight SFO-IDO (Washington D.C.). United changed our seats assignment, Maggie was pissed.
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Circumnavigation of the Baltic Sea
« All National Geographic Explorer cruise options
- Day 1 Arrive in Amsterdam, Holland / Embark
- Day 2 At Sea / Kiel Canal
- Day 3 Lubeck, Germany
- Day 4 Christianso & Bornholm Islands, Denmark
- Day 5 Gdánsk, Poland
- Day 6 Klaipeda, Lithuania
- Day 7 Riga, Latvia
- Day 8 Tallinn, Estonia
- Days 9-10 St Petersburg
- Day 11 Exploring Coastal Finland
- Day 12 Stockholm, Sweden
- Day 13 Visby, Gotland
- Day 14 Exploring Southern Sweden
- Day 15 Copenhagen, Denmark / Home
| Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||||||||
| Cat 1 | Cat 2 | Cat 3 | Cat 4 | Cat 5 | Cat 6 | Cat 7 | Cat SA | Cat SB | |
| $13,990 | $14,990 | $15,720 | $16,990 | $19,250 | $22,460 | $25,670 | $18,740 | $19,650 | |
Kids under age 18 save $500 per person
Deposit & Payment Day 1 Arrive in Amsterdam, Holland / Embark
Arrive in Amsterdam and have an overview of the city’s canals and cafes before embarkation. (L,D)
Day 2 At Sea / Kiel Canal
Have a relaxing day to settle in to shipboard life as you sail along the German coast this morning and transit the 63-mile-long Kiel Canal. Opened in 1895, the Kiel Canal passes south of Denmark, connecting the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. One of the busiest canals in the world, with more than 50,000 ships transiting a year, its banks are surrounded by pastoral lowlands. (B,L,D)
Day 3 Lubeck, Germany
Your ship heads into the canals of Lübeck, the medieval capital of the Hanseatic League, and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Have a splendid introduction to the Hanseatic and Renaissance architecture of Lübeck during a boat ride along the canals. After lunch, have a different perspective, walking the lively streets on a guided tour of Old Town, with its superb examples of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. (B,L,D)
Day 4 Christianso & Bornholm Islands, Denmark
These small islands off southern Sweden have belonged to Denmark since 1522. Today land by Zodiac at the small island of Christiansř for a morning of reflection and photography. Wander through an artists’ village that occupies the site of an 18th-century castle. Continue to the verdant island of Bornholm, rich in natural history. Starting at the picturesque fishing village, head to the tip of the island to visit the ruins of an ancient fortress and castle, Denmark’s largest built around 1250. (B,L,D)
Day 5 Gdánsk, Poland
Dock at the historic Gdansk shipyards, where Poland’s Solidarity movement was born. Visit the moving Solidarity Monument and a museum detailing the fall of communism in Poland. Stroll around Gdansk’s Old Town, seeing the old red-brick merchant’s houses and 15th-century Artus Court. Then, by special arrangement, meet with former President of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize winner Lech Walesa. (B,L,D)
Day 6 Klaipeda, Lithuania
Arrive in Klaipeda, the primary port of Lithuania. The city that grew up following a serious fire in 1854 is a delightful assemblage of red-roofed 19th-century and restored older buildings. Visit the remains of Old Town and stroll through the sculpture garden. Then travel to the seaside town of Palanga, visiting the lavish 19th-century estate of former Polish prince Tishkevich, which now houses the celebrated Amber Museum. (B,L,D)
Day 7 Riga, Latvia
Riga is a beautiful Hanseatic city dating from 1201, with architectural gems in all styles and from all periods. The city is recognized as having the finest collection of art nouveau buildings in Europe. Explore the cobbled streets of Riga’s Old Town and the Great Guild Hall Square, venturing into 14th-century Riga Castle. (B,L,D)
Day 8 Tallinn, Estonia
Enclosed by walls and turrets, Tallinn’s Hanseatic Old Town is one of the Baltics’ best-preserved medieval cities. On a walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site, stroll past the bustling cafés and galleries of the Town Hall Square and visit the Church of St. Nicholas. From the top of Dome Hill, gaze at a skyline that bristles with pointed gables and spires. If you wish, have dinner ashore and explore the city by night. (B,L,D)
Days 9-10 St Petersburg
Founded by Peter the Great in 1703, St. Petersburg, Russia’s “window to the west,” is a city of grand buildings and monuments, canals, bridges and parks. Explore St. Petersburg’s imperial luxuries and artistic bounty. Visit the opulent summer palace of Catherine the First at Pushkin, gold-domed St. Isaac’s Cathedral, and the grandiose Peter and Paul Fortress, one of the oldest buildings in the city. A former political prison, some famous residents included Dostoevsky, Gorky, Trotsky and Peter’s own son, Alexy. And, visit the legendary Hermitage Museum, one of the world’s great museums set in the magnificent winter palace of Catherine the Great. One of the highlights is the collection of outstanding Impressionist paintings. (B,L,D)
Day 11 Exploring Coastal Finland
Today explore the granite islands along the coastline, looking for idyllic places to take a Zodiac cruise, launch kayaks, and go for a hike. (B,L,D)
Day 12 Stockholm, Sweden
National Geographic Explorer arrives in Stockholm, the “city that floats on water.” Your explorations begin with a guided stroll though the cobbled streets of Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s pastel-hued Old Town. Continue with a visit to the Vasa Museum, with its famed 17th-century warship — the prize of King Gustavus Adolkphus’s navy that sank in the harbor on its maiden voyage in 1628—and was raised virtually intact in 1961. (B,L,D)
Day 13 Visby, Gotland
Today explore the walled city of Visby, a former Viking trading post. The narrow, winding streets evoke the Middle Ages, and the numerous gardens ablaze with flowers have earned Visby the nickname “the city of ruins and roses.” Visit the botanical gardens and see fascinating Viking artifacts at the Fornsal Museum, with its superb exhibits covering eight thousand years of history. (B,L,D)
Day 14 Exploring Southern Sweden
Plans are kept flexible today so you can enjoy the best of summer in southern Sweden. Take leisurely walks, get acquainted with Swedish coastal culture, and photograph everyday life in centuries-old seaside villages. (B,L,D)
Day 15 Copenhagen, Denmark / Home
Disembark in Copenhagen and transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)
Itinerary Notes
Costs Include:All accommodations aboard the ship, all meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship, meals on land as indicated, shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits, use of snorkeling equipment and wet suits, use of kayaks (where available), gratuities (except to ship’s crew), taxes and service charges, services of a ship physician on most voyages, and services of expedition staff.
Not Included:
Air transportation, extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees, meals not indicated, travel protection plan, items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, internet access, and laundry. Gratuities to ship's crew are at your discretion.
Deposit & Payment
Initial deposit is varies, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, and Discover. Alternatively, you can send a check to our Missoula, Montana, office or register online at: https://www.adventure-life.com/forms/fourways.php
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure.
Final payment by Visa, Mastercard, Discover or AmEx.
Booking last minute? No problem! Please contact one of our trip planners, and we can get you on your way if booking less than 100 days prior to departure.
Click here to see a copy of our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
| Days Prior to departure | Fee |
|---|---|
| 149-50 days | 30% |
| 49-31 days | 40% |
| 30-0 days | 100% |
National Geographic Explorer
- Ship Highlights
- Passengers : 148
- Luxury Expedition Ship
The National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship accommodating 148 guests in 81 outside cabins. It is fully stabilized, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing comfort. The National Geographic Explorer houses technology for sea exploration, such as Zodiacs, kayaks, hydro-phones, underwater HD cameras and a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV). Additional accommodations include multiple dining venues, a lounge area designed specifically for educational presentations and a luxury wellness spa.
Public areas include two restaurants, a lounge and bar, library, observation lounge, spa, fitness center, and sauna. A mud room with lockers provides storage for guests’ expedition gear. Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with local flair.
Cabins: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes. Each has private facilities and climate controls.
Expedition Equipment: Hydrophone, kayaks, remotely operated vehicle (R.O.V.), snorkeling gear, Splash-Cam, underwater video camera, video microscope, and Zodiac landing craft.
Services include a full-time doctor, Undersea Specialist, Wellness Specialist, LEXspa Therapist, and Video Chronicler. There is internet access for guests, a business center, and laundry. Our "Open Bridge" policy allows guests to learn about the art of navigation and state-of-the-art navigational equipment from our Captain and Officers.
| Cabins | |
|---|---|
 | Cat 1 Main Deck with one or two portholes. #301-308 |
 | Cat 2 Main Deck with window. #317-320, 335-336. |
 | Cat 3 Main Deck with Window #313-316, 321-328, 337-340,342, 344, 346, 348, 350. |
 | Cat 4 Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. # 103-104, 107-180, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228. |
 | Cat 5 Upper Deck with Balcony. #209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224. |
 | Cat 6 Veranda Deck Suite #101-102; Upper Deck Suite with Balcony #213. |
 | Cat 7 Upper Deck Suite with Balcony. #215, 219, 230. |
 | Cat SA C Deck Solo - Cabins 309-312, 329-334. Single cabins with window. |
 | Cat SB Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. #105-106, 203, 208. |
